Worcester County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Worcester County?
Inmate records in Worcester County are official government documents maintained by the Worcester County Sheriff's Office that track and document individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration history from initial booking through release. Pursuant to Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-101, these records are classified as public records subject to specific disclosure provisions.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
- Inmate records document the physical custody and management of individuals
- Court records are maintained by the Worcester County Circuit Court or District Court
- Inmate records are maintained by the Worcester County Sheriff's Office
The creation and maintenance of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Records are initiated during booking/intake procedures
- Information is updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation includes behavioral incidents, program participation, and visitation
- Records are finalized upon release but maintained according to state retention schedules
The Worcester County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records, operating under the authority granted by Maryland state law to maintain documentation on all persons in custody.
Are Inmate Records Public In Worcester County?
Inmate records in Worcester County are generally considered public records under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), § 4-201, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, access is subject to specific limitations and exemptions designed to balance transparency with privacy and security concerns.
The following inmate record components are typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information (date of intake, facility location)
- Charges filed (nature of alleged offenses)
- Bond/bail amounts when applicable
- Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
- Facility housing location (general information only)
Certain information within inmate records may be restricted from public disclosure, including:
- Medical and mental health information
- Disciplinary records that might compromise facility security
- Information that could endanger an inmate or others if disclosed
- Records related to juveniles charged as adults (subject to special provisions)
- Personal identifying information beyond what is necessary for identification
The Worcester County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about current inmates. For more comprehensive records, formal requests must be submitted in accordance with MPIA procedures.
What's Included Inmate Records in Worcester County
Worcester County inmate records contain comprehensive documentation organized into several categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity (for identification purposes)
- Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Custody classification level
- Housing assignment within facility
- Disciplinary incidents and outcomes
- Program participation records
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Case numbers associated with charges
- Warrant information if applicable
- Charging documents reference numbers
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount if eligible
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release if applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Circuit)
- Case status updates
- Attorney of record information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/work credits earned
- Parole eligibility date if applicable
- Probation terms if applicable
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Actual release date and time
- Type of release (time served, bond posted, transferred)
- Post-release supervision requirements if applicable
Worcester County Prison System
The Worcester County correctional system operates under the authority of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the detention and custody of individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of 18 months or less. The system is designed to provide secure detention while facilitating rehabilitation and reentry programs for inmates.
Worcester County maintains a single detention center that houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals. This facility differs from state prisons, which are operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and house individuals serving longer sentences for more serious offenses.
The primary distinctions between county detention and state imprisonment include:
- County facilities typically house individuals serving sentences of 18 months or less
- State prisons house individuals serving longer sentences for felony convictions
- County facilities focus on pre-trial detention and short-term incarceration
- State facilities provide more extensive long-term programming
The Worcester County correctional system is administered by:
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
1 W. Market Street, Room 1001
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: (410) 632-1111
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Worcester County
Worcester County maintains a single primary correctional facility that serves multiple functions within the local criminal justice system:
Worcester County Detention Center
5022 Joyner Road
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: (410) 632-1300
Worcester County Detention Center
This facility serves as a multi-purpose correctional institution with the following characteristics:
- Medium-security facility housing both male and female inmates
- Capacity for approximately 300 inmates
- Houses pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Houses sentenced inmates serving terms of 18 months or less
- Provides work release programs for eligible inmates
- Offers educational and substance abuse treatment programs
- Contains medical facilities for basic inmate healthcare
The Worcester County Detention Center operates under the direct supervision of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division. The facility employs trained correctional officers and support staff who manage daily operations, including:
- Intake and processing
- Security and supervision
- Food service
- Medical services
- Programming and rehabilitation
- Transportation to court appearances
In addition to the main detention center, Worcester County maintains temporary holding facilities at:
Worcester County Sheriff's Office - Central Booking
1 W. Market Street
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: (410) 632-1111
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
This facility processes newly arrested individuals before their transfer to the main detention center.
