Monroe County Public Records /Monroe County Inmate Search

Monroe County Inmate Search

How To Search for Inmate Records in Monroe County in 2026

MonroeCountyRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to inmate records in Monroe County. Members of the public may access records that include:

Current custody status
Booking and charge information
Bond and bail details
Court dates and case numbers
Facility location and release information

This resource aggregates publicly available information; completeness and accuracy depend on the originating agency's reporting practices.

Inmate records in Monroe County may be searched through official government resources, the county Sheriff's Office, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies. The following methods are available to members of the public at present.

1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster that members of the public may use to locate individuals currently held at the Monroe County Jail. The Inmate Roster is available as a downloadable PDF document and lists current detainees by last name, first name, Monroe County Jail number (MCJ#), and date of entry. An Inmate Census is also published by the Sheriff's Office and reflects the current population count with additional custody details including sex, race, custody date, and custody time.

To use the roster:

Access the inmate roster or census PDF through the Monroe County Sheriff's Office website
Search the document by last name or first name using your browser or PDF viewer's search function
Locate the individual's MCJ# and date of entry
Note the custody date and time for additional context
Contact the jail directly for further details not reflected in the document

Information displayed in the roster and census includes:

Full legal name
Monroe County Jail number (MCJ#)
Date of entry into custody
Sex and race
Custody date and time
Housing unit or records designation (where listed)

The roster and census are updated on a regular basis by the Sheriff's Office. New bookings may take several hours to appear in published documents.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office
130 S. Plymouth Avenue
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4178
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)

Individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to a term exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to a state correctional facility. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains an offender information database for individuals housed in state institutions. Members of the public may access DOC General Information to locate state prisoners, review program participation, and obtain facility placement details.

To search for a state prisoner:

Navigate to the Wisconsin DOC offender search portal
Enter the individual's full legal name or DOC identification number
Review the results for facility location, sentence information, and projected release date

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 serving longer sentences following conviction. Transfer from county to state custody typically occurs within several weeks of sentencing, though timelines vary by case.

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)

Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses are held in federal custody and do not appear in county or state databases. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a free inmate locator at www.bop.gov/inmateloc, which members of the public may use to locate federally incarcerated individuals by name or federal register number. This resource is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal law, such as drug trafficking across state lines, immigration violations, or federal financial crimes.

Phone Search:

Members of the public may contact the Monroe County Jail directly at (585) 753-4000 to request basic inmate information. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff are available during regular business hours to assist with inquiries; an automated system may provide limited information outside of those hours.

In-Person Inquiry:

Members of the public may visit the Monroe County Jail in person to inquire about an individual's custody status. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide basic booking information.

Monroe County Jail
130 S. Plymouth Avenue
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4000
Incarcerated Individual Information

By Mail:

Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 130 S. Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14614. Requests should include the individual's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific information 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 government-issued identification
Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
Include the date of birth to distinguish between individuals with similar names
Search by booking or MCJ number if available
Check both current roster and recently released individuals
Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in published documents
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 state prison; search the Wisconsin Department of Corrections offender database
The individual may be in federal custody; search the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
The individual may have been released
The individual may be held in another county or jurisdiction
A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the published roster
Name spelling variations may affect search results
Contact the Monroe County Jail directly at (585) 753-4000 for confirmation

Are Inmate Records Public in Monroe County?

Inmate records maintained by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under New York's Freedom of Information Law, codified at N.Y. Pub. Off. Law § 87, which establishes the right of members of the public to access government records unless a specific exemption applies. Under current law, basic custody information, booking records, and charge data are presumptively public and available without a formal request.

Information That Is Public:

Current inmate roster and population census
Booking information, including date and time of entry
Charges and charge descriptions
Bond and bail amounts
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Current custody status
Facility location
Scheduled court dates
Expected release date (where available)

Information With Restricted Access:

Medical records and health conditions
Mental health evaluations and treatment information
Prescription medication records
Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld on security grounds)
Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
Confidential informant status
Juvenile detention records
Witness protection participant information
Specific cell or housing unit assignments where disclosure poses a security risk

Why Inmate Records Are Public:

The public disclosure of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the public be able to verify who is held in custody and on what basis. Public safety is served by making charge information accessible. Families and legal representatives rely on custody records to locate individuals and coordinate legal proceedings. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to bond and charge information to fulfill its statutory functions.

Privacy Considerations:

New York law recognizes that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights. Pursuant to N.Y. Pub. Off. Law § 89, agencies may withhold records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, receives heightened protection. The impact of public disclosure on families, employment prospects, and community reintegration is a recognized consideration in the administration of public records law.

What Is Inmate Records in Monroe County?

Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, legal status, and administrative classification of individuals held in detention. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding an individual's presence within the correctional system and are created at the point of booking by the arresting or receiving agency.

In Monroe County, inmate records are created and maintained by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for individuals held at the Monroe County Jail. The Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of these records. For individuals transferred to state custody, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections assumes custodial responsibility, maintaining records through the Division of Adult Institutions.

The principal categories of inmate records include:

Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and initial detention, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and physical description
Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's housing assignment, classification, and status within the facility
Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings, charges, and custody periods within the jurisdiction
Release records: Documentation of the circumstances and date of an individual's release, including bond posting, sentence completion, or transfer

The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant for search purposes. County jail records reflect pre-trial detention and sentences of one year or less. State prison records, maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, reflect post-conviction incarceration for longer sentences. Federal prison records are maintained separately by the Bureau of Prisons and pertain exclusively to individuals convicted of federal offenses.

