VADOC Inmate Search

We are glad you are here. Our goal is to help you with your Virginia DOC Inmate Search in the best way we can. We have put a lot of work into this page. We want it to be a top source for you.

To start your Virginia DOC Inmate Search right now, please visit https://virginiainmaterecords.com/vadoc-inmate-search/. This site lets you look for folks in the care of the state. You can find out where they are. It can give you peace of mind. It is a good first step in your search. Use their tool to find the data you need fast.

How to Use the Official Virginia DOC Inmate Locator

To find a person in a Virginia jail, you need to use the right tool. The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) has one. It is free to use. This tool helps you find out where an inmate is held. It can also tell you their release date. Not all inmates will show up. It only shows those in VADOC care.

Information Needed for a Search

You must have some facts to search. You need at least the first letter of the first name. You also need the full last name. Or, you can use the inmate's seven-digit ID number. If you do not have these, the search may not work well. Try to get good facts for the best search. This makes it easy to find who you look for. A good start means a good end.

The VADOC Inmate Locator is online. You can access it from the VADOC website at https://vadoc.virginia.gov/general-public/inmate-locator/. It is made to be simple to use. Most folks find it quite clear. The fields are marked for you. Just put in what you know.

Step-by-Step Guide to the VADOC Tool

First, go to the VADOC Inmate Locator page. You will see fields to fill in. One field is for the first name. One is for the last name. There is also a field for the Inmate ID number. You do not need to fill all of them. If you use the name, type the last name. Then type at least the first letter of the first name. If you know the ID, just type that in. Once you type the info, click the "Locate" button. The site will then show you a list. This list will have names that match what you typed. Look through the list. Find the right person. It is a quick way to find who you seek.

What Information You Can Find

The search results will give you key facts. You will see the inmate's full name. Their VADOC ID number will be there. The tool shows the place where they are held. This is often the name of the jail. It will also list the planned release date. Keep in mind that dates can change. Some inmates may not be on the list. This could be if they are in a local jail. Or if they are not in VADOC care for some other cause. The tool is a great help for most. It gives a lot of data in one spot. This data is from the state. So it is up to date most times.

Contacting the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC)

Sometimes you need to talk to the VADOC. You may have more deep questions. The inmate search tool may not have all you need. There are ways to reach them. You can call or write.

Main VADOC Contact Information

The main VADOC office is in Richmond. This is the place to send mail for big things. Address: Virginia Department of Corrections P.O. Box 26963 Richmond, VA 23261-6963

Phone: (804) 674-3000

It is best to call on work days. State office hours are often 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. But call to be sure. These hours can change. Mail will take some time to get a reply. Be clear in your mail. Say what you need to know.

Specific VADOC Department Contacts

The VADOC has many parts. Each part does a set job. If you know what your need is, it helps. You can then try to reach the right part.

• Health & Medical: For health care questions, call (804) 887-8118. Or email healthservicesinquiries@vadoc.virginia.gov.

• Visitation: For visit rules or plans, call (804) 887-8341. Or email visitationinquiries@vadoc.virginia.gov.

• Human Resources: For job type calls, use (804) 887-8123. Email is Recruitment@vadoc.virginia.gov.

• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA): There is a line just for this. Call 1 (855) 602-7001. For PREA facts, call (804) 887-7921 or email PREAGrievance@vadoc.virginia.gov.

When you call or write, have all facts ready. This means the inmate's name and ID if you know it. This helps staff find the right case fast. It can take time to hear back. So try to be calm and wait.

VADOC Headquarters Address and Operating Hours

The VADOC main spot is at: Physical Address: Virginia Department of Corrections 6900 Atmore Drive Richmond, VA 23225

Most state offices in Virginia work from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. These are Eastern Time. However, it is wise to call the VADOC main line at (804) 674-3000 to check their hours. Some parts of the VADOC might have their own hours. If you plan to go there, call first. This will save you a trip if they are shut. Not all parts of VADOC help folks in person with no plan.

Major Virginia Correctional Facilities: Locations & Contact

Virginia has many jails and work spots. Some are quite large. Knowing where an inmate is can help you. You can then send mail or ask for visits. Here are some key VADOC spots.

• Greensville Correctional Center
  
  

  • Address: 901 Corrections Way, Jarratt, VA 23870

  • Phone: (434) 535-7000 This is a big jail for men. It holds a lot of folks. It has many types of safety plans.

• Sussex I State Prison
  
  

  • Address: 24414 Musselwhite Drive, Waverly, VA 23891

  • Phone: (804) 834-9967 This jail is also for men. It has high safety. It is near the town of Waverly.

• Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women
  
  

  • Address: 144 Prison Lane, Troy, VA 22974

  • Phone: (434) 984-3700 This is the main jail for women in the state. It has programs just for them.

• Red Onion State Prison
  
  

  • Address: 10800 H. Jack Rose Highway, Pound, VA 24279

  • Phone: (276) 796-7510 This jail holds men who need top safety rules. It is in the far west of the state.

• Wallens Ridge State Prison
  
  

  • Address: 272 Dogwood Drive, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

  • Phone: (276) 523-3310 Like Red Onion, this is a high safety jail for men. It is also in the west part of VA.

This list is not all of them. The VADOC runs more spots. You can find a full list on the VADOC website. That site is https://vadoc.virginia.gov/facilities-and-offices/. Each jail has its own rules for some things. So check with the jail if you have a deep query. Call them or look at their part of the VADOC site. It helps to know the exact name of the jail.

Conducting a Virginia DOC Inmate Search: Beyond the Locator

The online tool is fast. But sometimes you need more. You may want old files. Or you might want files not on the site. The state has laws for this. These laws help you get public files.

Requesting Records via Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act is key. This law is in the Code of Virginia. You can read it starting at § 2.2-3700. Find it here: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter37/. This Act says that most state files are open to folks. Anyone from VA can ask for them. This means you can ask for some VADOC files.

The Act helps you know what the state does. It helps keep things clear. Not all files can be seen. Some files are kept shut by law. This can be for safety. Or to keep someone's health facts just for them. For jail files, some data may be held back. This is to keep the jail safe. Or to keep staff and inmates safe. You do not need to say why you want the files.

Process for submitting a FOIA request to VADOC

To ask for files, you send a note. This is a FOIA request. Send it to the VADOC. It is best to write it down. Be clear what files you want. Give dates if you can. Give names too. The more clear you are, the less time it takes. You can mail or email your note. Find the VADOC FOIA part on their website. They should have a page for this.

The VADOC has five work days to act. They can give you the files. Or they can say why they cannot. They may need more time. If so, they must tell you. They can ask for cash to find and copy files. They will tell you how much first. You can ask them to just let you look at files too. This may cost less. Make sure your note has your name. And how to reach you. This is so they can send the files or ask you things.

Potential limitations for incarcerated individuals' requests

The VA FOIA law has some limits. One part of the law talks to inmates. It says that felons in jail have less right to ask for files. This is in § 2.2-3703 of the Code of Virginia. So if an inmate asks for files, they may not get them. This is a key point to know. It does not stop you from asking for files for an inmate. But the inmate themself may find it hard. If you are helping an inmate, make that clear. Ask for the files in your name.

Inmate Life & Communication

Once you find an inmate, you may want to keep in touch. Or you may want to help them. The VADOC has rules for this. These rules help keep the jails safe. They also let inmates have some links to the outside world.

Visitation Rules and Procedures

To see an inmate, you must follow rules. Each jail may have its own fine points. But the VADOC has statewide rules too. Look for "Visiting an Inmate" on the VADOC site: https://vadoc.virginia.gov/family-and-friends/visiting-an-inmate/. This page is a good start. You will need to be on the inmate's approved list. The inmate starts this list.

You will need to plan your visit. Some jails need you to book a time. Others have set days and hours. These hours can change. So check with the jail first. Or look on its web page. Most jails have set hours on weekends. Some may have hours on weekdays too. The safety level of the inmate can change how and when you can see them. So can the jail's own rules. Some visits may be by video.

When you go, you must have a good ID. This means a state ID card or a drive card. Dress right. The VADOC has a dress code for those who come to see inmates. No short skirts. No tops that show too much. No clothes with bad words or art. If you do not dress right, they may not let you in. Do not bring things they do not allow. Like phones or bags. Read all rules with care. This makes your trip smooth.

