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West Virginia Inmate Search

West Virginia Inmate Search is an online tool offered by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR) that allows the general public to access information about individuals currently incarcerated in the state's correctional facilities.

This tool is valuable for anyone interested in determining whether a particular individual is currently held in a West Virginia county jail or state prison.

Regardless of the type of facility, the inmate search system in West Virginia provides users with relevant details about inmates, such as their offender ID, name, current location, mugshot, custody status, and the offenses for which they were convicted.

This information helps individuals stay informed about the incarceration status of their loved ones and acquaintances. It can be crucial for making informed decisions, such as arranging legal representation or planning visits to correctional facilities.

Moreover, it can promote public safety by making citizens aware of the incarceration status of individuals who may threaten their communities.

However, the inmate search system provided by the WVDCR has certain limitations. Though it aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the database may occasionally experience delays or errors. Factors such as ongoing legal proceedings or administrative updates may affect the availability and accuracy of inmate information.

Therefore, it is advisable to verify the accuracy of the information obtained from the inmate search by contacting the correctional facility directly.

What Are West Virginia Inmate Records?

West Virginia Inmate Records are official documents providing comprehensive and detailed information about incarcerated individuals in the state's correctional system.

These records offer a more extensive and accurate overview of an inmate's history, including personal details, criminal offenses, sentencing information, and other relevant data. While the West Virginia Inmate Search provides basic information, such as current location and custody status, inmate records offer a more in-depth perspective.

West Virginia Inmate Records typically contain the following information:

  • Personal details such as full name, aliases, date of birth, gender, and physical description
  • Booking information such as the date and location of the inmate's arrest and booking into the correctional facility
  • Description of the criminal charges filed against the inmate, including the specific statutes violated
  • Details of the court's decision, such as the length of the sentence, probation terms, fines imposed, or any conditions set for parole
  • Previous and current correctional facility assignments, dates of admission and release, and information on any transfers
  • Record of any disciplinary actions or violations committed by the inmate during their incarceration
  • Projected or actual release dates, parole eligibility, or any conditions attached to the release

The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) makes inmate records publicly accessible. This legislation ensures that the general public can access certain inmate records unless specifically exempted by law.

How To Obtain Inmate Records in West Virginia

To obtain West Virginia Inmate Records, individuals generally need to follow these steps:

  • Identify the correct correctional facility: Determine the specific facility that incarcerated the inmate.
  • Contact the correctional facility: Reach out to the facility's records department or the designated agency responsible for maintaining inmate records. For most inmate records in West Virginia, the WVDCR keeps and manages them.
  • Submit a request: Fill out the necessary forms or provide the required information to request the desired inmate records. This data may include the inmate's full name, offender ID, date of birth, and additional identifying information.
  • Pay applicable fees: Some agencies may charge a fee for providing copies of inmate records. The cost varies depending on the jurisdiction and the extent of the requested information.
  • Provide identification and meet requirements: In some cases, requesters may need to present valid identification and meet specific eligibility criteria to access the records.

It's important to note that specific procedures and requirements may vary depending on the correctional facility and the nature of the request. Therefore, contacting the relevant facility directly for detailed instructions on obtaining West Virginia Inmate Records is advisable.

What Are West Virginia Prison and Jail Records?

West Virginia Prison and Jail Records include statistical data and facts on the state's correctional facilities. These records provide information on the number of people incarcerated, their demographics, crimes committed, and other pertinent information.

Based on recent records, the incarceration of individuals in West Virginia remains a matter of concern. Various types of confinement hold approximately 13,000 people within the state. State prisons jail most of them, totaling 7,100 people, demonstrating the massive effect of state-level offenses.

Local jails house around 3,300 people, while federal prisons house another 1,800. Meanwhile, juvenile detention centers hold approximately 570 individuals, while 130 are involuntarily committed to mental facilities.

In West Virginia, most inmates are male, which accounts for 88% of the total inmate population, while the remaining 12% are female.

About 1,613 individuals walk out of prison gates in West Virginia each year. However, the rate of incarceration surpasses the rate of release. It indicates that more people are being admitted to correctional facilities than are being released.

Two primary categories emerge as the most prevalent when examining the reasons behind imprisonment in West Virginia. Violent crimes, such as murder, constitute one of these categories. The second major category is drug offenses. Apart from these primary reasons, sex crimes, burglary, and larceny are significant causes of imprisonment in West Virginia.

What Are the Types of Prisons and Jails in West Virginia?

To efficiently search for West Virginia inmates, it is essential to thoroughly comprehend the diverse array of correctional facilities prevalent within the state. Within West Virginia, the key categories of prisons and jails responsible for accommodating various state inmates are as follows:

West Virginia State Prisons

West Virginia state prisons are correctional facilities operated by WVDCR. These prisons house individuals convicted of crimes within the state's jurisdiction.

Various programs and services are offered within West Virginia state prisons to aid inmates' rehabilitation and reintegration into society. These may include educational classes, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling.

