District of Columbia Inmate Search
District of Columbia inmate records provide information on offenders in correctional facilities in Washington, DC. These records play a vital role in social settings and the US criminal justice system and are, thus, deemed a part of Washington DC Public Records. For instance, residents may conduct a District of Columbia inmate search to learn the status of an offender. Legal professionals and law enforcement agencies also use inmate information during judicial proceedings.
District of Columbia Crime and Incarceration Statistics
In 2023, the DC correction service recorded 3,838 intakes and 3,856 releases, down from 11,516 intakes recorded in 2018. According to data published by the DC Department of Corrections, the inmate population declined by over 30% between 2017 and 2023.
The number of inmates held at the Correctional treatment facility dipped from 2055 in 2017 to 1278 in 2023. In comparison, the DC Central Detention Facility population slipped from 1353 to 903 within the same period. More than half the recorded male inmates were between 18 and 49. 42.7% of inmates were between 21 and 30, while 28.92% were between 31 and 40. In contrast, less than 2.7% of inmates were aged 61 and over.
District of Columbia Prison System
As of 2023, the District of Columbia has a correctional treatment facility, a central detention facility, and multiple correctional houses. Oversight of all adult jails and correctional institutions falls under the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DCDC).
This includes the DC Jail (or DC Central Detention Facility), which is located at 1901 D Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003, with a capacity of approximately 2,100 inmates. The DCDC also operates a Correctional Treatment Facility located at 1901 E St. SE, Washington, DC 20003.
Although the District of Columbia has no federal prisons, it houses the BOP Central Office, which serves as headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Central Office Campus is located at:
320 First Street, NW
Washington, DC 20534
How to Find an Inmate in the District of Columbia
Inquiries about persons incarcerated in the District of Columbia should be directed to the DC Department of Corrections (DCDOC). Serving under the oversight of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety And Justice, the DC DCOC runs the DC jail. Information on inmates can be obtained using the Department's online option or by contacting the record office at (202) 523-7060.
Residents may also contact the department for assistance at:
3924 Minnesota Avenue, NE,
2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20019
Phone: (202) 698-4932
Fax: (202) 671-2043
TTY: 711
How Does a District of Columbia Inmate Search Work?
Inmate records are considered open and accessible to members of the public. Under the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (DC Code §§ 2-531-539), anyone may access information maintained by government agencies as long as the information is not exempted or protected by law.
Some of the information that may be obtained during a county inmate search includes:
- The offender's name
- Any known Aliases
- Scars, tattoos, or any identifying marks
- Inmate mugshot
- Booking date and booking number
- Inmate status
- Name of correctional institution housing inmate
- Inmate's release date
- Physical descriptors (age, sex, race)
- Inmate's date of birth
- Details of inmate's criminal charges
- Case number
- Inmate's current status (active, released, paroled, etc.)
Where to Find a District of Columbia Inmate Locator
Members of the public can search for (and get updates on) District of Columbia inmates by registering with VINELink. Registering on the platform will require a phone number and pin. Inquirers must also provide the inmate's full name or any other identifying information, such as a DCDC inmate ID number or Metropolitan Police Department Identification Number (PDID). DC residents can also obtain general inmate information by contacting the DC Department of Corrections.
Although Washington, DC, has no federal prisons, it houses the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Prison. Inquirers trying to find a District of Columbia resident incarcerated in any federal prison can do so using the search options provided by the Bureau. Searches can be done using a known first, middle, and last name. Searches can also be filtered to reveal results by race, age, or sex. Alternatively, residents may be able to find a federal inmate using a known BOP register number or a DCDC number.
In addition to government-backed search tools, inquirers may also be able to find inmates using third-party inmate locators. Some tools allow for free searches, while others might require a small fee. Searches on these platforms also typically require the inmate's first name, last name, or both.
How to Send Money to a District of Columbia Inmate
The DC Department of Corrections provides multiple options for sending money to a DC inmate. Friends and family can send an inmate money online using Western Union or the OffenderConnect service. Inmates can also receive funds sent via telephone. Alternatively, payments can be made using walk-in case deposits at any Western Union agent location or the inmate kiosk located at the following:
Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) lobby,
1901 E Street, SE,
Washington, DC 20003
In addition to the money being transferred, most transactions will require a service fee. Acceptable forms of payment may include credit cards and cash, depending on the medium for transfer. Senders are advised to provide enough information to facilitate the transaction when making payments. Collection forms should include the following details:
Sender's Account#: Include inmate# and inmate last name
Pay To: DCDOC
Code City: DCGOV
State: DC
How to Visit an Inmate in the District of Columbia
Visits to a District of Columbia inmate must be scheduled ahead of time. Visitors can either schedule a visit online using the Department's scheduling app or by calling the DC Department of Corrections at (888) 906-6394. Access to in-person or face-to-face visits will depend on the inmate's eligibility and the housing facility (DC Correctional Treatment Facility or the DC Central Detention Facility).
Visitors are advised to come early, preferably 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Visitors who arrive late will be denied entry. DC inmates are allowed up to two weekly social visits, each lasting no longer than 45 minutes. Visitors are also required to follow the rules and regulations of the facility for the duration of the visit, which includes adhering to the dress code guidelines.
How to Send Jail Mail in the District of Columbia
To send jail mail to an inmate, the sender must have the inmate's name and the offender's location. For example:
Inmate's name,
DCDC Number
Address of the DC Jail (1901 D Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003).
Although inmates housed in facilities managed by the DCDC are permitted to send and receive jail mail, all incoming or outgoing mail must conform with the Department's regulations. Incoming letters are opened and screened for contraband or unacceptable markings.
District of Columbia Jails and Prisons
The following are the names, addresses, and contact information of all the jail facilities, prisons, and detention centers in the District of Columbia.
Central Detention Facility
1901 D Street Southeast,
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-4932
Correctional Treatment Facility
1901 E Street Southeast, 20003
Washington, DC
(202) 698-3000
Washington Prison
320 1st Street Northwest, 20534
Washington, DC
(202) 305-3500
Youth Services Center
1000 Mount Olivet Road Northeast,
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 576-8175
