Washington Department of Corrections

The Washington State Department of Corrections maintains a searchable public database of all of the inmates they have in custody.

In addition, the offender search contains information about prisoners, parolees, and probationers who are currently under supervision, and who have been discharged. It also contains those inmates who have absconded, or escaped.

The actual prison that an inmate is assigned to depends on factors such as security classification, remaining time of their sentence, gang affiliation, and location of their residence.

The Washington State Department of Corrections began in 1886, when the first prison, the Washington State Penitentiary, was built in Walla Walla.

Today the state of Washington's Prison System, with 8,900 employees, maintains 12 state correctional institutions.

As of the end of 2023 the Washington State DOC oversees approximately 17,000 state inmates, with another 18,000 on parole and probation.

The following will explain the instructions, tricks and hacks you can use to find any inmate in custody with the Washington State Department of Corrections.

Washington State Department of Corrections Inmate Search Instructions

The Washington State Department of Corrections provides a limited amount of information you may want to know about any inmate in their system, however they do list every inmate. Inmates in custody have their crimes listed, as well as previous convictions. To look up an inmate (or parolee), you need the full last name.  

The first set of results if you used the full last name, provided there are more than one with that same name, will list their Name, DOC Number, Age and Location. Click on the Location to get to the information page.  

The inmate's location page has complete information about the facility; visitation hours, etc., but does not have the inmate's mugshot.

How to Deposit Money in a Washington Department of Corrections Inmate's Account

There are three ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Washington State Department of Correction:

• Securus Debit Online Deposits
• Western Union Online Deposits
• United States Postal Service - Mailing a Payment

In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate is incarcerated under, and their Inmate ID#.

1.  Washington Department of Corrections and Securus Debit.

Securus® Debit account is used to pay for Securus services offered at the Washington Department of Corrections. This is NOT a commissary account.

It can be used for Securus phone calls, eMessaging stamps, tablet media (games, music, and movies) as well as Video Connect sessions.

{facility-name_1} allows inmates to transfer funds from their facility trust/commissary account into a Securus Debit account via making a request through their commissary, and allows friends & family members to deposit funds directly into this Securus Debit account.

This account offers the following benefits:

 - You can fund a Securus Debit account without having your own calling account
 - The maximum funding amount is $50.00 per transaction
 - You can make a deposit to their Securus Debit account 24/7/365 by using their free mobile apps or by contacting Securus online

iphone

Android

2.  Washington Department of Corrections and Western Union.

First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
You also need to know these codes. 

Codes:
Code City: CTDOC
State: WA
Senders Account #:  Account Number is the incarcerated individual's DOC number + last name (Example: 123456Doe)
 

• Select CONNECTICUT DOC, then follow Western Union's instructions.
• For questions, concerns or to add funds via Western Union over the phone, call 800-325-6000.

Western Union Facilities -
Deposit funds in-person at Western Union. 

3.  Washington Department of Corrections and Mailing a Payment

When sending an inmate money by mail, the Washington Department of Corrections will only accept:

• US Postal Money Orders, or
• Certified Bank Cashier Checks

**Important Notes**

A cashier's check or money order can be deposited into four kinds of sub-accounts.

The available sub-accounts include:

Spendable: Unrestricted and available for the individual's use. Money orders⁄cashiers checks not designated to another sub–account will be posted to this sub–account.
Postage: Use restricted to postage charges. The money order⁄cashiers check must be clearly marked “postage.”
Medical: Use restricted to health care copays, over–the–counter (OTC) medications, and eyeglasses. The money order⁄cashiers check must be clearly marked as “medical.”
Education: Use restricted for payment of education tuition⁄fees and⁄or expenses ancillary to participation in an approved education program. The money order⁄cashier’s check must be clearly marked as “education.”
Commissary: Use restricted for purchase of item from the facility commissary list only. The money order/cashiers check must be clearly marked as “commissary.”

Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, Inmate ID#
Washington Department of Corrections
Confirm Mailing Address here

The Cashier's Check or Money Order
The sub-account you will be depositing money into must be written on the cashier's check or money order. Include both the incarcerated individual's full name and six-digit DOC number on the payee line.

The Letter/Document(s)
The letter/document(s) inside the envelope accompanying the funds must have the incarcerated individual's full name and six-digit DOC number, and must be addressed to the same individual written on the outside of the envelope.

Mailing Requirements
The outside envelope must be addressed with the 1) incarcerated individual's full name, 2) their six-digit DOC number, 3) the correct facility address where the individual is incarcerated, and 4) a return address (as defined by USPS), including the sender's first and last name. We request including the individual's living unit, but it is not required for delivery. 

Washington Department of Corrections Inmate Visitation Information and Schedules & Guideleines

Step 1 - The Application

The inmate must put you on their visitor's list.

You must then apply to Visit.  The turnaround time for approval is approximately 45 days. Children under 18 must also apply, as do official government designated escorts.

Step 2 - The Visit

VISITATION SCHEDULES

Visits occur on a first come, first served basis.

If the visit room is full, visitors may be turned away. Facility visit guidelines identify the process utilized by the facility to allow for other visitors to be afforded visit privileges.

Please review the appropriate facility visitor guidelines for more information.

Facility emergencies may affect operations. These are unforeseen and visiting may be cancelled or end early without advanced notice.

Visitors are urged to check the prison facility alerts & notices and to check with the facility prior to traveling.

VISITATION - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION

Washington Department of Corrections uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation. 

Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk. 

Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.

What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.

How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that Washington Department of Corrections inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.

Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.

Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Washington Department of Corrections Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app

Washington Department of Corrections uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation. 

Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk. 

Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.

What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.

How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that Washington Department of Corrections inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.

Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.

Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Washington Department of Corrections Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app

The Washington Department of Corrections Inmate Phone System is Securus. 

Sign up with Securus by clicking the banner below.

1.  AdvanceConnect – Good Option - You control all phone numbers your inmate can call.

This type of account offers you the following benefits:
•    You are able to receive inmate calls as long as funds are available in your account.
•    You can add multiple phone numbers to your account so your inmate can reach your home phone, work phone, cell phone, other relatives, neighbors, friends, etc.
•    Calls WILL connect to cell phones.

2.  Inmate Debit – Inmate can call anyone they choose (subject to jail's approval)

This type of account offers you the following benefits:
•    You can fund an Inmate Debit account without having your own calling account.
•    Inmates can call anyone on their approved calling list without requiring friends and family to create separate prepaid accounts.
•    Calls WILL connect to cell phones.
•    Funds placed in the Inmate Debit account will become the property of the inmate and friends & family members will not be able to receive refunds on this account. 

3. Direct Bill - You receive calls from your inmate, and the charges are billed to you monthly.

• Requires a credit check. 
• Costs more.
• Good for lawyers, bail bonds, long-term inmates, etc.

Resources
Contact Securus by Phone:  972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591
Contact Securus Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit a Question for Securus Online
Online Rate Quote

Washington Department of Corrections Inmate & Family Voicemail

Securus Outbound Voicemail provides your inmate an opportunity to leave a message for their family and friends when a call to their mobile goes unanswered. Once the inmate leaves a voicemail, a text message containing a link will be sent to the dialed number. The recipient of the inmate's voicemail is then sent to a web form to pay and listen to the message. The voicemail will be available for up to 30 days after it is sent, and then another 30 days after it is paid for.

Securus Phone System Cost & Fees - *Subject to Change

ADVANCE CONNECT Phone Calls 
$0.21 per minute

INMATE DEBIT Phone Calls
$0.21 per minute

DIRECT BILL Phone Calls
$0.25 per minute

TRADITIONAL COLLECT Phone Calls
$0.25 per minute

VOICEMAIL Message
One minute - $0.75 per minute

For current online rate quote, go here.

Washington Department of Corrections Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Washington Department of Corrections allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Washington Department of Corrections also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name, Inmate's DOC #
Washington Department of Corrections
Confirm Mailing Address here

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name, Inmate's DOC #
Washington Department of Corrections
Confirm Mailing Address here

Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Washington Department of Corrections allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Washington Department of Corrections standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name, Inmate's DOC #
Washington Department of Corrections
Confirm Mailing Address here

Washington Department of Corrections Inmate Commissary - Sending Packages

In addition to what the inmate can purchase at the facility using their commissary money you send them, they are also allowed one package each month from Union Supply Direct.

You can also send the following packages:

Monthly Property Packages
Use the Property Program Catalog to send general property items like jewelry, electronics, health and beauty products, shoes, etc., to an incarcerated individual.

Faith Item Packages
Use the Faith Items Program Catalog to send faith related head coverings, incense, medallions, pendants, clothing items, etc., to an incarcerated individual.

Washington Department of Corrections uses Securus eMessaging for Inmate Email.

Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Securus for 'Phone' or 'Remote Visitation').

Steps: 
1.  Sign up for eMessaging
2. Find your inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Securus ‘stamps’.
4. Type & Send message.

Things you CAN do:
1.  You CAN ONLY send messages from the Securus website, or with the Securus app. (links below).
2. You CAN transfer ‘stamps’ to your inmate.
3. You CAN deposit money to your inmate, and they can purchase ‘stamps’ on their end.
4. Each time you send a message, you CAN pay for them to reply.
5. You CAN send photos. (Jail staff will review for appropriateness) 

Things you CANNOT do:
1.  You CANNOT use your own personal email to send messages.
2. You CANNOT send any message or photo that would normally be rejected by regular mail.

Other Things:
1.  Photos must be .jpg, .jpeg or .png.
2. eMessages and photos must meet the jail’s standards for regular mail.
3. If your eMessage or Photo is rejected you will be notified of the reason, but you will NOT get a refund.

What is the cost of sending inmate messages?

• Send a text Message - 1 stamp
• Purchase a reply for your inmate - 1 stamp
• Attach up to 5 photos - 1 stamp each photo
• Share up to 5 eCards - 1 stamp each eCard
• Send just a photo with no text - 1 stamp
• Send a 30 second VideoGram - 3 stamps

What can your inmate do with digital 'stamps'?

• Reply to your eMessage if you attach a return stamp
• Receive transferred stamps you share with them (no cost to transfer)
• When available, they can purchase their own stamps from their Inmate Debit Account

Contact Information and Help:
eMessaging FAQ  
eMessaging Signup & Helpful Information  
Online Customer Service Support 
Phone Support: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591
iphone app
Android app

Mailing Check payments
Securus Correctional Billing Services
PO Box 650757
Dallas, Texas 75265-075

Washington Department of Corrections now offers Jpay Tablets to their inmates.

  
Jpay is the same company that handles money deposits, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

• Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
• eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
• Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
• Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
• Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
• Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
• eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
• Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
• Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
• Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

• Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
• Pay for the subscription.
• You get charged the 1st of each month. 
• You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
• No activation or early termination fees.
• Your inmate will receive their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

Securus Media Fees/Rates
Product/Service    Rate    Amount
Music $0.69 - $1.99 + tax Per Song
Music Albums  $0.99 - $14.99 + tax Per Album
Movies  Free - $9.99 + tax Per Movie
Television Episodes  $1.70 - $2.28 + tax Per Episode
eBooks  Free
Premium eBooks  Free - $14.99 + tax Per Book
Audio Books  Free - $19.00 + tax Per Book
Games  Free - $8.98 + tax Per Game
Newsstand  $5.99 + tax Per Month
Law Library Access  Free     
JP6 Tablet (Initial Deployment)  Free
JP6 Tablet (Fee for Broken Unit)  $129.99 + tax Per Unit
Gummy Earbuds with Microphone  $14.99 + tax Per Unit
JP6 (7 inch) Power Adapter  $15.99 + tax Per Unit
Keyboard  $19.99 + tax Per Unit
JP6 (7 inch) Tablet Case  $5.99 + tax Per Unit

Questions:

• By phone - 800-574-5729

Once an inmate is convicted and sentenced for a violation of that state’s felony laws (and their sentence is more than one year in length), they are moved from the City or County Jail and sent to a State Prison in Washington. If the violation they are convicted of is a federal crime, they will be sent to a Federal Prison, but will not necessarily be doing their time in Washington.

Washington State Prisons are operated and maintained by the state government and are used to confine and rehabilitate criminals. State prisons are funded by state tax money. The fund is used to provide food and clothes to inmates and to hire employees to keep the prison running. Inmates in state prison enjoy certain privileges such as TV use and recreation, both indoor and outdoor. The number of privileges allowed depends on the security level of the prison, the inmate and the overall needs of the prison on a specific day.

Washington has minimum, medium and maximum security prisons. The Corrections Department in Washington also maintains low (or no) security residential settings and camps where inmates assist in state property maintenance and duties such as fighting fires. Almost all prisons provide ‘jobs’ where an inmate can earn a small hourly wage and even learn a trade. Some prisons even contract with call centers and handle phone calls on issues related to their state government. Criminals who have committed a violent crime or killed someone are likely housed in a maximum security prison. If the inmate in these prisons behave, they are also eligible to recreate and/or work as well.

In Washington Prisons rehabilitation is the stated goal but the reality is that they exist to punish inmates for their crimes and keep them from hurting or harming innocent people on the outside who follow the laws and live and act responsibly. The fact is that most prison systems are underfunded, overcrowded and are not able to spend time and money rehabilitating offenders. This is not the fault of the people hired to work in prisons, they are just victims of the lack of resources due to budgeting constraints.

State Inmate

Most states have Department of Corrections websites that allow you to type in a felon's first and last name and pull up inmates in that state.

If you need to find a sentenced inmate serving time in a state other than Washington, go here. To find an inmate in Washington, just scroll to the top of the page and click on the Inmate Search button.

Once you locate them click next to the inmate's name or on the link provided and it will show you which prison the inmate is housed in. If the inmate is no longer incarcerated, but is on parole/probation or discharged, it will tell you that as well. In addition, many state prison inmate pages show recent mug shots.

Federal Inmate

The federal prison system has its own inmate locator called the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator.

Type in the inmate's name and it will tell you where he or she is incarcerated and their projected release date. It also lists released federal prison inmates and the date they were released.

Federal inmates who are moved from one prison to another will show as "No longer in federal custody" on the system until they reach their next federal prison destination. This movement can take a few days to several months to complete, so keep checking back to find out where the inmate was taken.

ICE Inmates

The ICE Detainee Lookup allows friends, family members and interested parties to locate illegal and/or undocumented immigrants that are in the United States without permission.

Has the Inmate been recently arrested?... Try a County Jail

In many cases, the person you are looking for has either not been convicted or sentenced or has been sentenced and is awaiting transport to a State or Federal Prison and is still incarcerated in a City or County Jail.

To locate that person, go here to first find the State, and then the County where they were originally arrested or have been transported to. From there you can begin your search in our databases that contain the names and information of millions of inmates.

Jailexchange.com has all information on every jail and prison in the United States.