By providing these resources, the state aims to equip inmates with the necessary skills and support to transition into the community successfully upon release.

For a complete list of these facilities, their contact information, and other relevant details, visit the "Adult Facilities" page on the official WVDCR website. Upon reaching the page, click on the desired facility from the provided list under "Prisons and Jails" for specific information.

West Virginia County Jails

County jails in most states serve as detention facilities operated at the county level. They temporarily house individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or sentencing. These jails ensure secure accommodations for inmates during their pretrial phase or for short-term sentences.

However, West Virginia stands out from other states with its unique approach. The WVDCR integrates state prisons with jail facilities in West Virginia, creating a consolidated system. This integration streamlines the management of inmates and records by centralizing all relevant aspects in a single location.

As of 2023, West Virginia has 21 central county jails based on the integrated list of "Prisons and Jails" on the WVDCR website.

West Virginia Community Corrections Facilities

West Virginia community corrections facilities operated by the WVDCR are residential facilities designed to house individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses and transitioning from prison back into the community.

Community corrections facilities in West Virginia offer various programs and services to help inmates address the underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal behavior.

These programs typically focus on substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, vocational training, educational programs, employment assistance, life skills development, and reentry planning. The goal is to equip inmates with the necessary tools and support to reintegrate successfully into the community and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

To obtain the most recent and precise information about West Virginia community corrections facilities, visit the "Adult Facilities" page on the official WVDCR website and click the desired facility from the provided list under "Community Corrections" for specific information.

West Virginia Juvenile Detention Centers

West Virginia juvenile detention centers house and rehabilitate young individuals charged with or convicted of delinquent acts. The WVDCR manages these facilities and is responsible for the state's custody, care, and treatment of juvenile offenders.

The inmates housed in West Virginia juvenile detention centers typically have committed criminal offenses while under 18. These offenses can range from nonviolent offenses such as theft or drug possession to more serious crimes like assault or robbery.

The primary objective of these centers is to provide a secure environment where juveniles can receive education, counseling, and treatment to address their behavior and help them reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens.

In addition to juvenile detention centers, the WVDCR operates youth reporting centers, which are community-based programs that provide support and supervision for juveniles involved with the juvenile justice system.

Individuals seeking the complete list of juvenile detention centers in West Virginia can visit the WVDCR website and access the "Juvenile Facilities and Reporting Centers" page. By clicking on the desired facility from the provided list under "Juvenile Centers and Facilities," they can obtain specific information about that particular center.

Similarly, interested individuals in obtaining information about youth reporting centers in West Virginia can refer to the dedicated list under the "Youth Reporting Centers" section on the same web page.

West Virginia Federal Prisons

West Virginia is home to several federal prisons managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP). The FBOP is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates, including their housing, medical needs, and rehabilitation programs.

The federal prisons in West Virginia accommodate a diverse range of inmates, including those convicted of federal crimes such as drug offenses, white-collar crimes, immigration violations, and violent offenses that fall within the federal government's jurisdiction.

As of 2023, West Virginia has six federal prisons with varying security levels. These prisons are as follows:

How To Perform Inmate Search in West Virginia

The WVDCR offers two main West Virginia Inmate Search locator features on its official website. These search tools cater to state prison and central county jail inmates.

To perform an inmate search in West Virginia state prisons, individuals can utilize the Offender Search (Prisons) feature. Within this system, users can input the offender ID or the first and last names of the inmate they are searching for.

On the other hand, individuals looking to search for jail inmates must employ the Offender Search (Jails) system. Unlike the Offender Search (Prisons), this system does not require an offender ID. Instead, users only need to enter the name of the inmate they wish to find.

After initiating the search, both systems generate a table displaying relevant details such as the offender ID, name, location, and a mugshot of the inmate. Clicking on each row in the table provides additional information about the inmate.

Aside from these two primary systems, one can search for new WVDCR jail and prison inmates using the Daily Incarcerations tool. This database allows users to search by county.

Though these systems provide information about WVDCR inmates, they don't specifically cover inmates in community corrections facilities and juvenile detention centers. Thus, interested individuals must contact the WVDCR or the respective facility for inquiries regarding a specific young or community correction inmate.

It is also worth noting that juvenile records in West Virginia remain confidential until the offender reaches the age of 18. Only authorized parties, such as families and their lawyers, can access these records.

Finally, interested individuals can utilize the FBOP inmate locator for information about federal inmates. This user-friendly tool allows users to retrieve information about federal inmates by entering specific criteria such as the inmate's name, registration number, age, race, and sex.

How To Contact an Inmate in West Virginia

To contact an inmate in West Virginia, individuals can utilize various communication methods, including mail, phone calls, and video visits.

But note that the specific regulations and guidelines regarding these communication methods may vary depending on the correctional facility that houses the inmate. Therefore, contacting the facility or the responsible agency is best to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.

