Tompkins County Public Records /Tompkins County Inmate Search

Tompkins County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Tompkins County?

Inmate records in Tompkins County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been detained, arrested, or incarcerated. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals throughout their involvement with the county's correctional system, as defined under New York Correction Law § 500-c.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document judicial proceedings, case filings, and legal decisions, inmate records specifically track an individual's physical custody status and institutional history. The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records, whereas the Tompkins County Court maintains separate case files related to criminal proceedings.

The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first processed into the Tompkins County Jail. During this initial phase, correctional staff collect and document:

Biographical information
Photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
Personal property inventory
Medical screening information
Security classification assessments

Throughout an individual's period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect:

Housing assignments
Disciplinary incidents
Visitation logs
Medical treatments
Program participation
Court appearances

Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information, though the record itself is maintained according to New York State Archives retention schedules for correctional facilities.

The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records for individuals housed in county facilities.

Are Inmate Records Public In Tompkins County?

Inmate records in Tompkins County are partially accessible to the public under the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, § 87. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including certain inmate information, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information (name, age, gender)
Charges filed
Mugshots (in most circumstances)
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Facility housing location (general)

However, significant portions of inmate records remain confidential under various privacy protections and security exemptions. According to New York Correction Law § 500-f, the following information is typically restricted from public disclosure:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary records
Security classification details
Social security numbers
Detailed housing locations within facilities
Information that would compromise facility security
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Records sealed by court order

The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides the publicly accessible portions of inmate records. For more comprehensive record requests, members of the public must submit a formal FOIL request to the records custodian at the Sheriff's Office.

What's Included Inmate Records in Tompkins County

Inmate records in Tompkins County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and other biometric data
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of admission
Arresting agency
Booking officer information
Security classification
Housing assignment history
Scheduled court appearances
Expected release date (if applicable)
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)

Charge Information:

Current charges (including statute citations)
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
Charge disposition (pending, convicted, dismissed)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount
Bond/bail type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond/bail status (posted, not posted)
Bond company information (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Attorney information
Court dates and appearances
Court orders related to custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/earned time calculations
Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
Post-release supervision requirements

Release Information:

Release date and time
Release type (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release conditions
Supervising agency (if applicable)

These records are maintained in compliance with New York State Archives retention schedules and are subject to various levels of access restriction based on privacy laws and security considerations.

Tompkins County Prison System

The Tompkins County correctional system operates under the authority of the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the detention and custody of individuals arrested within the county jurisdiction. The system is structured to accommodate both pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to one year, as prescribed by New York Correction Law § 500.

It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system. The Tompkins County Jail houses individuals who are:

Awaiting trial or court proceedings
Serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
Temporarily held pending transfer to other jurisdictions
Detained on civil matters such as family court violations

In contrast, New York State prisons, operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), house individuals convicted of felony offenses serving sentences longer than one year.

The Tompkins County correctional system operates under the oversight of the New York State Commission of Correction, which establishes minimum standards for the management and operation of all local correctional facilities in the state.

For inquiries regarding the Tompkins County correctional system, members of the public may contact:

Tompkins County Sheriff's Office
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1345
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Tompkins County

Tompkins County maintains a limited correctional infrastructure focused primarily on short-term detention and local sentencing. The county's correctional facilities include:

Tompkins County Jail
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1345
Tompkins County Jail

The Tompkins County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county and provides the following functions:

Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
Housing for individuals serving sentences of up to one year
Temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
Processing and intake for all arrests within county jurisdiction

The facility is classified as a Type II correctional facility under New York State Commission of Correction standards, which permits the housing of individuals for periods exceeding 24 hours. The jail maintains separate housing units for:

Male inmates
Female inmates
Special management populations
Medical observation

Tompkins County Public Safety Building
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1345
Tompkins County Public Safety Building

The Public Safety Building houses administrative offices for the Sheriff's Office and includes temporary holding cells used during the initial booking and processing of arrested individuals. These holding cells are designed for short-term detention only, typically less than 24 hours.

Tompkins County does not operate specialized correctional facilities such as work release centers, juvenile detention centers, or minimum-security camps. Juveniles requiring detention are typically transferred to designated juvenile facilities in neighboring counties through cooperative agreements, in accordance with New York Family Court Act § 304.1.

Who's in Prison In Tompkins County

The Tompkins County Jail population consists of several distinct categories of individuals, each with different legal statuses and reasons for incarceration. The facility houses:

Pre-trial Detainees: These individuals comprise a significant portion of the jail population and are being held while awaiting trial or other court proceedings. They have not been convicted of the charges for which they are being held. Pre-trial detention may result from:

Inability to post bail or bond
Denial of bail due to flight risk or public safety concerns
Violations of pre-trial release conditions
Holds from other jurisdictions

Sentenced Inmates: These individuals have been convicted of crimes and are serving court-imposed sentences within the county jail. Under New York Correction Law § 500-c, county jails may house:

Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
Individuals serving intermittent sentences (weekend incarceration)
Individuals serving split sentences (combination of incarceration and probation)

Technical Violators: These individuals are being held for violations of probation or parole conditions, but not necessarily for new criminal offenses. Their detention may be temporary pending a violation hearing or as part of a sanction for the violation.

Temporary Holds: The jail also houses individuals on a short-term basis who are:

Awaiting transfer to state prison after felony sentencing
Being held for other counties or jurisdictions
In transit between facilities for court appearances
Detained on civil matters such as family court violations or civil contempt

Immigration Detainees: In some cases, the facility may house individuals being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending immigration proceedings.

The demographic composition of the Tompkins County Jail population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and communities of color. The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing practices.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Tompkins County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Tompkins County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that allow for both online and in-person record searches:

Online Inmate Lookup:

Visit the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" or "Jail Roster" section
Enter the required search criteria, which may include:
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
Review the search results, which typically display:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Current custody status

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Tompkins County Jail directly at (607) 257-1345
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
Request basic custody information, which may include:
- Confirmation of incarceration status
- Visiting hours and policies
- Bond information
- Court date information

In-Person Record Request:

Visit the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours:

Tompkins County Sheriff's Office
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Complete a record request form, available at the front desk
Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
Specify the information being requested
Pay any applicable fees for record copies

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Request: For more comprehensive inmate records beyond basic custody information:

Submit a written FOIL request to:

Records Access Officer
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Include in your request:
- Your full name and contact information
- Specific records being requested
- Time period covered by the request
- Preferred format for receiving records
Allow up to five business days for an acknowledgment of your request
Be prepared to pay any applicable fees for document reproduction

Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87, the Sheriff's Office must respond to FOIL requests within 20 business days. Certain information may be redacted to protect privacy and security interests.

How To Find an Inmate in Tompkins County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Tompkins County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods that provide basic custody information to the public. These free resources include:

Tompkins County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup: The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the online inmate search tool:

Access the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
Review the results, which typically include:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if applicable)

This online system is updated regularly and provides the most current information available on individuals in custody.

New York State Vine Service: The Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system provides custody information and notification services:

Visit the New York VINE website
Select "Find an Offender"
Enter the inmate's name
Select Tompkins County from the jurisdiction dropdown
Review the custody information provided

Telephone Inquiry to Tompkins County Jail:

Call the Tompkins County Jail at (607) 257-1345
Request to speak with the records division or booking officer
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person you are trying to locate
Ask for basic custody status information

In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office in person to inquire about an inmate's status:

Tompkins County Sheriff's Office
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

When making an in-person inquiry, visitors should:

Bring personal identification
Be prepared to provide the full name and date of birth of the inmate
Specify the information being requested

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS): For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:

Visit the DOCCS Inmate Lookup
Enter the inmate's name or DIN (Department Identification Number)
Review the results to determine if the individual is in state custody

These free resources provide basic custody information in compliance with Public Officers Law § 89, which governs public access to government records in New York State.

How To Visit an Inmate In Tompkins County

Visitation at the Tompkins County Jail is governed by established procedures designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important connections between inmates and their support networks. All visits must comply with New York Correction Law § 500-j, which establishes minimum visitation standards for county jails.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may update their visitation list through an internal request process
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate or school ID
Visitors must successfully clear security screening before each visit
Maximum of two visitors per inmate per visiting session

Visit Schedule:

General Population (Male):
- Tuesday, Thursday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
General Population (Female):
- Wednesday, Friday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Special Housing Units: By appointment only
Professional Visits (attorneys, clergy): Daily, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to complete processing.

