About West Virginia Division of Corrections
West Virginia state provides relevant details about all inmates, whether held in a state or county prison. Inmate information available for searchers includes the following:
- Charges description
- Expected release date
- Bookings
- Filing date
- Bail amount
- Date of birth
- Booking date
- Mugshots
- Arrests
This detailed guide will take you through the inmate search process in West Virginia.
Is The Person Locked Up In The First Place?
Many things would influence you to conduct an inmate search in west Virginia. Most people search because they know the person was arrested but don’t know whether they’ve been released or are still locked up. Moreover, you may search for someone you’ve not spoken to or heard from in a while.
Whatever your reasons, the first step is to find the location where they were arrested. Once you learn where the arrest happened, you’ll quickly narrow your search even if you don’t know the full name of the person you’re looking for. Fortunately, West Virginia Inmate Records can provide this information and even more details.
A Quick Overview Of West Virginia Inmate Records
Inmate records comprise information about residents and non-residents arrested, convicted, and incarcerated in West Virginia. The records are provided by local law enforcement, confinement facilities, and the courts.
They may include crimes, incident reports, arrest warrants, police reports, fingerprints, mugshots, attendance rosters, and more. Moreover, you can access additional details to aid your search, including the following:
- Hair and eye color
- Height and weight
- Tattoos
- Defining marks or scars
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR) is responsible for correctional facilities, inmate records, and inmates in the state.
How to Conduct an Inmate Search in West Virginia
You can use different ways to search for someone locked up within the state. Your approach will depend on whether the inmate is held in a state prison or county jail.
Searching for an Inmate in a West Virginia Prison
You can easily search for someone incarcerated in a West Virginia prison, jail, or daily incarcerations on the WVDCR website. All inmate records in the state are public and accessible to any interested party. The department constantly updates all the information. But it may not be entirely accurate given that inmate status, release date, location, and other details change quickly.
You can search for someone under daily incarcerations using the name of the county they were arrested in. You only need the person’s first and last name for prison inmate searches. Notably, juvenile records aren’t available for public access in West Virginia. Therefore, you may not find details of juvenile offenders via inmate search.
If you’re still facing difficulties locating an inmate in a West Virginia prison, you can reach out to the state department at 1409 Greenbrier Street Charleston, WV 25311, Fax – (304) 558-5934 or call (304) 558-2036.
Searching for an Inmate in a County Jail in West Virginia
The severity of a person’s crime and the duration of their sentencing will determine whether they end up in a state prison or county facility in West Virginia. You’ll use the WVDCR inmate search tool to find someone locked up in a county jail. Fill out the last and first (optional) name of the person, then scroll down the list and select the ‘more info’ tab when you find them.
How Do I Find Out an Inmate Release Date?
Details of a particular inmate’s release date are available on their records. Besides online, you can find information regarding a person’s release date by contacting the correctional facility’s administrator.
But this won’t be possible if the record custodian or court makes the details private for safety reasons. Only authorized criminal justice officials, attorneys, crime victims, and immediate family members can access the information in this case.
After Finding Your Person, What Next?
After finding out which facility holds your person of interest, you may visit them, send them money or care packages, or simply organize a phone call. Here are the steps for all these:
Visiting an Inmate
To visit an inmate, you must find out the conditions set by the law, authorities, or specific facility. While visitation rules vary across jurisdictions and facilities, you’ll simply follow the standard scheduling process over the phone. Moreover, you should heed the specified dress code and present your government-issued photo ID upon entering the facility.
Sending Money to an Inmate
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation allows you to deposit funds into your loved one’s account. They’ll use this money to acquire some necessities.
The fastest method is to make electronic deposits on the ConnectNetwork website or mobile app. Alternatively, you can use JailATM, which requires you to create an account before depositing the money in the person’s account. Finally, you can send money by phone at (888) 988-4768. You’ll process the deposit using Site ID 179.
Sending Care Packages
It’s important that an inmate’s family members or friends send care packages to their loved ones. This act shows care, supports them, and helps them enjoy part of the comforts of home even though they’re away from home. For instance, you can make their time more bearable by sending them the snacks they love or their favorite reading materials.
The steps include:
- Verify whether the facility allows deliveries
- Understand the specific facility’s rules and restrictions
- Prepare accurate shipping details
- Choose a convenient care package platform
Here are the items to include in the care package:
- Letters or messages
- Pictures
- Books, magazines, and newspapers
- Hearing aids and eyeglasses
- Celebratory cards
- Religious items
Calling an Inmate
You’re not allowed to call an inmate in West Virginia. Instead, those detained are only authorized to make outgoing calls via CenturyLink. This program is part of a partnership between the Division of Correction and Rehabilitation and the communications provider. You can reach out to the call service company to load an inmate's account with prepaid phone minutes and stay in touch.
