Kanawha County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Kanawha County?

Inmate records in Kanawha County are official government documents maintained by correctional facilities and the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office that document individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to an individual's incarceration history, current status, and related administrative details.

Pursuant to West Virginia Code § 31-20-5h, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all persons committed to their custody. These records are distinct from court records, which are maintained by the judicial system and document case proceedings, judgments, and legal determinations. While court records focus on the legal aspects of a case, inmate records specifically document the custodial aspects of incarceration.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first taken into custody. During this initial phase, personal identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge information are collected and documented. These records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, the records are finalized with discharge information but remain in the system as historical documentation.

The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office maintains these records for individuals housed in county facilities, while the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains records for those in state facilities located within the county.

Are Inmate Records Public In Kanawha County?

Inmate records in Kanawha County are generally considered public information under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which establishes the public's right to access government records. According to West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3, every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body in West Virginia, with certain exceptions.

For correctional facilities specifically, West Virginia Code § 31-20-27 addresses the public nature of certain inmate information while establishing protections for sensitive data. The following information is typically available to the public:

• Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
• Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
• Booking and arrest records
• Charges filed against the inmate
• Mugshots (booking photographs)
• Bond/bail amounts
• Expected release dates
• Current housing facility

However, certain components of inmate records are exempt from public disclosure to protect privacy, security, and safety. These exemptions typically include:

• Medical and mental health information
• Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
• Victim information
• Internal security procedures
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Information that could compromise facility security

The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides public access to basic inmate information through their online offender search systems, allowing members of the public to verify custody status and location of individuals within the correctional system.

What's Included Inmate Records in Kanawha County

Inmate records in Kanawha County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Height, weight, and physical description
• Distinguishing features (scars, marks, tattoos)
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints and other biometric data
• Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

• Date and time of booking/intake
• Arresting agency
• Booking officer information
• Custody classification level
• Housing assignment within facility
• Disciplinary records and incident reports
• Program participation and work assignments
• Visitation records and approved visitor list

Charge Information:

• Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
• Warrant information
• Case numbers
• Arresting agency
• Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
• Court of jurisdiction

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond/bail amount
• Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
• Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
• Bond conditions
• Court-ordered restrictions

Court Information:

• Court case numbers
• Scheduled court appearances
• Court of jurisdiction
• Judge assigned to case
• Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

• Conviction details
• Sentence length and terms
• Sentence start date
• Projected release date
• Parole eligibility date
• Good time/earned time credits
• Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions

Release Information:

• Release date and time
• Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
• Post-release supervision requirements
• Conditions of release
• Destination upon release

These records serve multiple purposes including facility management, ensuring public safety, facilitating communication between criminal justice agencies, and providing information to authorized individuals and entities as permitted by law.

Kanawha County Prison System

The correctional system in Kanawha County operates as part of West Virginia's unified correctional structure, which underwent significant reorganization under the West Virginia Corrections Omnibus Bill in 2018. This legislation created the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) within the Department of Homeland Security, consolidating the former Division of Corrections, Regional Jail Authority, and Juvenile Services.

Kanawha County's correctional system primarily consists of local detention facilities that house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor offenses. Those sentenced to longer terms for felony convictions are typically transferred to state-operated prisons after processing through the county system.

The primary distinction between county detention facilities and state prisons lies in their purpose and the length of incarceration they accommodate. County facilities generally focus on short-term detention, pre-trial holding, and sentences of limited duration, while state prisons are designed for long-term incarceration and offer more extensive rehabilitation programming.

The Kanawha County correctional system operates under the oversight of:

Kanawha County Sheriff's Office
301 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 357-0169
Kanawha County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office works in coordination with the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which manages the regional jail facilities that serve Kanawha County.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Kanawha County

Kanawha County's correctional infrastructure includes several types of facilities that serve different functions within the criminal justice system:

South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
1001 Centre Way
Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 558-1635
South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility

This facility serves as the primary detention center for Kanawha County and surrounding areas. It houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities. The facility operates under the authority of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Charleston Work Release Center
607 Brooks Street
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-2763
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation

This minimum-security facility houses eligible inmates who are approaching their release dates and participate in community employment programs while serving the remainder of their sentences.

