Delaware Inmate Search
Delaware Inmate Search, an invaluable resource offered by the Delaware Department of Corrections (DDOC), allows the public to access critical information regarding incarcerated individuals within the state's correctional facilities. This tool is a powerful means of transparency, informing citizens about the criminal justice system and its operations.
In Delaware, this database promotes accountability, safety, and public trust by providing access to comprehensive inmate records. With this tool, anyone can readily obtain vital information about individuals convicted of crimes and serving their sentences in the state.
This accessibility fosters a sense of security within communities, as residents can quickly identify and track the whereabouts of incarcerated individuals. As a result, the public can make informed decisions about their safety and well-being, especially when an inmate's release or transfer is imminent.
Moreover, this search tool offers detailed information about inmates that benefits law enforcement agencies, victims, and their families. It helps in seeking justice, understanding an individual's criminal background, and staying aware of potential threats.
Despite its many benefits, it is essential to acknowledge the tool's limitations.
In Delaware, the information provided on its inmate search may not always be in real-time due to various factors, including processing delays or updates of inmate records. Therefore, verifying the accuracy of the information obtained through the search tool is highly advisable by contacting the relevant authorities or utilizing additional resources.
Additionally, while the database offers crucial details about an inmate's conviction and sentence, it may not provide comprehensive information regarding their rehabilitation progress or current behavior within the correctional facility.
Furthermore, this search tool only includes information about inmates in the DDOC correctional system. It does not cover individuals detained in other correctional facilities in Delaware, such as county jails, juvenile detention centers, or community correctional facilities.
What Are Delaware Inmate Records?
Delaware Inmate Records are official documents and files that contain detailed information about individuals who have been incarcerated within Delaware's correctional system. These records provide a comprehensive view of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, going beyond the limited scope of the Delaware Inmate Search.
Within Delaware, these records hold a wealth of information that offers a complete overview of a person's criminal history and journey through the correctional system. The documents may include various details about the inmate, such as:
- Full name
- Any aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description
- Mugshots
- Fingerprints
- Past convictions
- Pending charges
- Arrest and warrant records
- Sentencing details
- Parole and probation information
- Disciplinary records
- Release date
Under the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), these records are accessible to the public unless specific exemptions, such as ongoing investigations or safety concerns, apply.
This transparency fosters a more accountable criminal justice system, enabling the public to scrutinize its efficiency and fairness and potentially advocate for reforms.
Moreover, it aids employers, landlords, and individuals in making informed decisions when contemplating engagements with former inmates, guaranteeing the safety and security of their establishments and communities.
In Delaware, individuals can follow specific procedures to obtain these records.
The primary custodian of these records is the DDOC. Therefore, interested parties can directly contact the department and submit a formal request for the inmate records they seek. Interested individuals can fill out a request for a public record form and submit it via email or in person at DDOC to obtain such records.
The request should include the types of records, the inmate's full name, any known identification numbers, and relevant details to facilitate the search process.
Alternatively, individuals can access inmate records by completing the FOIA online request form. When completing the online form, selecting "Corrections/Prisons" from the "Public Body" drop-down menu is necessary.
What Are Delaware Prison and Jail Records?
Delaware Prison and Jail Records are crucial repositories of information that hold valuable insights into the correctional facilities within the state. These records offer statistical data on various aspects of the penitentiary system, illustrating the characteristics of the incarcerated population, crime rates, and the overall operational dynamics of the criminal justice system.
As public resources, these documents contribute significantly to shaping a safer society. They provide access to information about incarcerated individuals, crime rates, and trends, thereby aiding in developing effective crime prevention strategies, resource allocation, and the promotion of public safety.
Per the recent records in Delaware, the number of people in custody is relatively low, with approximately 7,100 individuals. Out of this population, around 92% are male, while the remaining 8% are female.
The primary reasons leading to imprisonment in Delaware encompass various serious offenses such as rape, kidnapping, burglary, assault, and murder. Additionally, some inmates are incarcerated while their cases are under consideration, or they are guilty of drug-related charges, property violations, and public disorder.
What Are the Types of Prisons and Jails in Delaware?
When performing Delaware Inmate Search, interested individuals must know the different prisons and jails in the state.
Delaware has various correctional facilities that are crucial in ensuring public safety and delivering justice. These facilities are essential components of the criminal justice system, as they serve to punish, rehabilitate, and protect society.
In Delaware, the state's four prison facilities are operated by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a division under the DDOC. In contrast, the Bureau of Community Corrections (BOCC), also a division of DDOC, manages the community corrections facilities.
