Houston County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Houston County in 2026
HoustonTXRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Houston County. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, bond details, and facility assignments through this resource. Record categories available include:
- Current inmate rosters
- Booking photographs
- Charge and case information
- Bond and bail records
- Release and transfer status
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 Houston County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate listing accessible to the public through its official website. Members of the public may access the inmate search roster by navigating to the Sheriff's Office website and selecting the inmate listing portal. To conduct a search, users select a search type — by full legal name, booking number, or booking date — enter the applicable criteria, and review the results displayed. Selecting an individual record provides expanded detail.
Information displayed in search results includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location within the Houston County Jail
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
The inmate roster is updated on a continuous basis, with new bookings typically appearing within several hours of processing. At present, no dedicated mobile application is offered by the Houston County Sheriff's Office for inmate searches; the website is accessible via mobile browser.
Houston County Sheriff's Office
411 N Foster Street
Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: (334) 677-4882
Houston County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
For individuals who have been convicted and transferred to a state correctional facility, the Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search provides a searchable database of current state prisoners. Users may search by name or AIS (Alabama Inmate System) number. The state DOC database includes conviction charges, sentence length, projected release date, and current facility assignment.
The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: the Houston County Jail houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short sentences, while the Alabama Department of Corrections houses individuals serving sentences exceeding one year following conviction. Transfer from county custody to state custody at present occurs within weeks to several months following sentencing, depending on classification and bed availability.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with federal offenses and held in federal custody are not listed in county or state databases. The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search tool for locating federally incarcerated individuals. The locator returns the inmate's register number, age, race, sex, release date, and facility location. This resource is appropriate when an individual is known to face federal charges or when county and state searches return no results.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the Houston County Jail directly at (334) 712-0762 for inmate information inquiries. Staff can confirm custody status, facility location, and bond information when provided with the inmate's full legal name and date of birth. The jail's main administrative line at (334) 677-4882 is available during standard business hours.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Houston County Sheriff's Office at 411 N Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36303, during business hours to request inmate information at the front desk. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff can provide current custody status, charge information, and bond details.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Houston County Sheriff's Office at 411 N Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36303. Requests should include the inmate's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing times vary based on request volume.
Search Tips:
- Use the inmate's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include date of birth to narrow results when a common name is involved
- 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
- Inmates who have been transferred to state or federal custody may not appear in county records
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to state prison — search the Alabama Department of Corrections
- The individual may be in federal custody — search the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in a neighboring jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the Houston County Jail directly at (334) 712-0762 for confirmation
Are Inmate Records Public in Houston County?
Inmate records in Houston County are public records under Alabama law. Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act, Ala. Code § 36-12-40, all citizens have a right to inspect and copy public writings maintained by government agencies, including records held by the Sheriff's Office and county jail. As the Alabama Attorney General has noted, "the public policy of this state is that government records shall be open for public inspection," subject to specific statutory exemptions.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information and booking date
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- 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 security classifications and cell assignments
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
Inmate records serve multiple public interests. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in government custody. Public safety considerations support the availability of charge and custody information. Families and legal representatives rely on inmate records to locate individuals following arrest. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to booking and bond information to fulfill its legal obligations.
Privacy Considerations:
Alabama law balances the public's right of access against individual privacy interests. Sensitive personal information — including medical history, mental health records, and information that could endanger an inmate's safety — is protected from disclosure. The impact of public inmate records on families and future employment is acknowledged within the legal framework, and certain post-release remedies, such as expungement under Ala. Code § 15-27-1, may limit ongoing public access to arrest records in qualifying circumstances.
What Is Inmate Records in Houston 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. In Houston County, these records are created at the point of booking and updated throughout an individual's period of custody. The primary custodian of county inmate records is the Houston County Sheriff's Office, which operates the Houston County Jail.
