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West Virginia

West Virginia Inmate Search

Updated on: January 14, 2025
Department Name
West Virginia Division of Corrections
Location
1409 Greenbrier Street Charleston, WV 25311
Phone Number
Fax
(304) 558-2036
(304) 558-5934

About West Virginia Division of Corrections

Use this website for informational purposes only.

The correctional system in West Virginia is a complex network of facilities and programs aimed at punishing, treating, and rehabilitating offenders. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR) manages the system, which comprises state prisons, regional jails, and community correction programs. In addition to the state system, local jurisdictions like counties and cities operate jails. Some inmates may also be held in federal facilities within the state.

State Prisons

State prisons are managed by the WVDCR and typically house individuals serving long-term sentences for felony offenses. They are organized into different security levels: maximum, medium, and minimum, depending on the severity of the crimes committed by the inmates and their behavior within the prison system.

The state prisons in West Virginia include:

Regional Jails

Regional jails in West Virginia are shared facilities funded by the counties that use them. They house inmates who are awaiting trial, have been convicted of minor offenses, or are awaiting transfer to a state prison.

The West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority manages these facilities. Some of the regional jails include:

County and City Jails

County and city jails are operated by local law enforcement agencies. These jails usually detain individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or sentencing for minor offenses, or serving short sentences.

Federal Prisons

While the state of West Virginia operates its own correctional facilities, it also hosts federal prisons operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). These facilities house individuals convicted of federal crimes.

The federal facilities include:

Inmate Search Options in West Virginia

There are multiple ways to search for inmates in West Virginia's correctional system, both online and offline.

State Prisons

The WVDCR provides an online inmate search tool for the state prisons. You can search for inmates by their name or their inmate number.

If the online tool doesn't yield the required results, or if you don't have internet access, you can contact the WVDCR directly. Call (304) 558-2036 for information about inmates in state prisons.

Regional Jails

You can use the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority’s online tool to find an inmate in any of the regional jails.

For offline queries, you can call the Authority’s central office at (304) 558-2110.

County and City Jails

County and city jails may not have online inmate search options. To find an inmate, you'll likely need to call the individual jail or the sheriff's office directly. Contact information can typically be found on the county or city’s official website.

Federal Prisons

For federal inmates, the BOP provides an online inmate locator. You can search using the inmate's BOP register number, DCDC number, FBI number, or INS number. Alternatively, you can search using their name and other identifying details.

For offline searches, you can contact the BOP via phone at (202) 307-3198.

This site is not owned or operated by any state government agency, read more.

Types of Correctional Facilities in West Virginia

West Virginia Prisons and Jails