Randolph County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Randolph County in 2026
RandolphCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to inmate records in Randolph County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find records pertaining to current custody status, booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and incarceration history. Available record categories may include jail rosters, booking records, court case information, state prison records, and federal custody data. Information presented reflects what is available through official government sources and may not reflect real-time changes in custody status.
Inmate records in Randolph County may be searched through official government resources, including the county Sheriff's Office, the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority, the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and public access terminals at the courthouse. The sections below provide detailed, actionable guidance for each available search method.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement and detention authority for the county. Members of the public seeking current inmate information may access the Sheriff's Office website or contact the office directly. To conduct an online search, members of the public should navigate to the Sheriff's Office official website, locate the inmate or jail roster section, and enter the subject's full legal name or booking number. Search results may display personal identification information, booking photograph, current charges, bond information, facility location, booking date, and expected release date where available. The roster is updated on a regular basis, though recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the system.
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
4 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-2100
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
Phone Search: Members of the public may call (304) 636-2100 during regular business hours to inquire about an inmate's custody status. Callers should have the subject's full legal name and date of birth available to assist staff in locating the record.
In-Person Inquiry: Members of the public may visit the Sheriff's Office at 4 Randolph Ave, Elkins, WV 26241, during regular business hours. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk may provide current custody status, facility location, and basic booking information.
By Mail: Written requests for inmate information may be submitted to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office at 4 Randolph Ave, Elkins, WV 26241. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing times vary based on request volume.
Search Tips:
- Use the subject's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Inmates who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; check the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the Federal Bureau of Prisons
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Members of the public may contact the jail directly at (304) 636-2100
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to a state correctional facility, the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation offender search provides access to state prison records. Members of the public may search by name or offender number. Information available through this portal includes the offender's current facility, sentence information, projected release date, and conviction charges. County jail records and state prison records are maintained separately; individuals held pre-trial or serving short sentences remain in county custody, while those convicted of felonies with longer sentences are transferred to state facilities. Transfer from county jail to a state facility following sentencing may take several weeks.
The WV Regional Jail Authority OIS inmate search provides a separate portal for individuals held in regional jail facilities operated by the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority. Members of the public may also access daily incarceration data by selecting Randolph County from the county list to view current daily bookings.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
For individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses, the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search tool. This resource is appropriate when the subject is believed to be in federal custody following a federal arrest or conviction. The locator provides the inmate's current facility, projected release date, and register number. Federal and state custody are entirely separate systems; an individual in federal custody will not appear in county or state records.
Are Inmate Records Public in Randolph County?
Inmate records maintained by Randolph County government agencies are subject to public disclosure under West Virginia law. Pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq., all persons are entitled to inspect and copy public records held by government bodies, subject to specific statutory exemptions. Booking records, current custody status, charges, bond information, and booking photographs are among the categories of inmate information that are accessible to the public.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts and status
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date, where available
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
Government transparency is a foundational principle of West Virginia public records law. Public access to inmate records serves multiple legitimate purposes, including enabling family members to locate detained individuals, supporting the bail bond industry's operational needs, facilitating legal proceedings, and allowing the public to monitor the administration of the criminal justice system. As the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has recognized, the Freedom of Information Act reflects "a general policy of openness in government."
Privacy Considerations:
West Virginia law balances the public's right of access against individual privacy interests. Certain categories of sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health records, are protected from disclosure under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-4, which enumerates specific exemptions to the general disclosure requirement. The impact of public booking records on families and future employment prospects is a recognized concern, though under current law, lawfully obtained public records remain accessible absent a specific statutory exemption.
What Is Inmate Records in Randolph County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by law enforcement and correctional agencies to document the custody, charges, and incarceration history of individuals detained or imprisoned within the jurisdiction. These records serve administrative, legal, and public safety functions, and are created at the point of booking when an individual is taken into custody.
In Randolph County, inmate records are created and maintained by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office for individuals held in the county jail, and by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation for individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities. The distinction between record types is significant:
- Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including personal identification information, charges, and booking photograph.
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual's detention, including housing location, classification, and any transfers.
- Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior and current periods of custody within the jurisdiction.
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's release from custody, including the basis for release (bond, sentence completion, court order, or other).
The official custodian of county jail records is the Randolph County Sheriff's Office. State prison records are maintained by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Federal prison records are maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial awaiting court proceedings, individuals serving short misdemeanor sentences, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state facilities. State prison records pertain to individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences of more than one year. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses in United States District Court.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Randolph County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date, if available
- Actual release date following release
- Custody status (in custody, released, or transferred)
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond)
- Bond status (posted or pending)
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information, where available
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and sentence length
- Sentence start date and projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, if applicable
- Good time credits, where applicable
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level (minimum, medium, or maximum security)
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments and program participation, where publicly available
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Randolph County Prison System
The Randolph County jail system is operated under the authority of the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the detention of pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities. The Sheriff's Office administers day-to-day jail operations, including classification, inmate services, and facility security.
Administration:
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
4 Randolph Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 636-2100
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
The jail houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. Inmate services provided at the facility include medical care, mental health referrals, substance abuse programming, religious services, and access to legal materials. The facility coordinates with the public defender's office to facilitate attorney visitation and legal representation.
Reentry planning is conducted in coordination with state and local agencies to assist individuals approaching release with housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment resources. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides oversight of correctional standards applicable to county facilities under W. Va. Code § 31-20-1 et seq., which governs the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority and establishes standards for the operation of regional jail facilities.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Randolph County
Eastern Regional Jail
The Eastern Regional Jail serves as the primary detention facility for Randolph County and several surrounding counties. It is operated by the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority, a state agency that administers regional jail facilities throughout West Virginia.
Eastern Regional Jail
1 Mountaineer Dr
Martinsburg, WV 25405
Phone: (304) 267-0005
WV Regional Jail Authority
Members of the public seeking information about individuals held at the Eastern Regional Jail may use the WV Regional Jail Authority inmate search portal to locate current inmates by name or booking number.
Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail / Huttonsville Work Camp
The Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail is a state correctional facility physically located in Randolph County, approximately 18 miles south of Elkins on U.S. Route 250. This facility is operated by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation and houses state-sentenced offenders. It is distinct from the county jail system and is not operated by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office.
Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail
Route 250
Huttonsville, WV 26273
Phone: (304) 335-2321
Huttonsville Correctional Center
Federal Detention Facilities
At present, there are no federal detention facilities physically located within Randolph County. Individuals in federal custody following arrest or conviction on federal charges in the Northern District of West Virginia are held at federal facilities designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Members of the public may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator to locate individuals in federal custody.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring: The Randolph County Sheriff's Office and the West Virginia court system administer home detention and electronic monitoring programs for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the sentencing court based on offense type, criminal history, and risk assessment.
Work Release: Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility and program details are determined by the supervising correctional authority.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Randolph County Sheriff's Office | 4 Randolph Ave, Elkins, WV 26241 | (304) 636-2100 |
| Huttonsville Correctional Center | Route 250, Huttonsville, WV 26273 | (304) 335-2321 |
| WV Regional Jail Authority | 1 Mountaineer Dr, Martinsburg, WV 25405 | (304) 267-0005 |
How To Find an Inmate in Randolph County for Free?
All primary inmate search resources available for Randolph County are provided at no cost through official government websites. Members of the public are not required to pay any fee to access basic inmate location and custody information.
1. Official County and Regional Jail Inmate Roster
The WV Regional Jail Authority daily incarceration search allows members of the public to select Randolph County and view current daily bookings at no charge and without registration. Information available includes current inmates, booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated daily.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation offender search provides free access to state prison records, including historical incarceration information for individuals who have been released from state custody.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search tool for individuals in federal custody, available without registration or fee.
4. Court Records Search
The West Virginia Judiciary's CourtConnect case search allows members of the public to search court case records, which may confirm custody status and display upcoming court dates for individuals with pending criminal cases.
Free Phone Information: Members of the public may call the Randolph County Sheriff's Office at (304) 636-2100 during business hours to request basic inmate information at no charge.
Free In-Person Search: Members of the public may visit the Sheriff's Office at 4 Randolph Ave, Elkins, WV 26241, during regular business hours. Staff assistance is available, and no fee is charged for basic information inquiries.
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:
Services that are always free include online inmate search, current custody status, basic inmate information, phone inquiries for basic information, and in-person information requests. Services that carry a cost include sending money to an inmate, video visitation, phone calls placed by inmates, commissary orders, and certified copies of booking records.
Members of the public are advised to use only official government websites for inmate searches. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment.