Chelan County Public Records /Chelan County Inmate Search

Chelan County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Chelan County?

Inmate records in Chelan County are official government documents maintained by the Chelan County Regional Justice Center that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records, maintained by the Chelan County Clerk's Office, document legal proceedings, case filings, and judicial decisions, inmate records specifically document an individual's physical custody status and institutional history. Pursuant to RCW 70.48.100, jail records are created and maintained by corrections officials rather than court personnel.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where corrections staff collect and document:

Biographical information
Photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
Medical screening information
Personal property inventory
Initial security classification

Throughout an individual's incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect:

Housing assignments
Disciplinary actions
Visitation logs
Medical treatments
Court appearances
Program participation

Upon release, final disposition information is added to complete the record, which is then archived according to Washington State's records retention schedule. The Washington State Public Records Act governs the maintenance and accessibility of these records, with specific provisions for corrections records outlined in § 70.48.100 of the Revised Code of Washington.

Are Inmate Records Public In Chelan County?

Inmate records in Chelan County are partially public under Washington State law. The Washington Public Records Act (PRA) establishes the presumption that government records, including certain inmate records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. However, § 70.48.100 of the Revised Code of Washington provides specific guidance regarding jail records accessibility.

According to RCW § 70.48.100, certain inmate information is explicitly designated as public information, including:

The inmate's name
Whether the inmate is currently in custody
Charges for which the inmate is being held
Sentence conditions (if applicable)
Scheduled release date (if determined)
Court of jurisdiction

The Chelan County Regional Justice Center maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster that is updated every 24 hours, providing basic information about currently incarcerated individuals. This roster includes:

Inmate name
Booking number
Booking date
Charges
Bond amounts (if applicable)
Next court date (if scheduled)

However, significant portions of inmate records remain confidential under state law. RCW § 70.48.100 specifically exempts the following information from public disclosure:

Medical records
Disciplinary records
Victim information
Informant information
Security-related information
Personal identifying information beyond what is listed above

Members of the public seeking access to publicly available inmate information may utilize the online inmate roster or submit a formal public records request to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. All requests are processed in accordance with the Washington Public Records Act and applicable exemptions under RCW § 70.48.100.

What's Included Inmate Records in Chelan County

Inmate records maintained by the Chelan County Regional Justice Center contain comprehensive documentation of 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
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Last known address
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking
Arresting agency
Booking officer
Custody classification
Housing assignment
Scheduled release date (if determined)
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold for other agency)

Charge Information:

Current charges
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Charge severity (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, felony)
Charge status (pending, convicted)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, not posted)
Bond conditions
Bond hearing date

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case numbers
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders affecting custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date
Sentencing date
Sentence length
Credit for time served
Good time/work time calculations
Probation/parole conditions
Sentence start and projected end dates

Release Information:

Release type (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release date and time
Releasing authority
Post-release supervision requirements
Conditions of release

The Chelan County Regional Justice Center maintains these records in compliance with Washington State law and the Washington State Archives' Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule, which dictates how long different types of records must be preserved.

Chelan County Prison System

The Chelan County correctional system operates under the authority of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office and primarily consists of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. This facility serves as the central detention facility for both Chelan and Douglas counties through an interlocal agreement, providing incarceration services for multiple jurisdictions within the region.

The Chelan County Regional Justice Center functions as a county jail rather than a state prison, an important distinction in the correctional hierarchy. As a county facility, it primarily houses:

Individuals awaiting trial (pre-trial detention)
Persons serving sentences for misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
Individuals serving sentences of less than one year for certain felonies
Persons temporarily held for other agencies
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities

Individuals sentenced to more than one year for felony convictions are typically transferred to the Washington State Department of Corrections system after sentencing. The Washington Department of Corrections operates the state prison system for longer-term incarcerations.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office maintains administrative oversight of the jail operations, with the jail administrator reporting directly to the Sheriff. Daily operations are managed by corrections staff including corrections officers, medical personnel, and support staff.

Chelan County Sheriff's Office
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6851
Chelan County Sheriff's Office

Chelan County Regional Justice Center
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6462
Chelan County Regional Justice Center

Types of Correctional Facilities In Chelan County

Chelan County's correctional system consists primarily of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, which serves multiple functions within a single facility. This multi-purpose facility accommodates various custody levels and inmate populations through specialized housing units and classification systems.

Chelan County Regional Justice Center
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6462
Chelan County Regional Justice Center

The Regional Justice Center includes the following specialized housing components:

Main Detention Facility:

Maximum security housing units
Medium security housing units
Minimum security housing units
Special management units for inmates requiring separation
Medical housing for inmates with health concerns
Booking and intake processing area
Video court appearance facilities

Work Release Center: The facility includes a work release program that allows qualifying inmates to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. Participants return to the facility during non-working hours. This program operates under strict eligibility requirements and supervision protocols.

Alternative Custody Programs: While not separate physical facilities, the Chelan County corrections system also administers several alternative custody programs:

Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM)
Work Crew
Community Service

Chelan County does not operate juvenile detention facilities. Juvenile offenders are housed at the Chelan County Juvenile Justice Center, which is administered separately from the adult corrections system under the authority of the Chelan County Superior Court.

