How to Find an Inmate in Texas (Quickly)

Michelle Wilson - November 5, 2023

At the end of 2020, public data from the National Institute of Corrections found that 135, 906 prisoners were in state prisons, private prisons or local jails. Unfortunately, for those looking for a relative that is in custody, or trying to achieve justice for a past altercation, finding a prisoner in Texas can be challenging given the size of the state and numerous facilities. If you opt to search independently, it is essential to rely on trustworthy resources.

The most reliable source of information for this purpose is the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) website.

Prep Work For Your Search

Before starting your search for a Texas inmate, gathering specific information is important to ensure you aren’t scrambling for certain details and inadvertently prolonging your search. Below is a list of key details you should collect:

Full Name of the Inmate

First, you will want to ensure you have the inmate’s complete and accurate first and last names. Although this might be common knowledge if you are trying to locate a family member, if you are making first contact with a distant relative or are gathering data for a case you might only be privy to partial information.

Date of Birth (DOB)

The inmate’s date of birth is crucial for narrowing down search results, especially if individuals have similar names. Since databases may have more than one person with the same name, the inmate’s DOB often acts as a unique identifier between inmates and can be what narrows down your search.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Number

If you have access to the inmate’s TDCJ number, it can significantly expedite the search process.

County of Conviction

Knowing the county where the inmate was convicted can help refine your search, as facilities may hold inmates in the jurisdiction where they got their sentence.

Alias or Maiden Name

In some cases, inmates may have an alias or maiden name authorities are listing them under. If you know any other names the inmate might be using, include that information.

Gender

Specify the gender of the inmate to filter out irrelevant search results.

Race/Ethnicity

Providing the race or ethnicity of the inmate can further narrow down the search results.

Physical Description

Note any distinguishing physical features such as height, weight, hair color, and eye color.

Offense Details

Information about the type of offense the inmate is facing charges for can be helpful, though it might not be necessary for all search tools.

With this information on hand, you can proceed to the next step in your inmate background check and begin inputting these details as part of your inquiries.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Website

When it comes to finding an inmate in Texas quickly, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website is a crucial resource. Navigating the TDCJ website provides users with direct access to the state’s centralized inmate database. The website offers an easy-to-use interface, making the search process efficient for individuals looking to locate an inmate within the Texas correctional system.

To make the most of the TDCJ website’s inmate search feature, start by visiting the TDCJ website at www.tdcj.texas.gov, then look for the “Offender Information Search ” tab on the homepage. Then, enter the required information, such as the inmate’s first and last name or their TDCJ number from the previous step. Using as many details as you have available, you can continue to hone in on your search by providing more details, such as the offender’s gender or race, to give you a smaller and more accurate results list. After you enter these details, click on the “Search” button, and the website will generate a list of matching inmates based on the provided criteria. From here, it will be up to you to review each of the matches until you find the correct inmate. When you do, you will be able to see their current status and location within the Texas prison system.

County Jail Records

In addition to the state’s prison system, Texas contains 254 counties, each housing its own local jail system. County jails typically accommodate individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences for less severe offenses. If you need to access records or locate an inmate within a county jail, you can also try the official county websites.

Many Texas counties maintain official websites equipped with inmate search tools or directories. Notably, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office offers a convenient online inmate search feature accessible through their website, which you can use in a manner similar to how you would conduct a search on the TDCJ website.

Make A Request By Email

If you are striking out using online databases, consider making a request through email by contacting classify@tdcj.state.tx.us. When submitting a request, it is crucial to clearly specify all the information you have at your disposal. Over email, correctional authorities are likely to provide you with the current location of the offender, the offense of conviction, and the complete incarceration history, detailing the offenses, counties, and courts of previous convictions. However, you can also request information about the offender’s ongoing incarceration, such as the offense, county, and court of conviction.

Give The Prison A Phone Call

For those who are less tech savvy, you can also make these same inquiries over the phone using either of the following numbers: (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283. These lines operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. When making the inquiry, it is necessary to furnish either the inmate’s TDCJ or SID number. In the absence of this information, you can provide the offender’s date of birth to facilitate the search.

It’s important to note that utilizing these phone services during the specified hours and having the required inmate identification details will help streamline the process of locating an inmate in Texas.

Third-Party Locator Tool

In addition to official government resources, third-party inmate locator tools can be valuable assets in your search for an inmate in Texas. These independent websites and services specialize in compiling and presenting inmate information from various sources, offering users an alternative means of locating individuals within the state’s correctional facilities. These platforms often aim to streamline the search process, providing a more user-friendly interface that may appeal to those seeking a more accessible and efficient experience.

Unfortunately, while some third-party services offer basic information for free, more in-depth details may come at a cost, potentially leading to subscription fees or one-time charges. That said, those who want to conduct a background check and need more comprehensive details may still want to consider this kind of provider.

Keep Searching

Furthermore, your relatives may need your assistance while incarcerated for numerous reasons. The prison environment can be isolating and challenging, and having a support system outside the confines of the correctional facility is invaluable. Your involvement can provide emotional support, help navigate bureaucratic processes, and contribute to your incarcerated relative’s overall well-being and rehabilitation. As difficult as the search may be, it is important to remember that your time and efforts will see reward.