Raleigh County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Raleigh County?
Inmate records in Raleigh County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office that document the custody, supervision, and management of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks an individual from initial booking through release from custody. Pursuant to West Virginia Code §15A-3-4, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and complete records for all persons in their custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, hearings, and case dispositions
- Inmate records document physical custody, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
- Court records are maintained by the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Inmate records are maintained by detention facilities and the Sheriff's Office
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial charge information are collected. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to document housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical information, visitation logs, and program participation. Upon release, records are updated with release information but maintained according to West Virginia's records retention schedules.
The Raleigh County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of inmate records for individuals housed in the county detention facilities, while state-level inmates' records are maintained by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Are Inmate Records Public In Raleigh County?
Inmate records in Raleigh County are partially public under West Virginia law. According to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act §29B-1-1 et seq., certain inmate information is considered public record and must be disclosed upon request, while other information remains confidential due to privacy and security concerns.
The following inmate information is generally available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (who is currently in custody)
- Basic booking information (name, age, gender)
- Charges filed and case numbers
- Mugshots (booking photographs)
- Bond/bail amounts
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
However, West Virginia law restricts access to certain categories of inmate information, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Victim information
- Social Security numbers
- Detailed personal information that could compromise security
- Records related to juveniles
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains a statewide inmate locator system that provides public access to basic information about individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, including those from Raleigh County who have been transferred to state custody. Local information about Raleigh County inmates is maintained by the Sheriff's Office and may be accessed through their public information systems.
Public access to inmate records serves important governmental transparency functions while balancing privacy and security concerns as outlined in West Virginia Code §15A-4-5.
What's Included Inmate Records in Raleigh County
Inmate records in Raleigh 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 and physical description
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- Assigned inmate identification number
- Last known address
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification status (minimum, medium, maximum security)
- Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
- Program participation (education, treatment, work)
- Visitation records and approved visitor list
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Warrant information
- Arresting agency
- Case numbers
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Prior booking history in the facility
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bondsman information (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction (Magistrate or Circuit)
- Judge assigned to case
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court case numbers
- Attorney information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and terms
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/work time credits earned
- Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
- Post-release supervision requirements
These records are maintained in compliance with West Virginia correctional standards and are subject to both disclosure and confidentiality provisions under state law.
Raleigh County Prison System
The Raleigh County correctional system operates as part of a multi-tiered structure that includes local, regional, and state facilities. Raleigh County primarily utilizes the Southern Regional Jail for local detention needs, as West Virginia operates under a regional jail system rather than individual county jails. This regional approach was established to provide more efficient and cost-effective correctional services across the state.
The local correctional system in Raleigh County serves several key functions:
- Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
- Incarceration for misdemeanor convictions with sentences up to one year
- Temporary holding of individuals sentenced to state prison before transfer
- Housing for individuals who have violated probation or parole
It is important to distinguish between the regional jail and state prison facilities:
- Regional jails (including Southern Regional Jail serving Raleigh County) house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences
- State prisons house individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences
- Regional jails are operated by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Regional Jail Authority
- State prisons are operated directly by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
The Raleigh County Sheriff's Office works in coordination with these facilities and is responsible for transporting inmates to and from court appearances and managing certain aspects of inmate records.
Raleigh County Sheriff's Office
201 South Eisenhower Drive
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9300
Raleigh County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Raleigh County
Raleigh County utilizes several types of correctional facilities to manage different populations of inmates based on their legal status, security needs, and sentence requirements. The following facilities serve Raleigh County's correctional needs:
Southern Regional Jail
1200 Airport Road
Beaver, WV 25813
(304) 256-6726
West Virginia Regional Jail Authority
The Southern Regional Jail serves as the primary detention facility for Raleigh County and several surrounding counties. This medium to maximum security facility houses:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (up to one year)
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state facilities
- Federal detainees through agreements with federal agencies
Beckley Correctional Center
111 Center Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 256-6780
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
This minimum-security facility primarily houses:
- Work release inmates nearing the end of their sentences
- Individuals in community-based correctional programs
- Low-risk offenders serving the final portions of their sentences
Federal Correctional Institution, Beckley
1600 Industrial Park Road
Beaver, WV 25813
(304) 252-9758
Federal Bureau of Prisons
While not part of the county or state system, this federal medium-security facility located in Raleigh County houses:
- Federal inmates from across the United States
- Individuals convicted of federal crimes in the Southern District of West Virginia
Mount Olive Correctional Complex
1 Mountainside Way
Mount Olive, WV 25185
(304) 442-7213
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Though located in Fayette County, this state maximum-security prison receives many felony offenders from Raleigh County who are sentenced to longer terms of incarceration.
