Spokane County Inmate Search
A Spokane County inmate search helps interested members of the public obtain information on an individual incarcerated in the county's correctional facility. Inmate records are part of Spokane County public records. Hence, they can be publicly accessed by conducting an inmate search. Inmate searches are necessary because they inform the public on the status of incarcerated persons within county limits.
The Spokane County website has an Inmate Rooster tool that allows users to look up inmate information. However, not all inmates may be listed, and access might have specific criteria. The County Sheriff's Office oversees the county's jail operations, including inmate welfare, staff management, visitor protocols, and overall security.
Inmate records are considered public in the United States and therefore are made available by both traditional governmental agencies as well as third-party websites and organizations. Third-party websites may offer an easier means to search, as these services do not face geographical limitations. However, because third-party sites are not government-sponsored, the information obtained through them may vary from official channels. To find inmate records using third-party aggregate sites, requesting parties must provide:
- The location of the sought-after record, including state, county, and city where the inmate resides.
- The name of the person listed in the record, unless it is a juvenile.
Spokane County Crime and Incarceration Statistics
Spokane County has the highest incarceration rate in Washington state. The Spokane Inmate Roster shows that about 900 individuals are currently in the custody of the Spokane County Detention Services.
According to current Spokane Valley's Community Crime map, the most popular crimes in Spokane County can be divided into two categories:
- Property crimes (larceny, burglary, and motor vehicle theft)
- Violent crimes (aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder).
Spokane County Prison System
The Detention Services Department oversees Spokane County's prison system. It operates two facilities in the Spokane area: the Spokane County Jail and the Geiger Corrections Facility. Both detention facilities are within the WA judicial district and have a combined population of 700 inmates daily.
The correctional facility of the Spokane County Detention Center houses individuals awaiting trial (pretrial detention) or sentences and also those who have been sentenced to serve time for their crimes. In addition to managing individuals in its custody, the detention center offers rehabilitation programs to help inmates successfully reenter society upon release.
Jails and Prisons in Spokane maintain criminal records of inmates, such as arrest records, sentencing records, and court documents, making this information accessible to the general public.
How to Find an Inmate in Spokane County
To find an inmate in Spokane County, individuals can use a variety of online and offline methods:
- Online methods: using the inmate search tool provided on the Spokane County website or a third-party website.
- Offline: Individuals can make in-person inquiries or call any Spokane detention service facility to find an inmate in Spokane County. Key staff contacts are also available on the detention service's online directory if further assistance is needed.
How Does a Spokane County Inmate Search Work?
The Spokane County Public Records Act authorizes the disclosure of information maintained by government agencies to the public while mindful of individuals' rights to privacy. Inmate information governed by state laws and created by government bodies are classified as public records and are thus allowed for dissemination to the public upon request, i.e. inmate searches. Information that can be found during a Spokane County inmate search include:
- Inmate full name
- Inmate county ID
- Case number
- Booking and release dates
- Case Bond
- Charges
- Inmate Location.
Where to Find a Spokane County Inmate Locator
The primary tool for locating an inmate in Spokane County is the "Inmate Roster" provided by the county's Detention Services. Additionally, state and federal databases might offer inmate search capabilities. Third-party inmate locators also exist, which can provide information for a fee. These services might require the inmate's name, booking number, or other identifiers and can vary in cost and accuracy.
- Online: The Inmate Roster tool is available on the Spokane County website. This tool lists current inmates, recent Detention Services bookings, and releases. A person can enter the first or last name of the inmate in the search bar to filter results and click on the correct record to view more information on the inmate. Inmate information includes full name, county ID, booking date, etc.
- Spokane Detention Services: Individuals can make in-person inquiries or call any detention service facility to find an inmate in Spokane County. Key staff contacts are also available on the detention service's online directory if further assistance is needed.
How to Send Money to a Spokane County Inmate
Anyone can send money to an inmate if the inmate does not have a no-contact order placed on them. Money can be sent to a Spokane County inmate through various methods, including mail-in options, cashier's checks, money orders (Western Union and US Postal), checks from other facilities, and treasury checks. Cashier checks must be under $500 to be accepted.
Note that cash cannot be sent to an inmate through the mail. The Spokane County Detention Services allows cash deposits at the cashier window or kiosks at the visitation areas of its facilities. To make mail-in funds payable to an inmate, the full name and address of the purchaser should be written on the money order and the envelope's return address.
The mail to address should include the inmate's first and last name, the facility's address, and the facility department receiving the funds, which is "Inmate Accounting".
How to Visit a Spokane County Inmate
Spokane County inmates can be visited online and offline, and visiting procedures can vary depending on the chosen method.
- Online methods: It is a non-contact method of video visitation using Securus Video Connect, a web-based visual communication system. Visitors set up an account, complete an online visitation application, wait 24 hours for their application to be screened, and then visit the facility while following the detention center's rules and guidelines.
Video visitations must be scheduled 24 hours in advance, have a duration of 30 minutes, and cost $5.00. The requirements for setting up a user account with Securus Technologies for video visitation include:
- A photo ID
- An email address
- A phone number.
In-Person Methods: People who want to visit inmates must contact the Spokane County jail to schedule visits in advance and follow the facility's rules before being allowed to complete a visit. The rules include the provision of valid identification and adherence to the facility's dress code and code of conduct. It is important to check the detention center's website for visitation hours. Spokane County inmate visits are strictly non-contact.
How to Send Jail Mail in Spokane County
Jail mail can be sent to inmates by ensuring that the mail policy set by the detention facility is adhered to, only approved items are mailed, and the mail is properly addressed to prevent it from being returned.
The approved jail mail items include:
- Letters: Must have the sender's first name, last name, and full return name and address. Do not use address stickers, tape, crayons, or perfume, as it may cause the mail to be returned.
- Photographs: They must be sent through approved 3rd party vendors.
- Books: Must be a paperback book, newspaper, or publication sent directly from the publisher, legitimate bookstore, or retailer.
- Money orders
- Legal materials
- Personal items
Jail mail items not allowed include but are not limited to:
- Greeting cards
- Greeting card envelopes
- Postcards
- Cash
- Hardback books
- Sexually explicit publications or items
- Hazardous materials
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcoholic beverages
- Stains/dyes
- Perfumes
- Tobacco products.
All incoming mail is opened and inspected before delivery, so it is important to obey the facility's guidelines for sending mail. Incoming mail is photocopied in black and white before being given to the inmate. The original copy is added to the inmate's property. All jail mail should include the inmate's first name, last name, and address of the sender.
Spokane County Jails and Prisons
The main facility is the Spokane County Jail, and the second facility is Geiger Corrections Facility. Both facilities are part of the Washington judicial district. The county also has a juvenile detention center for high-risk youths.
Spokane County Jail
1100 W Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
Phone: (509) 477-2278
Geiger Corrections Center
3507 S. Spotted Road
Spokane, WA 99224-9997
Phone: (509) 477-3259
Spokane County WA Juvenile Detention Facility
902 N. Adams Street
Spokane, WA 99260
Phone: (509) 477-4742
