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Search Maryland Inmate Records Online

Are Maryland Inmate Records Open to the Public?

Yes. Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA) ensures that inmate records are publicly accessible. Individuals can request information about inmates from the corrections departments, including details such as full name, date of birth, prison number, holding facility, custody status, and release date. However, certain sensitive information, like psychological treatment records, may be withheld due to confidentiality and privacy concerns.

Maryland Inmate Search

Maryland inmate records contain detailed information about offenders who have been detained, booked, or incarcerated in correctional facilities. These records typically include the inmate's full name, date of birth, race, and sex. Additionally, inmate-specific data such as booking number, current location, and custody status are also provided.

These records are accessible to the public under Maryland's Public Information Act. The primary sources for these records are correctional agencies, including local Departments of Corrections and the Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services (DPSCS). To obtain inmate records, requesters may need to provide the inmate's name, and sometimes, additional details like the booking number or current location.

How to Conduct a Maryland Jail Inmate Search

To search for inmates in Maryland jails, the best approach is to contact the corrections department overseeing the facility where the inmate is held. Many agencies provide online databases that can be searched using the inmate's first and last name or jail identification number. Results typically include the inmate's housing facility, custody status, personal information, and court dates.

Differences Between Maryland State Prisons and County Jails

Maryland operates both state prisons and county jails, each serving different purposes. State prisons, managed by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, house inmates convicted of more severe crimes and serving longer sentences. These facilities are classified into minimum, low, medium, and high-security levels based on the severity of offenses and the security needs of inmates.

County jails, on the other hand, are overseen by local sheriff's offices or county correctional departments. They primarily hold individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences for minor offenses. The classification of county jails is generally limited to minimum and medium security.

Sending Money to an Inmate in Maryland Prisons or Jails

In Maryland, money can be sent to inmates through the lockbox service managed by the DPSCS. Senders must use money orders addressed to the inmate's name, SID number, and the correctional facility. The mailing address for sending money orders is:

Name of the inmate, SID number, Institute
P.O. Box 17111
Baltimore, MD 21297-0382

The sender must include their name and address, written in capital letters with blue or black ink. Processing typically takes 3 to 7 business days. County jails may have different procedures and limits for sending money, so it is advisable to contact the specific facility for details.

How to Contact Inmates in Maryland Prisons and Jails

Inmates in Maryland prisons and jails can be contacted by mail or through approved communication methods provided by the correctional facility. Mail should be addressed to the inmate's full name, SID number, and the facility's address. Some facilities also offer electronic messaging services that allow for quicker communication.

Telephone calls are another common method for contacting inmates. Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. The availability and rules for phone calls may vary by facility, so it is essential to check with the specific institution for their guidelines.

Getting Approved for Inmate Visitation in Maryland Prisons and Jails

To visit an inmate in Maryland, individuals must be on the inmate's approved visiting list. Inmates are generally allowed to list up to 15 visitors. Prospective visitors must fill out an application and provide a valid government-issued ID during each visit.

Visits are typically by appointment, and appointments should be scheduled at least seven days in advance. Visitors must adhere to strict dress codes and facility-specific rules. Violating visitation rules, such as bringing contraband, can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

How to Locate Someone Incarcerated in Maryland

To locate an incarcerated individual in Maryland, one can use the inmate locator tool provided by the DPSCS. This tool allows for a free search by name and provides information on the inmate's biodata and sentencing details. For more specific inquiries, contacting the jail administrator or the DPSCS directly is advisable.

Finding a County Inmate Roster in Maryland

County inmate rosters can often be found on the websites of county sheriff's offices or detention centers. These rosters provide comprehensive details about inmates, including names, ages, ID numbers, charges, physical descriptions, release dates, and bond amounts.

If the county does not publish an inmate roster online, contacting the local corrections department is the next best step. They can provide information on how to find out where someone is incarcerated and why.

How to Conduct a Maryland Prison Inmate Search

A Maryland prison inmate search can be conducted using the DPSCS inmate locator tool. This online tool allows users to search by name and access information about the inmate's biodata and sentencing. Note that escapees, short-term sentenced inmates, or recently released individuals may not appear in the search results.

For more detailed inquiries, contacting the DPSCS at (410) 339-5000 is recommended. This department can provide additional information and assist with specific searches.

How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date in Maryland

The release date of an inmate in Maryland can be found using the prison lookup tool. For more specific information, contacting the jail administrator directly is advisable. However, access to exact release dates may be restricted to eligible persons such as immediate family members, crime victims, attorneys, and authorized law enforcement officials.

Facilities Managed by the Maryland Department of Corrections

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services oversees the state's correctional facilities. This includes 24 state prisons and pre-release centers, such as the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center, Baltimore Pretrial Complex, and Jessup Correctional Institution. Each facility has specific contact information and addresses for inquiries and visitation.

Search Inmate Records in Maryland