For other facilities, the county Sheriff's Office is responsible for administering county jails within the state, while the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) oversees juvenile detention centers.
It's worth noting that Delaware has no federal prisons within its borders. As a result, conducting a federal inmate search is not possible in the state.
Delaware State Prisons
The Delaware state prisons, managed by the BOP of DDOC, serve as custodial institutions, housing individuals convicted of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
The main objective of Delaware state prisons is to securely confine offenders. Their mission is to ensure that individuals who have violated the law are held in a controlled environment, away from society, to safeguard the public from potential harm.
This task necessitates implementing various security measures, including surveillance systems, secure perimeters, and a highly trained staff.
As of 2023, the BOP of DDOC operates four central state prisons: Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI), James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC), Baylor Women's Correctional Institution (BWCI), and Howard R. Young Correctional Institution (HRYCI).
In addition to simply incarcerating individuals, the state prisons in Delaware recognize the importance of rehabilitation. They strive to provide inmates with opportunities for personal growth and transformation.
These prisons offer a range of programs and services designed to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior, promote education and skill development, and encourage positive changes in behavior.
For instance, the HRYCI and SCI offer an intensive drug rehabilitation program called the KEY Program.
Delaware County Jails
Delaware county jails function as temporary holding facilities for individuals awaiting trial or convicted of crimes, including misdemeanors, and serving short-term sentences. While DDOC administers and maintains Delaware state prisons, the county Sheriff's Office regulates and manages county jails throughout the state.
In Delaware, the county jails provide inmates with necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care. Delaware comprises only three counties: New Castle County, Sussex County, and Kent County. Each county has its own dedicated Sheriff's Office, overseeing the operations of their respective county jails.
Note, however, that the state has no centralized list of county jails. Therefore, individuals seeking specific information about county jails should query the county Sheriff's Office to obtain the desired details.
Delaware Community Correctional Facilities
Community correctional facilities in Delaware play a vital role in rehabilitating individuals involved in criminal activities, with a strong focus on their successful reintegration into society. Unlike traditional prisons, these facilities prioritize the concept of correction rather than mere punishment.
Their primary objective is to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and equip offenders with the necessary tools to lead productive lives upon release. They are also implementing various programs and interventions to reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses and foster a safer, more cohesive community.
The management of Delaware community correctional facilities falls under the jurisdiction of the BOCC, a dedicated division within the DDOC. This division works diligently to maintain a secure environment while actively engaging offenders in evidence-based programs and interventions.
As of 2023, Delaware is home to numerous community correctional facilities. Individuals who want to obtain a comprehensive list of these facilities and relevant information can visit the DDOC website and navigate the "facilities location and profiles" page.
Delaware Juvenile Detention Centers
Juvenile Detention Centers hold immense significance within Delaware's justice system as they serve as secure environments for minors accused or convicted of various offenses. These facilities strike a delicate balance between rehabilitating young individuals and ensuring the public's safety.
Delaware's approach to juvenile detention centers is purposefully structured, catering to the unique needs of young offenders. Unlike adult prisons, these centers prioritize age-appropriate programming, education, and therapeutic interventions, addressing the underlying factors contributing to a youth's delinquent behavior.
The responsible management and oversight of these detention centers fall under the jurisdiction of the DSCYF, a trusted state agency. Collaboratively, youth counselors, social workers, educators, and mental health specialists work diligently to foster a supportive and structured environment for these young individuals.
As of 2023, Delaware boasts four juvenile detention centers: the Residential Cottages, New County Castle Detention Center, Ferris School, and Stevenson House Detention Center. These facilities are the cornerstone of Delaware's efforts to rehabilitate and guide its youth offenders towards a better path.
How To Perform Inmate Search in Delaware
Performing Delaware Inmate Search requires a systematic approach. To initiate the process, one must first identify the correctional facility in the state.
When searching for inmates in state prisons and community correctional facilities, individuals can utilize VineLink, an online database that serves as a virtual form of Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE). This system provides round-the-clock access to information about criminal cases and offender detention for relevant parties.
Users on this database must select the state they wish to search in and provide specific details about the inmate, such as their full name or ID number. In cases where the complete name or ID number is unknown, the user can indicate partial information by selecting the "partial number" or "partial name" box and entering the first two characters.
Individuals seeking to find an inmate in county jails can also utilize VINELink. Additionally, they can contact the Sheriff's Office of the specific county to obtain information about inmates held in county jails.
