Westchester County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Westchester County?
Inmate records in Westchester County are official government documents maintained by correctional facilities and the Westchester County Department of Correction that document individuals in custody within the county's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who are currently incarcerated or have previously been detained in Westchester County correctional facilities.
Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, county sheriffs and commissioners of correction are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to their custody. These records are distinct from court records, which document legal proceedings and are maintained by the judicial system. While court records focus on case proceedings, inmate records specifically document an individual's custody status and institutional history.
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first taken into custody. Information collected during this initial phase includes demographic data, photographs, fingerprints, and details of the alleged offense. Throughout an individual's period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, the record is completed with discharge information but remains in the system as a historical document.
The Westchester County Department of Correction maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies to ensure accurate documentation of all persons who enter and exit the county's correctional facilities.
Are Inmate Records Public In Westchester County?
Inmate records in Westchester County are partially accessible to the public in accordance with the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and specific provisions outlined in New York Correction Law § 500-c. Under current law, certain basic information about inmates is considered public record and is therefore available for inspection by members of the public.
The publicly accessible components of inmate records typically include:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information
- Charges filed
- Mugshots (with certain restrictions)
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Facility housing location (general information)
However, it is important to note that not all information contained within inmate records is publicly available. Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure to protect privacy, security, and other legitimate interests. These exemptions may include:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Program participation details
- Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information that could compromise facility security
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders
The Westchester County Department of Correction maintains a publicly accessible inmate lookup system that provides basic information about individuals currently in custody. This system allows members of the public to verify an individual's incarceration status and obtain limited information about their detention.
What's Included Inmate Records in Westchester County
Inmate records maintained by the Westchester County Department of Correction contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records are structured to document all aspects of an inmate's detention from intake through release. The following categories of information are typically included in Westchester County inmate records:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of admission
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer
- Classification status
- Housing assignment
- Custody level
- Disciplinary incidents and actions
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Case numbers
- Warrant information
- Criminal history (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Court-ordered conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Attorney information
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Detainers or holds
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Post-release supervision requirements
These records are maintained in accordance with New York Correction Law § 500-c and departmental policies to ensure accurate documentation of all persons who enter and exit the county's correctional facilities.
Westchester County Prison System
The Westchester County correctional system operates under the authority of the Westchester County Department of Correction, which is responsible for the custody and care of individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of up to one year. This system is distinct from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), which manages state prisons housing individuals serving longer sentences for more serious offenses.
The county correctional system primarily focuses on pre-trial detention and short-term incarceration. Individuals held in Westchester County facilities include those awaiting trial who have not posted bail, those serving sentences for misdemeanors or certain low-level felonies, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities after sentencing.
The Westchester County Department of Correction operates the Westchester County Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county. This facility houses both male and female inmates across various security classifications.
Westchester County Department of Correction
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 231-1000
Westchester County Department of Correction
The department works in close coordination with the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the court system, and various community-based organizations to manage the inmate population and provide necessary services. The system operates under the oversight of the New York State Commission of Correction, which establishes minimum standards for the management of correctional facilities throughout the state.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Westchester County
Westchester County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's correctional system:
Westchester County Jail (Main Facility)
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 231-1000
Westchester County Jail
The main jail facility houses the majority of the county's inmate population across various security classifications. This facility includes separate housing units for male and female inmates, as well as specialized units for inmates with specific needs or classifications.
Westchester County Penitentiary
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 231-1000
Westchester County Penitentiary
Located on the same campus as the main jail, the penitentiary primarily houses sentenced inmates serving terms of up to one year. This facility focuses on rehabilitation programs and reentry preparation.
Women's Unit
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 231-1000
Women's Unit
A dedicated housing unit for female inmates that provides gender-specific programming and services.
Medical Unit
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 231-1000
Medical Unit
Specialized housing for inmates requiring medical observation or treatment. This unit is staffed by healthcare professionals and provides various levels of medical care.
Mental Health Unit
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 231-1000
Mental Health Unit
Dedicated housing for inmates with mental health needs, providing specialized services and treatment programs.
These facilities operate under the authority of the Westchester County Department of Correction and in accordance with standards established by the New York State Commission of Correction. The facilities are designed to maintain security while providing appropriate housing and services for various inmate populations.
