Search King County, WA Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- King County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in King County, WA
- Booking Process & Common Charges in King County
- Visitation Rules at King County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at King County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in King County
- King Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in King County?
- King County Facility Directory
- King Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in King County, Washington, you can start by using the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s online Inmate Lookup Service (https://ingress.kingcounty.gov/inmatelookup), which provides current information about individuals housed in King County jails. Simply enter the inmate’s name or booking number to access basic details about their custody status. For more detailed records or official documentation, you can visit the King County Jail (King County Correctional Facility) in person at 500 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, or contact the jail’s Records Unit directly by phone. Additionally, public records requests, including inmate and court records, can be filed through the King County Public Records Portal. For those who prefer offline methods, visiting the King County Courthouse or contacting the Sheriff’s Office at 516 Third Avenue, Room W-150, Seattle, WA 98104, are viable options. Always bring valid identification and be prepared to complete any necessary forms for in-person inquiries.
How to Find an Inmate in King County, WA
Inmate records for King County, WA are accessible online, but the right search tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local jail, a Washington state prison, or a federal facility. Use the resources below to locate current custody status and facility information.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| King County Jail (Seattle/Regional Justice Center) | Current inmates in county jail | King County Jail Inmate Search | For those arrested and held locally; phone: (206) 296-1234; King County Jail: 500 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Washington DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates (WA DOC) | WA DOC Inmate Search | Search for inmates sentenced to state prison; updated by Washington DOC |
| VINE Inmate Search | Local & state-custody status notifications | VINE Washington | Register for custody status alerts; supports King County and WA DOC |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prison inmates nationwide | BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prisons in WA; federal inmates may be held in nearby facilities (e.g., SeaTac FDC, Tacoma, or out-of-state) |
| In-Person Records Request | All county jail arrest and custody records | Visit: King County Jail, 500 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104; (206) 477-5371 | Request records at the jail’s public window; photo ID required |
Booking Process & Common Charges in King County
After arrest in King County, individuals are transported to jail, fingerprinted, photographed, and undergo medical screening before being assigned housing. The full booking process typically takes between 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, Reckless Driving, Driving with Suspended License | High | 12–48 hours (may be released at court appearance) |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, Distribution, Paraphernalia | High | 1–3 days (varies by severity; some bail-eligible) |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, DV Assault, Harassment | Very High | 48–72 hours (often requires court order for release) |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Vehicle Prowl | High | 1–5 days (dependent on charges and pre-trial status) |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | Moderate | Until next court appearance or bail is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Unserved Court Orders | Moderate | Until resolved by court or posted bail |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Serious Drug Charges | High | Until trial or bail; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at King County Jail
Before planning your visit to King County Jail, please verify the most up-to-date visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Video/On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Video/On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Video/On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Video/On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Video/On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Video/On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Video/On-site | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Government-issued photo ID required for all adult visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing, obscene, or gang-related clothing. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, bags, weapons, or contraband permitted. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on inmate’s approved visitor list prior to visit. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian; birth certificate may be required. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted with valid identification and prior arrangement if possible. |
How to Contact an Inmate at King County Jail
Inmates at King County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging; please note that all communications are monitored for security purposes. Below is the approved mailing address format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
King County Jail
500 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls via [Provider] inmate phone system. | Set up an account with [Provider]. | Calls are monitored and limited in duration; inmates cannot receive calls. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters or approved items to the inmate's mailing address. | Address mail as shown above. | No contraband, cash, or prohibited items; all mail is inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send/receive text messages through [Provider]'s online portal or app. | Create an account and fund messaging. | Messages are reviewed and may be delayed or blocked if against rules. |
| Video Calls | Schedule virtual visits via [Provider]'s platform; inmate participates onsite. | Register and schedule through [Provider]. | Visits are monitored and must adhere to dress/conduct codes. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in King County
The Washington State Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders. In King County, individuals reentering the community can access a range of reentry support services through both state agencies and community-based organizations.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State ISRB (Parole Board) | Decides release and parole for eligible state-sentenced offenders. | State-sentenced individuals | https://www.doc.wa.gov/corrections/isrb/ 360-493-9266 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows eligible incarcerated individuals to earn reduced sentences through good behavior and program participation. | Eligible persons in DOC custody | https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.94A.729 Contact case manager in facility |
| Parole Supervision – King County | Monitors and supports individuals on parole/release in King County. | Parolees/released individuals | DOC Community Corrections, King County 1550 4th Ave S, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 206-764-6200 |
| Reentry Housing (WA Department of Commerce, Reentry Housing Program) | Assists individuals with securing housing upon release. | Recently released individuals | https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/homelessness/reentry-housing-program/ 360-725-2852 |
| Employment Assistance – WorkSource Seattle-King County | Provides job search support, training, and employment programs tailored for justice-involved individuals. | Individuals with criminal backgrounds | https://www.seakingwdc.org/justice-involved-services/ 206-263-9078 |
| Benefits Restoration – WA State DSHS Prisoner Reentry Program | Assists in reinstating public benefits (food, medical, etc.) after incarceration. | Formerly incarcerated individuals | https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/prisoner-reentry 877-501-2233 |
| VINE (Victim Notification) – WA State | Automated system providing victims with custody status updates and release notifications. | Victims of crime, interested parties | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/47000 1-877-846-3492 |
King Incarceration Statistics
King County, Washington, experiences crime and incarceration rates that reflect the dynamics of a large, urban population center, with overall trends showing a mix of stability and moderate increases in specific categories. The county does not have a single dedicated jail; instead, inmates are held at King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) and the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC), serving the entire region.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 10,108 | 422.1 | 15% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 7,150 | 298.6 | 10.6% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 2,530 | 105.6 | 3.7% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 132 | 5.5 | 0.2% | ↑ Increasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 57,960 | 2,419.3 | 85% | → Stable |
| — Theft / Larceny | 41,380 | 1,726.6 | 60.6% | → Stable |
| — Burglary | 10,104 | 421.7 | 14.8% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 6,476 | 269.0 | 9.5% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 2,205 | 92.1 | 3.2% | ↓ Decreasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 2,900 | 121.1 | 4.2% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 4,330 | 180.9 | 6.4% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 85% Male, 15% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 18%, 25-34: 34%, 35-44: 25%, 45+: 23% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 54%, Black: 21%, Hispanic: 14%, Native American: 3%, Asian: 6%, Other: 2% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Assault, Theft/Larceny, Burglary, Drug Offenses | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 28 months | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 34% (3-year rate) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in King County?
As of June 2024, King County detains an estimated 1,650 individuals in local custody. Offenders sentenced to longer incarceration terms may be transferred to a state facility for extended confinement.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 1,120 | 67.9% | $190 | 84% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 280 | 17.0% | $180 | 75% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 170 | 10.3% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 30 | 1.8% | $220 | 63% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 50 | 3.0% | $310 | 54% |
| Total | 1,650 | 100% | N/A | 81% |
King County Facility Directory
King County operates a total of 5 correctional facilities, including a county jail, a community jail, a youth facility, a work release center, and a specialty facility.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) | County Jail | Seattle | 1,250 | 900 | Medium/Maximum |
| Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) | County Jail | Kent | 790 | 600 | Medium/Maximum |
| Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center | Youth Facility | Seattle | 112 | 30 | Juvenile |
| King County Community Center for Alternative Programs (CCAP) | Specialty | Seattle | 150 | 60 | Minimum |
| King County Work Release | Work Release Center | Seattle | 85 | 55 | Minimum/Medium |
King County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-Entry Programs
- Legal Aid & Rights
- Family & Community Support