Kanawha County Day Report Center
301 Virginia Street East, 2nd Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 357-0156
Kanawha County Day Report Center

While not a traditional incarceration facility, the Day Report Center provides an alternative to incarceration for non-violent offenders. Participants report daily for supervision, drug testing, counseling, and other rehabilitative services while remaining in the community.

Kanawha County Home Confinement
301 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 357-0156
Kanawha County Sheriff's Office

The Home Confinement program allows eligible offenders to serve their sentences at home under electronic monitoring and strict supervision, reducing jail overcrowding while maintaining public safety.

Charleston Correctional Center
4 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-2036
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation

This facility serves as a transitional center for inmates nearing release, focusing on reentry programming and community reintegration.

Each of these facilities plays a specific role in the county's correctional system, working together to manage different populations based on security needs, sentence length, and programming requirements.

Who's in Prison In Kanawha County

The inmate population in Kanawha County correctional facilities consists of several distinct categories of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process:

Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are held in custody while awaiting trial, either because they could not post bail, were denied bail, or had bail revoked. Under the presumption of innocence established in the West Virginia Constitution, Article III, Section 5, these individuals are legally considered innocent until proven guilty.

Sentenced Misdemeanants: Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year. Common misdemeanor convictions include driving under the influence (DUI), simple assault, petty theft, trespassing, and certain drug possession offenses. These individuals typically serve their entire sentence within the county jail system.

Felony Offenders Awaiting Transfer: Individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses and are temporarily housed in county facilities while awaiting transfer to state prison facilities. These individuals are typically in transit status and will be moved to appropriate state facilities based on their security classification and programming needs.

Probation and Parole Violators: Persons who were previously sentenced but violated the terms of their community supervision. These individuals may be held pending revocation hearings or serving sanctions for technical violations or new criminal conduct.

Federal Detainees: In some cases, Kanawha County facilities may house federal detainees through intergovernmental agreements with federal agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Weekend Servers: Individuals serving intermittent sentences, typically reporting to jail on weekends while maintaining employment during the week. This arrangement allows for punishment while minimizing disruption to employment and family responsibilities.

Work Release Participants: Eligible inmates who are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day but return to custody during non-working hours. This program facilitates reintegration into the community and helps inmates maintain employment skills and financial stability.

The demographic composition of Kanawha County's inmate population generally reflects broader trends in the criminal justice system, with variations based on local factors, law enforcement priorities, and court practices.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Kanawha County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Kanawha County may utilize several methods to access this information. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains centralized systems that provide public access to basic inmate information. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate record searches:

Online Inmate Search:

1. Visit the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority Offender Search portal
2. Enter the inmate's information (minimum of first three letters of last name)
3. For more specific results, include additional identifiers such as first name or date of birth
4. Review the search results, which typically include name, facility location, booking date, and expected release date
5. Select an individual record to view additional publicly available information

Division of Corrections Offender Search:

1. Access the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Offender Search page
2. Select the appropriate search option (Jails, Prisons, or Escapees and Absconders)
3. Enter search criteria as prompted
4. Review results for custody status, location, and basic case information

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the records division at the South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility during normal business hours
2. Complete an information request form, providing the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth or inmate ID number
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
4. Pay any applicable fees for record copies (fees are established pursuant to West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3(e))
5. Allow processing time as required by facility procedures

Written Requests:

1. Submit a written request to:

   South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
   Attn: Records Division
   1001 Centre Way
   Charleston, WV 25309

2. Include the inmate's full name, date of birth (if known), approximate dates of incarceration

3. Provide your contact information and relationship to the inmate

4. Specify the information being requested

5. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response

6. Include payment for any applicable fees (contact the facility for current fee schedule)

Telephone Inquiries: Limited information may be available via telephone by contacting:

• South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility: (304) 558-1635
• Kanawha County Sheriff's Office: (304) 357-0169

Telephone inquiries are typically limited to confirming whether an individual is currently in custody and their visiting status. More detailed information generally requires written requests or online searches.