Who's in Prison In Westchester County
The Westchester County correctional facilities house a diverse population of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The inmate population generally falls into the following categories:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
- Those who have not posted bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
- Individuals held on bench warrants for failure to appear in court
Sentenced Inmates:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences of up to one year
- Individuals convicted of certain low-level felonies with sentences of one year or less
- Those serving intermittent sentences (e.g., weekend incarceration)
- Individuals serving split sentences (combination of incarceration and probation)
Technical Violators:
- Probation violators awaiting hearings or serving sanctions
- Parole violators awaiting revocation hearings or transfer to state facilities
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after sentencing
- Persons held for other jurisdictions (federal, other counties, immigration)
- Inmates temporarily returned from state facilities for court appearances
Special Populations:
- Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing and services
- Persons with medical conditions requiring specialized care
- Youthful offenders (ages 16-18) housed separately from the adult population
According to data from the New York State Commission of Correction, the Westchester County jail system typically houses between 800-1,000 inmates at any given time, though this number fluctuates based on various factors including crime rates, court processing times, and policy changes.
The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects a disproportionate representation of racial and ethnic minorities and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, a pattern consistent with correctional facilities throughout New York State and the nation.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Westchester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Westchester County facilities have several methods available to access basic inmate records. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate record searches:
Online Inmate Lookup System:
- Visit the Westchester County Department of Correction's official website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Inmate Lookup" section
- Enter the required search criteria (typically name, date of birth, or inmate ID number)
- Review the search results, which generally include basic custody information
- Note that the online system provides limited information in accordance with privacy laws
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Westchester County Department of Correction at (914) 231-1000
- Request to speak with the records division or inmate information
- Provide the name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
- Staff will confirm if the person is in custody and provide basic information
- Be aware that detailed information may not be provided over the telephone
In-Person Request:
- Visit the Westchester County Department of Correction during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Proceed to the public information desk or records division
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Staff will process the request and provide available public information
Written Request:
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Prepare a written request including the inmate's full name, date of birth (if known), and your contact information
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Clearly state the specific information being requested
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Mail the request to:
Westchester County Department of Correction
Records Division
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595 -
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
-
Allow 5-10 business days for processing
For more comprehensive records beyond basic custody information, requesters may need to submit a formal Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the Westchester County Department of Correction. Such requests should specify the exact records sought and may be subject to redactions based on applicable exemptions under state law.
How To Find an Inmate in Westchester County for Free?
Locating an individual currently incarcerated in Westchester County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods. The following resources are available to the public without charge:
Westchester County Inmate Lookup System:
- Access the Westchester County Department of Correction's online inmate search portal
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- Refine search with additional information if available (date of birth, approximate age)
- Review results for basic custody information including:
- Current housing facility
- Booking date
- Charges
- Next court date (if applicable)
- Projected release date (for sentenced inmates)
New York State Inmate Lookup:
For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup provides a free online database that includes:
- Current location within the state prison system
- Department Identification Number (DIN)
- Basic demographic information
- Conviction information
- Sentence details
- Earliest release date
Telephone Verification:
- Call the Westchester County Department of Correction at (914) 231-1000
- Request inmate verification services
- Provide the full name of the individual you are seeking
- Staff will confirm if the person is currently in custody
- Basic information about facility location may be provided
Westchester County Sheriff's Office Website:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a current list of individuals in custody that is updated regularly. This resource provides:
- Names of current inmates
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond information
Court Records Search:
- Visit the Westchester County Clerk's Office or access their online portal
- Search for criminal cases by defendant name
- Review case information for custody status
- Note that court records will indicate if a defendant is in custody but may not specify the facility
These free resources provide basic verification of an individual's incarceration status and limited information about their detention. For more detailed information, additional steps may be required, including formal records requests or in-person visits to the appropriate facilities.
