Mason County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Mason County in 2026
MasonRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Mason County, Washington. Members of the public may find records pertaining to current custody status, booking information, charges, bond amounts, and facility assignments. The following record categories are accessible through official channels:
- Current inmate rosters
- Booking and arrest records
- Charge and case information
- Bond and bail status
- Release and transfer records
Records can be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the Mason County Sheriff's Office and state corrections agencies.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Mason County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster that members of the public may use to locate individuals currently held in county custody. The Corrections / Jail page on the Mason County official website serves as the primary portal for inmate searches.
To conduct a search, members of the public should:
- Navigate to the Mason County Sheriff's Office Corrections / Jail page
- Select the preferred search type, which may include search by name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the available search criteria into the designated fields
- Review the results list for matching individuals
- Select a specific record to view detailed inmate information
The inmate roster displays the following information for each individual in custody:
- Full legal name
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and statutes
- Bond amount and bond type
- Facility location within the county system
- Booking date
- Expected release date, where available
The Current Inmate Offense List is updated on a rolling basis and reflects the current in-custody population. New bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system following the initial intake process.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year in Washington State are transferred from county jail to a Washington State Department of Corrections facility. The Washington State DOC maintains a separate offender search tool for individuals held in state custody. Members of the public seeking information on state prisoners should access the Washington State DOC Offender Search portal directly.
For individuals who may be held in Michigan state facilities, the Offender Tracking Information System maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections provides searchable records on state prisoners, including offense history, facility assignment, and projected release dates. The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county jails house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of one year or less, while state prisons house individuals convicted of felonies with longer sentences. Transfer from county to state custody typically occurs within 30 to 60 days following sentencing.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), which are separate from county and state systems. The BOP Inmate Locator allows members of the public to search for individuals in federal custody by name or federal register number. This resource is appropriate when an individual is believed to have been charged with a federal crime or transferred to federal custody following a state proceeding.
Phone Search:
- Phone number for inmate information: (360) 427-9670 (Mason County Sheriff's Office main line)
- Members of the public may call during regular business hours to request basic inmate status information
- Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available
- Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may appear in person at the Mason County Sheriff's Office 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 regular business hours.
Mason County Sheriff's Office
411 N. 5th Street
Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 427-9670
Mason County Sheriff's Office
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be submitted by mail to the Mason County Sheriff's Office at the address listed above. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information being sought. Processing times vary depending on the nature and volume of requests received.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Attempt 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 and recently released inmate records
- Allow several hours for recent bookings 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:
- The individual may have been transferred to a Washington State Department of Corrections facility
- The individual may be in federal custody and searchable through the BOP Inmate Locator
- The individual may have been released since the last system update
- 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 jail directly at (360) 427-9670 for assistance
Are Inmate Records Public in Mason County?
Inmate records in Mason County are subject to public disclosure under Washington State's Public Records Act, codified at RCW § 42.56, which establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access to government records. Under this statute, records held by public agencies, including law enforcement and corrections departments, are presumptively open to inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies.
As the Washington State Attorney General's Office has noted, "The Public Records Act reflects the Legislature's intent that agencies make available for public inspection and copying all public records unless the records fall within specific exemptions."
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population list
- Booking information, including date and time of booking
- Criminal charges and associated statutes
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date, where the system makes this 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 under specific exemptions)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records, which are protected under separate statutory provisions
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classification details that could compromise facility safety
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
- Government transparency and accountability in the administration of justice
- Public safety notification for community members
- Family notification regarding the location and status of detained individuals
- Support for legal proceedings, including bail bond determinations
- Facilitation of attorney-client communication and court preparation
Privacy Considerations:
Washington law recognizes that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights. Certain categories of sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health records, are protected from disclosure under RCW § 42.56.360. The release of inmate records can have lasting consequences for individuals and their families, particularly with respect to employment and housing, and agencies are required to apply exemptions appropriately when withholding protected information.
What Is Inmate Records in Mason County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by law enforcement and corrections agencies to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals detained within the correctional system. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding an individual's presence within a detention facility, the legal basis for that detention, and the administrative details of their confinement.
In Mason County, inmate records are created at the point of booking and are maintained by the Mason County Sheriff's Office, which serves as the official custodian of county jail records. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of these records throughout the period of an individual's custody.
The following distinctions apply to the categories of inmate records:
- Booking records document the initial intake process, including the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, the charges filed, and the results of the booking search and identification process.
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual's detention, including facility assignment, classification level, and any transfers between facilities.
- Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior bookings and periods of custody within the county system.
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's release from custody, whether by bond, court order, completion of sentence, or transfer.
The distinction between county jail records, state prison records, and federal prison records is significant. County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of one year or less. State prison records, maintained by the Washington State Department of Corrections, pertain to individuals serving longer felony sentences. Federal prison records, maintained by the Bureau of Prisons, pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Mason County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Inmate or booking number assigned at intake
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph taken at the time of intake
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location within the Mason County corrections system
- Housing unit or cell block assignment (disclosure may be limited for security reasons)
- Date and time of booking
- Expected release date, where available
- Actual release date following discharge from custody
- Current custody status, including in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current criminal charges
- Charge descriptions and applicable statutes
- Associated case numbers
- Court jurisdiction handling the matter
- Date of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Warrant information, where applicable
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, or no-bond hold
- Current bond status, including whether bond has been posted
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing times
- Court location and division
- Type of hearing scheduled
- Attorney of record, where this information is made available
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Length of sentence imposed
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole or early release eligibility date, where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Mason County
- Historical charges associated with prior bookings
- Previous custody dates and release information
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level, such as minimum, medium, or maximum
- Special housing requirements or needs
- Work assignment information, where publicly available
- Program participation records
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health evaluations or treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information and approved visitor lists
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs and communication records
- Specific cell assignments withheld for security purposes
Mason County Prison System
The Mason County corrections system is operated by the Mason County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county jail and all associated detention functions. The facility serves as the primary detention center for individuals arrested within Mason County, including pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody.
Administration:
The Mason County Sheriff's Office oversees all corrections operations within the county. The administrative office is located at the address listed below and is responsible for facility management, staffing, and compliance with applicable state standards.
Mason County Sheriff's Office – Corrections Division
411 N. 5th Street
Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 427-9670
Mason County Sheriff's Office Corrections / Jail
Facility Operations:
The Mason County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. The facility operates a classification system that assigns inmates to appropriate housing based on the nature of their charges, criminal history, and behavior during confinement.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted health services
- Mental health services and crisis intervention
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational opportunities, including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy access
- Library and reading material access
- Recreation and physical activity
Legal Services:
- Law library access for self-represented individuals
- Coordination with the Mason County Public Defender's Office
- Attorney visitation accommodations
Reentry Programs:
- Pre-release planning and case management
- Referrals to community-based housing and employment resources
- Substance abuse treatment continuation planning
Oversight and Accountability:
The Mason County Jail is subject to oversight by the Washington State Department of Corrections and must comply with standards established under Washington Administrative Code. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody, and the facility is subject to periodic inspection by state oversight authorities.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Mason County
Mason County Jail
The Mason County Jail is the primary detention facility serving Mason County, Washington. It is operated by the Mason County Sheriff's Office and houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody.
Mason County Jail
411 N. 5th Street
Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 427-9670
Mason County Corrections / Jail
- Security level: Multi-classification
- Population served: Pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers, and individuals held on detainers from other agencies
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention / Electronic Monitoring
Mason County operates an electronic monitoring program for eligible individuals who meet specific criteria established by the court. Participants are required to remain at an approved residence and comply with all monitoring conditions. Eligibility is determined by the court in consultation with the Sheriff's Office.
Work Release
A work release program may be available for eligible sentenced individuals, allowing participants to maintain employment while serving their sentence under supervision. Eligibility requirements are established by the court and the corrections administration.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Mason County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to Washington State Department of Corrections facilities. These facilities are operated by the state, not the county, and inmate records for state prisoners are maintained by the Washington State DOC. Members of the public seeking information on state prisoners should access the Washington State DOC Offender Search tool.
Federal Detention Facilities
Federal defendants arrested in Mason County may be transferred to federal detention facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons. The BOP Inmate Locator provides current information on individuals in federal custody. Federal custody is distinct from county and state custody and is governed by federal law, including 18 U.S.C. § 3621, which governs the imprisonment of federal offenders.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Mason County Jail | 411 N. 5th Street, Shelton, WA 98584 | (360) 427-9670 |
| WA State DOC (General) | 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 | (360) 725-8213 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | 320 First St NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Mason County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Mason County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration, subscription, or payment is required to access basic inmate information through official channels.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Mason County Sheriff's Office publishes a free, publicly accessible inmate roster that is available without registration. The current inmate list includes individuals currently in custody and is updated on a rolling basis. The roster includes booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Washington State Department of Corrections provides a free offender search tool for individuals held in state prison facilities. Historical information, including prior commitments and release dates, is available through this resource at no charge.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The BOP Inmate Locator is a free federal resource that allows members of the public to search for individuals in federal custody by name or federal register number. No fee is required to access this tool.
4. Court Records Search
Court case records may be used to verify an individual's custody status and upcoming court dates. The MiCOURT Case Search platform provides access to court case information, and the Cases, Opinions & Orders portal offers additional search capabilities for court records. These resources may reflect custody status through associated case filings and hearing schedules.
Free Phone Information:
- Members of the public may call (360) 427-9670 for basic inmate status information
- No charge is assessed for standard telephone inquiries
- Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available
- Phone inquiries are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Mason County Sheriff's Office in person to request inmate information at no charge. Public access terminals may be available for self-service searches. Staff assistance is available during regular business hours.
Mason County Sheriff's Office
411 N. 5th Street
Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 427-9670
Mason County Sheriff's Office
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no charge through official government channels:
- Online inmate search and roster access
- Current custody status inquiry
- Basic inmate information, including charges and bond amounts
- Telephone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests at the Sheriff's Office
The following services are subject to fees:
- Depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account
- Video visitation services, which are operated by contracted vendors
- Telephone calls placed by inmates through the facility phone system
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Background checks or certified copies of booking records
Members of the public are advised to use official government websites for all inmate searches. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Individuals should verify that they are accessing an official government website, identifiable by a .gov domain, before providing any personal or payment information. Under RCW § 42.56.080, agencies may charge fees only for the actual cost of providing copies of records, and basic inmate status information is not subject to a copying fee when accessed through official online portals.