Pierce County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Pierce County?

Inmate records in Pierce County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Pierce County Sheriff's Department that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals throughout their involvement with the county's correctional system, pursuant to Washington State Public Records Act RCW 42.56.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document judicial proceedings, hearings, and case dispositions, inmate records specifically track an individual's physical custody status. The Pierce County Superior Court maintains case files pertaining to charges, proceedings, and judgments, whereas the Pierce County Detention and Corrections Center maintains custody records documenting an individual's physical presence within the facility.

The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first processed into a Pierce County correctional facility. During this initial phase, personal information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details are collected and entered into the county's records management system. Throughout an individual's period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical information, visitation logs, and other relevant custody information as required by Washington Administrative Code 137-08-110.

Upon an individual's release from custody, whether through completion of sentence, posting of bail, or other legal mechanisms, the inmate record is updated to reflect the change in custody status, though the record itself remains in the system in accordance with Washington State records retention schedules.

Are Inmate Records Public In Pierce County?

Inmate records in Pierce County are generally considered public records and are subject to disclosure under the Washington State Public Records Act (PRA) RCW 42.56. This statute establishes the presumption that most government records, including those related to incarcerated individuals, should be accessible to the public to ensure transparency in government operations.

However, not all information contained within inmate records is publicly accessible. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.070, certain exemptions exist to protect sensitive information. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department and Corrections facilities must balance public disclosure requirements with privacy protections and security concerns.

Information that is typically available to the public includes:

• Current inmate rosters showing who is currently in custody
• Basic booking information including name, age, and gender
• Arrest date and arresting agency
• Charges filed against the individual
• Mugshot photographs
• Bond/bail amounts
• Expected release dates
• Current housing facility

Information that may be exempt from public disclosure includes:

• Medical and mental health records
• Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
• Information that would compromise facility security
• Records related to juveniles (with certain exceptions)
• Information protected by other state or federal laws

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides public access to basic custody information while protecting exempt information from disclosure. This system allows members of the public to verify an individual's incarceration status and obtain basic information about their custody situation without compromising security or privacy.

What's Included Inmate Records in Pierce County

Inmate records in Pierce County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the county's correctional system. These records are maintained in accordance with Washington State Department of Corrections Policy 280.510 and include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints and other biometric data
• State identification number and booking number

Custody Information:

• Date and time of admission to facility
• Arresting agency and arresting officer
• Custody classification and security level
• Housing assignment within the facility
• Disciplinary records and incident reports
• Visitation logs documenting approved visitors
• Telephone call records (dates and times, not content)
• Property inventory of items in possession at booking

Charge Information:

• Current charges and case numbers
• Warrant information if applicable
• Criminal history information
• Probation/parole status if applicable
• Risk assessment scores

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond or bail amount set by court
• Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
• Bond status (posted or not posted)
• Bond conditions imposed by court

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction (District Court, Superior Court)
• Case numbers for pending cases
• Scheduled court appearances
• Court orders related to custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

• Conviction charges and sentencing date
• Sentence length and terms
• Credit for time served
• Good time/earned time calculations
• Participation in jail programs or work details
• Probation/parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

• Scheduled or projected release date
• Type of release (completed sentence, posted bail, etc.)
• Post-release supervision requirements
• Release conditions imposed by court

These records are maintained in both electronic and physical formats, with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department utilizing a comprehensive jail management system to track all aspects of an individual's incarceration from intake through release.

Pierce County Prison System

The Pierce County correctional system operates under a multi-tiered structure designed to accommodate various levels of custody requirements for individuals who are awaiting trial or serving sentences. The system primarily consists of county-operated detention facilities that house individuals who are either awaiting adjudication of their cases or serving sentences of up to one year as prescribed by Washington State RCW 70.48.210.

It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system. The Pierce County Detention and Corrections Center, operated by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, houses individuals who are either awaiting trial (pre-trial detention) or serving misdemeanor sentences of less than one year. In contrast, the Washington State Department of Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year.

The Pierce County correctional system falls under the administrative authority of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, which is responsible for the safe and secure operation of all county detention facilities. The department ensures compliance with state standards for jail operations, including those related to inmate classification, housing, medical care, and programming.

Pierce County Sheriff's Department
930 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-7530
Pierce County Sheriff's Department

The Pierce County correctional system also works in coordination with various other criminal justice agencies, including the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office, the Pierce County Superior Court, and the Pierce County District Court, to ensure the efficient processing of cases and appropriate placement of individuals within the system.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Pierce County

Pierce County maintains several distinct correctional facilities, each serving specific functions within the county's criminal justice system. These facilities operate under the authority of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and are designed to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations.

