Find Mississippi Inmate Records

When a person gets arrested or serves a prison sentence, the authorities typically confine them to an incarceration facility. At the point of arrival, a lot of paperwork takes place. All documentation about an inmate's stay in an incarceration facility forms an inmate's record. Each facility has primary data on inmate records. The Mississippi State Corrections Department collects this data into a central logging database. Local city and county jails maintain records and make the documents available to persons interested in viewing or making copies.

Are Incarceration Records Public Information In Mississippi?

In line with the Mississippi Public Record Act of 1983, incarceration records are free to view and copy by members of the public, provided they do not contain any information considered exempt from disclosure by the same laws.

Many public records are accessible online through official channels and commercial third-party providers. The advantage of using a third-party service is that it often allows searches across a wide range of jurisdictions without the restrictions found in local systems. Typically, the user must provide the subject's name and the location associated with the record. Records related to minors are not included in public searches. Because these platforms are privately operated, government authorities do not endorse them, and the availability or accuracy of records can vary depending on the provider.

What Information Is Contained In A Mississippi Inmate Record?

Mississippi inmate records typically contain the following:

• Name of the inmate
• Date of birth or age
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Crime charges
• Conviction and sentence
• Expected date of release or parole, if available
• Progress reports during incarceration

Where Do I Look Up An Inmate In Mississippi?

Inmates in Mississippi are usually housed in county-based or state-owned incarceration facilities. There are multiple ways to search for an inmate held by state authorities. The first option is to physically visit the incarceration facility and prepare the inmate's basic identifying information. Each facility has its own policies for visits and requirements before granting access. Thus, inquirers are advised to contact the relevant facility for details before scheduling a visit. If the facility is state-owned but unknown, contact the Mississippi Department of Corrections by mail or phone:

P.O. Box 24388
Jackson, MS 39225
(601) 933–2889

If it is a local city or county jail facility, find out from the courts with current jurisdiction on the case for directions.

Another option is to go to the state website to search for an inmate. Many city and county law enforcement agencies also maintain an online record of persons in their custody.

How Do I Conduct An Inmate Search In Mississippi?

A request for an inmate record (called a Penpak) will usually return the following information:

• Inmate convictions
• Indictment
• Timesheets
• Sentencing orders
• Social admissions

Be sure to have an appointment before visiting the facility in person and bring identifying information, such as an ID card. As per the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), it maintains master files on all inmates within the facilities controlled by the state.

Parties can contact the Records Division at (601) 933–2889 to request copies of an inmate record. The payment schedule is as follows:

• $2 per request and $10 per hour
• $0.25 per page for legal paper size and 35 cents for larger sizes

Additional payments may include postage fees. Fees for prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and court order services are not inclusive. Accepted payments are cashier's checks or money orders made to the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Mail requests must go to:

Records Department
P.O. Box 24388
Jackson MS 39225

Allow seven business days for a response to the request. If there is no response by the seventh day, expect a written notice from the agency explaining the reason for the delay. Online lookup of inmate records is possible in one of two ways in Mississippi:

• Inmate search
• Parolee search

As the name implies, inmate searches cover information about all inmates in all the state facilities. Conversely, parolee searches will only return results of persons on parole. For both, there is the option of a name or ID search. ID number searches are more effective because no two inmates share the same number. Most counties have their jails under the supervision of the Sheriff or the Police Department. Fix a visit in person or look up their website for inmate records. A list of county jails is available on the Department of Corrections website.

How Can I Find An Inmate For Free In Mississippi?

Electronic access to records is free, and in-person requests to view are also free. However, charges may apply depending on the amount of labor involved or the number of copies requested.

How To Find Old Inmate Records In Mississippi

Begin the search from the Records Office of the State Department of Corrections. If the record is still available in their facility, expect feedback accordingly. If not, the facility should direct requestors to where they carry old records. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History collects, preserves, and provides access to old state records. Visit the Department to request old inmate records.

Inmate Release Date Lookup In Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) maintains an Inmate Search Tool that provides information about inmates in state correctional facilities. The database allows searches by name or MDOC number and provides details such as facility placement, offense type, sentencing terms, and anticipated release dates.

Individuals seeking further information can contact the Mississippi Department of Corrections, 633 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202, or call (601) 359-5600. County jails maintain their inmate records, which must be requested locally. Parole eligibility, sentence credits, or judicial modifications may alter release dates. Juvenile records are not included in the public database.

How Do I Find Inmate Death Records In Mississippi?

Mississippi still uses the discretionary death penalty for high-profile felony cases such as murder. All executions happen at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. Therefore, to get death records of executed inmates, go to the address below and make inquiries. If the inmate's death is not due to the death penalty execution, all death records available at the Mississippi State Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics.

How Do I Conduct A Federal Prison Inmate Search?

Federal inmates serve their sentences in federal prisons across the federation. All records of persons incarcerated in federal prisons since 1982 are available using the inmate locator. There are two ways to do this:

• Search by the first and last name, middle name, age, ethnicity, and gender
• Search by inmate number from either of the following registers:
  • DC Department of Corrections (DCDC)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Register of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
  • Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS)

Searches by inmate number are more reliable than by name.

The National Archives and Records Administration maintains records of earlier incarcerations and prisoner records. Some date back to 1870 and include the index of inmates once held at Alcatraz. Interested persons can order copies of these records.

How Long Does It Take For An Inmate's Information To Be Published In The Mississippi Inmate Locator?

It depends. Inmates held in custody after an arrest have their information published more quickly than those about to begin prison sentences. At the point of arrest, the officer takes down all necessary identifying information, including fingerprints. Prison sentences take a little longer to admit an inmate into a facility.

When the court commits an inmate to a state facility, the Department of Corrections processes the admission by transferring them into housing units. This unit's activity includes testing, background examinations, psychological assessments, and exposure to the rules and regulations. An initial classification hearing officer decides what custody level an inmate gets assigned. Other classifications include housing units, educational programs, rehabilitation programs, and medical classes. After that, the inmate's status is updated appropriately on the record.

Why Is An Inmate Not Showing Up In Search?

An inmate may not be listed in the MDOC database if housed in a county jail awaiting trial or serving a local sentence. Juvenile offenders, federal inmates, or individuals recently admitted or released may also not appear immediately. Court orders restricting public disclosure or technical issues may cause further gaps. Contacting the county sheriff's office or MDOC directly often provides confirmation.