What Is Washington, D.C. Inmate Search?

A Washington, D.C., inmate search is a process that allows interested parties to locate and get information on individuals currently incarcerated in one of the District's correctional facilities. Inmate data in DC is primarily managed by the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) and may be accessed by contacting the department directly. Additionally, the DOC offers access to the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system, which interested parties, including family members, legal representatives, and the general public, may use to get notifications and updates on an inmate's status.

Are Inmate Search Records Open to the Public in Washington, D.C.?

Per the District's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), inmate records in Washington, D.C., are generally open to the public. However, there are certain exemptions to this. For instance, while details like an inmate's basic personal data (name, age, and race), facility location, sentencing information, and visitation eligibility may be readily accessed by anyone, sensitive information, such as medical records, details of ongoing investigations, mental health assessments, and victim-related data, are confidential. Access to this confidential information is typically restricted to authorized parties, such as law enforcement, court officials, the subject of the record, and their legal representatives.

How to Perform Washington, D.C. Inmate Lookup

Performing an inmate lookup in Washington, D.C, is a relatively straightforward process that involves contacting the DC Department of Corrections directly and providing key identifiers on the inmate of interest, such as their full name and inmate ID number. This lookup will typically provide information like:

• The inmate's current custody status
• The inmate's location
• Estimated release or parole eligibility dates
• Information on visitation policies and scheduling

How to Search for an Inmate in Washington, D.C.

You may search for and obtain general information on inmates in Washington, D.C., using one of two methods:

• Phone: general inmate information in Washington, D.C, may be accessed by contacting the DOC's Records Office at (202) 523-7060. You will typically need to provide the inmate's full name and/or ID number before requesting the required information, such as the inmate's location, status, visitation schedule, and release date.
• Online: you may also search for inmates in DC online through the VINE system using either the inmate's name (full or partial) or their ID number. You also have the option of registering to get notifications on changes to the inmate's status, like transfers, releases, court hearings, escapes, or re-incarceration.

How to Conduct a Free Inmate Search in Washington, D.C.

You may conduct inmate searches in Washington, D.C., online at no cost using a reputable third-party website. However, be aware that while basic searches on these platforms are typically free, you may need to pay a nominal fee to access more detailed inmate information. With platforms like RecordsFinder, you can search for individuals incarcerated across DC and get information like their current location, status, and more.

How to Find a Federal Inmate in Washington, D.C.

Even though convicted felons in Washington, D.C. are held under the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), there are no federal correctional facilities in the district – these felons are transferred to BOP facilities in other states. Nevertheless, you may search for inmates held in any BOP facility across the country using the inmate locator tool that the bureau provides for this purpose. This search tool allows users to find federal inmates by entering the inmate's name or their unique DCDC number (or other unique ID numbers).

What Can You Find with Washington, D.C. Inmate Search

A DC inmate search will typically provide general information on the inmates, such as:

• The inmate's full name
• The inmate's ID number
• The inmate's age/date of birth
• The inmate's current custody status
• The inmate's current facility
• The inmate's visitation eligibility

Jail and Inmate Search in Washington, D.C.

The DC Department of Corrections manages an average daily population of approximately 1,284 inmates. About 94% of DC inmates are male and 6% female. The District's prison system currently comprises two primary facilities - the Central Detention Facility (commonly referred to as the DC Jail), which houses only male offenders, and the Correctional Treatment Facility, which houses male offenders, female offenders, and juveniles being adjudicated as adults.

You may locate inmates under DOC custody (and also get general information on these inmates) by contacting the department's Records Office at (202) 523-7060. It should be noted that the DOC only houses pretrial offenders and sentenced misdemeanants. Convicted felons in DC are held by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), but may be housed in a DOC facility pending their transfer to the BOP.

Criminal Justice Quick Facts

DC Incarceration Rate (per 100,000 population)

816

Prison Population - (Federal & Local Facilities)

5,473

Probation Population

4,360

Parole Population

1,820

Racial Disparity in Incarceration Rate

Black: White Ratio: 18.37:1

Hispanic: White Ratio: 0.82:1

Juvenile Custody Rate (per 100,000 juveniles)

165

Disenfranchised Population

N/A

Disenfranchised African Americans

N/A

Corrections Expenditures

$206 M

Washington, D.C. Parole Population

Washington, D.C. had a total parole population of 2,250 at the beginning of 2022 and 1,820 at the end of the year.

Washington, D.C. Prisons

The DC Department of Corrections (DOC) holds approximately 2,000 inmates and has an operating budget of over $200 million. The department currently runs two correctional facilities:

• The Central Detention Facility (CDF): this facility is commonly referred to as the DC Jail and houses male pretrial offenders, sentenced misdemeanants, and convicted felons awaiting transfer to a federal correctional facility.
• The Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF): this facility houses both male and female offenders, as well as juveniles being adjudicated as adults.

In addition to these two facilities, the DOC oversees a privately operated community correctional center (halfway house) specifically for female offenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about DC inmate searches:

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