Each of these facilities operates under different jurisdictions and has specific policies regarding visitation, communication, and inmate services.
Who's in Prison In Raleigh County
The inmate population in Raleigh County correctional facilities encompasses diverse individuals with varying legal statuses. The primary categories of incarcerated persons include:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
- Individuals held on probation or parole violations pending hearings
Misdemeanor Offenders:
- Persons convicted of less serious crimes with maximum penalties of up to one year
- Common offenses include DUI, simple assault, petty theft, and disorderly conduct
- Typically serving sentences in the Southern Regional Jail
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Individuals convicted of felonies who are awaiting transfer to state facilities
- Those serving the beginning portions of longer sentences before transfer
- Persons returned to custody for technical violations of parole or probation
Work Release and Community Program Participants:
- Low-risk offenders nearing release who work in the community during the day
- Individuals participating in educational or vocational training programs
- Those in substance abuse or mental health treatment programs
Federal Detainees:
- Individuals held under contract with federal agencies
- Those awaiting federal court proceedings in the Southern District of West Virginia
- Federal inmates housed temporarily during transfers between facilities
According to data from the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the inmate population in facilities serving Raleigh County reflects broader state and national trends, including:
- Significant percentage of inmates with substance use disorders
- Increasing numbers of individuals with mental health conditions
- Disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups
- Varying lengths of stay depending on charge severity and court processing times
The management of this diverse population requires specialized housing classifications, programming, and security measures to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the public.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Raleigh County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Raleigh County may utilize several official methods to access this information. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides multiple search options for locating inmates and accessing basic record information:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority Offender Search portal
- Enter at least the first three letters of the inmate's last name
- Additional search parameters such as first name or inmate ID can be added to narrow results
- Review the list of matching records
- Select the specific inmate record to view publicly available information
- Note that information is updated daily but may not reflect very recent bookings or releases
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Records Division at the Southern Regional Jail during normal business hours
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Provide proper identification
- Specify the exact records being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for copies of records
- Allow processing time as determined by the facility
Written Record Requests:
-
Submit a formal written request to:
Southern Regional Jail
Attn: Records Division
1200 Airport Road
Beaver, WV 25813 -
Include the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
-
Specify the exact records being requested
-
Provide return contact information
-
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting mailed response
-
Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Telephone Information:
- Contact the Southern Regional Jail at (304) 256-6726
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
- Note that only basic information (confirmation of custody status, next court date, visiting hours) is available by phone
- Be aware that detailed record information requires written requests
For state prison inmates from Raleigh County, the West Virginia Division of Corrections Offender Search provides similar online access to basic custody information.
How To Find an Inmate in Raleigh County for Free?
Members of the public may locate inmates in Raleigh County custody without incurring any fees through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate location information:
West Virginia Regional Jail Authority Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Regional Jail Offender Search system
- Enter the inmate's name (minimum of three letters of last name required)
- Review search results showing current custody status
- View basic information including facility location, booking date, and charges
- Note that this system updates daily and covers all regional jails in West Virginia
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Offender Search:
- Visit the Division of Corrections Offender Search portal
- Enter search criteria (name, ID number if known)
- Review results for inmates housed in state correctional facilities
- Access information on current location and basic custody status
- Utilize this system for inmates who have been transferred from regional jails to state prisons
Telephone Verification:
- Contact the Southern Regional Jail directly at (304) 256-6726
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if available
- Request confirmation of custody status and facility location
- Be prepared to explain your relationship to the inmate
- Note that facility staff can only confirm if someone is in custody and provide general visiting information
Raleigh County Courthouse Records:
-
Visit the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office:
Raleigh County Circuit Clerk
222 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9131 -
Request access to public court records related to the case
-
Court records often contain information about custody status
-
This method is particularly useful for determining upcoming court dates
These free resources provide basic location information to assist family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties in locating individuals in custody. The information available through these channels is limited to what is considered public record under West Virginia law.
How To Visit an Inmate In Raleigh County
Visitation with inmates in Raleigh County facilities follows structured protocols established by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Persons wishing to visit inmates must adhere to the following guidelines:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial processing
- Visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors are subject to search and security screening
- Visitors with active warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry
Visit Schedule at Southern Regional Jail:
- Visitation days are determined by inmate housing unit
- General population visits occur on weekends and select weekdays
- Special housing units have designated visitation periods
- Visits are typically limited to 30 minutes
- Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time
- Current schedules can be confirmed by calling (304) 256-6726
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, state ID)
- Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
- Medication required during visit (must be declared and approved)
- Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper)
- Maximum of $25 in cash for vending machines (where available)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
- Electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Controlled substances or alcohol
- Letters, messages, or documents for inmates
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above knee, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No clothing resembling inmate attire (solid khaki, orange, or white)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Appropriate undergarments required
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- Contact visits (available for certain classification levels)
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
- Special visits (may be approved for exceptional circumstances)
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Maximum of two adults and two children per visit
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Violation of rules may result in suspension of visiting privileges
These regulations are established pursuant to West Virginia Code §15A-4-2 and are designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important family and community connections for inmates.
How To Send Money to a Raleigh County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates in Raleigh County correctional facilities may do so through several approved methods. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation has established secure processes for depositing funds into inmate accounts:
Electronic Deposits via TouchPay:
- Visit TouchPay or call 1-866-232-1899
- Select "West Virginia Regional Jail Authority" or "Division of Corrections"
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Follow prompts to complete payment using credit/debit card
- Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours
- Service fees apply (percentage based on deposit amount)
Money Order by Mail:
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Purchase a money order payable to the inmate's full name
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Write the inmate's ID number on the money order
-
Do not include personal checks, cash, or correspondence
-
Mail to:
Southern Regional Jail
Inmate Accounts
1200 Airport Road
Beaver, WV 25813 -
Allow 7-10 business days for processing
-
No service fees apply for this method
Lobby Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Southern Regional Jail during normal business hours
- Locate the TouchPay kiosk in the facility lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
- Cash or credit/debit cards accepted
- Obtain and retain receipt
- Funds are typically available within 24 hours
- Service fees apply (lower than online deposits)
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposits: $500.00 per inmate
- Additional restrictions may apply for certain inmates
Deposit Fees:
- Money orders: No fee
- Lobby kiosk: $2.00-$5.00 depending on amount
- Online/phone: $2.95-$9.95 depending on amount
- All fees are subject to change
Prohibited Financial Activities:
- Direct transfers between inmates
- Deposits from unauthorized sources
- Deposits from other incarcerated individuals
- Deposits intended for illegal purposes
Authorized Uses of Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Telephone account funding
- Medical co-pays
- Restitution and court-ordered payments
- Educational materials and program fees
Restricted Uses:
- Cannot be used for bail or bond payments
- Cannot purchase prohibited items
- Cannot be transferred to outside accounts
- Cannot be used to pay for services not approved by the facility
All financial transactions are monitored and subject to review according to West Virginia Code §15A-4-6 governing inmate funds and accounts.
How To Send Jail Mail In Raleigh County
Correspondence with inmates in Raleigh County facilities must follow specific guidelines established by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. All mail is subject to inspection and must comply with the following requirements:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility name and address
- Sender's full name and return address must appear on the envelope
- Mail lacking proper identification may be returned to sender
- All mail is opened and inspected for contraband
- Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours after processing
Mailing Address Format:
Inmate Full Name, ID# (if known)
Southern Regional Jail
1200 Airport Road
Beaver, WV 25813
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters on plain paper (white or light colors only)
- Greeting cards (plain cards without electronic or 3D components)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (must be in separate envelope addressed to Inmate Accounts)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
- Religious materials (subject to review)
- Approved publications sent directly from publisher
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages without prior approval
- Padded or oversized envelopes
- Plastic, cloth, or metal items
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writing
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Items depicting violence or weapons
- Correspondence containing threats or criminal activity
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must come from an attorney, court, or legal agency
- Will be opened in the inmate's presence
- Is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
- Must comply with all other mail regulations
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Paperback books only (hardcover books not permitted)
- Subject to content review
- Limited to 3 books per mailing
- Magazines must be new and unaltered
E-Messaging (where available):
- Create an account on GTL ConnectNetwork
- Select West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- Add the inmate to your contacts using their ID number
- Purchase messaging credits
- Compose and send messages
- Messages are subject to review before delivery
- Fees apply for each message sent
All mail procedures are implemented in accordance with West Virginia Division of Corrections Policy Directive 503.00 governing inmate mail, publications, and communications.
Lookup Inmate Records in Raleigh County
West Virginia Regional Jail Inmate Search