Pierce County Jail (Main Facility)
910 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-4590
Pierce County Corrections Bureau

The main jail facility serves as the primary detention center for Pierce County. This facility houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of less than one year. The facility includes various housing units categorized by security classification, including maximum, medium, and minimum security. The main jail also contains specialized housing for individuals with medical needs, mental health concerns, and those requiring protective custody.

Pierce County Jail Annex
1801 South 35th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 798-4595
Pierce County Corrections Bureau

The jail annex provides additional housing capacity for minimum and medium security inmates. This facility typically houses individuals who are serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses and those who present lower security risks. The annex often accommodates work release programs and other rehabilitative initiatives.

Pierce County Juvenile Detention Center
5501 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 798-7900
Pierce County Juvenile Court

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders who are either awaiting adjudication or serving sentences imposed by the juvenile court. The facility operates under different regulations than adult facilities, with a stronger emphasis on education and rehabilitation in accordance with Washington State RCW 13.40, the Juvenile Justice Act.

Pierce County Work Release Center
1211 Center Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 798-4600
Pierce County Corrections Bureau

The work release center houses qualifying inmates who are permitted to leave the facility during the day for employment, education, or treatment programs while returning to custody during non-working hours. This facility serves as a transitional environment for individuals nearing the completion of their sentences.

Each of these facilities maintains specific operational protocols, visitation policies, and security measures appropriate to their function and the population they serve. All facilities operate in compliance with Washington State jail standards and undergo regular inspections to ensure adherence to established requirements for inmate care, custody, and control.

Who's in Prison In Pierce County

The Pierce County correctional facilities house a diverse population of individuals who have entered the criminal justice system at various stages of the legal process. The inmate population generally falls into several distinct categories based on their legal status and the nature of their involvement with the system.

Pre-trial detainees constitute a significant portion of the Pierce County jail population. These individuals have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses but have not yet been convicted. They remain in custody either because they have been denied bail due to public safety concerns or flight risk, or because they have been unable to post the bail amount set by the court. Under the presumption of innocence established by the U.S. Constitution, these individuals are legally considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sentenced inmates comprise another major segment of the jail population. These individuals have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses (crimes punishable by up to one year of incarceration) and are serving their sentences in county facilities rather than state prisons. Common offenses resulting in county jail sentences include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Theft under certain dollar thresholds
• Simple assault
• Trespassing
• Disorderly conduct
• Probation violations

The Pierce County jail system also temporarily houses individuals who have been sentenced to state prison and are awaiting transfer to Washington State Department of Corrections facilities. These individuals have typically been convicted of felony offenses carrying sentences exceeding one year.

Additionally, the facilities may house individuals being held on behalf of other jurisdictions, including:

• Federal detainees awaiting trial in federal court
• Individuals detained on immigration holds
• Inmates from other counties when space-sharing agreements exist

The demographic composition of the Pierce County jail population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with overrepresentation of individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and those with substance use disorders or mental health conditions. According to data from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, a significant percentage of inmates require mental health services or substance abuse treatment during their incarceration.

The average daily population of Pierce County correctional facilities fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing patterns, but typically ranges between 1,200 and 1,500 individuals across all facilities.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Pierce County in 2026

Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Pierce County facilities have several methods available to access inmate records. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department maintains systems that allow for the verification of an individual's custody status and access to certain public information about their incarceration.

The primary method for searching inmate records is through the Pierce County online inmate lookup system, known as LINX (Law Enforcement Information Exchange Network). This system provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody at Pierce County correctional facilities. To utilize this system:

1. Navigate to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department website
2. Select the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Roster" option
3. Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
4. Review the search results, which will display basic information about individuals matching the search criteria
5. Select the specific record to view additional publicly available information

Information available through the online search typically includes:

• Full name and booking photograph
• Booking date and booking number
• Current charges
• Bond/bail amount
• Scheduled court dates
• Expected release date (if applicable)

For individuals who do not have internet access or who require assistance with the online system, telephone inquiries may be directed to the Pierce County Jail Records Division:

Pierce County Jail Records Division
910 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-4620
Pierce County Corrections Bureau

For more comprehensive inmate records beyond the basic information available through the online system, interested parties may submit a formal public records request pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act. These requests may be submitted:

1. In person at the Pierce County Sheriff's Department Records Division
2. By mail to the Records Division address
3. Online through the Pierce County public records portal
4. By email to the designated public records officer

When submitting a public records request, requestors should:

• Provide the full name of the individual whose records are being sought
• Include any known identifying information (date of birth, booking number)
• Specify the time period for which records are being requested
• Indicate the specific types of records being sought

Requests are processed in the order received, and response times vary based on the complexity of the request and current workload. Certain information may be redacted from the records provided in accordance with exemptions under the Washington Public Records Act.

