Thank you for visiting. We understand you need help with a Maryland Inmate Search. Our goal is to give you clear steps. We will do our best to guide you. This page provides useful links and tips.
If you want to start your Maryland Inmate Search now, you can visit https://marylandinmaterecords.com/. This resource allows you to look for individuals held in facilities. It is designed to help find the location and status information you might need. Go to https://marylandinmaterecords.com/ to begin your search right away and access available public records pertaining to inmates in Maryland.
The main place to start a Maryland Inmate Search for state prisons is the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). They run the state's adult prisons. DPSCS uses an online tool to help the public find inmates. This tool is part of the VINElink system. VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It helps people track custody status.
To use the DPSCS Inmate Locator, you often need the person's full name. The first and last name are key. Adding a middle name or initial can help. If you know the inmate's DPSCS ID number, that is best. This number is unique to each person in state custody. Enter the name or ID into the search fields. The system will show possible matches. Click a name to see more details.
The locator shows the current facility where the inmate is held. It lists their DPSCS ID number. It might show their custody status. Sometimes, a projected release date is shown. Keep in mind, this data may not be live. Updates might take time. The tool mainly lists people in Division of Correction or Patuxent Institution facilities. It may not show all short-term detainees. Find the official tool here: https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/inmate/
Not all people held are in state prisons. Many are in county jails or detention centers. These hold people waiting for trial. They also hold those with short sentences. Each county may run its own jail. Some counties use VINElink for their lookups. Others have their own online tools or require phone calls. You must know the county where the person might be held. A Maryland Inmate Search should include county options if the state search fails.
This is a large intake facility run by the state DPSCS, but handles Baltimore City arrests. Address: 300 E Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (410) 545-8100 (General Information) You can often find people booked here using the state's VINElink system. Calling the facility directly is also an option for information.
This department runs the county jail facilities. They suggest using VINElink for searches. Address (Correctional Facility - MCCF): 22880 Whelan Ln, Boyds, MD 20841 Address (Detention Center - MCDC): 1307 Seven Locks Road, Rockville, Maryland 20854 Phone (Inmate Records): (240) 777-9730 (Available 24/7) Check their site for details: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COR/Inmates/Record.html. They state they do not have their own automated list but direct users to VINElink Maryland: https://vinelink.vineapps.com/state/MD/ENGLISH. Call the Inmate Records line for specific questions.
This county facility holds many inmates pretrial or serving short sentences. Address: 13400 Dille Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Phone: (301) 952-7000 Check their county website or use VINElink for a Maryland Inmate Search here. Direct contact may be needed if online tools do not yield results.
Anne Arundel County runs its own detention centers. Address (Ordnance Road Correctional Center): 600 E Ordnance Rd, Glen Burnie, MD 21060 Phone: (410) 222-7374 Check the county government website for inmate lookup options or use the statewide VINElink system. Calling the facility is another way to get information.
This county is separate from Baltimore City. It has its own jail. Address: 720 Bosley Ave, Towson, MD 21204 Phone: (410) 512-3200 (Press 0 for operator/security desk) Baltimore County states their website does not list inmate names or details. You must call the security desk to ask if someone is housed there. They also recommend using VINElink (https://vinelink.vineapps.com/state/MD/ENGLISH) for broader searches. See their page: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/corrections.
Some people are held in federal prisons located within Maryland. State and county searches will not find them. You must use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator. This system lists people in federal custody across the US. It is separate from Maryland state or county systems. Use this tool only for federal inmates.
You can search the BOP locator by name. You can also search using numbers like BOP register number, FBI number, or INS number. The tool shows the facility where the person is held. It also provides basic status information. Federal facilities in Maryland include places like FCI Cumberland. Access the BOP Inmate Locator here: https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/
To perform an effective Maryland Inmate Search, some key details are helpful.
Full Name: The person's first and last name is most important. A middle name or initial helps narrow results. Use legal names, not nicknames.
Date of Birth: This helps confirm identity if names are common. It is often optional but very useful.
Inmate ID Number: If you know the DPSCS ID or county booking number, use it. This gives the most direct match.
Having more details makes your search faster. It reduces the chance of finding the wrong person. Use the most accurate spelling you know. Guessing spellings might work sometimes.
When your Maryland Inmate Search finds someone, you will see certain details.
Facility Name: This tells you where the person is currently housed. It could be a state prison or county jail.
Inmate ID Number: A unique number assigned by the holding agency (DPSCS, county, BOP). Note this down for future use.
Custody Status: This may indicate if they are pretrial, sentenced, etc. Terms vary by system.
Release Date: This is not always shown. If shown, it might be an estimated or projected date. Release dates can change. Do not rely solely on this information.
Search results only show current location and basic status. They usually do not show full criminal history or detailed charges. For court case details, you need a different search.
To find details about charges, court dates, or case outcomes, use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. This is a separate system from inmate locators. It provides public access to court records in Maryland. You can search by name or case number. It covers District and Circuit Courts across the state. This tool helps understand the legal side of incarceration. Access it here: https://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/
For more detailed inmate records beyond basic location or court data, you may need to file a Public Information Act (PIA) request. The Maryland PIA allows access to public government records. Some inmate records are public, but some parts may be withheld due to privacy or security rules. You typically submit a written request to the agency holding the records (like DPSCS or a county sheriff). Detail what information you seek. Fees for copies may apply. Learn about DPSCS PIA requests: https://dpscs.maryland.gov/publicinfo/pia.shtml.
Once you locate an inmate using a Maryland Inmate Search, you might want to contact them. There are rules for mail, phone calls, and visits. These rules vary by facility. Always check the specific facility's policies.
You can usually send letters to inmates. Address the envelope carefully. Include the inmate's full name and ID number. Include the facility's full address. Mail is opened and checked for safety. Do not send banned items (contraband). Check the DPSCS or facility website for specific mail rules. These cover things like photos, books, or package limits.
Inmates cannot receive calls directly. They can make outgoing calls. These are usually collect calls or paid through a prepaid account. Friends and family set up accounts via third-party phone service providers (like GTL/ViaPath). Calls are recorded and monitored. Costs can add up quickly. Find phone information on the DPSCS site: https://dpscs.maryland.gov/inmates/ (Look for communication sections).
Visiting an inmate requires following strict rules. You usually must be on an approved visitor list. This requires an application process. Visits must often be scheduled in advance. There are rules about dress code and what you can bring. You will need valid photo ID. Visiting hours and days vary by facility and inmate status. Check the specific facility's rules before planning a visit. Find general DPSCS visitation info here: https://dpscs.maryland.gov/inmates/visitation.shtml.
VINElink (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is a key tool mentioned earlier. It is not just for finding inmates. It is mainly designed for crime victims. Victims can register confidentially through VINElink. They receive automatic phone calls, texts, or emails. These alerts tell them if an offender's custody status changes. Changes include release, transfer, or escape. This service is free.
To register, use the VINElink website or call their toll-free number. You will need the offender's name or ID number. You create a PIN for phone notifications. VINE is available 24/7. Maryland VINE can be accessed via the national portal (select Maryland): https://www.vinelink.com/. Maryland DPSCS also has a Victim Services Unit. They offer support and information. Contact them at 1-877-VICTIM-1 (1-877-842-8461) or visit their page: https://dpscs.maryland.gov/victimservs/.
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