Who's in Prison In Worcester County
The Worcester County Detention Center houses several categories of individuals who fall under the jurisdiction of the county correctional system:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting trial, plea hearings, or sentencing
- Individuals held on probation or parole violations pending hearings
Sentenced Inmates:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences up to 18 months
- Individuals convicted of less serious felonies with shorter sentences
- Those serving weekend or intermittent sentences
- Work release program participants who return to the facility when not working
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Persons held on behalf of other jurisdictions (interstate compacts)
- Federal detainees held under contract with federal agencies
- Immigration detainees held under contract with federal immigration authorities
According to data from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Worcester County Detention Center typically operates at 75-85% of capacity, with an average daily population that fluctuates between 220-260 inmates. The demographic composition generally reflects:
- Approximately 80-85% male inmates
- Approximately 15-20% female inmates
- Average age range of 20-45 years
- Majority serving sentences of less than 12 months
- Significant percentage (40-50%) held pre-trial
The most common offenses resulting in incarceration at the Worcester County Detention Center include:
- Drug possession and distribution
- Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI)
- Theft and property crimes
- Assault and domestic violence
- Probation/parole violations
How To Search for Inmate Records In Worcester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Worcester County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Worcester County Sheriff's Office maintains current systems that allow for efficient record searches through multiple channels:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Worcester County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal
- Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name) or inmate ID number if known
- Review the search results showing current inmates matching the search criteria
- Access basic information including charges, booking date, and bond information
- Note that the online system only displays currently incarcerated individuals
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Worcester County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete an Inmate Record Request Form available at the front desk
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID required)
- Specify the exact records being requested
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $0.25 per page)
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing non-urgent requests
Written Record Requests:
- Submit a formal written request citing the Maryland Public Information Act
- Include the full name of the inmate, date of birth, and approximate dates of incarceration
- Specify exactly which records are being requested
- Provide contact information and preferred method of receiving records
- Mail the request to:
Worcester County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
1 W. Market Street, Room 1001
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: (410) 632-1111
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Maryland Public Information Act Requests: For more comprehensive records, submit a formal MPIA request pursuant to Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-203, which requires agencies to respond within 30 days. Requests should clearly identify the records sought and may be subject to redaction of confidential information.
How To Find an Inmate in Worcester County for Free?
Worcester County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently incarcerated within the county detention system:
Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Worcester County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the inmate's last name and first name
- No registration or fees are required to use this service
- Results display current inmates only, including booking date and charges
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Worcester County Detention Center at (410) 632-1300
- Request inmate location information from the operator
- Provide the full legal name of the inmate
- Be prepared to explain your relationship to the inmate
- Basic custody status information is provided without charge
Maryland Judiciary Case Search:
- Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website
- Enter the individual's name to search court records
- Review case information which often indicates custody status
- Note that this system shows court cases, not direct custody information
- This service is free and available 24/7
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Worcester County Detention Center during regular business hours
- Speak with the reception desk staff
- Provide the name of the person you are attempting to locate
- Basic custody information will be provided without charge
- Additional information may require formal records requests
When attempting to locate an inmate, having the following information available will expedite the process:
- Full legal name (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest or incarceration
- Any known case or booking numbers
The Worcester County Sheriff's Office updates inmate information daily, ensuring that online and telephone information remains current. For privacy and security reasons, certain information about inmates may be restricted even when confirming their presence in the facility.
How To Visit an Inmate In Worcester County
Visitation at the Worcester County Detention Center follows established protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important connections between inmates and their support networks:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit visitor applications during their first week of incarceration
- Visitors must be 18 years or older unless accompanied by a parent/guardian
- Maximum of two adults and two children permitted per visit
- All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
- Visitors are subject to search procedures before entering the facility
- Visitors with outstanding warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Male inmates: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Female inmates: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Special housing units have designated times posted at the facility
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
- Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visit time
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID)
- Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
- Medications needed during visit time (must be declared and approved)
- Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, wipes)
- Up to $50 in cash for inmate account deposits
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products or electronic cigarettes
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Controlled substances or alcohol
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (no shorts above knee, no low-cut tops)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections
- No excessively baggy clothing
- Shoes must be worn at all times
- No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- Contact visits: Available for minimum security inmates with good behavior
- Non-contact visits: Standard visitation through glass partition
- Professional visits: Attorneys, clergy, and official visitors (separate schedule)
- Special visits: May be arranged for exceptional circumstances with prior approval
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must obtain written permission from their supervising officer
- Visitors exhibiting signs of intoxication will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Three missed scheduled visits may result in visitation privileges suspension
Visitation policies are established pursuant to Maryland Code of Regulations 12.02.03, which governs correctional facility operations. The Worcester County Detention Center reserves the right to modify visitation procedures to maintain facility security and safety.
