What are Washington Inmate Records?

Washington inmate records consist of items related to someone in the state criminal justice system. It may begin with an arrest and police reports, then include court records as the person is charged and sentenced, and then when they are placed in jail or prison, facility records will be added to the mix.

Generally, inmate records all have the offender’s name, birth date, age, gender, race, height, weight, eye, and hair color, and any aliases, defining marks, scars, or tattoos to help better identify them. These records may also include details about the person’s crimes.

The Washington State Department of Corrections is the government agency in charge of all inmates, correctional facilities (state prisons), and inmate records. 

Washington Prison and Jail System

The state of Washington has 12 correctional facilities. Two of them house women prisoners only. The state also runs two work-release camps for low-risk inmates who want to stay busy and get outside.

Washington has dozens of local county jails and is owned and operated by the counties. The local Sheriff’s office manages the prisoners. These facilities hold short-term inmates and those awaiting trial.

There are roughly 20,000 inmates in Washington state prison, another 12,000 in local county jails, and 3,000 in federal prison within the state.

How to Search for Inmates in Washington

The Washington State Department of Corrections has an inmate search feature on its website so the public can easily find out where someone is incarcerated. You can search by name or DOC number.

The list of results shows the inmate’s DOC number, full name, age, location, and a link that victims can use to be notified when the offender is about to be released from prison. You can click the link to the facility to learn more about it and where it is located.

Types of Jails in Washington

How to Contact, Send Money to or Visit an Inmate in Washington

Anyone wanting to visit an inmate in a Washington prison must first apply and be approved. The DOC processes these applications within a month. After you are approved, you may visit as long as you follow all the rules. In some cases, they may allow you to visit by video conference.

Washington uses the ConnectNetwork by Global Tel Link service for all inmate phone calls. Inmates can only make call out; they cannot receive them. However, friends and family can add funds to a prepaid calling card for an inmate to stay in touch.

You can send money to an inmate in Washington prison through the JPay system, Western Union, or by cashier’s check. You can learn all about your options here.

The prison also allows inmates to receive music, books, and email through the JPay system.

You can send mail to an inmate by including the following:

●      “The inmate’s full name

●      Six-digit  DOC number , and correct  facility address

●      The name of the unit where the inmate lives (not required for delivery)

●      The letter(s) inside must be addressed to the inmate on the envelope.

●      Mail must have a return address ( as defined by the USPS  ), including an identifiable last name.”

Washington Counties