Clark County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Clark County in 2026
ClarkWARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Clark County, Washington. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, bond amounts, and facility location data through this resource. Record availability depends on the custodial agency and the nature of the individual's detention. The following categories of records may be accessible: current jail roster entries, booking photographs, court-related charge data, and historical custody information.
Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Clark County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible jail roster that allows members of the public to search for individuals currently held at the Clark County Jail. To conduct a search, members of the public should navigate to the jail roster page, select a search type — by name, booking number, or booking date — enter the applicable criteria, and review the results displayed. Selecting an individual record provides additional detail.
Information displayed in search results includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location within the jail system
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
The roster is updated on a continuous basis, with new bookings appearing as they are processed. No mobile application is currently offered for this service; the roster is accessible through any standard web browser.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to the custody of the Washington State Department of Corrections. The Washington State DOC incarcerated data search allows members of the public to locate individuals held in state correctional facilities. The incarcerated individual search tool accepts searches by name or offender identification number.
As stated by the Washington State Department of Corrections, "To improve public safety the Department of Corrections publishes information about currently incarcerated individuals." Information available through the state search includes conviction charges, sentence length, projected release date, and facility assignment. County jail records and state prison records are maintained separately; an individual who does not appear in the county roster may have been transferred to state custody.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The BOP Inmate Locator is the appropriate resource when an individual is believed to be in federal custody. The locator accepts searches by name or federal register number and returns information including facility name, release date, and age. This resource is distinct from both county and state searches and applies only to individuals under federal jurisdiction.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the Clark County Jail directly at (564) 397-4622 for inmate information. An automated system is available for basic inquiries. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available. The jail's main line is staffed during regular business hours; automated information may be accessible at additional hours.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may appear in person at the Clark County Jail to request inmate information. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, facility location, and basic booking information during business hours.
By Mail:
Written requests for jail records may be submitted to the Clark County Jail Records Unit. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, approximate booking date if known, and the requestor's return mailing address. Processing times vary based on request volume.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include date of birth to narrow results when a common name is involved
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
If an individual does not appear in the Clark County jail roster, the following possibilities should be considered:
- The individual may have been transferred to state prison (search the Washington State DOC incarcerated data search)
- The individual may be in federal custody (search the BOP Inmate Locator)
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another county or 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 call the jail directly at (564) 397-4622 for assistance
Are Inmate Records Public in Clark County?
Inmate records maintained by Clark County are subject to public disclosure under Washington State's Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56, which establishes a presumption of openness for records held by government agencies. The Clark County Jail publishes a current jail roster and makes jail records available to members of the public in accordance with this statutory framework.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population data
- Booking information including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when 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 withheld)
- 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:
The public disclosure of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency allows citizens to monitor the exercise of law enforcement authority. Public safety is advanced when community members have access to information about individuals in custody. Family members and legal representatives rely on booking data to locate individuals following arrest. The bail bond industry requires timely access to bond and charge information to fulfill its function within the pretrial system.
Privacy Considerations:
Washington law recognizes that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights. Under RCW § 42.56.230, certain categories of personal information retain protection even when held by a government agency. Medical and mental health information is afforded heightened protection. The release of inmate records, while lawful, may carry consequences for individuals' employment prospects and family relationships, a consideration that informs the scope of exemptions recognized under state law.
What Is Inmate Records in Clark County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the detention, custody, and release of individuals held within the jail or prison system. These records serve administrative, legal, and public safety functions and are generated at the point of booking, updated throughout the period of custody, and finalized upon release or transfer.
In Clark County, inmate records are created and maintained by the Clark County Sheriff's Office for individuals held at the county jail. The Washington State Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records are distinguished as follows:
- Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including personal identification data, charges, and bond information
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during detention, including housing assignments, classification, and program participation
- Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior and current periods of detention within a jurisdiction
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody, whether by bond, sentence completion, transfer, or court order
County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of one year or less for misdemeanor offenses. State prison records pertain to individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms administered by the Washington State Department of Corrections. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of offenses under federal law and sentenced to terms administered by the Bureau of Prisons.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Clark 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 (subject to security limitations)
- Booking date and custody start date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following discharge)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers and 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, pending, or forfeited
- Bail bondsman information where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information (in some records)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and sentence length
- Sentence start date and projected release date
- Parole eligibility date where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum
- Special housing needs or designations
- Work assignments and program participation (where disclosed)
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health diagnoses or treatment information
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments retained for security purposes
Clark County Prison System
The Clark County Jail is operated by the Clark County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. The jail operates under the administrative authority of the Clark County Sheriff.
