Roanoke County Public Records /Roanoke County Inmate Search

Roanoke County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Roanoke County?

Inmate records in Roanoke County are official government documents maintained by the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records are created pursuant to Virginia Code § 53.1-116, which mandates sheriffs to keep proper records of all persons committed to jail.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:

Court records document judicial proceedings and are maintained by the Clerk of Court
Inmate records document custody status and are maintained by correctional facilities
Court records focus on case disposition while inmate records focus on custody management

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody. During this process, the Roanoke County Jail Division collects identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and details about the charges. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's incarceration to reflect changes in status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, the records are closed but maintained according to Virginia's records retention requirements.

Are Inmate Records Public In Roanoke County?

Inmate records in Roanoke County are partially public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically § 2.2-3706, which governs access to criminal records. While certain basic information about currently incarcerated individuals is publicly accessible, other portions of inmate records may be exempt from disclosure due to privacy concerns and security considerations.

Information that is typically available to the public includes:

Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information (date of booking, charges)
Mugshots (in most cases)
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

However, pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3706(B), certain information may be withheld, including:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary records
Information that would jeopardize security
Personal identifying information beyond what is necessary for identification

Members of the public seeking inmate information can access basic details through the Roanoke County Inmate Inquiry system or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly.

What's Included Inmate Records in Roanoke County

Inmate records in Roanoke County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency and officer
Custody classification
Housing assignment
Disciplinary incidents and actions
Participation in jail programs or work assignments

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanors and/or felonies)
Warrant or case numbers
Arresting jurisdiction
Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Charge severity (misdemeanor class or felony class)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, secured, unsecured)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
Bondsman information, if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (General District Court, Circuit Court)
Scheduled court appearances
Court case numbers
Court disposition of charges

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Length of sentence
Credit for time served
Concurrent or consecutive sentence details
Probation terms
Good time or earned sentence credits

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Actual release date and time
Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements

Roanoke County Prison System

The Roanoke County correctional system operates under the authority of the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for maintaining secure detention facilities for individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of up to 12 months. The system is distinct from the Virginia Department of Corrections, which manages state prisons housing individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences longer than one year.

The Roanoke County Jail primarily houses:

Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (up to 12 months)
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions

The jail system is administered by the Sheriff's Office Jail Division:

Roanoke County Sheriff's Office
401 E. Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 283-3102
Roanoke County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff, as an elected constitutional officer under Virginia Code § 15.2-1609, is responsible for the operation and management of the county jail facilities, including the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the public.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Roanoke County

Roanoke County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations:

Roanoke County Jail (Main Facility)
401 E. Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 283-3100
Jail Division

This is the primary detention facility in Roanoke County, housing both male and female inmates. The facility accommodates pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of up to 12 months. The main jail includes various security classifications from minimum to maximum security.

Western Virginia Regional Jail
5885 West River Road
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 378-3700
Western Virginia Regional Jail

This regional facility serves multiple jurisdictions including Roanoke County, Salem, Franklin County, and Montgomery County. The jail houses inmates from all participating jurisdictions and operates under the authority of a regional jail authority rather than a single sheriff's office.

Roanoke County Work Release Center
401 E. Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 283-3145
Work Release Program

This specialized facility houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for work release programs. These inmates are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day but must return to custody during non-working hours.

Roanoke County Community Corrections
401 E. Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 283-3160
Community Corrections

While not a physical detention facility, this department oversees alternative sentencing programs including home electronic monitoring, community service, and probation supervision for qualifying offenders.

Who's in Prison In Roanoke County

The Roanoke County jail system houses several categories of individuals:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences up to 12 months
Persons serving weekend or intermittent sentences
Individuals in work release programs

Temporary Holds:

Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Persons held on behalf of other jurisdictions
Federal detainees awaiting transfer to federal facilities
Immigration detainees awaiting processing

Probation/Parole Violators:

Individuals who have violated terms of probation or parole
Persons awaiting revocation hearings

Specialty Populations:

Individuals in drug court programs
Mental health court participants
Veterans court participants

According to data from the Virginia Compensation Board, the average daily population in Roanoke County detention facilities fluctuates between 300-400 inmates, with the majority being pre-trial detainees. Approximately 75-80% of inmates are male, while 20-25% are female. The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 23 days, while sentenced inmates typically serve an average of 45-90 days.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Roanoke County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate information in Roanoke County may utilize several methods to access these records:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Roanoke County Inmate Inquiry portal
Enter the inmate's name or identification number in the search fields
Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and bond information
Note that the online system provides limited information and is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Roanoke County Jail Docket at (540) 283-3162
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Staff will provide basic information about custody status, charges, and bond amounts
Be prepared to verify your identity if requesting detailed information

In-Person Request:

Visit the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Complete an inmate information request form at the front desk
Present valid government-issued identification
Specify the information being requested
Allow time for staff to process the request

Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Search: For individuals who have been transferred to state custody:

