Preston County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Preston County in 2026
PrestonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Preston County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find data pertaining to current custody status, booking information, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. The following record categories are accessible through official channels:
- Current inmate rosters
- Booking and arrest records
- Charge and case information
- Bond and bail status
- Court date information
- Release and transfer records
Inmate records in Preston County may be searched through official online resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and state-operated databases. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking this information.
Online Search Methods
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Preston County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of county jail records and maintains current inmate information accessible to the public. Members of the public may access the inmate roster by visiting the Sheriff's Office official website or contacting the facility directly.
To conduct a search:
- Access the Sheriff's Office inmate search page or contact the facility by phone
- Select a search type, such as by name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the required search criteria, including at least the first and last name of the individual
- Review the results list for matching records
- Select a specific record to view detailed booking information
Information displayed in search results at present includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and amount
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
The roster is updated on a daily basis. Members of the public are advised that recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system.
Preston County Sheriff's Office
106 W. Main Street
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-1611
Preston County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been transferred from county jail to a state correctional facility following conviction and sentencing, the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation offender search provides a statewide database of incarcerated persons. This resource is distinct from the county jail roster and covers individuals serving sentences in state prison facilities.
To search the state database:
- Navigate to the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation offender search portal
- Enter the individual's name or offender identification number
- Review results for current facility assignment, sentence information, and projected release date
The transfer from county jail to state prison at present occurs after sentencing, at which point the individual's record transitions from the county system to the state Department of Corrections database. The daily incarcerations list maintained by the WV Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority provides a current snapshot of individuals held in regional jail facilities statewide.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
Individuals charged with federal offenses and held in federal custody do not appear in county or state databases. The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a searchable database of all federally incarcerated persons. This resource is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal law, such as drug trafficking across state lines, federal firearms violations, or immigration offenses.
Phone Search:
- Phone: (304) 329-1611 (Preston County Sheriff's Office)
- Members of the public may call during business hours to request basic inmate status information
- Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available
- Hours of operation: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
In-Person Inquiry:
- Members of the public may visit the Preston County Sheriff's Office at 106 W. Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Staff at the front desk may provide current custody status, charges, and bond information during regular business hours
By Mail:
- Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Preston County Sheriff's Office, 106 W. Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
- Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought
- Processing time varies; members of the public should allow a minimum of five to ten business days for a written response
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when multiple individuals share the same name
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred to state or federal custody may not appear in the county roster
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; use the WV offender search for jails and prisons to locate them
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate 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 online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the jail directly at (304) 329-1611 for assistance
Are Inmate Records Public in Preston County?
Inmate records in Preston County are public records under West Virginia law. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq., the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, all public records maintained by government bodies are accessible to members of the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Booking records, custody status, and charge information maintained by the Preston County Sheriff's Office fall within the category of public records subject to disclosure.
As stated in the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, "all persons are, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees."
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts and type
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell or housing unit assignments for security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety notification
- Family notification of custody status
- Support of legal proceedings and due process
- Operational needs of the bail bond industry
- Verification of arrest and charge information by attorneys and courts
Privacy Considerations: West Virginia law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health records, is protected from disclosure under W. Va. Code § 29B-1-4, which enumerates specific categories of information exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. The impact of public booking records on families and future employment is acknowledged, though the statutory framework at present prioritizes transparency in the administration of justice.
What Is Inmate Records in Preston County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention. These records serve the administrative, legal, and public safety functions of the corrections system and are created at the point of booking when an individual is taken into custody.
The Preston County Sheriff's Office creates and maintains inmate records for individuals held at the county jail. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's personal information, charges, and initial custody status
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's housing assignment, classification, and status while in detention
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings, charges, and custody periods within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the date, manner, and conditions of an individual's release from custody
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. County jail records at present pertain to individuals held pre-trial, those serving short misdemeanor sentences, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. State prison records pertain to individuals serving post-conviction sentences of more than one year. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Preston County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- 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 (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (if available)
- Actual release date (after 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, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments (in some cases)
- Program participation
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Preston County Prison System
The Preston County corrections system is administered by the Preston County Sheriff's Office, which operates the county jail facility. The jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. The facility operates under the oversight of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Administration:
Preston County Sheriff's Office
106 W. Main Street
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-1611
Preston County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations: The Preston County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities. The classification system assigns inmates to appropriate security levels based on the nature of their charges, criminal history, and behavior during custody.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted medical personnel
- Mental health services and referrals
- Substance abuse program referrals
- Religious services and chaplaincy access
- Recreation and library access
Legal Services:
- Law library access for incarcerated individuals
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
- Pre-release planning and case management
- Referrals to community-based substance abuse treatment
- Coordination with housing and employment assistance programs
Oversight and Accountability: The Preston County Jail operates under the oversight of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which conducts inspections and monitors compliance with state standards. Grievance procedures are available to incarcerated individuals pursuant to facility policy and applicable state regulations.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Preston County
North Central Regional Jail
The North Central Regional Jail serves as the primary detention facility for Preston County inmates, operated by the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority rather than the county itself. Individuals booked in Preston County are held at this regional facility.
North Central Regional Jail
24 Davisson Run Road
Greenwood, WV 26415
Phone: (304) 873-1800
WV Regional Jail Authority
- Capacity: Approximately 500 inmates
- Security level: Multi-level classification
- Population served: Pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer, and individuals from multiple counties in the region
- The facility is operated by the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority under W. Va. Code § 31-20-1 et seq.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring Eligible individuals may be placed on home detention with electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and risk assessment. Members of the public seeking information on this program should contact the Preston County Sheriff's Office or the presiding court.
Work Release Work release programs allow sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving their sentence. Eligibility requirements and program availability are subject to court approval and facility capacity.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Preston County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to state correctional facilities operated by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The state maintains multiple facilities across West Virginia. Members of the public may locate state prisoners through the West Virginia offender search portal.
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
1409 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, WV 25311
Phone: (304) 558-2036
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is located within Preston County at present. Individuals charged with federal offenses and held in federal custody may be detained at federal facilities in the broader region. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a searchable database of all federally incarcerated persons at bop.gov.
How To Find an Inmate in Preston County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Preston County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration, subscription, or payment is required to access basic inmate information through official channels.
1. Official County and Regional Jail Inmate Roster
The WV Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority provides a free inmate search for jail facilities statewide, including individuals held at the North Central Regional Jail on behalf of Preston County. The search requires at least the first three letters of the individual's last name. Information available includes current custody status, charges, bond information, facility location, and booking photograph. The roster is updated on a daily basis.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation offender search provides free access to records of individuals held in state prison facilities. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have previously served state sentences.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides a free inmate locator at bop.gov for individuals in federal custody. No registration is required.
4. Court Records Search
Members of the public may verify custody status and upcoming court dates through the West Virginia Magistrate Case Record Search, which provides access to magistrate court case information statewide. The magistrate record search portal directs users to the appropriate county clerk for copies of specific records. As noted by the West Virginia Judiciary, "users are instructed to call or visit the magistrate court clerk in the county where a case is filed to obtain copies of specific court records."
Preston County Magistrate Court
101 W. Main Street, Suite 201
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0040
West Virginia Judiciary
Free Phone Information:
- Call (304) 873-1800 (North Central Regional Jail) for inmate status information
- No charge for basic inquiry
- Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available
Free In-Person Search:
- Visit the Preston County Sheriff's Office at 106 W. Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
- Public access terminals may be available during business hours
- Staff assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- No fee is charged for basic information
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:
Services that are free of charge at present include:
- Online inmate search through official government portals
- Current custody status and basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information at the Sheriff's Office or jail
Services that carry a cost include:
- Sending money to an inmate's commissary account
- Video visitation (fees set by the service provider)
- Phone calls placed by inmates to outside numbers
- Certified copies of booking records
- Comprehensive background check reports
Members of the public are advised to use only official government websites for inmate searches. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment.