Madison County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Madison County?
Inmate records in Madison County, Mississippi, are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and the 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 Madison County Circuit and Justice Courts maintain case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, the jail and Sheriff's Office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the Madison County Detention Center. At that point, facility staff generate a booking record that captures identifying information, charges, and custody status. The record is updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived. Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-3, public records are broadly defined to include any document, paper, or electronic data created or received by a public body in connection with the transaction of public business, which encompasses inmate custody records held by county detention facilities.
Madison County Sheriff's Office Madison County Detention Center 101 W. North Street, Canton, MS 39046 (601) 859-2345 Madison County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Madison County?
Inmate records maintained by Madison County correctional facilities are generally accessible to members of the public under Mississippi's public records framework. Mississippi Code § 25-61-5 establishes that all public records are presumed to be available for inspection and copying unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Corrections-specific provisions under Mississippi Code § 47-5-119 further govern the disclosure of records related to individuals in state custody, and similar principles apply at the county level.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster — a regularly updated list of individuals held in the Madison County Detention Center
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and booking
- Charges filed — criminal charges for which the individual is being held
- Mugshots — booking photographs, subject to applicable state guidelines
- Bond and bail amounts — the amount set by the court for pretrial release
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is currently housed
Certain information, including medical records, mental health evaluations, and information pertaining to juvenile detainees, is exempt from public disclosure under applicable state law.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Madison County
Inmate records maintained by the Madison County Detention Center contain multiple categories of information compiled from the point of booking through release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Race, sex, height, and weight
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Current housing assignment and facility location
- Custody status (pretrial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Statute violated
- Offense date
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date
- Presiding court and case number
- Attorney of record (if available)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, dismissal)
- Transferring agency (if applicable)
Madison County Prison System
Madison County operates a local detention system designed primarily to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions. The county jail is administered by the Madison County Sheriff's Office and functions as the primary point of intake for individuals arrested within the county's jurisdiction. Individuals convicted of felonies carrying sentences exceeding one year are typically transferred to a Mississippi Department of Corrections facility following sentencing.
The distinction between a county jail and a state prison is significant: county jails hold pretrial detainees who have not yet been convicted, individuals serving short sentences, and persons awaiting transfer to state custody, while state prisons house individuals serving longer felony sentences under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Madison County Sheriff's Office — Detention Division 101 W. North Street, Canton, MS 39046 (601) 859-2345 Madison County Sheriff's Office
Mississippi Department of Corrections — Central Office 633 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39202 (601) 359-5600 Mississippi Department of Corrections
Types of Correctional Facilities In Madison County
Madison County's correctional infrastructure currently consists of the following facility:
Madison County Detention Center The primary county-operated detention facility, the Madison County Detention Center is administered by the Sheriff's Office and serves as the intake and holding facility for all individuals arrested within Madison County. The facility houses pretrial detainees, individuals serving sentences of up to one year, and persons held on state or federal detainers pending transfer.
101 W. North Street, Canton, MS 39046 (601) 859-2345 Madison County Sheriff's Office Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Individuals sentenced to state custody are housed at Mississippi Department of Corrections facilities, which include the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility located in Rankin County, adjacent to Madison County.
Central Mississippi Correctional Facility 3794 Highway 468 West, Pearl, MS 39208 (601) 932-2880 Mississippi Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In Madison County
The Madison County Detention Center houses several distinct populations of individuals at any given time. Members of the public may inspect the Madison County inmate roster to identify currently held individuals.
The facility's population at present includes:
- Pretrial detainees — individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted, who are held because they have not posted bond or have been denied bail
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of up to one year
- Sentenced felons (short-term) — individuals convicted of lower-level felonies serving sentences within the county facility prior to transfer
- Individuals on holds — persons held on detainers from other jurisdictions, including federal immigration holds, out-of-county warrants, or state transfer orders
- Probation and parole violators — individuals detained pending a revocation hearing before the appropriate court or board
- Civil commitments — individuals held pursuant to court order in non-criminal matters
How To Search for Inmate Records In Madison County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Madison County may use several official channels to locate current and historical custody information.
Online Search:
- Visit the Madison County inmate roster maintained by the Madison County Sheriff's Department to view currently held individuals, including charges, bail amounts, and current disposition.
- Use the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search to locate individuals held in state custody by entering the individual's name or MDOC identification number.
- The MDOC offender locator on the official MS.GOV portal provides an additional search interface for state-held individuals.
In-Person Request:
- Members of the public may appear in person at the Madison County Detention Center during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) to request booking records or custody information.
- A written public records request submitted pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-5 may be directed to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
By Telephone:
- The Madison County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (601) 859-2345 during business hours for general custody inquiries.
Steps for a Written Public Records Request:
- Prepare a written request identifying the individual by full name and date of birth.
- Specify the records sought (e.g., booking record, charge information, release date).
