Washington State Prisoners Search gives you instant access to official inmate records across all state prisons, county jails, and municipal detention centers. The Washington Department of Corrections maintains a public database updated daily with real-time custody status, facility locations, and release dates. You can search by name, DOC number, or date of birth to find current inmates like Johnnie Rollins (DOC 21090, age 104) at Washington State Penitentiary or Gerald A. Friend (DOC 28255, age 84) at Airway Heights Corrections Center. Each result includes the inmate’s full legal name, exact age, housing facility, security level, and a direct link to enroll in VINE alerts for custody changes.
This system serves victims, families, legal professionals, and researchers who need reliable, up-to-date incarceration data. Whether you’re checking on a loved one, verifying court records, or monitoring someone’s status, the search tools provide clear, official information without fees or registration. Results show facility addresses, phone numbers, visitation rules, and program availability. Data refreshes every 24 hours to reflect new bookings, transfers, and releases across Washington’s 39 counties and 12 state prisons.
Official Washington DOC Inmate Search Portal
The Washington State Department of Corrections runs the most accurate and current inmate locator available. Users enter a last name, DOC identification number, or birth date into the search form. The system returns matching records with key details: full name, age, current facility, custody level, and expected release date if applicable. For example, Duane D. Paakonen (DOC 116950, age 82) appears under Monroe’s jurisdiction with links to facility contact info.
Each result includes a VINE notification button that lets victims sign up for email or text alerts when an inmate’s status changes—such as transfer, parole hearing, or release. This service is free and managed by the national VINE network. Clicking a facility name opens a new page with the prison’s street address, main phone line, visiting hours, and directions. The portal also allows sorting by age or location and filtering between state prisons and county jails.
https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/inmate-search/default.aspx 
State Courts Inmate Lookup System
The Washington State Courts website offers a parallel inmate search tool that works alongside the DOC database. It accepts either a full name or DOC number and displays identical core fields: identification number, legal name, age, facility name, and city. A prominent VINE-registration link appears next to each entry, enabling victims to receive automated notifications about custody changes.
Unlike the DOC site, the courts portal organizes facilities by type—state prisons, county jails, and municipal detention centers—with brief descriptions of each category’s role and capacity. Clicking a facility name reveals its physical address, contact number, and an interactive map. This helps users plan visits or send mail correctly. The interface is simple and mobile-friendly, requiring no login or personal information to use.
https://www.statecourts.org/inmate-search/washington/ 
Washington Inmate Population Statistics
As of 2023, Washington state prisons hold 19,802 inmates while county jails contain 12,150 individuals. Of these, 3.1% participate in work-release programs that allow daytime employment outside the facility under supervision. The average sentence length is 23.7 months based on sentencing data from 2019–2022. Recidivism remains a challenge: 32% of released inmates are re-arrested within three years, prompting increased focus on reentry services and job training.
Gender distribution shows 91.8% male and 8.2% female inmates. Nearly half (45%) are between 25 and 44 years old, reflecting national trends in incarceration demographics. These figures come from RecordsFinder’s annual analysis of public correctional records and align with DOC reporting standards. The data helps policymakers, advocates, and families understand scale and trends in Washington’s justice system.
https://recordsfinder.com/inmate-search/wa/
How to Use Infotracer for Inmate Searches
Infotracer simplifies locating Washington inmates through a step-by-step process. Start at the Washington DOC website and scroll to the footer where “Inmate Search” is listed. Click it, read the data usage disclaimer, then press the green “Inmate Search” button to proceed. Enter either the DOC number or the person’s last name into the form and hit “Submit.”
Results display the inmate’s DOC ID, full name, birth date, current facility, and a hyperlink to that prison’s official page. That page includes phone numbers, mailing addresses, visitation schedules, and program details like education or substance abuse treatment. Infotracer updates nightly, ensuring accuracy after transfers or releases. It’s a fast, free alternative to calling facilities directly.
https://infotracer.com/inmate-search/washington/
WashingtonPublicRecords.com Database Features
WashingtonPublicRecords.com compiles over 2 billion public records, including inmate data from state prisons, county jails, and city lockups. Users search by name, DOC number, or select a specific county from a dropdown menu. Each result shows the inmate’s full name, date of birth, current facility, conviction date, and sentence length.
The platform also links to related court documents, property records, and financial filings tied to the individual. This gives a broader view of public information beyond incarceration status. Records update every night to reflect new entries, releases, or transfers. While not an official government source, it aggregates data from verified agencies and is useful for background checks or research.
https://washingtonpublicrecords.com/inmate-search/
County-Level Jail Rosters in Washington
Washington Jail Roster provides county-specific inmate lists for all 39 counties. Twenty-eight operate their own jails under sheriff authority; the rest contract with neighboring counties. For example, Stevens County uses Ferry County Jail due to lack of local facilities. Users search by first and last name or state-assigned ID number.
Each roster shows current inmates, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and upcoming court dates. This transparency helps families track loved ones’ legal progress and understand local detention conditions. Pages are updated regularly but may lag behind real-time changes. Always verify critical info with the facility directly before taking action.
https://washingtonjailroster.com/
Inmates Plus Facility Directory
Inmates Plus offers a comprehensive directory of every correctional facility housing Washington inmates—state, federal, and county. The main DOC office is at 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501, reachable at (360) 725-8213. Each facility page lists address, capacity, security level, and available programs such as vocational training, GED classes, or mental health services.