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Medications needed during visit duration (must be declared)
If visiting with children: one diaper, one baby bottle (clear plastic only)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tools
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $50
Prescription medications not needed during visit

Dress Code:

No revealing clothing (shorts/skirts must extend below fingertips when arms are at sides)
No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or halter tops
No see-through or mesh clothing
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
Shoes must be worn at all times
Undergarments must be worn and not visible

Visit Types:

Contact Visits: Available for general population inmates in good standing
Non-Contact Visits: Conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication
Professional Visits: Separate rooms for attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals
Special Visits: May be arranged for exceptional circumstances with advance approval

Visit Restrictions:

Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
Persons on probation or parole must obtain written permission from their supervising officer
Visitors with active warrants or pending criminal charges may be denied entry
Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Visits may be terminated for rule violations or disruptive behavior

For additional information or to verify current visitation hours, contact:

Tompkins County Jail
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1345
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office

How To Send Money to a Tompkins County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Tompkins County Jail have several approved methods for sending funds. All financial transactions are processed in accordance with New York Correction Law § 500-c(7), which authorizes county jails to establish inmate account systems.

Methods for Sending Money:

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay Payment Services website
Create an account or log in
Select "Tompkins County Jail" from the facility list
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
Print or save the confirmation receipt

Lobby Kiosk:

Visit the Tompkins County Jail lobby during regular business hours:

Tompkins County Jail
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Lobby Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, seven days a week
Use the self-service kiosk located in the lobby
Follow the on-screen instructions
Make payment using cash, credit card, or debit card
Retain the printed receipt

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order from an approved vendor (U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram)
Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
Do not send personal checks or cash
Mail the money order to:

Inmate Accounts
Tompkins County Jail
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Include the sender's full name and return address on the envelope

Amount Limits:

Minimum Deposit: $1.00
Maximum Single Deposit (Online/Kiosk): $300.00
Maximum Single Deposit (Money Order): $500.00
Maximum Weekly Deposit Total: $500.00
Maximum Account Balance: $1,000.00

Transaction Fees:

Online Credit/Debit Card Deposits: $2.50 per transaction
Lobby Kiosk (Credit/Debit Card): $2.50 per transaction
Lobby Kiosk (Cash): $1.00 per transaction
Money Orders: No fee

What the Money Can Be Used For:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Restitution payments (if court-ordered)
Release funds (money remaining in account upon release)

What the Money Cannot Be Used For:

Payment for services from other inmates
Gambling activities
Purchase of contraband items
Transfer to other inmates' accounts
Payment of bail or bond

Funds deposited into an inmate's account are typically available within 24-48 hours of receipt. Upon release, inmates receive the remaining balance in their account via a prepaid debit card or check.

For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact:

Tompkins County Jail Inmate Accounts
779 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1345, ext. 4758
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office

How To Send Jail Mail In Tompkins County

Correspondence with inmates at the Tompkins County Jail follows specific guidelines established to maintain facility security while allowing important communication with family, friends, and legal representatives. All mail procedures comply with New York Correction Law § 500-c and facility regulations.

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility address:
  
  Inmate Name, ID#
  Tompkins County Jail
  779 Warren Road
  Ithaca, NY 14850
Sender must include complete return address with full name
All non-privileged mail is opened, inspected, and may be read by jail staff
Mail without a return address will be rejected
Mail is distributed to inmates Monday through Friday, excluding holidays

Acceptable Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
Money orders (must be separate from letters)
Legal documents
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
Newspaper clippings (maximum of 3 per envelope)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Personal checks or cash
Postage stamps or envelopes
Stickers or labels
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Polaroid photographs
Laminated items
Cards larger than 8"x10"
Perfumed or lipstick-marked items
Blank paper, envelopes, or writing materials
Photos depicting gang signs, nudity, or criminal activity
Any items with adhesives, glitter, or foreign substances
Publications not directly sent from publisher

Legal/Privileged Mail: Mail clearly marked as "Legal Mail" or "Privileged Correspondence" from the following sources receives special handling:

Licensed attorneys
Courts and judges
Government officials
Probation/parole officers
Consular officials

Privileged mail is opened in the presence of the inmate and inspected for contraband only, not read by staff.

E-Messages: The Tompkins County Jail offers a digital messaging service through the SmartJailMail system:

Create an account on the SmartJailMail website
Add the inmate to your contacts using their full name and ID number
Purchase credits for messages
Compose and send messages (text only, no attachments)
Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours after review

Mail Restrictions:

Mail may be rejected if it contains:
- Plans for escape or criminal activity
- Threats or extortion
- Gang-related content
- Instructions for manufacturing weapons, drugs, or explosives
- Sexually explicit material
- Content that could incite violence or disorder
Rejected mail is returned to sender with explanation
Inmates may appeal mail rejections through the grievance process

For questions regarding mail policies, contact: