Clarke County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Clarke County in 2026
ClarkeRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to inmate records in Clarke County, Alabama. Members of the public may access records that include booking information, custody status, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. The following categories of records may be available: current inmate rosters, booking photographs, court dates, and release information. Data availability varies by source and record type.
Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Search Methods
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals held at the county jail and provides public access to current inmate information.
To search the inmate roster:
- Access the Clarke County Sheriff's Office website or contact the office directly for roster availability
- Select a search type, such as by full legal name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review the results list for matching records
- Select an individual record to view detailed information
Information displayed in search results may include:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond amount and bond type
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
The roster is updated on a regular basis; recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system.
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3121
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for State Prison)
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections. The Alabama DOC inmate search allows the public to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities.
To search the state database:
- Navigate to the Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search portal
- Enter the inmate's first and last name or ADOC number
- Review results for matching records
Information available through the state search includes the inmate's name, ADOC number, facility assignment, sentence information, and projected release date. The state database does not contain records for individuals held in county jails awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences. Transfer from county to state custody occurs after sentencing and classification, a process that may take several weeks.
Alabama Department of Corrections
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 353-3883
Alabama Department of Corrections
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 (BOP). The BOP inmate locator is the appropriate resource when a person is believed to be in federal custody.
This tool should be used when:
- The arrest involved a federal agency such as the FBI, DEA, or U.S. Marshals Service
- The charges relate to federal statutes
- The individual is not found in county or state databases
The locator provides the inmate's name, register number, age, race, sex, release date, and facility location.
Phone Search
Members of the public may contact the Clarke County Sheriff's Office directly at (251) 275-3121 to request inmate information by phone. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff are available during regular business hours to assist with inquiries.
In-Person Inquiry
Individuals may visit the Clarke County Sheriff's Office in person to request inmate information. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, booking information, and scheduled court dates. Valid government-issued photo identification is recommended when making in-person inquiries.
Clarke County Sheriff's Office / County Jail
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3121
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
By Mail
Written requests for inmate information may be submitted by mail to the Clarke County Sheriff's Office. Requests should include the full legal name of the inmate, date of birth, and the specific information being sought. Processing time varies depending on the nature and volume of requests received.
Search Tips
Effective searches are more likely when the following practices are followed:
- Use the inmate's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when multiple individuals share a name
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmate rosters and recently released records
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in online systems
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county database
What If You Can't Find an Inmate
If a search does not return results, the following explanations may apply:
- The individual may have been transferred to state prison; check the Alabama DOC database
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the BOP inmate locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in a neighboring 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 Clarke County Sheriff's Office directly at (251) 275-3121 for assistance locating an individual not found through online searches.
Are Inmate Records Public in Clarke County?
Inmate records in Clarke County are subject to public disclosure under Alabama's Open Records Law. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, every citizen has a right to inspect and copy public writings of the state, including records maintained by government agencies. Booking records, custody status, charges, and bond information are among the categories of inmate information accessible to the public.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information and booking date
- 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
- Visitor contact lists
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classifications and cell assignments
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety awareness
- Family notification of custody status
- Support for legal proceedings
- Operational needs of the bail bond industry
Privacy Considerations:
Alabama law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, is protected from disclosure. The release of inmate information may affect employment prospects and family relationships, and agencies apply applicable exemptions to protect information that falls outside the scope of public disclosure.
What Is Inmate Records in Clarke 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 facilities. In Clarke County, these records are created at the point of booking and updated throughout an individual's period of custody.
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of records for individuals held at the county jail. The Alabama Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting personal identification information, charges, and bond information
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's housing assignment, classification, and status during incarceration
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of prior bookings, charges, and custody periods within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the circumstances and date of an individual's release from custody
The distinction between county jail and state prison records is significant. County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of one year or less. State prison records pertain to individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year, who are housed in facilities operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections. Federal prison records are maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons for individuals convicted of federal offenses.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Clarke 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 restrictions)
- 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, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information (when applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing types
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (when applicable)
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges
- Historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments (in some cases)
- Program participation
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Clarke County Prison System
The Clarke County jail system is operated by the Clarke County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody.
Administration:
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office administers the county detention facility and is responsible for the custody, care, and supervision of all individuals held within the county jail system.
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3121
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The county jail houses the following categories of inmates:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting arraignment or trial
- Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state prison
- Individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions
Inmate Services:
Services available to individuals in custody at the Clarke County jail include:
- Medical care and health screening
- Mental health referrals
- Religious services
- Recreation access
- Law library access for legal research
Oversight and Accountability:
The Alabama Department of Corrections and the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission provide oversight of county detention facilities. Individuals with grievances related to conditions of confinement may submit written complaints through the facility's grievance process.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Clarke County
Clarke County Jail
The Clarke County Jail is the primary detention facility serving Clarke County, Alabama. It is operated by the Clarke County Sheriff's Office and houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
Clarke County Jail
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3121
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
The facility serves:
- Pre-trial detainees
- Sentenced misdemeanor offenders
- Felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Clarke County may offer alternative custody arrangements for eligible individuals, including home detention with electronic monitoring. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about alternative custody programs should contact the Clarke County Sheriff's Office directly.
Work Release
Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria and program availability are subject to the discretion of the Sheriff's Office and the sentencing court.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Clarke County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections. The Holman Correctional Facility and Fountain Correctional Facility, both located in Escambia County, are among the state facilities that may receive transfers from Clarke County. State facilities are distinct from the county jail and are governed by Alabama Code § 14-3-30, which establishes the authority of the Department of Corrections over state prisoners.
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with federal offenses may be held in federal facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The nearest federal detention facilities to Clarke County are located in the Southern District of Alabama. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a complete directory of federal facilities and the inmate locator tool for federal custody searches.
How To Find an Inmate in Clarke County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Clarke County does not require payment. Multiple official government resources provide free access to inmate information.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office provides public access to current inmate information at no charge. No registration is required. Information available includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bonds, facility location, and booking photographs. Members of the public may access this information by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly or visiting in person.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Alabama DOC inmate search is available at no cost to the public. This resource covers individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities. As noted on the official portal, "This database only contains currently incarcerated inmates. Historical data is not available on-line at this time."
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The BOP inmate locator provides free access to federal inmate information, including facility location, projected release date, and basic identifying information.
4. Court Records Search
Court records maintained by the Alabama Unified Judicial System may be used to verify custody status and identify upcoming court dates. Case records are accessible through the state court portal and may reflect current charges and case status.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call the Clarke County Sheriff's Office at (251) 275-3121 for basic inmate information at no charge during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Individuals may visit the Clarke County Sheriff's Office at 114 Court Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451, to request inmate information in person. Staff assistance is available during business hours, and no fee is charged for basic information requests.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no cost:
- Online inmate search
- Current custody status inquiry
- Basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests
The following services involve fees:
- Sending money to an inmate's account
- Video visitation services
- Phone calls placed by inmates
- Commissary orders
- Certified copies of booking records
- Third-party background check reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public should be aware that numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official government sources. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, public records are accessible without payment to private intermediaries. Official government websites use .gov or .us domains. Members of the public should verify the source of any website before submitting payment for inmate search services.