For individuals requiring long-term incarceration (sentences exceeding one year), transfer to Washington State Department of Corrections facilities occurs after sentencing. The nearest state prison facilities to Chelan County include:

Washington State Penitentiary
1313 N 13th Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 525-3610
Washington State Penitentiary

Coyote Ridge Corrections Center
1301 N Ephrata Avenue
Connell, WA 99326
(509) 543-5800
Coyote Ridge Corrections Center

Who's in Prison In Chelan County

The Chelan County Regional Justice Center houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The facility's population primarily consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees: The largest segment of the jail population consists of individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or other court proceedings. These individuals:

Have not been convicted of the charges for which they are being held
Are detained because they could not post bail, were denied bail, or are awaiting a bail hearing
Remain in custody until their case is resolved through trial, plea agreement, or dismissal

Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses (crimes punishable by up to 90 days) or gross misdemeanors (punishable by up to 364 days) may serve their sentences in the county jail. These offenders typically include:

DUI/DWI offenders
Persons convicted of minor theft or property crimes
Individuals convicted of simple assault or domestic violence misdemeanors
Those serving time for criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, or similar offenses

Short-term Felony Offenders: Some individuals convicted of lower-level felonies with sentences of less than one year may serve their time in the county jail rather than being transferred to state prison.

Contract Inmates: The Chelan County Regional Justice Center houses inmates for various contract agencies, including:

Douglas County (through interlocal agreement)
Municipal jurisdictions within Chelan and Douglas counties
Federal agencies (U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Washington State Department of Corrections (for short-term holds)

Specialized Populations:

Work release participants who are permitted to leave the facility for employment
Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences
Persons held on civil commitments (such as material witness holds)
Individuals awaiting transfer to state mental health facilities

According to data from the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, the facility has a rated capacity of 383 beds, with an average daily population that fluctuates between 250-300 inmates. The population demographics generally reflect the broader criminal justice system trends in Washington State, with disproportionate representation of individuals with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and socioeconomic disadvantages.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Chelan County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Chelan County may utilize several methods to access publicly available information. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate record searches:

Online Inmate Roster: The most direct method for locating current inmates is through the Chelan County Regional Justice Center's online inmate roster. To use this resource:

Navigate to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center website
Select the "Inmate List" option from the navigation menu
Review the roster, which is updated every 24 hours
Search by scrolling through the alphabetical listing or using browser search functions
Note that the roster includes name, booking date, charges, and bond information

Public Records Request: For more detailed information beyond what is available on the online roster, individuals may submit a formal public records request:

Complete the Public Records Request Form available on the Chelan County website
Submit the form via email, mail, or in person to the Public Records Officer
Clearly specify the information being requested and provide as much identifying information as possible
Allow 5 business days for an initial response as required by RCW § 42.56.520
Be prepared to pay applicable copying fees if requesting physical copies

In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Chelan County Regional Justice Center during business hours to make in-person inquiries:

Chelan County Regional Justice Center
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6462
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Telephone Inquiry: Basic custody status information may be obtained by calling the Chelan County Regional Justice Center at (509) 667-6462. Staff can confirm whether a specific individual is currently in custody but may not provide detailed record information over the phone.

Washington State Department of Corrections: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Washington Department of Corrections Incarcerated Search tool provides information on state prisoners.

When searching for inmate records, requestors should be aware that certain information is exempt from public disclosure under Washington law, including medical records, victim information, and certain personal identifying details as specified in RCW § 70.48.100.

How To Find an Inmate in Chelan County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Chelan County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by local and state agencies. These free resources are designed to provide basic custody information to the public while protecting sensitive information in accordance with Washington State law.

Chelan County Inmate Roster: The primary resource for locating current inmates is the official Chelan County Jail Inmate List, which is updated every 24 hours and provides:

Inmate's full name
Booking date
Current charges
Bond information (if applicable)
Next court date (when scheduled)

To use this resource effectively:

Access the website directly through the Chelan County Regional Justice Center's official page
No login or registration is required
Information is presented in a tabular format for easy reading
The list includes all currently incarcerated individuals
No search function is provided, but browser search (Ctrl+F) can be used to locate specific names

East Wenatchee Municipal Website: The East Wenatchee municipal website provides links to both the Chelan County Regional Jail inmate list and the Okanogan County Regional Jail inmate list, offering a convenient portal for checking both facilities.

Telephone Verification: For those without internet access, basic custody information can be obtained by calling:

Chelan County Regional Justice Center
(509) 667-6462
Hours: 24 hours daily

When calling, be prepared to provide:

The full name of the person you are inquiring about
Their approximate age or date of birth (if known)
Staff can confirm custody status but may not provide detailed information over the phone

In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Chelan County Regional Justice Center lobby during normal business hours to inquire about an inmate's custody status:

Chelan County Regional Justice Center
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Public Lobby Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)

Washington State Department of Corrections: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Washington Department of Corrections provides a free Incarcerated Person Search tool that covers all state correctional facilities.