What's Included in Inmate Records in Monroe County

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Inmate or booking number (MCJ#)
Date of birth and age
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height, weight, and physical description
Booking photograph
Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos

Custody Information:

Current facility location
Housing unit or cell block designation (subject to security restrictions)
Custody date and booking date
Expected release date (where available)
Actual release date (following release)
Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred

Charges and Legal Information:

Current charges and charge descriptions
Case numbers
Court jurisdiction
Arrest date and arresting agency
Warrant information

Bond and Bail Information:

Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
Bond status: posted or pending
Bail bondsman information where applicable

Court Information:

Scheduled court dates
Court location and division
Hearing types
Attorney information where publicly available

Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):

Conviction charges
Sentence length and start date
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date where applicable
Good time credit calculations

Previous Custody History:

Prior bookings within the county
Previous charges and custody dates

Administrative Information:

Security classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum
Special housing designations
Work assignments where publicly available
Program participation records

What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:

Medical history and conditions
Mental health evaluations and treatment records
Prescription medications
Detailed disciplinary records
Visitor contact information
Inmate account balances
Phone call logs
Specific cell assignments withheld for security reasons

Monroe County Prison System

The Monroe County correctional system is administered by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, which operates the Monroe County Jail as the primary detention facility for the county. The jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences of one year or less, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody following conviction.

Administration:

The Monroe County Sheriff oversees all jail operations, including classification, programming, and records management. The administrative office is located at the Sheriff's Office headquarters in Rochester.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office
130 S. Plymouth Avenue
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4178
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Facility Operations:

The Monroe County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on immigration detainers or other jurisdictional holds. Classification is conducted at intake and determines housing assignment and program eligibility.

Inmate Services:

The Monroe County Jail provides the following services to incarcerated individuals:

Medical care and sick call services
Mental health evaluation and treatment
Substance abuse programming
Educational programs including GED preparation and literacy instruction
Religious services and chaplaincy
Library access
Recreation and physical activity
The STAR Academy program at the Monroe Correctional Facility, which permits two one-hour visits per week by appointment, as noted on the Incarcerated Individual Information page

Legal Services:

Incarcerated individuals have access to a law library and may receive visits from retained or appointed counsel. The Monroe County Public Defender's Office coordinates representation for eligible individuals.

Reentry Programs:

Pre-release planning services are available to assist individuals preparing for release, including referrals for housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment continuation.

Oversight and Accountability:

The Monroe County Jail is subject to oversight by the New York State Commission of Correction, which conducts periodic inspections and reviews compliance with minimum standards for local correctional facilities under N.Y. Correct. Law § 45. Grievance procedures are available to incarcerated individuals through the facility's internal process.

Types of Correctional Facilities in Monroe County

Monroe County Jail

The Monroe County Jail is the primary correctional facility serving Monroe County, operated by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Monroe County Jail
130 S. Plymouth Avenue
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-4000
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on other jurisdictional holds. The jail operates multiple security levels and provides classification-based housing assignments.

Alternative Custody Programs

Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office administers an electronic monitoring program for eligible individuals as an alternative to full incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on offense type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Inquiries regarding the program may be directed to the Sheriff's Office at (585) 753-4178.

Work Release

A work release program is available to eligible sentenced individuals, permitting participation in employment outside the facility while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the Sheriff's Office and the sentencing court.

State Prison Facilities

Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). The Wisconsin Department of Corrections provides a comparable model for state-level corrections administration. State prisons are distinct from county jails in governance, funding, and the population served. Members of the public seeking information about state prisoners in New York should contact DOCCS directly or use the state's offender lookup tool.

Federal Detention Facilities

Federal inmates are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and do not appear in county or state databases. The nearest federal detention facility serving the Western District of New York is the Batavia Federal Detention Facility. Federal custody is distinct from state and local custody in jurisdiction, applicable law, and records access.

Facility Contact Information Summary:

Facility	Address	Phone
Monroe County Jail	130 S. Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14614	(585) 753-4000
Monroe County Sheriff's Office	130 S. Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14614	(585) 753-4178

How To Find an Inmate in Monroe County for Free?

Members of the public may locate an inmate in Monroe County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration, subscription, or payment is required to access basic custody information through official channels.

1. Official County Inmate Roster

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office publishes a free, publicly accessible Inmate Roster and Inmate Census on the county website. These documents require no registration and are updated on a regular basis. Information included:

Current inmates listed by name and MCJ number
Date of entry into custody
Sex, race, and custody time
Housing or records designation

2. State Department of Corrections Free Search

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections provides a free offender search for individuals held in state institutions. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have completed state sentences. No fee is charged for this search.

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator

The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a free inmate locator at www.bop.gov/inmateloc. Members of the public may search by name or federal register number at no cost.

4. Court Records Search

The Wisconsin Court System provides public access to court case records through its case search portal. Court records may be used to verify custody status, review charges, and identify upcoming court dates. The Wisconsin State Law Library's resources on prisons and prisoners and inmate legal forms and guides for Wisconsin counties provide additional guidance for individuals navigating the correctional system.

Free Phone Information:

Members of the public may call (585) 753-4000 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available.

Free In-Person Search:

Members of the public may visit the Monroe County Jail at 130 S. Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14614, during regular business hours to inquire about an individual's custody status. Staff assistance is available at the front desk. No fee is charged for basic information.

What's Free vs. What Costs Money:

The following services are available at no cost:

Online inmate roster and census search
Current custody status inquiry
Basic booking information
Phone inquiry for basic information
In-person information at the front desk

The following services involve fees:

Sending money to an incarcerated individual
Video visitation (fees set by service provider)
Phone calls placed by incarcerated individuals (fees set by service provider)
Commissary orders
Background checks or certified copies of booking records

Scam Warning:

Members of the public are advised to use only official government websites when searching for inmate information. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Verify that any website used for inmate searches carries a .gov domain. Do not provide payment information to private services for basic inmate location or public court records.