The purpose of maintaining inmate records is to ensure accurate tracking of individuals in government custody, support judicial proceedings, facilitate communication between agencies, and provide accountability in the administration of justice. Inmate records serve law enforcement, the courts, legal counsel, and the public.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and initial custody information
- 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 and periods of custody within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the circumstances and date of an individual's release, including bond posting, sentence completion, or transfer
The distinction between county jail records, state prison records, and federal prison records reflects the different levels of government responsible for custody. The Houston County Jail holds individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of one year or less. The Alabama Department of Corrections holds individuals serving longer sentences following conviction. Federal correctional facilities hold individuals convicted of federal offenses.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Houston 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 (subject to security limitations)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following 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, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information (when applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing types
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (when applicable)
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Houston County
- Previous charges
- Historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments (in some cases)
- Program participation
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information and evaluations
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Houston County Prison System
The Houston County Jail is operated by the Houston County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The facility serves as the primary detention center for Houston County, Alabama, housing pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody.
Administration:
The Houston County Sheriff's Office administers all county detention operations. The administrative office is located at 411 N Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36303, and may be reached at (334) 677-4882. The Houston County Sheriff's Office website provides current administrative and operational information.
Facility Operations:
The Houston County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals sentenced to terms of one year or less, individuals held on state and federal detainers, and individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities. The facility operates a classification system that assigns inmates to appropriate security levels based on charge severity, criminal history, and behavioral assessment.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site
- Mental health services
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programs including GED preparation
- Religious services
- Recreation access
- Library access
Legal Services:
- Law library access for legal research
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation accommodations
Reentry Programs:
The Houston County Jail coordinates pre-release planning to support successful reintegration, including referrals to substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and employment resources.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Alabama Department of Corrections and the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission provide oversight of county jail operations. Grievance procedures are available to inmates through the facility's administrative process.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Houston County
Houston County Jail
The Houston County Jail is the primary correctional facility serving Houston County, Alabama.
Houston County Jail
411 N Foster Street
Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: (334) 712-0762
Houston 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 jurisdictions. The jail operates under the direct supervision of the Houston County Sheriff's Office.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Houston County operates alternative custody programs for eligible individuals, including home detention with electronic monitoring. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on charge type, criminal history, and assessed risk level.
Work Release
A work release program is available for qualifying sentenced inmates, permitting participation in employment outside the facility under supervision. Eligibility requirements are established by the Sheriff's Office and the sentencing court.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Houston County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections. The ADOC operates multiple facilities throughout Alabama; assignment is based on classification, sentence length, and available bed space. County jail records and state prison records are maintained separately by their respective custodial agencies.
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals facing federal charges may be held in federal custody at facilities designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Federal detainees are not housed in the Houston County Jail under standard circumstances and do not appear in county inmate rosters.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Houston County Jail | 411 N Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36303 | (334) 712-0762 |
| Houston County Sheriff's Office (Admin) | 411 N Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36303 | (334) 677-4882 |
How To Find an Inmate in Houston County for Free?
All primary inmate search resources in Houston County are available at no cost to the public.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Houston County inmate listing is completely free and requires no registration or account creation. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bond details, facility location, and booking photographs. The listing is updated continuously as new bookings are processed.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search is a free resource for locating individuals held in state prison. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have completed state sentences.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search for federally incarcerated individuals, returning facility location, release date, and basic identifying information.
4. Court Records Search
Houston County court records, accessible through the Alabama Unified Judicial System, may be used to verify custody status through associated case filings and may reflect upcoming court dates and case dispositions.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (334) 712-0762 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff can confirm custody status and provide booking information when the inmate's full legal name and date of birth are provided.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Houston County Sheriff's Office at 411 N Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36303, during business hours. Public access terminals and staff assistance are available for inmate information inquiries at no cost.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
Services that are always free include online inmate search, current custody status, basic inmate information, phone inquiry for basic information, and in-person information requests.
Services that carry a cost include sending money to an inmate, video visitation, phone calls placed by inmates, commissary orders, background checks or detailed compiled reports, and certified copies of booking records.
Scam Warning:
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. Pursuant to Ala. Code § 36-12-40, public records maintained by government agencies are accessible without payment to private intermediaries. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a verified government domain before submitting personal information or payment.