Sending Mail to an Inmate

You can write to an inmate. This helps them stay in touch. Mail is a key link to the world outside. The VADOC has rules for mail. You must use the right name and ID for the inmate. Find their ID with the online tool. Get the jail's full mail name and zip code. The VADOC mail rules are in Operating Procedure 803.1. You can find these rules on the VADOC site at https://vadoc.virginia.gov/family-and-friends/sending-mail/.

Your mail should have:

• Inmate's full name

• Inmate's 7-digit state ID number

• Name of Facility or Institution

• Address and Zip Code of the jail

You can send letters. You can send cards. You can send some pics. But no nude pics. No bad pics. All mail that comes in will be scanned. Then it is copied. The inmate gets the copy. The first mail, with pics, will be shredded. This is a key rule. So do not send things you want back. This rule helps keep drugs out of jails. It makes things safe for all.

You cannot send cash or checks in the mail. No stamps. No blank cards or paper. Do not send things that are not safe. Or things that break the law. If you send things not allowed, they will send it back. Or they may just throw it out. Read the rules well. This way your mail will get to the inmate. This keeps the link strong. It shows you care.

Inmate Telephone System

Inmates can make phone calls. They cannot get calls in most cases. The VADOC uses a phone firm for this. It is called VIAPATH. It used to be GTL. To get calls from an inmate, you may need an account. You can set this up with VIAPATH. Their site is https://web.connectnetwork.com/. You can also call them at 1-877-650-4249. For help with bills or phone use, you can email support@gtl.net or call 866-516-0115.

Calls cost cash. The rates can change. Calls may be for a set time. For real, an inmate might get 15 or 20 minutes. All calls are heard and taped. This is for safety. Inmates can call phones on land and cell phones. But the phone number must be one they can call. Some numbers may be blocked. The hours they can call are set. Often it is from mid-morn to late night. But not all day. These times can change by jail. And by where the inmate lives in the jail. If there is a death or big thing in the family, you can try to pass a note. The jail staff will check it. And if it is real, they may tell the inmate.

Sending Money to an Inmate

Inmates need cash for some things. They can buy food from the store in jail. They can buy stamps. Or things for health. You can send cash to an inmate. The VADOC uses a firm called JPay. This is the main way to send cash. You cannot send cash or checks in the mail.

To send cash with JPay, you can do it online. Or you can call them. The JPay phone number is 1 (800) 574-5729. You will need the inmate's name and ID number. JPay may charge a small fee to send the cash. The VADOC site has a page on how to send cash: https://vadoc.virginia.gov/family-and-friends/sending-money/. Check that page for the most up to date facts. There may be a cap on how much cash an inmate can get. Or how much they can have in their fund at one time. These rules help keep things fair and safe in the jail. Make sure you use the right firm. And the right inmate ID. So the cash goes to the right person.

Inmate Programs and Re-entry Support

The VADOC aims to help inmates change their lives. They offer many kinds of programs. These can help them learn new skills. Or deal with past bad ways. The goal is to help them do well when they get out. This helps them and the whole state.

Overview of VADOC Inmate Programs

The VADOC has more than 100 programs. These fall into three main kinds. One kind is school work. One is job training. One is to help them think in new ways. You can see a list of programs on the VADOC site: https://vadoc.virginia.gov/inmates-and-probationers/incoming-inmates/facility-programs/. Not all programs are at all jails. And they can change.

• Academic and Vocational Training: Inmates can work to get a GED. This is like a high school degree. They can learn to read better. Some learn new job skills. Like how to fix cars. Or how to build things. Or how to cut hair. Some learn how to use a computer. These skills can help them find work when they get out. Work helps them stay out of jail.

• Substance Abuse Programs: Many inmates have drug or drink ills. The VADOC has programs to help them stop. These can be groups. Or classes. Some use a plan called Cognitive Behavioral Interventions. This helps them see why they use. And how to change it.

• Cognitive and Behavioral Programs: These programs help inmates change how they think and act. They learn how to deal with anger. Or how to be a better parent. Some programs help with stress from bad past things. Others teach skills for life. Like how to deal with cash. Or how to talk to folks in a good way. The aim is to help them make good choice when they are free. This means less crime.

Re-entry Resources

When an inmate is near to their release date, they can get help. This is to plan for life outside. The VADOC works with groups in towns. These groups can help find a place to live. Or find a job. Some programs teach how to write a good job form. Or how to do well in a job talk. They may have fairs where jobs folks come to the jail. Inmates can learn what jobs are out there. The goal is a good move back to the world. This makes it more sure they will do well. And not come back to jail. A good plan for re-entry is key. It takes work from the inmate and the staff.

Inmate Grievance Process

Inmates have rights. If they feel staff did not treat them right, they can say so. The VADOC has a set way for this. It is called the grievance process. It lets inmates share their woes. And try to get them fixed.

Right to File a Grievance

All inmates in VADOC care have the right to use this process. They should not get in bad for using it in good faith. The rules for this are in VADOC Operating Procedure 866.1. A new form for this came out July 1, 2024. You can find a PDF of this here: https://vadoc.virginia.gov/files/operating-procedures/800/vadoc-op-866-1-a5.pdf. This right is a big one. It helps keep things fair. It lets VADOC know if there are ills in a jail.

An inmate should first try to talk to staff. Try to fix the thing in a calm way. This is the first step. If that does not work, they can write it down. They use a form for this. It is called a Written Complaint (866_F3). They have 15 days from when the thing took place to do this. Or 15 days from when they found out. If it is a claim of sex harm, they do not need this first form.

Steps in the VADOC Grievance Procedure

If the Written Complaint does not fix it, or if staff do not reply in 15 days, the inmate can file a Regular Grievance. This uses form 866_F1. It must get to the jail head within 30 days of the first thing. These forms are free. They can get them when they are up in the day. The jail staff will look at the grievance. They will write back. They will say what they found. And what they will do. Or why they cannot do what the inmate wants.

There is also a way for an Emergency Grievance. This is if the inmate is at risk of real harm right now. These forms (866_F4) can be had 24 hours a day. The Federal Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) says inmates must use this whole process. They must go all the way to the last step. They must do this before they can sue in federal court for most claims. So it is key to follow all steps.

Appealing a Grievance Decision

If the inmate does not like the answer to their Regular Grievance, they can appeal. They have 5 days to do this. They send this appeal up higher. The rules say where it goes. For some things, it goes to the Regional Administrator. It is key to meet the deadlines. If they miss the 5 days, they may lose the right to appeal. The grievance process is there to help. But inmates must use it the right way. And in good faith. If they do not, they can be stopped from using it for a time. The whole process is a way to make sure things are as fair as can be in a jail.

Understanding Parole in Virginia

Parole is when an inmate gets out of jail early. They then live in the town. But they have rules to follow. Not all inmates can get parole in VA. The laws changed some years back.

Parole Eligibility

For crimes that took place in 1995 or after, VA stopped most parole. This means inmates must serve most of their time. They must serve at least 85% of their jail time. They can earn "good time" credits. This can help them get out a bit sooner than their full time. But it is not parole. Some inmates can still be thought of for parole. These are folks whose crimes took place before 1995. Or those who meet other special rules. The Virginia Parole Board is the group that makes all parole choice. You can learn more on their website: https://vpb.virginia.gov/. That site will have the most up to date rules on who can get parole.

It is a hard thing to get parole. The Board looks at many things. They look at the crime. They look at how the inmate did in jail. They look at if the inmate is a risk to folks outside. They also hear from the victim of the crime. All these things help them choose.

The Parole Process

If an inmate can get parole, the Board will look at their case. The inmate does not have to ask. The Board does it on its own time. They will have a hearing. The inmate may not be there. The Board will look at files. They will talk to folks. Then they will choose. They can say yes to parole. Or they can say no. If they say no, they will say when they will look at the case once more. This could be in one year. Or it could be more.

If the Board says yes, the inmate gets out. But they are still in VADOC care. They will have a parole officer. They must meet with this officer. They must follow all rules. Like not using drugs. Or not going to some places. If they break the rules, they can go back to jail. Parole is a chance to show they can live a good life.

Post-Release Supervision

When an inmate gets out, by parole or just end of time, they may still have rules. This is called post-release supervision. A parole officer helps them. The officer makes sure they follow rules. And helps them find help they need. Like job help. Or a place to live. The VADOC has Probation and Parole District Offices all over VA. These staff help keep towns safe. They help those who got out to stay out. And be good folks in their town. The goal is to have less crime. And to help folks who paid their debt to be part of the world once more.