Ada County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Ada County?
Inmate records in Ada County are official government documents maintained by the Ada County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated in county correctional facilities. These records document an individual's entire custody history from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the judicial system.
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-105(4), inmate records are defined as "records of a prisoner or juvenile offender maintained by the department of correction or the department of juvenile corrections." In Ada County, these records are created at the time of booking when an individual is taken into custody and processed into the jail system. The Ada County Sheriff's Office is the custodial agency responsible for maintaining these records.
Inmate records typically include:
- Demographic and identifying information
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Arrest information and charges
- Custody classification
- Housing assignments
- Disciplinary records
- Visitation logs
- Medical information (subject to privacy restrictions)
- Release information
It is important to note that inmate records differ from court records. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to a case, inmate records specifically document an individual's custody status and institutional history. The Ada County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records, while the Fourth Judicial District Court maintains case files related to criminal proceedings.
Are Inmate Records Public In Ada County?
Inmate records in Ada County are partially public under Idaho's public records laws. The Idaho Public Records Act establishes the public's right to access government records, including certain inmate information. However, pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-105, specific exemptions exist for certain types of corrections records.
The following inmate information is generally available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Charges filed
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
Information that is typically restricted from public disclosure includes:
- Detailed medical records
- Mental health information
- Disciplinary records
- Security threat group (gang) affiliation
- Victim information
- Social Security numbers
- Personal identifying information
The Ada County Sheriff's Office currently provides public access to basic inmate information through their online inmate search portal. This service allows members of the public to verify if an individual is in custody and view limited information about their status. For more comprehensive records, formal public records requests may be submitted to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
What's Included Inmate Records in Ada County
Inmate records in Ada County contain a comprehensive collection of information documenting an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records are maintained in accordance with Idaho Code § 20-209, which establishes record-keeping requirements for correctional facilities.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- State identification number (SID)
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Custody classification
- Housing assignment
- Disciplinary incidents and hearings
- Grievances filed
- Program participation
- Work assignments
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Charge severity (misdemeanor/felony)
- Charge status (pending/convicted)
- Case numbers
- Warrant information (if applicable)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, etc.)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted/not posted)
- Bond conditions
- Court-ordered release conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders related to custody
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction date
- Sentence length
- Credit for time served
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Special conditions of sentence
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Actual release date and time
- Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
The Ada County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in both electronic and physical formats, with the electronic Jail Management System (JMS) serving as the primary repository for current inmate information.
Ada County Prison System
The Ada County correctional system operates under the authority of the Ada County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county jail facilities. Unlike state prisons, which house individuals convicted of felonies with sentences exceeding one year, the Ada County Jail primarily holds pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor offenses.
The Ada County Sheriff's Office operates the Ada County Jail, which is the largest county detention facility in Idaho. This facility houses both male and female inmates across various security classifications. The jail serves multiple functions within the local criminal justice system, including:
- Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
- Incarceration for individuals serving misdemeanor sentences
- Temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to Idaho Department of Correction facilities
- Housing for individuals who have violated probation or parole
The Ada County Jail operates under the direct supervision of the Sheriff and adheres to detention standards established by the Idaho Sheriffs' Association and the Idaho Department of Correction.
Ada County Sheriff's Office
7200 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 577-3000
Ada County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Ada County
Ada County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the county's detention system and operates under the authority of the Ada County Sheriff's Office.
Ada County Jail - Main Facility
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 577-3080
Ada County Jail
The main jail facility is a modern detention center that houses the majority of Ada County's inmate population. This facility includes:
- Maximum security housing units
- Medium security housing units
- Minimum security housing units
- Special housing for inmates with medical or mental health needs
- Booking and intake processing center
- Medical services unit
- Visitation areas
- Administrative offices
Ada County Work Release Center
7180 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 577-3200
Ada County Sheriff's Office
The Work Release Center houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for work release programs. These individuals are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day but must return to custody during non-working hours. This facility features:
- Dormitory-style housing
- Less restrictive environment
- Programming spaces for rehabilitation services
- Separate intake and processing area
Ada County Juvenile Detention Center
6300 W. Denton Street
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 577-4950
Ada County Juvenile Court Services
While technically separate from the adult correctional system, the Juvenile Detention Center houses youth offenders under the age of 18. This facility is designed specifically for juvenile detention and includes:
- Age-appropriate housing units
- Educational classrooms
- Recreation areas
- Counseling and programming spaces
- Separate intake and assessment areas
Each of these facilities operates according to specific security protocols and housing classifications based on the risk level and needs of the inmate population they serve. The facilities are staffed by trained detention deputies and support personnel who work under the direction of the Ada County Sheriff's Office.
