Grant County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Grant County?
Inmate records in Grant County are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and the Grant County Sheriff's Office to document individuals who are or have been held in custody within the county's detention system. These records are distinct from court records: while the Grant County Superior Court and District Court maintain case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail and corrections division maintains custody records that track an individual's physical detention status, movement, and administrative history within the facility.
The creation of an inmate record begins at the point of booking or intake, when a person is first received into custody. The record is continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notations, and program participation. Upon release, the record is formally closed and archived in accordance with Washington State retention schedules. Pursuant to RCW § 70.48.100, county jails are required to maintain records of all persons committed to their custody, establishing the statutory foundation for inmate recordkeeping in Washington State.
Grant County Sheriff's Office 35 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 (509) 754-2011 Grant County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Grant County?
Inmate records in Grant County are generally accessible to the public under Washington State's Public Records Act. Under RCW § 42.56.070, all state and local government agencies, including county jails and sheriff's offices, are required to make identifiable public records available for inspection and copying upon request. This statute establishes a strong presumption of openness, placing the burden on the agency to justify any withholding of records.
Washington law does provide specific exemptions relevant to correctional records. Notably, inmate booking photographs (mugshots) are exempt from public disclosure under RCW § 42.56.240 unless the Sheriff's Office or a news media outlet determines that release serves a legitimate law enforcement or public interest purpose. The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to members of the public:
- Current inmate roster listing individuals held in Grant County custody
- Booking and arrest records, including date, time, and arresting agency
- Criminal charges filed against the individual
- Bond and bail amounts set by the court
- Expected release dates or scheduled court appearances
- Housing facility and unit assignment
- Sentence length for individuals serving a conviction
The Grant County Sheriff's Office publishes a regularly updated jail inmate roster on its official website, providing the public with real-time access to current custody information without the need to submit a formal records request.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Grant County
Inmate records maintained by Grant County correctional facilities contain a comprehensive set of data fields that document every stage of an individual's custody. The following categories reflect the standard components of a complete inmate record:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, hair and eye color)
- Booking photograph (subject to disclosure limitations under state law)
- State identification number and FBI number, where applicable
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Current housing facility and cell assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- All charges filed, including statute citations
- Charge classification (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
- Case numbers associated with each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set by the court
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond posting status
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Associated case numbers in Grant County Superior Court or District Court
- Judicial officer assigned to the case
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence imposed
- Sentence start date and projected end date
- Good-time or earned-release credits applied
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, court order)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Grant County Prison System
Grant County operates a local jail system designed to house individuals awaiting trial, those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor convictions, and individuals held on detainers or immigration holds. The county jail is distinct from Washington State Department of Corrections facilities, which house individuals convicted of felony offenses and serving sentences exceeding one year. The Grant County Corrections Division, operating under the authority of the Grant County Sheriff's Office, administers all local detention operations. Information about the Grant County Corrections division, including visitation rules and inmate commissary accounts, is available through the county's official website.
Grant County Sheriff's Office — Corrections Division 35 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 (509) 754-2011 Grant County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours for the Sheriff's Office are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state and federal holidays.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Grant County
Grant County currently operates the following correctional facilities under the administration of the Sheriff's Office:
Grant County Jail 35 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 (509) 754-2011 Grant County Jail
The Grant County Jail is the primary detention facility serving the county. It houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities, and those held on court-ordered holds. The facility operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Grant County Work Release The county also administers a Work Release program that allows eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentence under supervision. Participants in the Work Release program are subject to facility rules and regular check-ins. Eligibility is determined by the court and corrections staff based on offense type, behavior history, and program availability.
Who's in Prison In Grant County
The Grant County Jail houses several distinct populations of individuals at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest group — persons who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted of any offense and are awaiting court proceedings. Additionally, the facility holds individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses and are serving sentences of up to 364 days. Persons held on warrants issued by other jurisdictions, immigration detainers placed by federal authorities, and individuals awaiting transfer to Washington State Department of Corrections facilities following felony sentencing are also housed within the county system. Members of the public may search for individuals under active state supervision or outstanding warrants through the Washington State Department of Corrections warrant search tool.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Grant County in 2026
Members of the public may access Grant County inmate records through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Online Inmate Roster Search: The Grant County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible online roster. Members of the public may visit the official jail inmate roster page and search by name to determine whether an individual is currently in custody, along with associated charges and booking information.