How To Send Money to a Worcester County Inmate
Worcester County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account:
In-Person Deposits:
- Visit the Worcester County Detention Center during regular business hours
- Complete a deposit slip at the lobby kiosk
- Provide inmate's full name and ID number
- Cash accepted in exact amounts only
- Money orders made payable to the inmate with ID number noted
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- No fees for in-person cash deposits
- Receipt provided for all transactions
Online Deposits:
- Visit Access Corrections
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Select "Worcester County Detention Center" as the facility
- Enter inmate information (name and ID number)
- Enter payment information (credit/debit card)
- Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
- Maximum online deposit: $300 per transaction
- Funds typically available within 24 hours
Telephone Deposits:
- Call Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884
- Provide inmate information when prompted
- Follow automated instructions for payment
- Service fees apply (typically $4.95-$9.95 per transaction)
- Credit/debit card information required
- Maximum phone deposit: $300 per transaction
Mail Deposits:
- Send money order or cashier's check only (no personal checks)
- Make payable to the inmate with ID number in memo line
- Include sender's full name and return address
- Mail to:
Worcester County Detention Center - Inmate Accounts
5022 Joyner Road
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: (410) 632-1300
Worcester County Detention Center
Amount Limits:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500
- Maximum monthly deposit total: $1,500
- Special permission required for larger amounts
Deposit Fees:
- In-person cash deposits: No fee
- In-person money order deposits: No fee
- Online deposits: 3-5% of deposit amount
- Telephone deposits: $4.95-$9.95 per transaction
- Mail deposits: No fee
Prohibited Items:
- Personal checks
- Cash sent through mail
- Third-party checks
- Traveler's checks
- Foreign currency
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone account funding
- Medical co-pays
- Haircut services
- Educational materials
- Release preparation expenses
Restricted Uses:
- Cannot be used for bail/bond payments
- Cannot be transferred to other inmates
- Cannot be used for facility fines without authorization
- Cannot be withdrawn as cash during incarceration
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and may be investigated for suspicious activity in accordance with Maryland Correctional Services Code § 9-410, which prohibits unauthorized financial transactions with inmates.
How To Send Jail Mail In Worcester County
Correspondence with inmates at the Worcester County Detention Center must follow established guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Worcester County Detention Center address
- Return address must include sender's full name and complete mailing address
- Mail without proper addressing will be returned to sender
- All mail is inspected for contraband and prohibited content
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Mailing Address Format:
Inmate Full Name, ID# (if known)
Worcester County Detention Center
5022 Joyner Road
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, no padding)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
- Money orders (following financial guidelines)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
- Subscription magazines sent directly from publisher
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Hardcover books
- Personal checks or cash
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Crayon or marker writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Polaroid photographs
- Laminated items
- Nude or sexually explicit images
- Gang-related materials
- Items depicting violence or weapons
- Blank paper, envelopes, or cards
Book and Publication Delivery:
- Books must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review by facility staff
- Educational materials receive priority processing
E-Communications:
- The facility offers SmartJailMail for electronic messaging
- Create an account on the SmartJailMail website
- Purchase credits for messages
- Messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
- Typically delivered within 24-48 hours
- Fees apply per message sent
Mail Restrictions:
- Mail may be rejected if it contains:
- Plans for escape or criminal activity
- Threats or extortion
- Coded messages
- Information that could compromise facility security
- Contraband or prohibited items
- Rejected mail will be returned to sender with explanation
- Inmates may appeal mail rejections through the grievance process
All mail procedures comply with Maryland Correctional Services Code § 9-404, which establishes guidelines for inmate correspondence. The Worcester County Detention Center reserves the right to modify mail procedures to maintain facility security and safety.