Searching inmates in juvenile detention centers differs from the methods above. In Delaware, juvenile records are private, so these inmates are not listed in any online database.
Nevertheless, one can initiate a juvenile inmate search at these facilities by contacting DSCYF or the specific detention center. To begin the search process and obtain information regarding the inmate's status, location, and other pertinent details, the staff at these facilities will require specific information about the inmate.
It is worth noting that performing an inmate search can be challenging in Delaware sometimes, particularly if the inmate has been transferred to Pennsylvania under an intergovernmental arrangement. Individuals can consult the Pennsylvania Parolee/Inmate Locator to access the desired records in such cases.
How To Contact an Inmate in Delaware
In Delaware, there are three ways to contact an inmate in a DDOC facility: postal mail, phone calls, and video visitations. These channels enable individuals outside the correctional facilities to stay connected with incarcerated loved ones.
One of the most common methods of contacting an inmate in Delaware is through postal mail. Inmates can receive letters, cards, written correspondence, and non-Polaroid pictures from their friends and family. To ensure successful delivery, one must include the inmate's complete name, identification number, and the accurate address of the facility.
Alternatively, interested individuals can contact inmates through phone calls. In Delaware, incoming calls are generally not allowed, but inmates can make outbound calls following the specific policies of their institution.
To get phone calls from an inmate, interested individuals must establish a prepaid account with the authorized telecommunications provider, Global Tel*Link (GTL), which offers calling services for DDOC facilities in the state.
Another option for contacting inmates in Delaware is video visitations, which provide an alternative to in-person visits. This method enables interested parties to interact with inmates through a secure video conferencing system.
However, this method requires prior scheduling, registration, and installation of specific software or applications on the visitor's end. To establish a prepaid video visitation account and obtain technical support for inmate tablets, interested individuals can visit the GettingOut platform.
Note that the communication above methods apply exclusively to DDOC facility inmates. Interested individuals who want to contact a county jail or juvenile detention center inmate must contact the appropriate Sheriff's Office or the DSCYF to learn about their communication options and procedures.
How To Visit an Inmate in Delaware
Visiting an inmate in Delaware can be a meaningful way to offer support and maintain a connection with incarcerated loved ones. However, before visiting, one must know the exact location of the inmate. Thus, conducting a Delaware Inmate Search is necessary.
In addition to performing an inmate search, interested individuals visiting DDOC facilities must understand and adhere to the department's rules and requirements to ensure a smooth and successful visitation experience.
In Delaware, anyone can visit an inmate except for people convicted of a crime in the past, former DDOC employees (unless they are close relatives), and unaccompanied minors.
Most Delaware facilities typically require visitors to schedule their visits in advance. Consequently, interested individuals must make reservations early to secure their preferred date and time.
Once scheduled, individuals are usually unable to cancel or change scheduled visits. They may also sign a visitor consent form.
Furthermore, each correctional facility in Delaware has its own visitation rules and regulations, so interested individuals must familiarize themselves with the specific guidelines for the facility they plan to visit.
Interested individuals may visit the DDOC website to know each facility's rules and regulations.
Note, however, that visiting an inmate in county jails and juvenile detention centers is different. Interested individuals may contact or visit the website of the inmate's designated facility to know the process and visitation guidelines.
How To Send Money to an Inmate in Delaware
Sending money to inmates in Delaware is a crucial way to provide financial support and necessary resources during their time behind bars. Fortunately, sending cash to Delaware inmates is straightforward and follows specific guidelines set by the DDOC.
In Delaware, the DDOC has established explicit instructions for individuals interested in sending money to inmates in state prisons. According to this guideline, money orders are preferred for sending money to an inmate. Money orders can be mailed or dropped off during scheduled visitation days.
When sending a money order, it is essential to include the inmate's first and last name, SBI number, the location of the correctional facility, and the sender's name. These details ensure the funds are correctly credited to the inmate's account. Once the money order is received, the funds will be credited within 24 hours.
However, while the state allows funding an inmate's account using a money order directly given to the inmate during visitation, specific facilities, such as HRYCI, may have particular rules prohibiting this method.
Thus, it is advisable to inquire with the particular facility to understand any additional restrictions or guidelines when sending money to inmates.
By adhering to the guidelines set by the DDOC and providing the necessary information, individuals can ensure that their financial support reaches the inmates in a timely and secure manner.
Interested individuals who want to send money to a county jail or juvenile detention center inmate must contact the agency or facility responsible for specific and accurate information.