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Search Maine Inmate Records Online

Are Maine Inmate Records Open to the Public?

Yes, Maine inmate records are open to the public as mandated by the Freedom of Information Act. This law allows law enforcement agencies to provide access to inmate records. Individuals can review or obtain copies of these records from the State Department of Corrections (DOC). The Maine inmate locator tool on the DOC website is available for retrieving various inmate details, including full name, MDOC number, custody status, and release date.

Maine Inmate Search

Inmate records in Maine encompass detailed information about individuals held in correctional facilities, such as county jails and state prisons. These records typically include the inmate's name, age, date of birth, charges, sentencing details, facility location, race, height, and sometimes photographs. The Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) maintains these records for state prisons and county jails.

To access these records, individuals need to provide specific information, such as the inmate's full name, MDOC number, and birth date. The MDOC offers online resources for conducting inmate searches. Additionally, federal inmate information can be accessed through the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

How to Conduct a Maine Jail Inmate Search

To search for inmates in Maine county jails, individuals can use inmate locator tools provided on County Sheriff's websites. For instance, the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office offers an inmate search tool under the "Corrections/Inmate Info" menu. This tool provides access to the jail roster, revealing personal and charge information about inmates. Alternatively, the Federal Bureau of Prisons website can be used for federal inmate searches.

Differences Between Maine State Prisons and County Jails

Maine's correctional facilities include state prisons and county jails, each managed by different authorities. The Maine Department of Corrections oversees state prisons, while county jails fall under the jurisdiction of County Sheriff's Offices. State prisons typically house individuals convicted of more serious crimes, such as robbery, assault, and murder, whereas county jails generally detain individuals awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences for lesser offenses.

State prisons in Maine include facilities in Windham, Warren, Portland, Thomaston, Machias, Charleston, and Bangor. These institutions focus on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through various programs and services. County jails, on the other hand, primarily manage the short-term detention of inmates and operate under local regulations.

Sending Money to an Inmate in Maine Prisons or Jails

Money can be sent to inmates in Maine through the Money Deposit Service (MDS) for their commissary or phone accounts. Each inmate can receive up to $100 weekly, and payments are processed within three business days. To send money, individuals must register on the MDS website and provide the inmate's full name, MDOC number, and birth date.

County jails have specific guidelines for sending money, which are determined by the local County Sheriff's Office. Interested persons should contact the jail's administrative staff for detailed instructions on how to send money to an inmate.

How to Contact Inmates in Maine Prisons and Jails

To contact inmates in Maine prisons and jails, individuals can use various methods, including phone calls, mail, and electronic messaging. Each facility has specific rules and procedures for inmate communication. For instance, phone calls are typically facilitated through a third-party service provider, and the cost is usually borne by the inmate or their family.

Mail communication is also allowed, but it must adhere to the facility's guidelines regarding content and packaging. Some facilities may offer electronic messaging services, allowing for quicker and more efficient communication. It is essential to check with the specific facility for their contact rules and procedures.

Getting Approved for Inmate Visitation in Maine Prisons and Jails

To visit an inmate in Maine, individuals must follow the visitation rules of the facility they intend to visit. For state prisons, visitors are required to complete an application form, which can be obtained from the inmate, the jail's lobby officer, or online. Once approved, visitors must schedule their visit using the visit schedule form or by contacting the facility directly.

County jails have different visitation rules that vary by county. For example, the York County Jail provides specific visitation guidelines on its website. It is crucial to review and adhere to the visitation rules of the respective facility to ensure a smooth visitation process.

How to Locate Someone Incarcerated in Maine

To locate someone incarcerated in Maine, individuals can use the Maine Department of Corrections' online inmate search tools. By entering the inmate's full name, MDOC number, or birth date, users can access publicly available records on active inmates. For county jails, the process involves using the inmate locator tools provided on County Sheriff's websites or contacting the county jail directly.

Additionally, federal inmate information can be accessed through the Federal Bureau of Prisons' inmate search tool. It is essential to provide as much information as possible to narrow down the search results and locate the desired inmate.

Finding a County Inmate Roster in Maine

County inmate rosters in Maine can be found on the websites of County Sheriff's Offices. For example, to find an inmate roster in Kennebec County, individuals can visit the Sheriff's Office website, navigate to the "Corrections" menu, and select the "Current Inmate List" option. These rosters typically provide details such as the inmate's full name, age, date of birth, race, gender, booking date, ID, charges, custody status, and release date.

Most county sheriff's websites also include jail roster mugshots, offering a comprehensive view of the inmates currently held in the facility. It is advisable to check the specific county's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How to Conduct a Maine Prison Inmate Search

The Maine Department of Corrections offers an online service for conducting a Maine prison inmate search. Interested persons can use the Adult Prisoner and Probationer Search Service to perform a free search by name and obtain publicly available records on active adult inmates. Juvenile inmate records are not public in Maine and are excluded from this search.

To conduct a search, individuals should fill out the online search form and provide as much information as possible, such as the inmate's full name and MDOC number. For additional assistance, contacting the DOC directly is recommended.

How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date in Maine

To find an inmate's release date in Maine, interested persons may contact the jail administrator or perform an online inmate search. However, this information may be sealed for privacy or security reasons, and only eligible persons, such as immediate family members, crime victims, attorneys, and authorized law enforcement officials, will have access to the exact release date. In some cases, the public may only see the month and year of release.

Facilities Managed by the Maine Department of Corrections

The Maine Department of Corrections oversees several correctional institutions, including six adult facilities and two juvenile correction centers. These facilities include:

  • Maine Correctional Center, Windham
  • Downeast Correctional Facility, Machiasport
  • Mountain View Correctional Facility, Charleston
  • Bolduc Correctional Facility, Warren
  • Southern Maine Women's Re-Entry Center, Windham
  • Maine State Prison, Warren

These institutions provide various programs and services aimed at rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.

Search Inmate Records in Maine