How To Visit an Inmate In Westchester County
Visitation with inmates housed in Westchester County correctional facilities is governed by specific policies established by the Westchester County Department of Correction. These policies are designed to maintain security while facilitating important connections between inmates and their families or legal representatives.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial processing
- Changes to visitation lists must be requested in writing by the inmate
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate or school ID
Visit Schedule:
- General population inmates are permitted two 60-minute visits per week
- Visitation days are assigned based on the first letter of the inmate's last name
- Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Evening sessions (Wednesday and Thursday only): 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Visitors must arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled visitation time
- Late arrivals may result in shortened or canceled visits
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, state ID)
- Visitor processing form (completed upon arrival)
- Locker key deposit ($1.00 exact change)
- Medical necessities with proper documentation (medications, medical devices)
- Baby necessities if visiting with an infant (one clear bottle, two diapers, baby wipes)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Illegal substances or alcohol
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, recording devices)
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Large bags or purses
- Cash exceeding $50.00
- Letters, messages, or packages for inmates
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
- No excessively baggy clothing
- Appropriate footwear required (no flip-flops)
- Outerwear must be removed for inspection
Visit Types:
- Contact visits (general population)
- Non-contact visits (high-security inmates, disciplinary status)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
- Special visits (approved by facility administration)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors with criminal histories may be denied entry
- Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Violation of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges
These visitation policies are established pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-j and are subject to change based on facility needs and security considerations. Visitors are advised to contact the Westchester County Department of Correction at (914) 231-1000 prior to their visit to confirm current policies and schedules.
How To Send Money to a Westchester County Inmate
The Westchester County Department of Correction provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the facility commissary, make telephone calls, and access certain services.
Methods for Sending Money:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the official Westchester County Department of Correction website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Accounts" or "Commissary" section
- Select the approved third-party payment processor
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Enter payment information and deposit amount
- Complete the transaction and retain the confirmation number
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Westchester County Jail lobby during regular business hours
- Locate the automated payment kiosk
- Follow on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Confirm the transaction amount
- Retain the printed receipt
Money Order by Mail:
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Purchase a money order from an approved provider (U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram)
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Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
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Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
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Include the sender's full name and return address
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Mail to:
Westchester County Department of Correction
Inmate Accounts
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Amount Limits:
- Online deposits: Minimum $5.00, maximum $300.00 per transaction
- Kiosk deposits: Minimum $1.00, maximum $300.00 per transaction
- Money order deposits: Minimum $1.00, maximum $500.00 per money order
- Monthly deposit limit: $1,000.00 per inmate from all sources combined
Processing Fees:
- Online deposits: $2.50 fee for deposits up to $100.00; $3.50 fee for deposits $100.01-$300.00
- Kiosk deposits (cash): $2.00 flat fee
- Kiosk deposits (credit/debit): 3% of deposit amount
- Money order deposits: No fee
Prohibited Funds:
- Cash sent through mail
- Personal checks
- Traveler's checks
- Third-party checks
- Funds from unidentified sources
- Funds from other inmates or their families
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Electronic messaging (where available)
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Educational materials
- Release funds
Restricted Uses:
- Gambling
- Payment for services from other inmates
- Purchase of contraband
- Transfer to other inmates' accounts
- Payment of fines or restitution (separate process required)
All funds received are subject to verification and may be held pending investigation if suspicious activity is detected. Unused funds are returned to the inmate upon release or can be transferred to another correctional facility if the inmate is transferred.
How To Send Jail Mail In Westchester County
Correspondence with individuals incarcerated in Westchester County correctional facilities is subject to specific guidelines established by the Westchester County Department of Correction. These regulations ensure security while facilitating communication between inmates and their families, friends, and legal representatives.
General Mail Guidelines:
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All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate's identification number (if known)
- Facility name and address:
Westchester County Department of Correction
10 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595 -
Sender must include complete return address with full name
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Mail without proper addressing will be returned to sender
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All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
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Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours of receipt by the facility
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or electronic components)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (following proper procedure)
- Approved religious materials (subject to review)
- Legal documents (marked as legal mail)
- Newspaper clippings (maximum 5 per envelope)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages (must be sent through approved vendors only)
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Stickers or labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Materials depicting violence or weapons
- Hardcover books (softcover only, must come directly from publisher)
- Homemade crafts or artwork
- Food items or cosmetics
- Clothing or accessories
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must include attorney's name, title, and bar number
- Must come from an identifiable legal office
- Is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
Electronic Messaging (where available):
- Register with the approved third-party service provider
- Purchase messaging credits
- Compose messages (subject to character limits)
- Attach approved digital photos (where permitted)
- Submit for review and delivery
- Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours after review
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
- Softcover books only (no hardcover)
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review
- Magazines must be new and unaltered
All mail is subject to inspection and may be rejected if it violates facility rules or poses a security concern. Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, the facility maintains records of all correspondence and may monitor non-privileged mail for security purposes.
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