Frederick County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Frederick County?
Inmate records in Frederick County, Virginia, are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies to document individuals who are or have been held in custody. These records are distinct from court records: the Frederick County Circuit Court and General District Court maintain case files related to criminal proceedings, while the Frederick County Adult Detention Center and the Sheriff's Office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention status, movement, and conditions of confinement.
The record creation process begins at booking or intake, the moment a person is received into custody following an arrest. At that point, facility staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record physical descriptors, and assign a booking number. The record is updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, and program participation. Upon release, the record is formally closed and archived, though it remains subject to applicable retention schedules and public access laws.
Under Virginia law, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs public access to government records, including those held by local correctional facilities. Custody records are generally considered public records to the extent they do not contain information exempted by statute, such as medical data or ongoing investigative details.
Frederick County Adult Detention Center 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 665-5650 Frederick County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Frederick County?
Inmate records maintained by Frederick County correctional facilities are generally accessible to members of the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq. This statute establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that all public records are available for inspection and copying unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Virginia Department of Corrections further governs the handling and disclosure of inmate information through its internal policies, including Operating Procedure 050.1, which addresses the amendment, expungement, and confidentiality of inmate and probationer/parolee record information.
The following categories of information are currently accessible to the public through the Frederick County Sheriff's Office or the Adult Detention Center:
- Current inmate roster, including names and booking dates
- Booking and arrest records
- Charges filed against the individual
- Mugshots taken at the time of booking
- Bond and bail amounts set by the court
- Expected or scheduled release dates
- The name of the housing facility where the individual is held
Certain records remain restricted. Juvenile records, for example, are subject to heightened confidentiality protections. Under § 16.1-305 of the Code of Virginia, court records involving juveniles are confidential and may not be disclosed without a court order except in narrowly defined circumstances. Medical records, mental health evaluations, and active investigative files are similarly exempt from routine public disclosure.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Frederick County
Inmate records maintained by Frederick County correctional facilities contain a comprehensive set of data fields that are populated at intake and updated throughout the period of custody.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Race, sex, height, weight, and eye color
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned booking or inmate number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of arrest and booking
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Current housing facility and cell assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, or held for another jurisdiction)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges and corresponding Virginia Code sections
- Charge classification (felony or misdemeanor)
- Offense date and jurisdiction of the offense
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, or no bond)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted or unposted)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date and court location
- Case number assigned by the court
- Presiding court (General District Court, Circuit Court, or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence imposed
- Sentence begin date and projected end date
- Any sentence credits applied (good time, jail credit)
- Program participation and classification level
Release Information:
- Actual or projected release date
- Release type (completion of sentence, bond posted, transfer, or other)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Frederick County Prison System
Frederick County operates a local detention facility designed to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The county jail system serves primarily as a pre-trial detention center for individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting court proceedings, as well as a facility for individuals serving sentences of up to twelve months for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions. This structure distinguishes the county jail from state correctional institutions, which are operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections and house individuals serving sentences exceeding twelve months for more serious felony offenses.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office administers the Adult Detention Center and is responsible for the custody, care, and supervision of all individuals held within the facility. The Sheriff's Office also maintains booking records and responds to public inquiries regarding inmate status.
Frederick County Sheriff's Office 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 665-5650 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Frederick County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Frederick County
Frederick County's correctional infrastructure consists of a local detention facility supplemented by state-level institutions for individuals serving longer sentences.
Frederick County Adult Detention Center 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 665-5650 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Frederick County Sheriff's Office
This facility is the primary local detention center for Frederick County. It houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and persons held on immigration detainers or for other jurisdictions. The facility is operated under the authority of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.
Individuals sentenced to more than twelve months are transferred to a Virginia Department of Corrections facility. The VADOC operates multiple institutions throughout the Commonwealth, and placement is determined by classification, security level, and program needs.
Virginia Department of Corrections — Central Office 6900 Atmore Drive, Richmond, VA 23225 (804) 674-3000 Virginia Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In Frederick County
The Frederick County Adult Detention Center houses several distinct populations at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest group — individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted or who have not posted bond. Sentenced misdemeanants serving terms of twelve months or fewer are also held locally. Additionally, the facility may house individuals who have been convicted of felonies and are awaiting transfer to a state prison, persons held on behalf of other jurisdictions pursuant to detainer agreements, and individuals detained on civil immigration matters by federal authorities.
Juveniles are not housed in the adult detention facility. Under Article 12 of the Code of Virginia, Title 16.1, Chapter 11, juvenile records and custody matters are handled separately, with distinct confidentiality protections and dedicated facilities.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Frederick County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Frederick County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
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Online Inmate Roster: The Frederick County Sheriff's Office may maintain an online inmate search tool on its official website. Members of the public may visit Frederick County Sheriff's Office and navigate to the inmate search or detention section to query current custody status by name.
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Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator: For individuals who have been transferred to a state facility, the public may use the inmate locator provided by the Virginia Department of Corrections to search by name or VADOC identification number and retrieve current location and projected release date.
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Virginia Court Case Information: Court-related records, including case status and charge information, are accessible through the Virginia Court System's case status portal, which provides a statewide search of adult criminal case information across district and circuit courts.
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In-Person Request: Members of the public may visit the Frederick County Adult Detention Center during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM) at 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, VA 22601, and submit a verbal or written inquiry to facility staff.
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Written FOIA Request: Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, any person may submit a written request for inmate records to the Sheriff's Office. Requests should identify the subject individual by full name and date of birth and specify the records sought. The agency is required to respond within five business days.
How To Find an Inmate in Frederick County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an inmate held in Frederick County or transferred to a state facility.
- Frederick County Sheriff's Office Website: The official website at Frederick County Sheriff's Office may provide a free online inmate search tool for individuals currently held at the Adult Detention Center.
- VADOC Inmate Locator: The Virginia Department of Corrections inmate locator is a free, publicly accessible tool that allows users to search for individuals in state custody by name or offender number.
- Virginia Courts Case Portal: The Virginia Court System's case information portal provides free access to adult criminal case records, including charge and court date information.
- Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may call the Frederick County Adult Detention Center at (540) 665-5650 during business hours to inquire about an individual's custody status at no charge.
How To Visit an Inmate In Frederick County
Visitation at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center is subject to facility rules and scheduling requirements. Members of the public who wish to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list.
- Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit.
- Visitors may be subject to a background check prior to approval.
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation schedules are set by the facility and may vary by housing unit. Members of the public should contact the Adult Detention Center at (540) 665-5650 or visit Frederick County Sheriff's Office for current scheduling information.
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, controlled substances, alcohol, or any contraband
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Unauthorized packages or items for the inmate
Dress Code:
- Visitors must dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or is deemed inappropriate by facility staff may result in denial of entry.
Visit Types:
- Contact visits (where permitted by classification) and non-contact visits may be available depending on the inmate's security level and disciplinary status.
- Video visitation may be offered as an alternative to in-person visits.
Visit Restrictions:
- Individuals with active warrants, prior felony convictions, or who are on probation or parole may be subject to additional screening or denial of visitation privileges.
- Visitation may be suspended for disciplinary reasons or during facility lockdowns.
How To Send Money to a Frederick County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's commissary account through methods authorized by the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. Members of the public should verify current procedures directly with the facility, as accepted methods and service providers are subject to change.
Accepted Methods:
- Online deposits through the facility's designated third-party commissary service provider (accessible via the facility's official website or kiosk)
- Money orders made payable to the inmate, submitted by mail or in person
- Lobby kiosk deposits, where available at the facility
Amount Limits:
- Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply and are set by the facility. Members of the public should confirm current limits with the Adult Detention Center at (540) 665-5650.
Fees:
- Third-party service providers typically charge a transaction fee for online or kiosk deposits. Money order submissions may not carry a facility fee, though the cost of the money order itself applies.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted.
- Personal checks are generally not accepted.
- Gift cards or prepaid debit cards are not accepted as direct deposits.
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For:
- Funds in an inmate's commissary account may be used to purchase approved food items, hygiene products, postage, and telephone time.
- Commissary funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution unless specifically authorized by the court.
How To Send Jail Mail In Frederick County
Mail sent to inmates at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center is subject to inspection and must comply with facility regulations. All incoming correspondence is reviewed by facility staff prior to delivery to the inmate.
Accepted Mail Methods:
- Standard U.S. Postal Service first-class mail is the primary accepted method for sending correspondence.
- Some facilities accept postcards only for general correspondence; members of the public should confirm current mail policies with the Adult Detention Center.
Addressing Mail: Mail must be addressed with the inmate's full legal name and booking number, followed by the facility address:
Inmate Full Name, Booking Number Frederick County Adult Detention Center 107 North Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601
Mail Rules:
- All letters must be written in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
- Envelopes must not contain staples, paper clips, glitter, stickers, or any embedded items.
- Photographs may be permitted subject to size and content restrictions set by the facility.
- Legal mail from attorneys is handled separately and is subject to different inspection procedures to protect attorney-client privilege.
- Mail containing obscene material, threats, coded language, or contraband will be rejected and may result in disciplinary action.
- Return address must be included on all envelopes; mail without a return address may be rejected.
Publications:
- Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor. Items sent from personal addresses are generally not accepted.