Boone County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Boone County in 2026
BooneCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Boone County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find data pertaining to current custody status, booking information, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. Record categories available through official channels include jail rosters, booking records, court case information, and state correctional records. Information presented reflects what is available through government sources and may not be complete or fully current.
Inmate records in Boone County may be searched through official online portals, in-person visits to the Sheriff's Office, telephone inquiry, or written request. The following methods outline the available channels for locating an individual currently or recently held in county or state custody.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Boone County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records for individuals held at the Boone County Jail. Members of the public may access the jail roster through the Sheriff's Office website or by contacting the facility directly.
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office inmate search portal
- Select the preferred search type: by name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the required search criteria — at minimum, the first and last name of the individual
- Review the results list for matching records
- Select a specific record to view detailed booking information
Information displayed in search results may include:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location and housing status
- Booking date and expected release date (when available)
The jail roster is updated on a rolling basis; recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to a West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation facility. The WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation offender search allows members of the public to locate individuals held in state prison facilities. The state search is distinct from the county jail roster and covers post-conviction, longer-term incarceration. Transfer from county jail to state custody at present occurs after sentencing and classification, which may take several weeks following a court disposition.
The WV Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority OIS inmate search provides an additional statewide tool for locating individuals held at regional jail facilities across West Virginia. To begin a search, users must enter at least the first three letters of the individual's last name. The portal returns results including facility location, booking date, and charge information.
The daily incarceration report published by the WV Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority allows users to view current incarcerations by county, providing a snapshot of individuals booked on a given date.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
Individuals charged with federal offenses are held in federal custody and do not appear on county or state rosters. The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search tool for locating individuals in federal custody. This resource is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal law, such as drug trafficking across state lines, federal firearms charges, or immigration violations.
Phone Search:
- Phone: (304) 369-7340 (Boone County Sheriff's Office)
- Staff are available to provide basic inmate status information during business hours
- Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Boone County Sheriff's Office to inquire about inmate status. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can confirm current custody status, facility location, and scheduled court dates.
Boone County Sheriff's Office
200 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7340
Boone County Sheriff's Office
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Boone County Sheriff's Office at the address above. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies; requestors should allow a minimum of ten business days for a written response.
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 the date of birth to narrow results when a common name is involved
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmate rosters and recently released records
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in online systems
- Individuals who have been transferred to state custody may not appear on the county roster
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison facility — search the WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation offender search
- The individual may be in federal custody — search the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in an adjacent jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the jail directly at (304) 369-7340 for confirmation
Are Inmate Records Public in Boone County?
Inmate records maintained by the Boone County Sheriff's Office and the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation are subject to public disclosure under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq. Under current law, records pertaining to the custody, booking, and charges of individuals held in county or state correctional facilities are presumptively open to public inspection. The statute establishes that all public records are available for inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and daily population
- 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 evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld on security grounds)
- Visitor contact lists
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments for active security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the public be able to verify who is held in custody and under what authority. Public safety is served by allowing community members to confirm the custody status of individuals charged with offenses. Family members and legal representatives rely on booking records to locate individuals following arrest. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to bond amounts and custody status to fulfill its function within the pretrial system.
Privacy Considerations:
West Virginia law recognizes a balance between the public's right of access and the privacy interests of individuals in custody. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health records, is protected from disclosure under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-4, which enumerates specific categories of exempt records. The release of booking photographs and personal identifiers may carry collateral consequences for employment and family relationships, and members of the public are encouraged to use this information responsibly.
What Is Inmate Records in Boone County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention. These records serve as the authoritative account of an individual's interaction with the county or state correctional system and are used for administrative, legal, and public safety purposes.
