Harris County Inmate Search

We are glad you came to this page. We will work hard to help you with your Harris County Inmate Search needs. Our aim is to give you the key facts you need. We hope this guide makes your task less hard.

If you need to start your Harris County Inmate Search right now, you can go to https://texasinmaterecords.com/harris-county-inmate-search/. This site may help you find the data you seek fast. It is a good place to start if you want quick search access for a Harris County Inmate Search. Please check their site for more details on how to look for an inmate.

Performing a Harris County Inmate Search

You have several ways to find an inmate in Harris County. You can look on the web. You can call. You can go in person. Each method can help you.

Official Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) Inmate Search Tool

The best place to start your Harris County Inmate Search is online. The Harris County Sheriff's Office has a tool. You can find it on their website. Go to the HCSO Find Someone In Jail page. You will need some information to use this tool. This may be the System Person Number (SPN). This is an eight-digit code. It helps find a person in the jail system. A Social Security Number can also be used. If you do not have these, a name works. A last name with at least two letters can work. This is best if the name is not common. A last name and first name is a good choice. Or, use a last name and date of birth. The search will show who is in jail. It gives data on where they are. It may show bond facts too. This tool is free to use.

Contacting by Phone

If you cannot use the web, call. You can get help by phone.

• Houston Help Line: Call 713-837-0311. Ask if a person is in the Joint Processing Center. This line can also provide the bond amount owed.

• HCSO Incarcerated Person Information: Call 713-755-5300. This line is for information on those in jail.

These calls can help you find a person. Have as much information as you can when you call. This will make the call go smoothly.

In-Person Inquiries

You can also go ask in person.

• Harris County Sheriff's Office: The main office is at 1200 Baker Street, Houston, TX. It is open all day, all night (24/7). You can go there to ask for help. Be aware it is a large facility. You may need to wait.

• Joint Processing Center: This is at 700 North San Jacinto Street, Houston, TX. While you can call about this place, most in-person inquiries should go to the Baker Street location.

Going in person should be done if an online or phone search does not work.

Understanding Inmate Records and Data

When you do a Harris County Inmate Search, you get public data. Court records are also part of this.

Accessing Public Case Information

The Harris County District Clerk keeps court files. You can search these records online. Go to the Harris County District Clerk's Public Search page. This site has civil, criminal, and family court case data. You may need to create a free account to see all public case information. You can look by party name. This means you type in the name of the person in the case. You can also do a historical search for older cases. This site is a key tool. It helps you find more than just jail status. It can show court dates and case files. Not all files can be viewed by everyone. Some family case files are kept private to protect people.

Harris County Justice Courts Records

The Justice of the Peace (JP) courts deal with certain types of cases. These include small civil claims and traffic tickets. You can find information on these cases too. Go to the Harris County Justice Courts Services page. This site lets you find your case and court date. It has lists of cases for some groups. You can also get data extracts. These are files with lots of case data. You can request data for a single day. Or, ask for a range of dates. This is good for large search needs. Note that the JP court clerks cannot give legal advice. They can help you find records. But they cannot tell you what to do in a case.

Harris County Jail Facilities

Harris County has more than one jail. Some are large. Some are small. Some inmates are housed out of the county.

Main Harris County Jail Locations

Most people held in Harris County are in these jails:

• 1200 Baker St, Houston, TX 77002: This is the main jail site. It is also the HCSO headquarters.

• 700 N. San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77002: This is the Joint Processing Center. New arrests often go here first.

• 701 N. San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77002: This is another jail building near the others.

• 1307 Baker Street, Houston, TX 77002: This is also part of the downtown jail complex.

These jails hold many inmates. Knowing the right address is key if you need to send mail or visit.

Outsourced/Other Facilities Housing Harris County Inmates

Sometimes, Harris County jails are too full. When this happens, some inmates go to other jails. These can be in Texas or out of state. Here are some known places:

• LaSalle Correctional Center: 15976 U.S. Hwy 165, Olla, LA 71465. Phone: (318) 495-6200.

• LaSalle - Jefferson County Downtown Jail: 1001 Pearl St, Beaumont, TX 77701. Phone: (409) 434-4653.

• LaSalle - Natchitoches Parish Detention Center: 299 Edwina Drive, Natchitoches, LA 71457. Phone: (318) 357-9300.

• Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility: 19351 US Hwy 49 North, Tutwiler, MS 38963. Phone: (662) 345-6567.

• Joe Kegans State Jail and Pam Lychner State Jail: These are run by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). To find inmates here, use the TDCJ Offender Search.

If your Harris County Inmate Search does not find someone in the main jails, they might be at one of these. Always check the HCSO site first. It should indicate where an inmate is located.

Contact Information for Jails

For general jail questions:

• HCSO Main Non-Emergency: 713-221-6000

• HCSO Information Line: 346-286-1600

• HCSO Incarcerated Person Information: 713-755-5300

Call these numbers for help. Do not call 911 for inmate search assistance.

Communicating with an Inmate

You can write to an inmate. You may also receive calls.

Inmate Mail Policies and Procedures

Mail is a good way to keep in touch. But there are rules.

• Required Information: All mail must have your full name and complete return address. It must also have the inmate's full name (the one used at booking). Include the inmate's SPN. Add the housing facility and cell block if you know it. Mail without this will be returned.

• Prohibited Items: Do not send items like perfume. No body fluids (like lipstick). No makeup. No cash or money orders in the mail. No stamps. No food. No contraband. Computer printouts from the internet are often not allowed. Photocopied images may also be banned.

• Photographs: You can send photos. They must not be offensive. No sexual pictures. No gang signs. No guns or drugs shown. Photos should be no larger than 5” x 7”. You can send up to 10 photos at once.

• Books and Periodicals: The Harris County Jail does NOT permit books or magazines to be sent to inmates from individuals. Newspapers may be allowed if they come directly from the publisher. Always check the latest rules on the HCSO website.

• Mail Inspection: All mail is checked by jail staff for safety.

• Mailing Addresses for Harris County Jails:

  • Inmates at 700 N. San Jacinto St: Harris County Sheriff's Office, 700 N. San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77002

  • Inmates at 701 or 711 N. San Jacinto: Harris County Sheriff's Office, 701 N. San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77002

  • Inmates at 1307 Baker Street: Harris County Sheriff's Office, 1307 Baker St, Houston, TX 77002

  • Inmates at 1200 Baker Street: Harris County Sheriff's Office, 1200 Baker St, Houston, TX 77002

• Outsourced Facilities: If an inmate is in an outsourced jail, their mail rules may differ. For example, at Tallahatchie County, all mail, including pictures, is photocopied. The inmate gets the copy, not the original. Originals are stored for a short time then destroyed if not returned at the inmate's cost. Check the specific facility's rules.

Inmate Phone Calls

Inmates cannot receive calls from you. But they can make calls out. These calls are collect calls. Or they can be paid for by a phone account set up by you or the inmate. All calls are recorded and monitored. Be careful what you say on the phone. Securus Technologies handles video visits and may also be part of the phone system. Check the HCSO website for the most up-to-date phone information.

Inmate Visitation

Visiting an inmate helps them. It helps you too. There are rules for visits.

Scheduling a Visit

You must plan your visit.

• Register First: All visitors must register. You can do this online via the HCSO Inmate Visitation page.

• Plan Ahead: You can book a visit up to seven days before you go.

• Arrive Early: You need to be at the jail 30 minutes before your visit time for ID check. You need a printed confirmation of your booked visit. They can print one if you cannot.

These steps help ensure your visit goes smoothly. If your visit is canceled, you will receive an email.

Visitation Hours and Days

When you can visit depends on where the inmate is. It can change by jail, floor, or pod.

• Harris County Jails (like 1200 Baker St, 701 N. San Jacinto): Visits are often Tuesday through Sunday. Times are 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. The last visit starts at 9:30 p.m. There are no visits on Monday. Always check the HCSO website. The schedule can change.

• Outsourced Facilities: Each place has its own rules and hours. For example, LaSalle Jefferson County Downtown requires visits booked 24 hours in advance. Call them Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at (409) 434-4653 to book. Visits there are 30 minutes. Other LaSalle jails have their own rules. Call the jail directly.

Visitor Requirements

There are rules for who can visit and what they can wear.

• Age and ID: You must be 17 years old or older. You need a valid state or federal ID card, or a driver's license with a photo.

• Children: Up to two children (16 years old or younger) can visit. They must be with an adult who is approved to visit.

• Dress Code: You must dress appropriately, or you cannot visit.

  • No see-through clothes.

  • Sleeves must go at least halfway down the upper arm.

  • No spandex or tights without shorts or a skirt over them.

  • Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be at least mid-thigh length.

  • No clothes with offensive words, drawings, or gang signs. What is "appropriate" can be up to the staff. If you are not sure, wear something else.

• Prohibited Items: You cannot bring purses, wallets, bags, cell phones, or recording tools into the visit area. No food or drinks. No packages, mail, or photos for the inmate. These items must be placed in a locker.

Video Visitation

If you cannot visit in person, video visits may be an option.

• Who Can Use It: This is for inmates at the 700 N. San Jacinto Building.

• Provider: Securus Technologies runs this. Go to Securus Technologies to create an account.

• Off-Site Visit Hours: Monday to Friday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

• Cost: An off-site video visit from your home costs $5.99 for 20 minutes.

• On-Site Video Visits: You can also do a video visit at the jail. These are free. They use the same system.

• Outsourced Facilities: Some outsourced jails have video visits. For example, LaSalle Correctional Facility has free 20-minute video visits. Call (318) 495-6209 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) to book. Book at least one day before. All video visits are monitored and recorded.

Attorney and Minister Visits

Lawyers and church staff have different rules.

• Attorneys: Lawyers can visit inmates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are also specific hours for attorney video visits.

• Minister Visits: Church staff can visit. But there are no minister visits at any jail from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Sending Money to Inmates (Inmate Trust Fund / Commissary)

Inmates need money for items like snacks or phone calls. This money goes into their trust fund or commissary account.

Harris County Jail Inmate Bank

Here is how to send money to inmates in Harris County jails:

• Online Deposits: Go to Access Corrections. You can use a card to send money. This is a fast way.

• Access Corrections App: There is a free mobile app you can use. This lets you send money from your phone.

• Phone Deposits: Call Access Corrections at 866-345-1884. They have staff who speak English and Spanish.

• Kiosk: You can use a kiosk to deposit money. These are in the jail lobby. Some stores also have them. There are over 800 kiosk locations.

• Walk-in Retailers: Get a barcode at CashPayToday.com. Then you can make a cash deposit at stores. These include Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS, and 7-Eleven.

• Information Needed: You will need the inmate's full name. You also need their SPN (Sheriff's Office Number). This ensures the money goes to the right person.

All money sent is tracked. There might be fees for sending money.

Depositing Money for Inmates in Outsourced Facilities

If the inmate is in an outsourced jail, the rules are different.

• LaSalle Correctional Center (Olla, LA):

  • Mail a money order to the jail. Make it out to the inmate. The address is: LaSalle Correctional Center, 15976 U.S. Hwy 165, Olla LA., 71465. Write "Attention: Inmate Bank" on the envelope. Call (318) 495-6200 for help.

  • Use Correct Solutions Group. Call them at (877) 618-3516. Use site ID# 24003. Or go online to RegentPay.

• Tallahatchie County Correction Facility:

  • You need the inmate's commissary number and their first and last name.

  • Use Western Union. You can go to an agent. Or use the Send2Corrections mobile app. Or go to Send2Corrections. You can also call 1-800-634-3422. You will need a credit or debit card for most Western Union methods.

Always check with the specific jail for their rules before sending money.

Withdrawing Money from an Inmate's Account

Sometimes money can be taken out of an inmate's account.

• You must go in person. Go to the visitor control center of the jail where the inmate is.

• You need a valid government-issued photo ID.

• A $10 minimum balance must remain in the account after the withdrawal.

Bond Information

Bond is money paid to allow an inmate out of jail until their court date.

Understanding Bond

There are different types of bonds.

• Cash Bond: The full sum of the bond is paid in cash. This may be refunded if the person attends all court dates.

• Surety Bond: A bonding company helps with this. You pay a fee to the company. They post the bond.

• Personal Bond: A judge may let a person out on their promise to come to court. This is based on factors like ties to the community and the charge type.

Posting a Bond

Bonds for Harris County inmates are posted at 700 N. San Jacinto. This is done with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Bond Conditions

When a person is out on bond, they have rules to follow. These are bond conditions. To know the conditions, talk to the attorney. For personal bonds, contact Harris County Pretrial Services at (832) 927-3520. A bonding company will also know the rules for surety bonds.

Cash Bond Refunds

If a cash bond was paid, it might be refunded.

• The person must have attended all court dates and met all bond conditions.

• Refunds go to the person who paid the bond (the depositor).

• It takes on average 6 to 8 weeks after the case ends to get the refund.

• A fee is taken out of the refund. It is 5% of the bond sum, but it will not be more than $50.00. This is per the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 17 and Local Government Code Section 117.055.

• If your address changed, you need to inform them. Fill out a Change of Address Form. Mail it or bring it in person to 1201 Franklin, Suite 3250, Houston, TX 77002. If mailed, the form must be notarized.

Bond Forfeitures

If a person does not show up for court, the bond can be forfeited. This means the money paid is lost. The court makes an order. It can become final if the person does not have a good reason for not appearing.

Harris County Bail Bond Board

The Harris County Bail Bond Board has rules for bonding companies. You can find their meeting agendas and local rules on the Harris County website. Look for the Bail Bond Board page.

Contact for Criminal Courts Customer Service

For some bond questions (not posting bonds), you can contact:

• Address: 1201 Franklin, Suite 3254, Houston, TX 77002

• Phone: (832) 927-5900

• Email: criminal.customer@hcdistrictclerk.com

Additional Resources

Here are more tools that can help.

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday)

VINE is a free service. It helps victims of crime and the public.

• Purpose: It gives updates on an offender's custody status. This includes if they are released, moved, or escape.

• Access:

  • Website: VINELink

  • Mobile App: VINELink (for iPhone and Android)

  • Phone: (877) 894-8463 (toll-free)

This service gives peace of mind and keeps you informed.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Inmate Search

If an inmate is sent to a state jail or prison, they are with TDCJ, not the county jail.

• Website Search: TDCJ Offender Search

• Phone Search: Call (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283.

This is for people convicted of felonies or those in state jails.

Harris County 311 Customer Service Portal

For non-emergency Harris County service requests, use the 311 portal. This is not for inmate search, but it is a good tool for other county needs. Find it on the Harris County website.

Reporting Fraud, Waste & Abuse

If you see Harris County funds or resources being misused, report it.

• Hotline: 866-556-8181 (can be anonymous)

• Website: Find the link on the Harris County Auditor's page on the Harris County website.