Hancock County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Hancock County in 2026
HancockCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Hancock County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find records pertaining to the following categories:
- Current custody status
- Booking and arrest records
- Charges and bond information
- Incarceration history
- Court dates and case numbers
Records can be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Hancock County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals held at the county jail and provides public access to current inmate information. Members of the public may access the inmate roster through the Hancock County, MS official website.
To conduct a search, members of the public should:
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Department section of the county website
- Select the inmate search or jail roster option
- Choose a search type — by full name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the applicable search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the results list for matching records
- Select an individual record to view detailed information
Information displayed in search results includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond amount and bond type
- Facility location within the county system
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
The roster is updated on a daily basis. Recent bookings may require several hours before appearing in the online system.
Hancock County Sheriff's Office
854 Highway 90, Suite A
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-4424
Hancock County, MS Official Website
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred from county custody to the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). The Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search allows members of the public to locate individuals currently housed in state correctional facilities.
To search the MDOC database:
- Visit the MDOC inmate search portal
- Enter the individual's last name, first name, or MDOC ID number
- Submit the search query and review matching results
Information available through the state search includes current facility assignment, sentence length, projected release date, parole eligibility, and conviction charges. The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county facilities house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short sentences, while state facilities house post-conviction individuals serving longer terms. Transfer from county to state custody occurs after sentencing and classification, a process that may take several weeks.
Mississippi Department of Corrections
633 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Phone: (601) 359-5600
Mississippi Department of Corrections
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with federal offenses are held in federal custody and do not appear in county or state databases. The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search tool for locating individuals in federal custody. This resource is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal law, such as drug trafficking across state lines, immigration violations, or federal firearms charges. Information available includes the inmate's register number, age, race, sex, projected release date, and facility location.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may call the Hancock County Sheriff's Office at (228) 467-4424 to request inmate information by phone. Staff can confirm custody status, charges, and bond information when provided with the individual's full legal name and date of birth. Phone inquiries are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Hancock County Sheriff's Office at 854 Highway 90, Suite A, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, during business hours to request inmate information in person. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, charges, and bond information.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Hancock County Sheriff's Office at the address above. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies and is subject to staff availability.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when multiple individuals share a name
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred to state custody may not appear in the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state facility — search the MDOC inmate locator
- The individual may be in federal custody — search the Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in an adjacent 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 (228) 467-4424 for confirmation
Are Inmate Records Public in Hancock County?
Inmate records maintained by the Hancock County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under Mississippi's Public Records Act, codified at Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq. Under current law, records created or maintained by public bodies in the performance of their official functions are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public. Inmate booking records, custody status, and charge information fall within this presumption of openness.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population list
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Bond type and bond status
- 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 withheld on security grounds)
- Visitor contact lists
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records, which are protected under separate statutory provisions
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classifications and housing assignments
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Transparency in the operation of detention facilities promotes accountability in the exercise of government authority. Public safety is served when community members can verify the custody status of individuals charged with offenses. Families and legal representatives rely on booking information to locate detained individuals and arrange legal representation. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to bond amounts and custody status to perform its licensed functions.
Privacy Considerations:
Mississippi law recognizes that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-11, certain categories of personal information retain protection even within otherwise public records. Medical and mental health information, in particular, is afforded heightened protection. The release of inmate records may affect employment prospects and family relationships, and custodial agencies exercise discretion in releasing information beyond what is required by statute.
What Is Inmate Records in Hancock 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 account of an individual's interaction with the county corrections system and are created at the point of booking.
The Hancock County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of inmate records for individuals held at the county detention facility. The Mississippi Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals transferred to state custody following conviction and sentencing.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records, which document the circumstances of an individual's entry into custody, including the arresting agency, charges, and personal identifying information
- Custody records, which reflect the individual's current housing assignment, classification level, and ongoing legal status
- Incarceration history, which compiles prior bookings and custody periods within the county system
- Release records, which document the date, manner, and conditions of an individual's release from custody
The distinction between county jail records and state prison records is significant for search purposes. County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of one year or less. State prison records, maintained by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, pertain to individuals serving post-conviction sentences exceeding one year. Federal prison records, maintained by the Bureau of Prisons, pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Hancock County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number assigned at intake
- Date of birth and age at time of booking
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph taken at intake
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location and housing unit (subject to security limitations)
- Date and time of booking
- Expected release date, when calculable
- Actual release date following discharge
- Current custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and statutory descriptions
- Case numbers assigned by the court
- Court jurisdiction and division
- Date of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Warrant information, including warrant number and issuing court
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Bond status: posted, pending, or forfeited
- Bail bondsman information, when applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing type (arraignment, preliminary hearing, trial setting)
- Attorney of record, when available in the public record
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length imposed by the court
- Sentence commencement date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, when applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Hancock County
- Historical charges from prior custody periods
- Prior custody dates and release information
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum
- Special housing designations
- Work assignment information, when publicly available
- Program participation records
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history, diagnoses, or treatment records
- Mental health evaluations or treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information and visitation logs
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs and communications records
- Specific cell assignments, withheld for security reasons
Hancock County Prison System
The Hancock County corrections system is operated under the authority of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the intake, custody, and release of individuals detained within the county. The Sheriff's Office administers the county detention facility and oversees all aspects of jail operations, including classification, programming, and inmate services.
Administration:
The Hancock County Sheriff's Office administers the detention facility and maintains administrative oversight of all correctional operations within the county. The Sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement officer and corrections administrator for the county.
Hancock County Sheriff's Office
854 Highway 90, Suite A
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-4424
Hancock County, MS Official Website
Facility Operations:
The county detention facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. Classification is conducted at intake and determines housing assignment and security level. The average length of stay varies based on the nature of charges and the progress of court proceedings.
Inmate Services:
The facility provides the following services to individuals in custody:
- Medical care and sick call procedures
- Mental health screening and referral services
- Substance abuse assessment and programming
- Religious services and chaplaincy access
- Recreation and physical activity
- Library and reading material access
- Educational programming, including GED preparation
Legal Services:
Individuals in custody retain the right to access legal counsel. The facility coordinates with the public defender's office and accommodates attorney visitation during designated hours. A law library or equivalent legal research resources are made available to inmates to support access to the courts.
Reentry Programs:
Pre-release planning services assist individuals approaching release in identifying housing, employment, and community support resources. Coordination with community-based substance abuse treatment providers supports continuity of care following release.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Mississippi Department of Corrections exercises oversight authority over county detention facilities pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 47-1-57, which establishes minimum standards for county jail operations. Inspection reports and compliance records are subject to public disclosure under the state's public records law.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Hancock County
Hancock County Adult Detention Center
The Hancock County Adult Detention Center is the primary correctional facility serving the county and is operated by the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.
Hancock County Adult Detention Center
854 Highway 90, Suite A
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-4424
Hancock County Sheriff's Office
The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on detainers from other agencies. Security classification ranges from minimum to maximum based on the nature of charges and individual risk assessment.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The Sheriff's Office administers an electronic monitoring program for eligible individuals as an alternative to full incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court and is subject to the nature of the offense, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about this program may contact the Sheriff's Office at (228) 467-4424.
Work Release
A work release program may be available for eligible sentenced individuals, permitting supervised employment in the community during designated hours. Eligibility is subject to judicial approval and program capacity.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Mississippi Department of Corrections. State facilities are distinct from county operations and are administered under separate authority. The MDOC operates multiple facilities throughout Mississippi, and assignment is determined by classification following sentencing.
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with federal offenses may be held at federal detention facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons. The nearest federal facilities serving the Gulf Coast region include facilities in the Southern District of Mississippi. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a complete directory of federal facilities and an online inmate locator.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hancock County Adult Detention Center | 854 Highway 90, Suite A, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 | (228) 467-4424 |
| Mississippi Dept. of Corrections (Central Office) | 633 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202 | (601) 359-5600 |
How To Find an Inmate in Hancock County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Hancock County at no cost through several official government resources.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Hancock County Sheriff's Office provides a free, publicly accessible inmate roster through the Hancock County official website. No registration or account creation is required. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated daily, and recent bookings may require several hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The MDOC inmate search portal provides free access to records for individuals currently housed in state correctional facilities. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have previously served time in state custody. No fee is charged for this service.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search tool for individuals in federal custody. The search requires only the individual's name or federal register number and returns current facility assignment and projected release date.
4. Court Records Search
Court records maintained by the Hancock County Circuit and County Courts may be used to verify custody status and identify upcoming court dates. Court case information is accessible through the clerk's office and may be available through the Mississippi Courts online portal.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (228) 467-4424 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff can confirm custody status and charges when provided with the individual's full name and date of birth. Phone inquiries are accepted during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Hancock County Sheriff's Office at 854 Highway 90, Suite A, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, during business hours to conduct an in-person inquiry. No fee is charged for basic information requests. Public access terminals may be available for self-service searches.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no charge:
- Online inmate search through official government websites
- Current custody status and basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests at the Sheriff's Office
The following services involve fees:
- Depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account
- Video visitation through contracted service providers
- Phone calls placed by inmates through the facility's contracted phone system
- Certified copies of booking records or official documents
- Comprehensive background check reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for inmate location services. Basic inmate information is available at no cost through official government websites. Individuals should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment. Official government resources do not charge fees for basic inmate location searches.