Yakima County Jail Inmate Search gives families, attorneys, and the public fast access to real-time information about people held in local detention centers. The system shows full legal names, ages at booking, charges filed, booking dates, court appearances, and release estimates. Each record includes a unique booking ID number used across all county systems. Data updates nightly from the official corrections database. Users can search by name, booking number, or case ID. Results display custody status, bond amounts, housing units, and arresting agencies. Washington law RCW 70.48.100 protects private details like booking photos and personal identifiers from public view.
How to Use the Official Yakima County Inmate Search Tool
The county provides two main ways to find inmates. First, the Jail Roster lists everyone alphabetically with basic details. Second, the Inmate Incarceration Selection Screen lets users filter by last name, first name, or middle initial. This tool refreshes every 15 minutes for accuracy. Both systems are free and require no login. Search results show housing locations, custody status, and upcoming court dates. Each entry links to a full profile with disciplinary records and bond conditions. The interface works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Search Tips for Faster Results
- Type the full legal name exactly as it appears on court documents
- Use the booking number if known—it’s the fastest way to locate someone
- Check spelling carefully—even small errors can block matches
- Try partial names if unsure (e.g., “John Sm” for John Smith)
- Refresh the page if no results appear—new bookings happen constantly
Yakima County Jail Facilities and Locations
Yakima County operates three adult detention centers. The main Yakima County Jail sits at 111 N Front Street, Yakima, WA 98901. The Yakima Valley Justice Center holds medium-security inmates. The Yakima County Annex houses overflow and special-case detainees. Combined, these facilities have 1,250 beds. On average, about 1,095 people stay there daily. Some serve short sentences. Others wait for trial or transfer to state prisons. Each site has secure wings for high-risk individuals. Lower-security units offer classes and job training.
Facility Contact Information
| Facility Name | Address | Phone | Visiting Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima County Jail | 111 N Front St, Yakima, WA 98901 | (509) 574-2700 | Mon–Sun: 8 AM–10 PM |
| Yakima Valley Justice Center | 1010 S 2nd Ave, Yakima, WA 98902 | (509) 574-2700 | By appointment only |
| Yakima County Annex | 111 N Front St, Yakima, WA 98901 | (509) 574-2700 | Mon–Fri: 9 AM–4 PM |
Inmate Trust Accounts and How to Add Funds
Every inmate gets an “R” number linked to a trust account. This number appears on all public lookup pages. Money in this account pays for commissary items, phone calls, and court fees. Families can add funds three ways. First, use the lobby kiosk at 111 N Front Street. Second, call 866-232-1899 with a Visa, Mastercard, or personal check. Third, mail a deposit slip to Yakima County Department of Corrections, 111 N Front Street, Yakima, WA 98901. Only U.S. Postal Service mail is accepted. Funds post within 24 hours.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- Personal checks with valid ID
- Cash deposits at the lobby kiosk (exact change required)
- Money orders sent via USPS
Sending Mail to Inmates in Yakima County
All mail must include the inmate’s full legal name, booking number, and the correct facility address. Write clearly in blue or black ink. Use standard white envelopes only. Do not send Polaroids, stickers, glitter, or anything that can hide contraband. All mail gets screened before delivery. Letters arrive during daily distribution. Packages must be pre-approved and come from authorized vendors. Sending banned items may result in return or loss of privileges.
Correct Mailing Format
Inmate’s Full Legal Name
Booking Number
Yakima County Department of Corrections
111 N Front Street
Yakima, WA 98901
Understanding Custody Status and Release Dates
Each inmate’s record shows their current custody status. Common labels include “awaiting trial,” “sentenced,” or “transferred.” Release dates depend on sentencing orders and good-time credits. The system calculates projected release times automatically. However, court changes or new charges can alter these dates. Families should check the roster weekly for updates. If unsure, call the front desk at (509) 574-2700. Staff verify caller identity before sharing details.
Types of Custody Status
- Awaiting Trial: Not yet convicted; may post bond
- Sentenced: Serving time after conviction
- Transferred: Moved to another facility (state prison, etc.)
- Released: No longer in custody (check date for accuracy)
Bond Information and Court Appearances
The inmate search shows bond amounts set by judges. Bonds can be cash, surety, or property-based. Some cases have no bond due to severity. Court dates appear with time and location. Missed hearings can lead to additional charges. Families should note the case number for tracking in the county court system. Attorneys receive priority updates. For urgent questions, contact the Yakima County Clerk’s Office at (509) 574-1400.
