Find West Virginia Inmate Records

In West Virginia, an offender convicted and incarcerated by the judiciary will have their inmate records maintained by the jail or prison. If the person had spent time in the county jail, the record custodian is the Sheriff's Office or the jail administrator. The West Virginia Division of Correction and Rehabilitation (WVDOC) manages state prisons. The division also acts as the central repository for records on local and state inmates. However, the state agency's custody of inmate records does not extend to inmates incarcerated in federal correctional facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records on this class of inmates.

Are Incarceration Records Public Information in West Virginia?

Yes. State and federal laws mandate that record custodians make inmate records available to the public unless such records contain sensitive information.

In West Virginia, access to public records may extend beyond state-operated portals to include privately run third-party databases. These tools can simplify the search process, particularly for those seeking information across multiple counties or when the precise jurisdiction is unknown. Typically, requesters must supply basic details such as the individual's name and the area believed to be connected to the record. Since West Virginia's public offices do not maintain these third-party resources, the scope and reliability of information may not fully match the official versions.

What Information is Contained in a West Virginia Inmate Record?

A typical inmate record in West Virginia furnishes the viewer with the following information:

• Mugshot
• Full legal name
• Aliases
• Physical description (height, weight, body marks)
• Age
• Inmate ID number
• Offense Information
• Sentence information
• Facility of incarceration
• Inmate status

Where Do I Look Up an Inmate in West Virginia?

Generally, the three ways to find an inmate in West Virginia are:

• Online search
• In-person requests
• Mail request

How Do I Conduct an Inmate Search in West Virginia?

• In-person requests:

Here, the requester must know the penitentiary that has custody of the inmate in West Virginia. With such details, they can contact or schedule a visit to the facility to obtain inmate records. The contact information of local jails is typically available on the Sheriff's website, and the contact information of state correctional facilities is in this directory.

• Mail requests:

The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) empowers interested persons to request detailed inmate records. FOIA requests only apply to documents not sealed by statutory exemption or court order.

To submit an FOIA request for inmate records, write a request to the record custodian citing the West Virginia FOIA. Furthermore, the request must detail the requester's contact information and detailed descriptions of the records sought. The requester must then attach a check or money order for applicable fees and enclose the request in a self-addressed stamped envelope. Address requests to:

Betsy Jividen
Corrections Commissioner
1409 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, WV 25311

Generally, the DOC charges a nominal fee of $0.30 per page of record copied and $10.00 for a digital copy. If the requester requires certification of a record or the request is extensive, other charges may apply. Thus, it is best practice to contact the Division of Corrections to estimate applicable fees before sending a request.

• Online:

The official resource for local jails is the inmate roster on the Sheriff's website, although some jails have dedicated websites. For example, the Ada County Sheriff maintains a jail roster, and the Bonneville County Sheriff regularly updates an inmate list.

When finding several inmates in different counties, or if unsure of the incarceration facility, use the Division of Corrections Offender Search. The central repository pools inmate information from county jails and state prisons. To use the Offender Search, the individual must query the database with the inmate's full name or ID. Similarly, the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority lets the public use Inmate Search to find inmates in the state's regional jails.

It is common for all of these tools to have multiple results, primarily when the finder uses names as search parameters. Clicking more info will help confirm a search with the booking photograph of the inmate.

How Can I Find an Inmate for Free in West Virginia?

Apply for a fee waiver from the record custodian. This application has better chances of success if free access to the record serves the public's best interests, and the requester needs it for non-commercial purposes. Otherwise, the requester must bear the cost of searching, reproducing, and certifying the inmate record requested.

How to Find Old Inmate Records in West Virginia

The Department of Corrections provides records on recently released inmates and provides a means for the public to check for escapees and absconders. For older inmate records, search the National Archives using the inmate's surname.

Inmate Release Date Lookup In West Virginia

The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR) maintains inmate records, including anticipated release dates. The state's Inmate Locator Tool provides access to custody details, parole eligibility, and housing assignments. A search can be performed using an inmate's name or WVDCR identification number. For official inquiries, individuals may reach out to:

West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
1409 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, WV 25311
Phone: (304) 558-2036

How do I Find Inmate Death Records in West Virginia?

Follow the instructions explained earlier for finding inmate records by sending an FOIA request to the Department of Corrections by mail. The Department shall only provide copies of non-confidential and non-sensitive records related to the inmate's death. Similarly, eligible persons may request a death record from the Department of Health.

How do I Conduct a Federal Prison Inmate Search?

Federal prisons hold offenders convicted of federal crimes. Depending on the severity of the crime, the state holds offenders in minimum—or maximum-security facilities. All federal prisons in West Virginia are under the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). To find an inmate at the prison, use the BOP Inmate Locator. BOP allows searchers to find information on inmates incarcerated as far back as 1982. The searcher may use the offender's unique BOP number or full name to achieve this.

Furthermore, providing additional information such as race, age, and sex helps narrow down the search from thousands of results. Bear in mind that records on inmates incarcerated before 1982 are only available on the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website. There, the searcher will have access to a database of inmate information from 1870 to 1981.

How Long Does it Take For An Inmate's Information to Be Published in West Virginia Inmate Locator?

Very quickly. The Department of Corrections maintains a separate log for newly incarcerated inmates in West Virginia. This log changes daily, and as soon as jail staff book the inmate into the system.

Why Is An Inmate Not Showing Up In Search?

An inmate may not appear in record searches if they are in federal custody, housed outside the state, or recently admitted before the database update. Juvenile records are also not disclosed under state law; if the inmate is a juvenile, their information may be kept confidential. Records may also be withheld for safety reasons if the inmate is under protective custody.