How to Send Money to an Inmate in a Prison or Jail
Table of Contents
What is Maine Inmate Search?
Maine inmate search enables individuals to find information on current or former inmates in county jails, state/federal prisons, or detention facilities. Family members, legal representatives, law enforcers, and researchers often conduct Maine inmate searches to obtain accurate and up-to-date inmate information.
Individuals typically conduct Maine inmate searches using the Adult Resident Client Search Service. The Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) regularly maintains and updates the online tool to ensure easy access to inmate records and promote transparency. Interested persons may also use the federal search tool and other online search systems to find incarcerated persons in Maine.
Are Inmate Search Records Open to the Public in Maine?
Yes. Maine jail records are generally open to the public under the state'sFreedom of Access Act. Anyone may request copies of inmate search records or view inmate information online through the state's Department of Corrections website. Due to privacy concerns, some inmate records may be confidential as a result of court orders or state laws. Examples of these records include the following:
- Records of inmates in protective custody or those involved in sensitive cases
- Information regarding an inmate's medical history, mental health status, or treatment programs
- Records of inmates under active investigation or pending appeals
- Juvenile records
- Sealed and expunged records
Requesters may obtain confidential inmate records by obtaining court permissions or submitting formal requests to the Maine Department of Corrections.
How To Perform Maine Inmate Lookup
Interested persons must have the inmate's name or MDOC number to be able to perform Maine inmate lookups. To refine the search, users can provide additional details such as the inmate's middle name, gender, age range, weight range, height range, race, facility location, or current status. Providing physical descriptions such as eye color, hair color, and scars/tattoos can further narrow the search to provide accurate results.
The search system often returns a list of potential matches, allowing users to compare details such as MDOC numbers, names, and incarceration status. Users can select an inmate to view additional information like court information, sentencing date, and earliest custody release date.
How To Search for an Inmate in Maine
To conduct a jail inmate search in Maine, visit the MDOC Adult Resident Search Service and click "Continue" at the bottom of the website. Afterward, enter the search criteria, such as the inmate's name, MDOC number, gender, race, or gender in the relevant fields. From the search results, select an inmate to view additional details, including their current facility, sentencing information, and release date.
Each county sheriff's office in Maine typically maintains a list of individuals incarcerated in local jails. To find inmates in county jails, use the Sheriff's Offices directory to access the specified county's inmate roster or jail search tool. Requesters may search by the inmate's name, booking number, or other identifying details.
How To Conduct a Free Inmate Search in Maine
Reliable third-party platforms, including RecordsFinder, typically offer Maine inmate search services free of charge. These user-friendly online databases allow requesters to find information about Maine inmates in state and local facilities. While these services offer free searches, some may provide additional features or detailed reports for a fee. However, it is important to verify the information obtained through third-party platforms from official sources, such as the Maine Department of Corrections or county sheriff's offices.
How To Find a Federal Inmate in Maine
There are no federal prisons in Maine. However, residents may use the Inmate Locator online tool to find federal inmates from Maine transferred to other federal correctional facilities. The online database maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP) provides information on a federal inmate's current location, registration number, sentencing details, projected release date, and other relevant custody information. To conduct a federal inmate search in Maine, follow the steps below:
- Open the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator
- Select any of the following search options:
- Find by name: Enter the inmate's first, middle, and last name. You can include additional details such as the inmate's age, sex, and race.
- Find by number: Enter the inmate's registration number or the BOP register number (a unique identifier assigned to each federal inmate). You can use other registration numbers assigned by the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DCDC), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), or Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS).
- After entering the search criteria, click the "Search" button.
- The tool will display a list of inmates that match the search criteria.
- Review the list to find the specific inmate.
The BOP database contains details of federal inmates in custody after 1982. Federal jail records before 1982 are maintained by the National Archives Records Administration (NARA).