A quick-search box lets users enter a DOC number to instantly locate an inmate and view parole eligibility dates. The site also explains visitation rules, mail policies, and commissary options. Though not government-run, it serves as a helpful reference for families and advocates navigating the system.
https://inmatesplus.com/washington/
Alternative Inmate Search Portals
Several third-party sites offer Washington inmate lookup tools. HCSDMass.org hosts a mirror of the official DOC search with similar functionality—name, DOB, or ID number queries return current location and status. InfoTracer’s state prison section highlights twelve major facilities like Airway Heights Corrections Center, Cedar Creek, Clallam Bay, and Coyote Ridge, each with contact details and roster links.
Instant Checkmate lists physical addresses and phone numbers for key prisons: Washington State Penitentiary (509-525-3610), Ridgeview Community Facility (509-575-2736), and Castle Rock Police Jail (360-274-4711). These resources help users who prefer phone inquiries or need offline access. Always cross-check with official sources for the most accurate data.
https://hcsdmass.org/washington/ https://infotracer.com/inmate-search/washington/state-prisons/ https://www.instantcheckmate.com/inmate-search/state-prisons/washington/
Contact Information for Inmate Inquiries
For residents of Washington state seeking inmate details, call the Department of Corrections at (360) 725-8213. For non-residents held in Washington facilities, use (360) 725-8900. Staff handle requests Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Have the inmate’s full name and DOC number ready to speed up the process.
Calls are recorded for quality assurance. The office can confirm incarceration dates, current facility, parole eligibility, and visitation rules. They cannot provide legal advice or medical information. For urgent matters like health concerns, contact the specific facility directly using numbers listed on the DOC website.
Contact Us
Address: 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 725-8213
Visiting Hours: Vary by facility—check individual prison pages for schedules
https://www.washingtonarrests.org/washington-inmate-search.html
Related Search Tools and Resources
Other platforms may assist in broader public record searches. Peoplefinder App offers nationwide background checks. Free criminal history lookups are possible through county clerk websites. Giles County Court Records provide localized case details outside Washington. However, for accurate, current inmate status, always start with the official DOC portal or State Courts site.
Peoplefinder App
How To Find Someone’s Criminal History For Free
Giles County Court Records
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how Washington State Prisoners Search works, what data is available, and how to use it safely. Below are common concerns with clear, factual answers based on official policies and recent data.
How often is the Washington DOC inmate database updated?
The Washington Department of Corrections updates its inmate search database every 24 hours. This ensures that new bookings, transfers between facilities, and releases are reflected promptly. However, during high-volume periods such as weekends or holidays, minor delays may occur. For time-sensitive matters like visitation or legal filings, always call the specific facility to confirm an inmate’s current status. The nightly refresh cycle aligns with standard correctional data practices and supports accuracy across all public-facing tools.
Can I receive alerts when an inmate is released or transferred?
Yes. Every inmate record on the official DOC site includes a VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) registration link. By clicking it, victims or concerned parties can sign up for free email or text alerts whenever the inmate’s custody status changes—including release, transfer, parole hearings, or escape. VINE is a national system used in all 50 states and operated independently from the DOC. Registration requires only a valid email or phone number and the inmate’s DOC number.
Why can’t I find someone in the Washington inmate search?
If a name or DOC number doesn’t appear, the person may not be in state custody. They could be held in a federal prison, out-of-state facility, or local jail not yet uploaded to the system. Some misdemeanor arrests result in short holds under 72 hours with no public record. Always double-check spelling and try alternate name formats. If still unsure, contact the county sheriff’s office where the arrest occurred or call the DOC main line for guidance.
Are work-release inmates listed in the search results?
Yes. Inmates participating in Washington’s work-release programs appear in the database with their assigned facility noted. As of 2023, 3.1% of the state’s incarcerated population (about 615 people) are in these supervised programs. They typically live in minimum-security facilities or community transition centers while working daytime jobs. Their records show the same details as other inmates, including VINE enrollment options and expected release dates.
What should I do if I find incorrect information about an inmate?
Contact the Washington DOC immediately at (360) 725-8213 or email corrections.information@doc.wa.gov. Provide the inmate’s full name, DOC number, and a description of the error. Common issues include wrong facility names, outdated release dates, or misspelled names. The DOC investigates all reports and corrects verified mistakes within five business days. For legal disputes involving sentencing or custody, consult an attorney—the DOC cannot alter court-ordered terms.
Can I visit an inmate using only the information from the search tool?
The search tool provides facility addresses and general visiting policies, but each prison has unique rules. Always call ahead to confirm visiting hours, required ID, dress code, and whether the inmate is eligible for visits. Some facilities restrict visitation due to disciplinary status, medical isolation, or security reviews. Mail and phone contact may also have limitations. Check the specific facility’s page on the DOC website for the most current guidelines before traveling.
Is inmate data on third-party sites as reliable as the official DOC portal?
No. While sites like Infotracer, WashingtonPublicRecords.com, and Inmates Plus aggregate data from official sources, they may lag by hours or contain formatting errors. Only the Washington DOC and State Courts portals offer real-time, legally verified information. Third-party tools are useful for preliminary searches or historical research but should never replace official confirmation for legal, medical, or safety decisions. Always cross-reference critical details with the DOC database.