Administration:
Clark County Sheriff's Office
707 W 13th St
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2211
Clark County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Clark County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, individuals awaiting transfer to state prison, and individuals held on federal detainers. Classification is conducted at intake and determines housing assignment and security level. The facility operates a structured classification system ranging from minimum to maximum security designations.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided by contracted health services
- Mental health assessment and referral services
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programming including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Library access
- Recreation programming
Legal Services:
- Law library access for self-represented individuals
- Coordination with the Clark County Public Defender's Office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
The Clark County Jail coordinates pre-release planning services to assist individuals preparing for discharge. Services include referrals for housing assistance, substance abuse treatment continuation, and employment support. These programs are administered in coordination with community-based organizations operating under contract with the county.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Clark County Jail is subject to oversight by the Washington State Department of Corrections and periodic inspection by state authorities. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody pursuant to RCW § 70.48, which governs county jails in Washington State.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Clark County
Clark County Jail
The Clark County Jail is the primary detention facility serving the county.
Clark County Jail
707 W 13th St
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-4622
Clark County Jail Services
The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on federal detainers. Security levels range from minimum to maximum classification. The facility provides the full range of inmate services described above.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Clark County operates an electronic home monitoring program for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on offense type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Participants are required to remain at an approved residence and comply with monitoring conditions.
Work Release
A work release program is available for eligible sentenced individuals, permitting participation in employment while serving a sentence under supervision. Eligibility is subject to court approval and program capacity.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Clark County and sentenced to terms of more than one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Washington State Department of Corrections. The Washington State Penitentiary, located in Walla Walla, Washington, and other state facilities receive transfers from Clark County. These facilities are state-operated and distinct from the county jail system. Records for state-sentenced individuals are maintained by the Washington State Department of Corrections.
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses may be held at federal facilities outside Clark County. The nearest federal detention facility serving the region is the Federal Detention Center SeaTac, located in SeaTac, Washington. Federal custody is administered by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a separate system from both county and state corrections.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Clark County Jail | 707 W 13th St, Vancouver, WA 98660 | (564) 397-4622 |
| Clark County Sheriff's Office | 707 W 13th St, Vancouver, WA 98660 | (564) 397-2211 |
| WA State DOC (Central Office) | 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 | (360) 725-8213 |
How To Find an Inmate in Clark County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Clark County at no cost through several official government resources.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Clark County Sheriff's Office provides a free, publicly accessible jail inmate roster that requires no registration or account creation. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated continuously as bookings are processed.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Washington State DOC incarcerated data search is available at no cost for locating individuals held in state correctional facilities. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have completed state sentences.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The BOP Inmate Locator provides free search access for individuals in federal custody. The locator accepts name and federal register number searches.
4. Court Records Search
Clark County court records, accessible through the Washington Courts case search system, may be used to verify custody status and identify upcoming court dates. Court records may reflect an individual's current detention status as a matter of case history.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (564) 397-4622 to request basic inmate information at no charge. The inquiry line is available during business hours; automated information may be accessible outside standard hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Clark County Jail at 707 W 13th St, Vancouver, WA 98660, during business hours to request inmate information. Public access terminals may be available on-site. Staff assistance is provided during regular business hours at no charge.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
Services that are provided at no cost include the online inmate search, current custody status inquiries, basic inmate information by phone, and in-person information requests. Services that carry associated costs include sending funds to an inmate's account, video visitation, telephone calls placed by inmates, commissary orders, certified copies of booking records, and third-party background check reports.
Scam Warning:
Members of the public should be aware that numerous commercial websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official government sources. Official inmate search tools are provided free of charge by the Clark County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State Department of Corrections. Members of the public should verify that any website consulted carries a .gov domain before providing personal or payment information.