Who's in Prison In Ada County
The Ada County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. As the primary detention facility for Idaho's most populous county, the jail population typically consists of several distinct categories of inmates as defined by Idaho Code § 20-601.
Pre-trial detainees constitute a significant portion of the jail population. These individuals have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. They remain in custody because:
- They have been denied bail
- They cannot afford to post the set bail amount
- They have been deemed a flight risk or danger to the community
- They are awaiting their initial court appearance
Sentenced offenders serving misdemeanor sentences also comprise a substantial segment of the jail population. These individuals have been convicted of crimes carrying penalties of up to one year of incarceration. Common misdemeanor offenses include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Simple assault
- Petty theft
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Probation violations
The Ada County Jail also temporarily houses individuals who have been sentenced to the Idaho Department of Correction for felony offenses. These inmates typically remain at the county jail until they can be transferred to a state prison facility.
Other populations housed in the Ada County Jail include:
- Individuals detained on immigration holds
- Probation and parole violators
- Individuals awaiting competency evaluations
- Individuals serving intermittent sentences (weekends only)
- Federal detainees held under contract with federal agencies
The jail population fluctuates daily, with an average daily population that typically ranges between 800-1,000 inmates. Demographic data indicates that the majority of inmates are male, though the facility maintains separate housing units for female inmates. The population spans all adult age groups, with the majority falling between the ages of 18-45.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Ada County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Ada County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Ada County Sheriff's Office currently provides multiple options for conducting inmate searches and obtaining custody information.
The most efficient method for locating an inmate is through the online inmate search portal maintained by the Ada County Sheriff's Office. To conduct an online search:
- Visit the Ada County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Jail" or "Inmate Information" section
- Select the "Inmate Search" option
- Enter the inmate's information (last name, first name, or booking number)
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Full name
- Booking photograph
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing facility
- Scheduled court dates
For individuals without internet access, telephone inquiries may be directed to the Ada County Jail's information line:
Ada County Jail Information
(208) 577-3080
Available 24 hours daily
When calling, be prepared to provide the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth to assist staff in locating the correct records.
In-person requests for inmate information may be submitted at:
Ada County Sheriff's Office Records Division
7200 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(208) 577-3070
For more comprehensive inmate records beyond basic custody information, formal public records requests must be submitted in accordance with the Idaho Public Records Act. These requests may be submitted:
- In person at the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- By mail to the Records Division address
- Via email to the designated records request address
- Through the county's online public records request portal
When requesting inmate records, requestors should:
- Provide specific information about the inmate (full name, date of birth)
- Specify the exact records being requested
- Include contact information for response
- Be aware that fees may apply for copying and staff time
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102, the Sheriff's Office must respond to records requests within three working days, though complex requests may require additional time.
How To Find an Inmate in Ada County for Free?
Ada County provides several no-cost options for locating individuals currently incarcerated in county facilities. These free resources are available to the general public and do not require special credentials or paid subscriptions to access.
The primary method for conducting a free inmate search is through the Ada County Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system. This official database is updated regularly and provides current information on all individuals in custody. To use this resource:
- Access the Ada County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Custody Search" function
- Enter the inmate's last name (required) and first name (optional)
- Review the results, which typically display:
- Inmate's full name
- Booking photograph
- Date of birth
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
For those without internet access, the Ada County Jail provides free telephone information services:
Ada County Jail Information Line
(208) 577-3080
Available 24 hours daily
When calling, provide the operator with the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth to facilitate an accurate search.
Visitors may also inquire about an inmate's status in person at no charge:
Ada County Jail Lobby
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
Lobby Hours: 24 hours daily
Additionally, the Idaho Department of Correction maintains a statewide inmate search system that includes individuals who have been transferred from county custody to state facilities. This resource can be helpful for locating inmates who may have moved from the Ada County Jail to the state prison system.
For individuals seeking information about recent arrests, the Ada County Sheriff's Office publishes a daily booking report that lists individuals processed into the jail within the past 24 hours. This report is available on the Sheriff's Office website at no cost.
It is important to note that while basic custody information is available for free, more detailed inmate records may require a formal public records request and could involve processing fees in accordance with Idaho Code § 74-102(10).
How To Visit an Inmate In Ada County
The Ada County Sheriff's Office maintains specific protocols for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important connections between inmates and their support networks. All visits must comply with facility regulations established pursuant to Idaho Code § 20-209.