Washington Courts Case Search: For court-related records associated with criminal charges, members of the public may use the Washington Courts case search portal, which provides access to case information from Grant County Superior Court and District Court.
Formal Public Records Request: Individuals seeking records not available through online portals may submit a formal Public Records Act request to the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Requests may be submitted in writing by mail, in person at the public counter, or via the county's designated records request process. The agency is required to respond within five business days pursuant to RCW § 42.56.520, either providing the records, acknowledging the request and providing an estimated timeline, or citing a specific exemption.
Washington State Archives: Historical inmate and corrections records may be accessible through the Washington State Digital Archives, which preserves electronic records from both state and local government agencies across Washington.
How To Find an Inmate in Grant County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Grant County at no cost through the following official resources:
- Grant County Jail Inmate Roster: The Sheriff's Office publishes a free, publicly accessible current inmate roster updated regularly with names, charges, and booking dates.
- Washington Courts Case Search: The statewide court case search portal allows free searches of criminal case records by name or case number.
- Washington DOC Warrant Search: The Washington State Department of Corrections provides a free online tool to search for individuals under DOC supervision or with active warrants statewide.
- Direct Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may call the Grant County Jail at (509) 754-2011 to inquire about an individual's custody status at no charge.
How To Visit an Inmate In Grant County
Visitation at the Grant County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Corrections Division. All prospective visitors must comply with the following requirements and procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures: All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Visitors are subject to search prior to entry. Individuals with active warrants or who are on probation or parole may be denied entry at the discretion of facility staff.
Visit Schedule: Visitation schedules are set by the Grant County Corrections Division and are subject to change based on facility operations, lockdowns, or disciplinary actions. Members of the public should contact the facility directly at (509) 754-2011 or consult the Grant County Corrections page for current scheduling information.
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Unauthorized packages or items for the inmate
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated markings or symbols is prohibited.
Visit Types: The Grant County Jail currently offers in-person contact or non-contact visits depending on the inmate's classification and housing assignment. Video visitation options may also be available; members of the public should confirm availability with the facility.
Visit Restrictions: Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for individual inmates as a result of disciplinary actions or facility security concerns. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
How To Send Money to a Grant County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's commissary account to allow the individual to purchase approved items such as hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and phone time. The following methods and rules apply:
Accepted Methods:
- Online deposits through the facility's approved third-party commissary service provider (members of the public should confirm the current provider by contacting the facility at (509) 754-2011 or visiting the Grant County Corrections page)
- Money orders mailed to the facility made payable to the inmate's full legal name and booking number
Amount Limits: Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply and are set by the facility. Members of the public should verify current limits directly with the Corrections Division.
Fees: Third-party deposit services may charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not typically charge a fee for receiving funds, but service provider fees vary.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted
- Personal checks are generally not accepted
- Gift cards or prepaid debit cards are not accepted
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Commissary funds may be used to purchase items from the approved commissary list, pay for phone calls, and access certain facility services. Funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution directly from the commissary account unless specifically authorized by court order.
How To Send Jail Mail In Grant County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Grant County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff pursuant to facility security policies.
Mailing Address: All mail must be addressed to the inmate's full legal name and booking number at the following address:
Grant County Jail 35 C Street NW Ephrata, WA 98823
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All envelopes must include the sender's full return address; mail without a return address may be rejected
- Letters must be written on plain white paper; colored paper, glitter, stickers, or decorative elements are generally prohibited
- Photographs may be permitted subject to size and content restrictions established by the facility; members of the public should confirm current photo policies with the Corrections Division
- Hardcover books, magazines, and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer; items sent from individuals are typically not accepted
- Mail containing threats, coded language, or contraband will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action or criminal referral
- Legal mail from licensed attorneys is handled separately and is subject to different inspection procedures to protect attorney-client privilege