The Boone County Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of records for individuals held at the Boone County Jail. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains records for individuals transferred to state prison facilities. Federal correctional records are maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and initial custody information
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's housing status, classification, and movements within the facility
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings, charges, and custody periods within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the date, manner, and conditions of an individual's release from custody
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. County jail records reflect pre-trial detention and short-term sentences, at present defined as terms of one year or less. State prison records reflect post-conviction incarceration for felony offenses carrying sentences exceeding one year. Federal prison records reflect convictions under federal law, regardless of sentence length.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Boone 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)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when 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, where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney of record (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Historical charges and custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum
- Special housing designations
- Work assignments and program participation, where publicly available
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history and active health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Telephone call logs
- Specific cell assignments maintained for security purposes
Boone County Prison System
The Boone County correctional system is administered by the Boone County Sheriff's Office, which operates the Boone County Jail in Madison, West Virginia. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the jail, including intake, classification, programming, and release.
Administration:
The Boone County Sheriff oversees jail operations and is accountable to the county commission and the public. Administrative inquiries may be directed to the Sheriff's Office at the address below.
Boone County Sheriff's Office
200 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7340
Boone County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Boone County Jail houses a mixed population of pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders. Classification is conducted at intake to determine appropriate housing assignments based on charge severity, criminal history, and behavioral factors. The facility operates under the oversight of the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted health services
- Mental health screening and referral services
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programming, including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy access
- Recreation and library access
Legal Services:
- Law library access for self-represented individuals
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
The facility at present offers pre-release planning services to assist individuals preparing for return to the community. Services may include referrals for housing, employment assistance, and continuation of substance abuse treatment.
Oversight and Accountability:
The West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority provides state-level oversight of county jail operations. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody pursuant to facility policy and applicable state regulations.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Boone County
Boone County Jail
Boone County Jail
200 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7340
Boone County Sheriff's Office
The Boone County Jail is the primary detention facility serving the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals sentenced to terms of one year or less, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody. The jail operates under the authority of the Boone County Sheriff and is subject to inspection and oversight by the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Eligible individuals may be placed on home detention with electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court based on offense type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Administrative inquiries regarding this program may be directed to the Boone County Sheriff's Office.
Work Release
A work release program may be available for sentenced individuals who meet eligibility criteria established by the court and the Sheriff's Office. Participants are permitted to leave the facility for employment purposes and return at designated times.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains a statewide network of correctional facilities and provides an online offender search tool for locating state prisoners.
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
1409 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, WV 25311
Phone: (304) 558-2036
WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is located within Boone County at present. Individuals charged with federal offenses are held at federal facilities designated by the U.S. Marshals Service or the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search tool for locating individuals in federal custody.
How To Find an Inmate in Boone County for Free?
All primary inmate search tools available for Boone County are provided at no cost through official government websites. Members of the public are not required to pay any fee to access basic custody information.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Boone County Sheriff's Office provides access to current jail population information. No registration or payment is required. Information available includes current inmates, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs where available. The roster is updated on a rolling basis throughout the day.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation offender search is available at no cost for locating individuals held in state prison facilities. Historical incarceration information may be available for individuals with prior state sentences.
3. WV Regional Jail Inmate Search
The WV Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority OIS search provides a free statewide search of individuals held at regional jail facilities. The daily incarceration report allows users to view current bookings by county at no charge.
4. Court Records Search
The West Virginia Magistrate Case Record Search allows members of the public to search magistrate court case records, which may confirm custody status, upcoming court dates, and charge information. The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia notes that the information provided through this portal may not reflect the most current case status and should be verified with the court of record.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call the Boone County Sheriff's Office at (304) 369-7340 during business hours to request basic inmate status information at no charge. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Boone County Sheriff's Office at 200 State Street, Madison, WV 25130, during business hours to request inmate information. Staff assistance is available at the front desk, and no fee is charged for basic information inquiries.
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no cost:
- Online inmate search through official government portals
- Current custody status and basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information at the Sheriff's Office
- Court records search through the magistrate case portal
The following services at present involve fees or third-party charges:
- Sending funds to an inmate's commissary account
- Video visitation services (fees set by contracted vendor)
- Telephone calls initiated by inmates (fees set by contracted vendor)
- Certified copies of booking records or court documents
- Comprehensive 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. All inmate search tools described in this article are provided free of charge through official .gov websites. Users should verify that any website accessed for inmate information displays a .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment. Under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3, public records are available for inspection without the payment of fees beyond those authorized by statute for copying and certification.