Washington County Inmate Lookup
Washington County jail roster information is available through the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Larry Colston has run the department since 2023. The county seat is Chatom. Washington County was the first county in Alabama, created in 1800. It has about 16,500 residents today. The jail houses inmates from the county and local towns like Millry and McIntosh. There is an online roster, though the website may have connection issues at times. This page shows you how to find jail records in Washington County.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Larry Colston took office in 2023. He leads law enforcement for Washington County. The office handles patrol, investigations, and the county jail.
The Sheriff's Office is at 45 Court Street in Chatom. The jail is at the same location. Staff book arrests and keep records on all inmates. The jail averages about 80 people at any time.
| Address |
45 Court Street Chatom, AL 36518 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 847-2202 |
| Fax | (251) 847-6677 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Sheriff | Larry Colston |
| Website | wcalabama.com/sheriffs-department |
How to Search the Jail Roster Online
Washington County has an online jail roster. You can find it on the Sheriff's website. The search shows who is currently in jail. It is free to use.
Go to washcoso.com/whos-in-jail to search. The site may have connection issues at times. If it does not load, try again later or call the jail.
The Washington County jail roster shows these details:
- Full name of the inmate
- Date of birth
- Booking number
- Criminal charges
- Bond amount
- Release date if known
- Mugshot photo
You can search by name, date of birth, or booking number. The roster updates as new bookings happen. If someone was released, they may not show anymore.
Alabama Jail Record Laws
Jail records are public in Alabama. The law is clear on this. Under Alabama Code Section 36-22-8, every sheriff must keep a book on all prisoners. The book must show names, ages, charges, and dates. Anyone can view this book during office hours.
The Alabama Open Records Act in Section 36-12-40 also applies. State residents can inspect and copy public records. Jail rosters are public records. Viewing costs nothing. Copies may have a fee.
Not all info is public. Medical records are private. Juvenile records are sealed under Section 12-15-133. If a case gets expunged per Section 15-27, those records come off the roster.
Get Records In Person
You can visit the Sheriff's Office in Chatom. It is at 45 Court Street. Bring a valid ID. Staff can look up inmates and provide records. This works well if the website is down or you need older records.
For printed copies, expect to pay a fee. Most agencies charge around one dollar per page. Certified copies cost more. Ask the clerk for the current prices.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Call ahead at (251) 847-2202 if you have questions. The jail operates around the clock.
Sheriff's Office Services
The Washington County Sheriff's Office provides many services. These go beyond basic law enforcement.
The office offers community policing. Deputies work with residents to prevent crime. They provide security at local events. Drug awareness education is available for schools and groups.
The office also helps other agencies when needed. They work with state and federal law enforcement on large cases. If you need to report a crime, call (251) 847-2202.
Inmate Contact and Services
The Washington County Jail uses GettingOut.com for inmate services. This third party site lets you contact inmates. You can send messages or set up video visits.
Go to gettingout.com to set up an account. Search for Washington County, Alabama. You can then find the inmate you want to contact. There are fees for some services.
State Prison and VINE
The county roster shows local inmates. If someone goes to state prison, they leave the county jail. You will not find them on the Washington County roster.
For state inmates, use the Alabama Department of Corrections search. Go to doc.alabama.gov/inmatesearch. Enter a name or ADOC number. The site shows where the inmate is housed.
Victims can sign up for Alabama VINE. This system sends alerts when an inmate moves or gets released. Register at vinelink.com or call 877-846-3425. The service is free.
Search Washington County Inmates
Use the tool below to find inmates and public records in Washington County, Alabama.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Washington County. Each has its own jail and inmate roster.