How To Find an Inmate in Kanawha County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Kanawha County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides free online search tools that allow members of the public to verify an individual's incarceration status and location. The following methods are available at no cost:

West Virginia Regional Jail Authority Online Inmate Search:

1. Navigate to the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority Offender Search
2. Enter the inmate's last name (minimum three letters required)
3. Add first name or date of birth if available for more precise results
4. Review the search results, which display current inmates matching the search criteria
5. The system provides basic information including current facility, booking date, and charges

Division of Corrections Offender Database:

1. Access the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Offender Search
2. Select the appropriate database (jail inmates, prison inmates, or escapees/absconders)
3. Enter search parameters as prompted
4. Review results showing custody status and location information

Magistrate Court Records Search:

1. Visit the West Virginia Judiciary Magistrate Case Record Search
2. Enter the individual's name
3. Review case information, which may include custody status notations
4. Court records often indicate if a defendant is in custody and at which facility

Telephone Verification:

1. Contact the South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility directly at (304) 558-1635
2. Provide the full name of the person you are inquiring about
3. Staff can confirm if the individual is currently in custody at that facility
4. Basic information such as booking date may be provided verbally

Kanawha County Sheriff's Office:

1. Call the Sheriff's Office at (304) 357-0169 during regular business hours
2. Request information about an individual's incarceration status
3. Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person
4. Deputies can verify if someone is currently in custody within the county system

These free resources provide basic custody information to help locate inmates within the Kanawha County correctional system. The information available through these channels is limited to what is considered public record under West Virginia law, with more detailed information requiring formal records requests that may involve fees.

How To Visit an Inmate In Kanawha County

Visitation with inmates housed in Kanawha County correctional facilities is governed by established protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following guidelines apply to visits at the South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, the primary detention facility serving Kanawha County:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

• All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
• Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial processing
• Changes to visitor lists are typically processed on a monthly basis
• Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
• All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
• Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate or school ID
• All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the visitation area
• Visitors with active warrants, criminal histories, or those on probation/parole may be denied visitation privileges pursuant to West Virginia Code § 31-20-5n

Visit Schedule:

• Visitation hours are typically conducted Thursday through Sunday
• Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Evening sessions: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (weekends only)
• Specific days are assigned based on inmate housing unit or last name
• Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
• Inmates are permitted two visits per week

What to Bring:

• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Vehicle information (make, model, license plate) for parking registration
• Locker key deposit (typically $5, returned upon departure)
• Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, mobility devices)
• Baby care items if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

• Weapons of any kind
• Tools or items that could be used as weapons
• Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
• Recording devices
• Food or beverages
• Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
• Purses, bags, or backpacks
• Excessive jewelry or accessories
• Cash exceeding $50
• Medications (unless medically necessary and pre-approved)

Dress Code:

• Conservative attire is required
• No revealing, provocative, or suggestive clothing
• No clothing resembling inmate attire (solid khaki, orange, or white)
• No gang-related or obscene clothing or symbols
• No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, halter tops, or crop tops
• No shorts, skirts, or dresses shorter than knee length
• No see-through, tight-fitting, or spandex clothing
• Appropriate undergarments must be worn
• No hats, bandanas, or head coverings (religious head coverings permitted with verification)
• No open-toed shoes, sandals, or flip-flops

Visit Types:

• Contact visits: Limited physical contact (brief embrace at beginning and end of visit)
• Non-contact visits: Communication through glass partition via telephone
• Special visits: Attorney visits, clergy visits, or other professional visits
• Video visitation: Available at designated terminals within the facility or remotely

Visit Restrictions:

• Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
• Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
• Passing items to inmates is prohibited and may result in criminal charges
• Visitors on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
• Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
• Visitors with felony convictions must receive special approval

For the most current visitation information, visitors should contact the facility directly at (304) 558-1635 prior to planning their visit, as policies and schedules may be subject to change based on operational needs or security concerns.

How To Send Money to a Kanawha County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Kanawha County correctional facilities have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds enable inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and access other services within the facility. The following options are currently available:

Online Deposits:

1. Visit the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation website
2. Select "Inmate Services" and navigate to "Inmate Trust Accounts"
3. Choose the approved third-party payment processor (currently TouchPay/GTL)
4. Create an account or proceed as a guest
5. Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
6. Select payment amount and complete transaction using credit/debit card
7. Retain confirmation number for your records
8. Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24-48 hours

Kiosk Deposits:

1. Visit any TouchPay kiosk located in the lobby of the South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
2. Follow on-screen instructions to locate the inmate
3. Insert cash or swipe credit/debit card
4. Confirm transaction details
5. Retain receipt for your records
6. Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-24 hours

Money Order by Mail:

1. Purchase a money order from an approved vendor (U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram)

2. Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number

3. Do not include personal checks, cash, or correspondence with the money order

4. Mail to:

   South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
   Inmate Accounts
   1001 Centre Way
   Charleston, WV 25309

5. Include sender's full name and return address on the envelope

6. Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 5-7 business days

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 $1,000.00 per money order
• Monthly deposit limit: $3,000.00 per inmate from all sources combined

Transaction Fees:

• Online deposits: $2.95 fee for transactions up to $20.00; $6.95 fee for transactions $20.01-$300.00
• Kiosk deposits: $3.00 flat fee for all transactions
• Money order deposits: No fee for processing

Prohibited Items:

• Personal checks
• Cash sent through mail
• Third-party checks
• Cashier's checks
• Traveler's checks
• Foreign currency

Authorized Fund Uses: Inmates may use funds in their accounts for:

• Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing, writing materials)
• Telephone calls
• Electronic messaging services
• Medical co-pays
• Haircuts
• Educational materials
• Restitution payments
• Court costs and fines

Restricted Fund Uses: Funds may not be used for:

• Purchasing contraband
• Paying other inmates
• Gambling activities
• Transferring to other inmates' accounts
• Paying staff members for services

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review by facility staff. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and potentially rejected. Unused funds are returned to the inmate upon release or can be transferred to another correctional facility if the inmate is relocated within the state system.

How To Send Jail Mail In Kanawha County

Correspondence with inmates housed in Kanawha County correctional facilities is subject to specific guidelines designed to maintain security while facilitating communication with family, friends, and legal representatives. The following procedures apply to sending mail to inmates at the South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility:

General Correspondence:

1. Address envelopes or packages as follows:

   Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
   South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility
   1001 Centre Way
   Charleston, WV 25309

2. Include a complete return address with sender's full name

3. Use standard white envelopes no larger than 9" x 12"

4. Write clearly using blue or black ink only

5. Mail is processed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays

6. All non-legal mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates

Permitted Items:

• Letters (limited to 10 pages per envelope)
• Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
• Up to 5 photographs per envelope (maximum size 4" x 6", no Polaroids)
• Money orders (must be in separate envelope addressed to Inmate Accounts)
• Approved religious materials (soft-cover only)
• Newspaper clippings (limited to 5 per envelope, no larger than 8.5" x 11")

Prohibited Items:

• Cash, personal checks, or currency
• Postage stamps or envelopes
• Stickers, labels, or tape
• Crayon, marker, highlighter, glitter, or colored pencil writings
• Perfumed or scented items
• Lipstick marks or other cosmetics
• Blank paper, envelopes, or writing materials
• Polaroid photographs
• Laminated items
• Cards larger than 8" x 10"
• Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
• Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
• Items containing gang symbols or references
• Plastic or metal items of any kind

Legal Mail:

1. Clearly mark envelope "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
2. Include attorney bar number and return address on law firm letterhead
3. Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
4. Legal documents may exceed the 10-page limit for regular correspondence
5. Court documents must be sent by the issuing court or attorney of record

Publications:

1. Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
2. Publications must be soft-cover only
3. Address to inmate with full name and ID number
4. Publications are subject to review for prohibited content
5. Inmates are limited to 5 books, 5 magazines, and 2 newspapers in their possession at any time

Electronic Messaging:

1. The facility offers secure electronic messaging through approved vendors
2. Family and friends must create an account through the service provider
3. Messages are subject to the same screening as physical mail
4. Photos and attachments may be sent according to system guidelines
5. Fees apply for electronic messaging services

All mail is subject to inspection for contraband and content that violates facility rules or poses security concerns. Mail containing prohibited items or content will be rejected and either returned to sender, placed in the inmate's property, or destroyed depending on the nature of the violation. Inmates are notified when mail is rejected, and senders may receive notification depending on the circumstances.

For additional information regarding mail policies, interested parties may contact the facility directly at (304) 558-1635 or consult the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation website for the most current guidelines.

Lookup Inmate Records in Kanawha County

West Virginia Regional Jail inmate search

Division of Corrections offender database

South Central Regional Jail information

Magistrate Court case records

West Virginia Judiciary magistrate search system