Visit Rules and Procedures
Visitation at the Ada County Jail occurs primarily through video visitation systems. The facility currently offers:
- On-site video visitation (conducted at the jail facility)
- Remote video visitation (conducted from any location with internet access)
All visitors must register in the visitation system before scheduling visits. Registration can be completed:
- Online through the jail's visitation portal
- In person at kiosks located in the jail lobby
Visit Schedule
On-site video visitation hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Remote video visitation is available daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Each inmate is permitted two free on-site video visits per week. Additional visits and all remote visits incur fees as established by the service provider.
What to Bring
Visitors conducting on-site video visits must bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Confirmation of scheduled visit
- Minor children must be accompanied by an adult guardian
What NOT to Bring
The following items are prohibited in the visitation area:
- Weapons of any kind
- Drugs or alcohol
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops)
- Food or beverages
- Bags or purses larger than 8" x 8"
- Recording devices
Dress Code
All visitors must adhere to the following dress code:
- No revealing or provocative clothing
- No gang-related attire or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shirts and shoes required at all times
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
Visit Types
The Ada County Jail offers several types of visits:
- Regular video visitation (general population)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
- Special visits (approved on case-by-case basis)
Visit Restrictions
Visitation privileges may be restricted for:
- Inmates on disciplinary status
- Visitors who violate facility rules
- Security concerns as determined by jail administration
- Court-ordered restrictions
For additional information or to schedule a visit, contact:
Ada County Jail Visitation
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 577-3080
Ada County Sheriff's Office
How To Send Money to a Ada County Inmate
The Ada County Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses while in custody.
Deposit Methods
-
Online Deposits
- Visit the Ada County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate services section
- Select the approved payment processor link
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's information and payment details
- Complete the transaction
-
Kiosk Deposits
- Automated kiosks are located in the jail lobby
- Available 24 hours daily
- Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards
- Provide immediate deposit confirmation
-
Mail Deposits
- Money orders only (no personal checks or cash)
- Make payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
- Mail to: Ada County Jail Inmate Accounts 7210 Barrister Drive Boise, ID 83704
-
Phone Deposits
- Call the approved payment processor's toll-free number
- Provide the inmate's information
- Complete the transaction with credit or debit card
Amount Limits
The following deposit limits currently apply:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposits: $500
- Maximum monthly deposits: $1,500
These limits are subject to change based on facility policies and security considerations.
Transaction Fees
Service fees apply to most deposit methods:
- Online deposits: $2.50 - $10.00 (fee varies by amount)
- Kiosk deposits: $2.00 - $8.00 (fee varies by amount)
- Phone deposits: $3.00 - $12.00 (fee varies by amount)
- Money orders by mail: No fee
Prohibited Items
The following items cannot be sent to inmates:
- Cash in the mail
- Personal checks
- Cashier's checks
- Traveler's checks
- Foreign currency
Fund Usage
Inmate funds may be used for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Telephone calls
- Video visitation fees
- Medical co-pays
- Release money
Funds may not be used for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Court fines or fees (while in custody)
- Payments to other inmates
- Purchases from outside vendors
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Idaho Code § 20-209, which governs the administration of correctional facilities.
How To Send Jail Mail In Ada County
The Ada County Sheriff's Office has established specific procedures for sending mail to inmates housed in county correctional facilities. All correspondence must comply with facility regulations to ensure security and proper delivery.
Mailing Address Format
All mail sent to inmates must be properly addressed as follows:
Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number Ada County Jail 7210 Barrister Drive Boise, ID 83704
The booking number is essential for proper mail routing. If unknown, this information can be obtained through the online inmate search function on the Sheriff's Office website.
Acceptable Mail Items
The following items are permitted:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or electronic components)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4" x 6")
- Money orders (for inmate accounts only)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
Prohibited Mail Items
The following items are prohibited and will be rejected:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps
- Polaroid photographs
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
- Sexually explicit or obscene materials
- Gang-related content
- Items containing threats or contraband
- Correspondence containing escape plans or criminal activity
Mail Inspection Procedures
All non-legal mail is opened and inspected by jail staff before delivery to inmates. This inspection is conducted pursuant to Idaho Code § 20-209, which authorizes security measures in correctional facilities.
Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies must be clearly marked as "Legal Mail" and will be opened only in the presence of the inmate.
E-Messages
The Ada County Jail also offers an electronic messaging system for communication with inmates:
- Visit the approved messaging provider through the link on the Ada County Sheriff's Office website
- Create an account
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages
E-messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail and are reviewed by jail staff before delivery to inmates.
Mail Rejection
If mail is rejected, the sender will typically receive notification explaining the reason for rejection. Common reasons include:
- Violation of mail policies
- Security concerns
- Contraband detection
- Inappropriate content
For questions regarding mail policies or to inquire about rejected mail, contact:
Ada County Jail Mail Room
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 577-3080
Ada County Sheriff's Office