West Virginia Inmate Search

Are Inmate Records Public in West Virginia?

Yes, inmate records in West Virginia are public. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act permits access to public records, including inmate records. However, certain information may be exempted from public disclosure, such as medical records, personal identifying information, and records that could jeopardize the safety and security of the correctional facility.

How to Search for Inmate Records in West Virginia

Members of the public can search for inmate records in West Virginia by following these steps:

1. Visit the West Virginia Department of Corrections website at http://www.wvdoc.com/wvdoc/OISOffenderSearch/tabid/200/Default.aspx.
2. Click on the "Offender Search" tab.
3. Enter the inmate's last name or offender ID number, if known.
4. Click the "Search" button to view the inmate's record.

Residents may also be able to obtain inmate records from the state Department of Corrections directly by contacting them at:

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

How Do I Send Money to an Inmate in West Virginia?

Sending money to an inmate in West Virginia is a simple process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Friends and families can send money to an inmate by using the inmate lookup feature on the West Virginia Department of Corrections website.
2. Visit the West Virginia Department of Corrections website at https://dcr.wv.gov/services/offenderservices/Pages/banking.aspx.
3. Follow the instructions on the website to create an account and add funds to the inmate's account.
4. The maximum amount that can be sent to an inmate in West Virginia is $500.

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

To find an inmate in West Virginia for free, you can conduct an inmate search using publicly available information. This may include the inmate's full name, date of birth, or offender ID number. By using the keyword "inmate search" on the West Virginia Department of Corrections website or other online inmate search directories, you can access information about the inmate's current location, charges, and release date. It is not possible to obtain inmate records for free directly at the correctional facility.

How to Visit an Inmate in West Virginia

To visit an inmate in West Virginia, follow these steps:

1. Friends and families must first complete a visitation form, which can be found on the West Virginia Department of Corrections website at https://dcr.wv.gov/services/offenderservices/Documents/JVisitForm.pdf.
2. Fill out the form with the required information, including the inmate's name, your contact information, and the desired visitation date and time.
3. Submit the completed form to the correctional facility where the inmate is housed.
4. Visitors are required to meet certain rules, such as dress code restrictions and limitations on personal belongings. For example, visitors may be required to dress modestly and refrain from bringing in items such as cell phones or weapons.

Types of Correctional Facilities in West Virginia

West Virginia has various types of correctional facilities, including state prisons, regional jails, and juvenile detention centers. State prisons are facilities where individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes serve their sentences. Regional jails are designed to hold individuals who are awaiting trial or have been sentenced to shorter-term sentences. Juvenile detention centers are specifically for minors who have been charged with criminal offenses. These facilities aim to provide secure and rehabilitative environments for incarcerated individuals.