Generally, when sending mail to an inmate in West Virginia, one must follow the guidelines set by the correctional facility. Typically, letters must be written in ink or typed and sent on plain white paper. Furthermore, envelopes must bear the inmate's full name, identification number, and the facility's address.

Avoid including prohibited items, such as cash, checks, or contraband, when sending mail. Mail correspondence is subject to inspection by facility staff, so maintaining respectful and appropriate content is crucial.

For phone calls, inmates in West Virginia can make outgoing calls to approved contacts. Inmates in West Virginia can usually make collect calls through a prepaid account.

There may be restrictions on the number and duration of calls, so confirming these details with the facility is advisable. For security purposes, authorities in West Virginia correctional facilities may monitor or record calls.

Lastly, video visits allow inmates in West Virginia to communicate visually with their loved ones. West Virginia correctional facilities typically conduct video visits via secure video conferencing. Like other communication methods, video visits may undergo monitoring or recording procedures.

To communicate with a specific inmate under the WVDCR jurisdiction, interested individuals can conveniently visit the dedicated "Offender Calling and Video Visits" page on the official WVDCR website. This webpage provides comprehensive information and guidance regarding phone calls and video visits with the WVDCR inmates.

How To Visit an Inmate in West Virginia

Visiting an inmate in West Virginia involves following specific criteria and procedures set forth by the WVDCR. While the visitation requirements may differ depending on the facility, there are general guidelines to remember.

To visit an inmate in a WVDCR-operated facility, individuals must first confirm the facility that houses the inmate by conducting a West Virginia Inmate Search.

After verifying the inmate's location, intending visitors must fulfill the visitation requirements. Visitors must typically provide valid identification, such as a government-issued ID or driver's license when registering to visit an inmate.

For certain facilities like the Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility and the Eastern Regional Jail and Corrections Facility, one must call one day in advance to schedule a visit. Some facilities may limit the number of visitors an inmate can receive at one time.

During the visitation day, arrive at the designated visiting hours and adhere to the facility's dress code, which typically prohibits revealing or provocative clothing. Additionally, visitors may undergo a security screening process, including metal detectors and bag searches, to ensure the safety and security of the facility.

Visitors must respect the rules and regulations set by the correctional facility and maintain appropriate behavior and conduct during the visitation. Failure to comply may result in termination of the visit or future visitation privileges.

Individuals are advised to visit the WVDCR official website and navigate to the specific facility page for the most current and facility-specific guidelines regarding visitation requirements, schedules, and rules to ensure a seamless visitation experience.

For individuals who wish to visit a federal inmate, accessing the General Visiting Information provided by the FBOP can significantly contribute to a successful visitation experience. By referring to this information, visitors can gain valuable insights and guidelines specific to visiting federal inmates.

How To Send Money to an Inmate in West Virginia

In the WVDCR correctional facilities, inmates have a special account called an offender trust fund account. They can use the money in this account to buy different things from the commissary, such as snacks, stationery, stamps, hygiene items, and more.

Interested individuals can deposit money to an inmate's trust fund account through the several options ConnectNetwork offers.

One way is by phone, where individuals can call the dedicated number 888-988-4768 and follow the provided instructions. They must give the site ID number 179 to ensure the funds are directed correctly.

Another option is to use the ConnectNetwork website. By visiting ConnectNetwork.com, users can navigate to the appropriate section for sending money to inmates in WVDCR facilities. The website provides step-by-step instructions on how to complete the transaction securely and efficiently.

For those who prefer mobile applications, ConnectNetwork also offers a mobile app that they can download and install on both IOS and Android devices. Users can access the app and follow the prompts to send money to the inmate in West Virginia. The app provides a user-friendly interface and ensures a hassle-free experience.

In addition to these electronic payment methods, individuals can send money orders to WVDCR inmates through ConnectNetwork. When sending money to inmates using this option, ensure that the money order is payable to "GTL Financial Services" and include the inmate's full name, and double-check their ID number through the West Virginia Inmate Search tools.

When sending a money order, a deposit form must accompany it. Additionally, it is essential to carefully adhere to the instructions provided in the form's Trust Account Money Order Instructions section. After completing the form and preparing the money order, mail them to the address specified.

Individuals who wish to send money to federal inmates can utilize services such as MoneyGram, Western Union, and the U.S. Postal Service. For comprehensive information, visit the "Stay in touch" page on the FBOP official website and click the "Send Money" icon.

Counties in West Virginia

List of Content

  1. What Are West Virginia Inmate Records?
    1. How To Obtain Inmate Records in West Virginia
  2. What Are West Virginia Prison and Jail Records?
    1. What Are the Types of Prisons and Jails in West Virginia?
  3. How To Perform Inmate Search in West Virginia
    1. How To Contact an Inmate in West Virginia
      1. How To Visit an Inmate in West Virginia
        1. How To Send Money to an Inmate in West Virginia