What Can You Find with State of Maine Inmate Search
Maine's inmate search system typically provides the following information about inmates:
- Full Name and Alias (if available)
- Inmate's mugshot (if available)
- MDOC numbers
- Date of Birth
- Age
- Gender
- Race/Ethnicity
- Current Facility/Location
- Custody Status
- Release Date
- Sentence Length Details
- Sentence Date
- Charges/Offenses
- Docket Number
- Court Information
Jail and Inmate Search in Maine
Maine state prisons house about 1,850 inmates as of November 2024. The MDOC November 2024 report also shows that more than 3,400 persons are on probation, while nine inmates are on parole. The state's only detention center, Long Creek Youth Development Center, currently holds 39 juvenile offenders.
Maine's incarceration rate of 107 per 100,000 residents in 2022 is one of the lowest in the United States. In the same year, the county jails held more than 1,400 inmates. The total inmate population in Maine prisons is composed of 80% Whites and 12% Blacks. The remaining 8% represents other racial and ethnic groups, including Hispanic, Native American, and Asian individuals.
Criminal Justice Quick Facts
Maine Imprisonment Rate (per 100,000 population)
107
Probation Population
3,400
Parole Population
9
Racial Disparity in Incarceration Rate
Black: White Ratio: 8.8:1
Hispanic: White Ratio: 3.6:1
Juvenile Custody Rate (per 100,000 juveniles)
22
Disenfranchised Population
0 (0.00%)
Disenfranchised African Americans
0 (0.00%)
Corrections Expenditures (state/local)
$183 M / $94 M
Maine Parole Population
Maine no longer has a parole program. It was abolished in 1976.
Maine Prisons
Maine operates seven state-run correctional facilities and 15 county jails across 16 counties. The state's prison houses approximately 1,850 inmates, while the county jails hold more than 1,400 inmates. Over 1,000 employees help run the Maine Department of Corrections, which had a budget of $183 million for the 2022 fiscal year.
The MDOC Community Corrections supervises about 3,400 individuals on probation and nine on parole. Based on 100,000 residents, Maine has a violent crime rate of 103, a property crime rate of 1,213, and an overall incarceration rate of 107. The state spends $116,689 to care for and house a single inmate for one year.
| Prison Name | Prison Type |
|---|---|
| Bolduc Correctional Facility | State Prison |
| Downeast Correctional Facility | State Prison |
| Long Creek Youth Development Center | State Prison |
| Maine Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Maine State Prison | State Prison |
| Mountain View Correctional Facility | State Prison |
| Mountain View Youth Development Center | State Prison |
| Southern Maine Women's Reentry Center | State Prison |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about Maine inmate searches and their corresponding answers.
Why Is an Inmate Not Showing Up in Search?
An inmate's information may not appear in Maine's Adult Resident Search system because the database only includes records of those currently housed in state-owned correctional facilities. Requesters may need to use other online search portals to find individuals held in county jails or federal prisons. Similarly, records of recently released inmates may no longer be accessible online. Expunged or sealed Maine jail records may not be publicly available online.
Some Maine inmate records are unavailable online because they contain juvenile records or other sensitive information. Another common issue is if inaccurate names or registration numbers are provided as search parameters. Transfers between state facilities or delays in updating the inmate database may also result in missing information. For the most accurate results, requesters should double-check search criteria and search the correct database for the inmate's location or jurisdiction. If difficulties persist, contact the MDOC.
How Can I Check If Someone Is in Jail in Maine?
To find out if someone is incarcerated in Maine, take any of the following steps:
- Use the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) online tool to look up individuals by name or MDOC number.
- Contact the MDOC by phone or mail
- Call or visit any of the state's correctional centers
- If the inmate's name does not show up on the MDOC database, check county jail rosters, which are usually available on the website of the specific county sheriff's office.
- If the individual may be in federal custody, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator tool.
- Check Maine court records for recent arrests, charges, or sentencing details that may confirm incarceration status.
How Can I Conduct a Maine Prison Inmate Search?
You may conduct a Maine prison inmate search online through MDOC's Adult Resident Search portal. Other ways to find inmates in Maine prisons include mailing the MDOC or checking the federal inmate locator. Reliable third-party inmate record search sites like RecordsFinder offer an easy way to conduct Maine inmate searches.
