Travis County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Travis County?
Inmate records in Travis County are official government documents maintained by the Travis County Sheriff's Office that document the custody, care, and control of individuals detained in county correctional facilities. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that begins at the initial booking process and continues throughout an individual's period of incarceration until their release from custody.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, these records serve multiple governmental functions:
- Documentation of an individual's entry into the correctional system
- Tracking of inmate location and movement within facilities
- Recording of disciplinary actions and behavioral incidents
- Monitoring of medical care and treatment provided
- Documentation of visitation history and communications
- Recording of release information and conditions
Inmate records are distinct from court records maintained by the Travis County District Clerk. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to an individual's case, inmate records specifically document the custodial aspects of incarceration. The Travis County Sheriff's Office creates and maintains these records in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 351.041, which establishes the sheriff's responsibility for the county jail and its prisoners.
Are Inmate Records Public In Travis County?
Inmate records in Travis County are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including inmate records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster and custody status
- Basic booking information including date and time
- Charges filed and case numbers
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
However, certain information within inmate records may be exempt from disclosure under specific provisions of Texas law. These exemptions include:
- Medical and mental health information protected under Texas Health and Safety Code § 611.002
- Information that would compromise institutional security
- Personal identifying information that could lead to identity theft
- Information related to ongoing investigations
Members of the public seeking access to inmate records in Travis County may submit requests through the Travis County Sheriff's Office or utilize the online inmate search portal provided by the county.
What's Included Inmate Records in Travis County
Travis County inmate records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer
- Custody classification level
- Current housing assignment
- Movement history within facilities
- Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Statute citations for alleged violations
- Case numbers associated with charges
- Warrant information if applicable
- Prior booking history in Travis County
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal, surety, cash)
- Bond amount set by court
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction (County or District)
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court case numbers
- Attorney of record information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/work time credits earned
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Conditions of release if applicable
- Probation or parole requirements
These records are maintained in the Travis County Sheriff's Office jail management system and are updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect current status and information.
Travis County Prison System
The Travis County correctional system operates under the authority of the Travis County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration and operation of all county detention facilities. The system primarily serves to house individuals awaiting trial, those serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses (typically up to one year), and individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony convictions.
It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system:
- County jails: Operated by Travis County Sheriff's Office, house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences for misdemeanors
- State prisons: Operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, house individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences
The Travis County jail system operates under the regulatory oversight of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which establishes minimum standards for the construction, maintenance, and operation of county jails throughout Texas.
Travis County Sheriff's Office
5555 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 854-9770
Travis County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains administrative offices at the above location, with public counter hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Travis County
Travis County operates multiple correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's correctional system:
Travis County Correctional Complex (TCCC)
3614 Bill Price Road
Del Valle, TX 78617
Phone: (512) 854-9889
Travis County Correctional Complex
The TCCC is the primary detention facility in Travis County and consists of multiple buildings:
- Building 12: Maximum security facility housing high-risk inmates
- Building 11: Medium security facility for general population
- Building 10: Minimum security facility for low-risk inmates
- Health Services Building: Provides medical and mental health services
- Visitation Center: Centralized location for all inmate visitations
Travis County Central Booking Facility
500 West 10th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 854-9041
Central Booking Facility
The Central Booking Facility serves as the intake center for all arrests in Travis County. Functions include:
- Initial processing and booking of arrestees
- Magistration (initial court appearance)
- Pre-trial release processing
- Short-term holding before transfer to TCCC
Travis County State Jail
3614 Bill Price Road
Del Valle, TX 78617
Phone: (512) 854-9889
Travis County State Jail
This facility, while located in Travis County, is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice rather than the county. It houses individuals serving state jail felony sentences, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
Who's in Prison In Travis County
The Travis County jail system houses several categories of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment or other court proceedings
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals convicted of Class A or B misdemeanors serving sentences up to one year
- Those serving time for multiple misdemeanor convictions
- Persons serving weekend or intermittent sentences
Felony Offenders (Short-term):
- Individuals convicted of felonies awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Those serving short portions of felony sentences in county facilities
- Persons returned from state custody for court appearances
Specialized Populations:
- Individuals in substance abuse treatment programs
- Mental health treatment populations
- Work release program participants
- Those held on immigration detainers
According to data from the Travis County Sheriff's Office, the daily average population in Travis County correctional facilities typically ranges between 1,800-2,200 inmates, with fluctuations based on seasonal and other factors. Approximately 70% of this population consists of pre-trial detainees who have not been convicted of the charges for which they are being held.
The demographic composition of the Travis County jail population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups relative to their share of the county's general population.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Travis County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Travis County may utilize several methods to access these records. The county provides multiple platforms to accommodate different search needs:
Online Inmate Search Portal:
- Visit the Travis County Inmate Search website
- Enter the inmate's information in at least one search field:
- Last name (required)
- First name (optional but recommended)
- Date of birth (optional but helps narrow results)
- Booking number (if known)
- Review the search results, which display basic information including:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Housing location
- Next court date
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Travis County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- 5555 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX 78751
- Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Complete a Public Information Request form
- Provide identification and specify the records requested
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.10 per page for standard copies)
Written Record Requests:
- Submit a written request to:
- Travis County Sheriff's Office
- Attn: Records Division
- P.O. Box 1748
- Austin, TX 78767
- Include the following information:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Specific records being requested
- Time period covered by the request
- Allow 10 business days for processing as required by the Texas Public Information Act
For additional information about inmate records or assistance with searches, contact the Travis County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (512) 854-9770.
How To Find an Inmate in Travis County for Free?
Travis County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county jail system. These free resources are accessible to the general public:
Travis County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Travis County Inmate Information Search system
- Enter the inmate's last name (required)
- Add first name or date of birth if available to narrow results
- Review the list of matching inmates
- Select an individual record to view detailed custody information
This online system provides real-time information including:
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Next scheduled court date
Telephone Information System:
- Call the Travis County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information Line at (512) 854-9889
- Follow the automated prompts
- Provide the inmate's name or booking number when requested
- Receive basic custody information via the automated system
Criminal Court Docket Search:
- Visit the Travis County Criminal Docket Search portal
- Enter the defendant's name
- Review court records which may indicate custody status
- Note upcoming court dates and case information
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Travis County Central Booking Facility
- 500 West 10th Street, Austin, TX 78701
- Open 24 hours daily
- Provide the name of the person you are attempting to locate
- Staff will confirm if the individual is in custody and provide basic information
For individuals who may be in state prison rather than county jail, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Information Search provides a similar free service for locating state inmates.
How To Visit an Inmate In Travis County
Visitation with inmates in Travis County correctional facilities follows specific procedures established by the Travis County Sheriff's Office to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may update their visitation list once every 30 days
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors are subject to security screening prior to each visit
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation hours vary by facility and housing unit
- Most housing units offer visitation during the following general hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Each eligible inmate is permitted two 20-minute visits per week
- Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (no other personal items permitted in visitation area)
- If bringing a minor: birth certificate or legal documentation proving guardianship
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, drugs, or alcohol
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
-
In-Person Visitation:
- Conducted through secure glass partitions
- Communication via telephone handset
- No physical contact permitted
-
Video Visitation:
- Available at the Visitation Center at Travis County Correctional Complex
- Remote video visitation available through third-party provider
- Fees apply for remote video visitation services
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants may be subject to arrest
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervision officer
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of visit and possible suspension of visitation privileges
For current visitation information and to schedule a visit, contact the Travis County Sheriff's Office Visitation Center at (512) 854-9889 or visit the Travis County Sheriff's Office website.
How To Send Money to a Travis County Inmate
Travis County provides multiple methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Travis County Inmate Money Deposit portal
- Create an account or log in if returning
- Enter the inmate's information:
- Full name
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Date of birth
- Select deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees apply (typically 5-8% of deposit amount)
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit any Travis County correctional facility during lobby hours
- Locate the automated kiosk machine
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Obtain receipt for transaction
- Funds typically available within 1-2 hours
- Service fees may apply
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Travis County Inmate Trust Fund"
- Write the inmate's full name and booking number on the money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or other items with the money order
- Mail to:
- Travis County Sheriff's Office
- Inmate Trust Fund
- P.O. Box 1748
- Austin, TX 78767
- Funds typically available within 3-5 business days
- No service fees for money orders
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $1.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $400.00 per inmate
- Maximum account balance: $500.00
Deposit Restrictions:
- Funds from unidentifiable sources will be returned
- Deposits from other inmates or their families may be rejected
- Deposits suspected of being associated with illegal activity will be investigated
Permitted Uses of Funds:
- Commissary purchases (food, hygiene items, writing materials)
- Telephone account funding
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Release funds
Prohibited Uses of Funds:
- Payment for services from other inmates
- Gambling or betting activities
- Purchase of contraband items
- Transfer to other inmates' accounts
For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact the Travis County Sheriff's Office Inmate Trust Fund at (512) 854-9889 or visit the Travis County Sheriff's Office website.
How To Send Jail Mail In Travis County
Correspondence with inmates in Travis County correctional facilities must follow specific guidelines established by the Travis County Sheriff's Office. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules.
Regular Mail Guidelines:
-
Address envelopes with complete information:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate's booking number (if known)
- Travis County Correctional Complex
- 3614 Bill Price Road
- Del Valle, TX 78617
-
Include your complete return address:
- Full name
- Street address
- City, state, and ZIP code
-
Follow content restrictions:
- Letters must be on plain white or lined paper
- Envelopes must be standard white or manila
- Black or blue ink only
- No perfume, lipstick, stickers, or decorations
- No plastic, metal, or other non-paper items
Permitted Mail Items:
- Personal letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (see money deposit section)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (soft-cover only)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Greeting cards with musical, electronic, or pop-up components
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Materials advocating violence or criminal activity
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Crayon, marker, glitter, or colored pencil writings
- Food items or cosmetics
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only (no hardcover)
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review by facility staff
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must come from an attorney, court, or legal agency
- Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
- Not subject to content inspection, only contraband screening
E-Messages:
- Visit the Travis County Inmate Messaging portal
- Create an account or log in
- Select the inmate recipient
- Compose message (character limits apply)
- Submit for review (all e-messages are screened)
- Service fees apply per message
Mail that does not comply with these guidelines may be returned to sender, placed in the inmate's property for retrieval upon release, or destroyed if it contains contraband. For questions regarding mail policies, contact the Travis County Sheriff's Office at (512) 854-9889.
Lookup Inmate Records in Travis County
Travis County Criminal Docket Search
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Inmate Information
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