- Submit the request to the Madison County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 101 W. North Street, Canton, MS 39046.
- The agency is required under current law to respond within seven business days of receipt.
How To Find an Inmate in Madison County for Free?
Several no-cost resources are currently available to members of the public seeking to locate an individual held in Madison County or Mississippi state custody.
- Madison County Sheriff's Inmate Roster — The Madison County Sheriff's Department inmate roster is publicly accessible online at no charge and is updated regularly. Users may search by name to identify currently held individuals, view charges, and review bail status.
- MDOC Inmate Search — The Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate locator allows members of the public to search for individuals in state custody by name or MDOC ID number, free of charge.
- MS.GOV MDOC Portal — The state corrections offender search provides an additional free interface for locating state-held offenders.
- Mississippi Sex Offender Registry — Members of the public may search the Mississippi Public Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to identify registered sex offenders by name, county, or ZIP code at no cost.
- In-Person Inquiry — Members of the public may appear at the Madison County Detention Center during public counter hours to request custody status information verbally or in writing at no charge for basic inquiries.
How To Visit an Inmate In Madison County
Visitation at the Madison County Detention Center is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of check-in.
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list. Inmates are typically permitted to designate a limited number of approved visitors.
- Visitors must arrive before the scheduled visitation period begins; late arrivals may be denied entry.
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation schedules vary by housing unit and are subject to change at the discretion of facility administration. Members of the public are advised to contact the facility directly at (601) 859-2345 to confirm current visitation hours prior to arrival.
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Any required documentation for professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Controlled substances or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices (unless specifically authorized for professional visits)
- Food, beverages, or packages not approved through official channels
- Cash or valuables beyond what is required for facility vending machines where permitted
Dress Code:
- Visitors must dress in a manner consistent with facility standards. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms (typically orange or similar colors), revealing attire, or clothing bearing gang-affiliated insignia is prohibited.
Visit Types:
- In-person contact visits — where facility layout permits, subject to the inmate's classification and disciplinary status
- Non-contact visits — conducted through a partition with telephone communication
- Video visitation — remote video visits may be available through the facility's contracted service provider
Visit Restrictions:
- Individuals with active warrants, prior felony convictions, or who are on probation or parole may be subject to additional screening or denial of visitation privileges.
- Visitation may be suspended for individual inmates as a disciplinary measure or during facility lockdowns.
- Minor children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
How To Send Money to a Madison County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Madison County Detention Center through methods authorized by the facility and its contracted financial services provider.
Accepted Methods:
- Online deposits — Funds may be submitted through the facility's contracted commissary or payment service provider (such as JPay, Access Corrections, or a similar platform). Members of the public should verify the current provider by contacting the facility at (601) 859-2345.
- Kiosk deposits — Lobby kiosks at the facility may accept cash or card deposits directly to an inmate's account.
- Money order by mail — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and booking number) may be mailed to the facility at 101 W. North Street, Canton, MS 39046.
Amount Limits:
- Deposit limits per transaction and per week are established by facility policy and may be subject to change. Members of the public should confirm current limits with the facility or the contracted service provider.
Fees:
- Transaction fees are typically assessed by third-party service providers for online and kiosk deposits. The amount varies by provider and transaction type.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted and will be returned or confiscated.
- Personal checks are generally not accepted.
- Funds from anonymous or unverified sources may be rejected.
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For:
- Inmate trust account funds may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and approved correspondence services.
- Funds may not be used to purchase contraband, pay for unauthorized services, or be transferred to other inmates' accounts without authorization.
How To Send Jail Mail In Madison County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates held at the Madison County Detention Center by mail, subject to facility rules governing incoming and outgoing correspondence.
Accepted Mail Methods:
- Standard U.S. Mail — Letters and cards may be sent via the United States Postal Service to the inmate's full legal name and booking number at the facility address: 101 W. North Street, Canton, MS 39046.
- Electronic messaging — Where available through the facility's contracted service provider, electronic messages may be submitted through an approved platform.
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff for contraband, coded communications, or prohibited content, consistent with the facility's security protocols and applicable law.
- Envelopes must include the sender's full return address. Anonymous mail will not be delivered.
- Letters must be written in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
- Photographs may be permitted subject to size and content restrictions established by the facility; Polaroid photographs and photos with explicit content are typically prohibited.
- Hardcover books, magazines, and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer; items sent from personal addresses may be rejected.
- Mail containing threats, plans for escape, coded language, or references to criminal activity will be confiscated and may be forwarded to law enforcement.
- Stickers, glitter, perfume, lipstick, or any substance applied to the paper are generally prohibited.
- Legal mail from licensed attorneys is treated as privileged correspondence and is opened only in the presence of the inmate, consistent with constitutional protections under the First and Fourteenth Amendments and applicable federal case law.