How To Find an Inmate in Pierce County for Free?

Pierce County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently held in county correctional facilities. These resources are designed to assist family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties in verifying an individual's incarceration status without financial burden.

The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the Pierce County online inmate search system, LINX (Law Enforcement Information Exchange Network). This publicly accessible database is maintained by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. To utilize this free resource:

1. Visit the Pierce County LINX Search website
2. Select "Jail Inmates" from the available search options
3. Enter the individual's last name and first name (middle name is optional)
4. Review the results, which will display all current inmates matching the search criteria
5. Select the specific record to view additional details about the individual's custody status

For individuals who may be in state custody rather than county facilities, the Washington State Department of Corrections Incarcerated Search provides a similar free lookup service for state prisoners.

Telephone verification is also available at no cost by contacting the Pierce County Jail directly:

Pierce County Jail Information Line
(253) 798-4590

When calling, be prepared to provide the full name of the individual you are attempting to locate. The jail staff can confirm whether the individual is currently in custody, their booking date, and basic information about their charges and bail status.

For in-person inquiries, the public lobby of the Pierce County Jail is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

Pierce County Jail
910 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402

Visitors to the facility can speak with jail staff at the information desk to verify an individual's custody status and obtain information about visitation procedures, bail requirements, and release dates.

Additionally, court records related to an individual's case can be accessed through the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search, which may provide information about upcoming court dates and case status.

How To Visit an Inmate In Pierce County

Visitation with individuals incarcerated in Pierce County correctional facilities is governed by established protocols designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits must comply with the regulations set forth by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department Corrections Bureau in accordance with Washington Administrative Code 137-28-360.

Visit Rules and Procedures

Visitors must schedule appointments in advance through the Pierce County Jail visitation system. No walk-in visits are permitted. To schedule a visit:

• Call the visitation scheduling line at (253) 798-4567
• Schedule online through the Pierce County Sheriff's Department website
• Provide the full name and booking number of the inmate
• Select from available time slots (typically scheduled 24 hours in advance)

Visit Schedule

Visitation hours vary by housing unit and security classification:

• General Population: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Maximum Security: Wednesday and Saturday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Work Release: Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Special Housing Units: Schedule varies; contact facility for current hours

Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week. Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) are scheduled separately and do not count against this allocation.

What to Bring

Visitors must present:

• Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Minors must be accompanied by an authorized adult with proper identification
• Visitors may bring a single car key and identification into the visitation area
• Locker tokens for securing other personal items (available for purchase at the facility)

What NOT to Bring

The following items are prohibited in the visitation area:

• Cell phones, electronic devices, or cameras
• Weapons of any kind
• Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
• Food or beverages
• Purses, bags, or backpacks
• Excessive jewelry or accessories
• Cash exceeding $20
• Medications (except those medically necessary, which must be declared)

Dress Code

Visitors must adhere to the following dress requirements:

• No revealing clothing (no exposed midriffs, cleavage, or undergarments)
• No shorts above mid-thigh
• No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
• No gang-related attire or colors
• No clothing with offensive language or images
• No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
• Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types

Pierce County offers several visitation formats:

• Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone communication)
• Video visitation (available at designated terminals within the facility)
• Professional visits (separate rooms for attorneys and official visitors)
• Special visits (may be approved for exceptional circumstances)

Visit Rules

During visits, the following rules apply:

• No physical contact except brief embraces at beginning and end of visit (contact visits only)
• No passing of items between visitor and inmate
• Conversations must be conducted at reasonable volume
• Children must remain under control of the accompanying adult
• Visitors may be subject to search upon entry
• All visits are monitored and recorded (except attorney visits)

Visit Restrictions

Visitation privileges may be restricted or revoked for:

• Violation of facility rules during previous visits
• Current or former criminal justice employees
• Individuals on probation or parole (without prior approval)
• Former inmates (within 90 days of release)
• Individuals with active warrants or pending criminal charges
• Persons who pose a security threat to the facility

Special accommodations for visitors with disabilities are available upon request. Contact the facility at least 48 hours in advance to arrange necessary accommodations.

How To Send Money to a Pierce County Inmate

Pierce County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses during incarceration. All financial transactions are processed in accordance with Washington Administrative Code 137-36-040, which governs inmate personal property and funds.