How to Pay Bond
- Cash bond: Pay at the Yakima County Courthouse
- Surety bond: Use a licensed bail bondsman
- Property bond: Requires court approval and appraisal
Privacy Rules and What Information Is Public
Washington state law limits what jail records can be shared. Booking photos, Social Security numbers, and medical data stay confidential under RCW 70.48.100. Only basic details like name, age, charges, and booking date are public. This protects inmate safety and privacy. Reporters, researchers, and the general public can view the roster online. But they cannot copy or distribute sensitive data. Violations may lead to legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yakima County Jail Inmate Search
Many people ask how often the roster updates, whether they can visit without an appointment, and how to verify an inmate’s identity. Others want to know if phone calls are recorded or if email is allowed. The answers depend on facility rules and current policies. Below are detailed responses to the most common questions based on official sources and recent updates.
How often does the Yakima County inmate roster update?
The roster refreshes every night at midnight using data from the corrections management system. However, the Inmate Incarceration Selection Screen updates every 15 minutes during business hours. This means new bookings and releases appear quickly. For the most accurate info, check the screen version rather than the static roster. If you don’t see a name within 30 minutes of arrest, call the front desk. Sometimes technical delays occur.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment?
No. All visits at the Yakima Valley Justice Center require advance scheduling. Call (509) 574-2700 to book a slot. Walk-ins are only allowed at the main jail during public hours (8 AM–10 PM) for quick inquiries. Extended visits need approval. Bring valid photo ID every time. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Dress modestly—no tank tops, shorts, or revealing clothing. Failure to follow rules may cancel future visits.
Is inmate phone call recording allowed?
Yes. All inmate phone calls are recorded and monitored except those between inmates and their attorneys. Recordings are kept for 90 days and may be used as evidence. Inmates pay for calls using their trust accounts. Rates vary by time of day and call type. Families cannot block calls from inmates. If harassment occurs, report it to staff immediately. The system does not allow international calls.
Can I send emails to inmates in Yakima County?
No. Yakima County jails do not offer email services. Communication must happen through approved mail, phone calls, or in-person visits. Some third-party sites claim to offer email forwarding, but these are not endorsed by the county. Use only official channels to avoid scams. Always include the booking number in all correspondence. Unapproved digital messages will be ignored.
What happens if an inmate gets transferred?
When an inmate moves to another facility, their record updates to “transferred” within 24 hours. The new location may be a state prison, federal detention center, or medical facility. Families receive notification via phone, email, or text if listed in the inmate’s contact file. If no contact info exists, check the roster daily. Transferred inmates keep their R number and trust account balance. Mail must be rerouted to the new address.
How do I report incorrect information on the inmate roster?
Contact the Yakima County Department of Corrections at (509) 574-2700. Provide the inmate’s name, booking number, and the error details. Staff will verify and correct mistakes within 48 hours. For urgent issues like wrong release dates or missing charges, ask to speak with a supervisor. Keep records of all communications. Errors rarely happen but can delay legal processes if not fixed fast.
Are juvenile inmates listed on the public roster?
No. Washington state law protects juvenile identities. Only adults (18 and older) appear on the public inmate search. If a minor is tried as an adult, their name may be released after court approval. But this is rare and requires a judge’s order. Families of juveniles should contact the Yakima County Juvenile Department directly at (509) 574-2500 for confidential help.
Official Resources and Direct Links
For the most reliable data, always use official county websites. Below are verified links to inmate search tools, trust account funding, and mailing guidelines. These pages are maintained by the Yakima County Department of Corrections and updated regularly. Avoid third-party sites that charge fees or show outdated info.
- Jail Records: https://www.yakimacounty.us/1891/Jail-Records
- Inmate Incarceration Selection Screen: https://www.yakimaco.us/inmatelookup/YcDocPublicIncarcerated.aspx
- Inmate Trust Accounts: https://www.yakimacounty.us/600/Inmate-Trust-Accounts
- Sending Inmate Mail: https://www.yakimacounty.us/587/Sending-Inmate-Mail
- Corrections Department Main Page: http://www.yakimacounty.us/574/Corrections
Contact Information and Support
Yakima County Department of Corrections
111 North Front Street
Yakima, WA 98901
Phone: (509) 574-2700
Email: corrections@yakimacounty.us
Website: https://www.yakimacounty.us/574/Corrections
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