Visit the Virginia DOC Inmate Locator
Enter the inmate's name or DOC number
Review custody status, location, and projected release date information

Written FOIA Request: For more comprehensive records:

Submit a written request citing the Virginia Freedom of Information Act
Address the request to the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Clearly identify the specific records being requested
Include contact information for response
Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for copying and staff time

How To Find an Inmate in Roanoke County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Roanoke County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources:

Roanoke County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Inquiry:

Access the Roanoke County Inmate Inquiry system
Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
Review search results showing current inmates
View basic information including charges and booking date
This service is available 24/7 at no cost to users

Telephone Information Line:

Call the Roanoke County Jail information line at (540) 283-3162
Provide the name of the person you are trying to locate
Request basic custody information
This service is available during business hours at no cost

Virginia Statewide Inmate Search: If the individual may have been transferred to state custody:

Visit the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
Enter the individual's name
Review results to determine if they are in state custody
This service is free and includes all state correctional facilities

Roanoke County Court Records:

Access the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
Select Roanoke County from the jurisdiction menu
Search by the individual's name
Review case information, which often indicates custody status
This service is available at no cost

In-Person Inquiry at Sheriff's Office:

Visit the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office during business hours
Request basic inmate location information at the front desk
No fee is charged for basic custody status inquiries

How To Visit an Inmate In Roanoke County

Visitation with inmates at Roanoke County correctional facilities is subject to specific rules and procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important family connections:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
Inmates may submit visitor request forms during their first week of incarceration
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors are subject to search prior to entering the visitation area
Visitors with outstanding warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Maximum Security: Saturday-Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Work Release: Saturday-Sunday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Inmates are permitted two visits per week

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
Baby supplies if visiting with an infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Weapons of any kind
Food or beverages
Tobacco products
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (primary method)
Remote video visitation (available for a fee through approved service provider)
Contact visits (limited to special circumstances with prior approval)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)

Visit Restrictions:

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 53.1-127, visitation privileges may be suspended for rule violations
Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
False information on visitor applications will result in visitation restriction

How To Send Money to a Roanoke County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates in Roanoke County custody have several options for depositing funds:

Lobby Kiosk:

Available in the Sheriff's Office lobby during regular business hours
Accepts cash and credit/debit cards
Provides immediate deposit to inmate accounts
Transaction fee: $2.50 per deposit
Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction

Online Deposits:

Visit Access Corrections
Create an account or log in
Select "Roanoke County Jail" as the facility
Enter inmate information and deposit amount
Pay using credit/debit card or electronic check
Transaction fee: $3.50 for deposits up to $50; $5.00 for deposits over $50
Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction

Telephone Deposits:

Call 1-866-345-1884
Follow automated prompts
Provide inmate information and payment details
Transaction fee: $4.95 per deposit
Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction

Mail Money Orders:

Make money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
Mail to: Roanoke County Sheriff's Office, Inmate Accounts, 401 E. Main Street, Salem, VA 24153
Include sender's full name and return address
No fee for money orders
Processing time: 3-5 business days
Maximum deposit: $500 per money order

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300 (online/kiosk) or $500 (money order)
Maximum weekly deposit: $500 per inmate
Maximum account balance: $1,000

Funds Usage Regulations: Inmate funds may be used for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Program fees
Restitution payments
Child support obligations

Funds may not be used for:

Purchasing contraband
Paying other inmates
Gambling activities
Bribing staff or other inmates

How To Send Jail Mail In Roanoke County

Correspondence with inmates in Roanoke County facilities must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery:

Regular Mail Guidelines:

Address envelopes clearly with inmate's full name and ID number
Include complete return address with sender's full name
Mail to: Inmate Name and ID#, Roanoke County Jail, 401 E. Main Street, Salem, VA 24153
All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Letters must be on plain white, lined, or unlined paper
Use blue or black ink only (no markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.)
Maximum 10 pages per envelope
No perfume, lipstick, stickers, glitter, or other substances on correspondence

Permitted Items:

Personal letters
Plain white paper photographs (maximum 5 per envelope)
Money orders (see money sending guidelines)
Legal correspondence (clearly marked as such)
Religious materials (subject to review)
Soft-cover books and magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)

Prohibited Items:

Hardcover books
Packages
Greeting cards with musical, electronic, or pop-up components
Polaroid photographs
Laminated items
Stationery with adhesive components
Stamps or envelopes
Cash or personal checks
Clothing or personal items
Food items or contraband

Legal Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must come from an attorney, court, or legal agency
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Is not subject to content inspection, only contraband screening

Electronic Messaging:

Available through GTL ConnectNetwork
Create an account and select Roanoke County Jail
Cost: $0.25 per message
Maximum 2,000 characters per message
No attachments permitted
All electronic messages are subject to monitoring

Publication Delivery:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Soft-cover only
Subject to content review for security concerns
Maximum of 3 publications per inmate at any time