Online Deposits

The most convenient method for sending money is through the Pierce County's authorized online payment processor:

1. Visit the Pierce County Sheriff's Department website
2. Navigate to the "Inmate Services" section
3. Select "Deposits to Inmate Accounts"
4. Create an account or log in to an existing account
5. Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
6. Select the deposit amount
7. Complete the payment using a credit or debit card

Kiosk Deposits

Self-service kiosks are available in the lobby of the Pierce County Jail for cash deposits:

Pierce County Jail Lobby
910 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402
Available 24 hours daily

The kiosks accept cash only and provide immediate credit to the inmate's account. A receipt is generated for each transaction.

Mail Deposits

Money orders may be sent via postal mail to:

Pierce County Jail Inmate Accounts
910 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402

Requirements for mail deposits:

• Money orders must be made payable to the specific inmate (full name and booking number)
• Personal checks, cash, and traveler's checks are not accepted
• Sender's full name and return address must appear on the envelope
• Include a note specifying the purpose of the funds

Deposit Limits and Fees

The following limits and fees currently apply to inmate deposits:

• Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
• Maximum single deposit: $300.00
• Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
• Online transaction fee: $2.95 per transaction up to $100; $3.95 for transactions $100.01-$300
• Kiosk transaction fee: $2.00 per transaction
• Money order deposits: No fee

Prohibited Uses of Funds

Inmate funds may not be used for:

• Gambling or betting activities
• Purchasing items for other inmates
• Paying for unauthorized services
• Conducting business operations
• Any activity that violates facility rules or state law

Authorized Uses of Funds

Inmates may use account funds for:

• Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
• Telephone calls to approved numbers
• Electronic messaging where available
• Medical co-pays for requested services
• Restitution or court-ordered payments
• Release funds upon completion of sentence

Deposits typically post to inmate accounts within 24 hours for electronic transactions and 3-5 business days for money orders. The Pierce County Jail maintains detailed records of all transactions, and inmates receive regular account statements showing deposits, withdrawals, and current balance.

How To Send Jail Mail In Pierce County

Correspondence with individuals incarcerated in Pierce County correctional facilities is subject to specific guidelines established to maintain security while facilitating communication with family, friends, and legal representatives. All mail procedures comply with Washington Administrative Code 137-48-020, which governs correspondence in correctional facilities.

Regular Mail

All non-legal mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number
Pierce County Detention and Corrections Center
910 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402

Letters must comply with these requirements:

• Correspondence must be on plain white, lined, or unlined paper
• Envelopes must be standard white or manila
• Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on the envelope
• No perfume, lipstick, stickers, labels, tape, or other foreign substances
• No drawings or markings on the envelope except address information
• No plastic, metal, or other non-paper items enclosed
• No Polaroid photographs or photos larger than 4" x 6"
• Maximum of 5 photographs per envelope

Legal Mail

Correspondence from attorneys, courts, or legal agencies should be clearly marked "Legal Mail" and addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number
LEGAL MAIL
Pierce County Detention and Corrections Center
910 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402

Legal mail must include the attorney's bar number or be on official letterhead from a recognized legal organization, court, or government agency to qualify for legal mail privileges.

Permitted Items

The following items may be included in regular mail:

• Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
• Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no larger than 4" x 6")
• Greeting cards (plain paper only, no musical, electronic, or oversized cards)
• Newspaper or magazine clippings (maximum 5 pages)
• Money orders (must be visible through envelope window or noted on envelope)

Prohibited Items

The following items are not permitted and will result in rejection of the entire mail piece:

• Hardcover books or magazines (these must come directly from publisher)
• Plastic cards or items
• Stickers or adhesive labels
• Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
• Polaroid photographs
• Cash or personal checks
• Stamps or envelopes
• Food items or cosmetics
• Clothing or fabric items
• Any items creating bulk in the envelope
• Any items posing a security threat

Mail Inspection

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules. Mail may be read by staff to ensure it does not contain plans for illegal activities, escape attempts, or other security threats. Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate but may be inspected for contraband.

Electronic Messaging

Pierce County also offers a secure electronic messaging system for communication with inmates:

1. Visit the Pierce County Sheriff's Department website
2. Navigate to the "Inmate Services" section
3. Select "Electronic Messaging"
4. Create an account and purchase message credits
5. Compose and send messages to the inmate

Electronic messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail and are typically delivered to inmates within 24 hours of submission.

Lookup Inmate Records in Pierce County

LINX Search

Incarcerated Search

Washington State Courts Name and Case Search