These free resources provide basic custody information as permitted under RCW § 70.48.100, which governs the public accessibility of jail records in Washington State. More detailed information may require a formal public records request, which could involve fees for document reproduction.

How To Visit an Inmate In Chelan County

Visitation at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center follows structured protocols designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important connections between inmates and their support networks. All visits must comply with established policies and procedures.

Visit Rules and Procedures: The Chelan County Regional Justice Center currently utilizes a video visitation system for most inmate visits. This system allows for both on-site and remote visitation options. All visitors must:

Register in advance through the video visitation system
Create an account with valid identification
Schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance
Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled on-site visits
Present valid government-issued photo identification at check-in

Visit Schedule: Visitation hours are structured according to housing unit and classification:

General Population: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Work Release: Sunday-Monday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Special Management Units: Limited schedule determined by classification
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.): Daily, 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week. Additional visits may be approved under special circumstances at the discretion of facility administration.

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID)
Visitation confirmation number
Vehicle keys (all other items must be secured in provided lockers)
Medical necessities (with prior approval)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Drugs or alcohol
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Outerwear (coats, jackets, hats)
Children's toys or items (unless specifically approved)

Dress Code: All visitors must adhere to the following dress requirements:

No revealing or provocative clothing
No gang-related attire or insignia
No clothing with offensive language or images
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No shorts above mid-thigh
No see-through clothing
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

Standard video visits (on-site at the facility)
Remote video visits (from approved devices outside the facility)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
Special visits (with administrative approval)

Visit Restrictions: Pursuant to RCW 70.48.100 and facility policies, visitation may be denied or terminated for:

Violation of visitation rules
Visitor appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Inappropriate behavior during visits
Providing false information during registration
Pending criminal charges or active warrants
Former inmates (within 90 days of release)
Security concerns identified by staff

Visitors with questions regarding visitation policies may contact the Chelan County Regional Justice Center at (509) 667-6462 for clarification before scheduling visits.

How To Send Money to a Chelan County Inmate

The Chelan County Regional Justice Center provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses during incarceration.

Available Deposit Methods:

Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay Payment Services website
- Select "Chelan County Regional Justice Center" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's name and ID number
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
- Service fees apply (typically $2.50 per transaction)
Kiosk Deposits:
- Use the TouchPay kiosk located in the lobby of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center
- Available 24 hours daily
- Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards
- Provide immediate credit to inmate accounts
- Service fees apply for credit/debit transactions (typically $2.50)
- No fee for cash deposits
Mail-In Money Orders:
- Purchase a money order from an approved vendor (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make payable to "Chelan County Regional Justice Center"
- Write inmate's full name and ID number in memo line
- Mail to: Chelan County Regional Justice Center Attn: Inmate Accounts 401 Washington Street Wenatchee, WA 98801
- No personal checks or cash accepted through mail
- No service fee, but processing takes 3-5 business days

Deposit Limits:

Minimum deposit: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
Maximum account balance: $1,000.00

Service Fees:

Online/phone deposits: $2.50 per transaction
Kiosk credit/debit deposits: $2.50 per transaction
Kiosk cash deposits: No fee
Money orders: No fee

Prohibited Items: The following payment methods are not accepted:

Personal checks
Cash sent through mail
Cashier's checks
Third-party checks
Traveler's checks

Approved Fund Uses: Inmates may use funds in their accounts for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Video visitation fees (for remote visits)
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Release funds

Restricted Fund Uses: Funds may not be used for:

Payment of fines or restitution (separate accounts)
Bail or bond payments
Transfers to other inmates
Outside purchases
Contraband items

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with RCW 70.48.220, which governs inmate funds management in local correctional facilities. Questions regarding inmate accounts may be directed to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center at (509) 667-6462.

How To Send Jail Mail In Chelan County

The Chelan County Regional Justice Center maintains specific procedures for sending mail to incarcerated individuals. All correspondence must comply with facility regulations to ensure security and proper delivery.

General Mailing Address Format: All mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
Chelan County Regional Justice Center
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801

Acceptable Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, 4"x6" or smaller)
Money orders (made payable to the inmate with ID number noted)
Legal documents (clearly marked as "Legal Mail")
Religious materials (subject to security review)
Approved periodicals (must come directly from publisher)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Padded or oversized envelopes
Plastic, cloth, or metal items
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Stickers or labels
Polaroid photographs
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented items
Cards with glitter, pop-ups, or electronic components
Any items with adhesive backing (other than envelope seal)
Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
Gang-related materials
Items depicting violence or weapons
Correspondence containing threats or criminal planning

Mail Processing Procedures: All non-legal mail is opened and inspected by facility staff before delivery to inmates. This process includes:

Verification of addressee as current inmate
Inspection for contraband or prohibited content
Removal of any unacceptable items
Delivery to housing units during regular mail distribution

Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or legal agencies must be clearly marked as "Legal Mail" and will be opened only in the presence of the inmate.

Electronic Messaging: The Chelan County Regional Justice Center offers a secure electronic messaging system through GTL ConnectNetwork. This service allows for:

Faster communication than traditional mail
Ability to attach approved digital photos
Scheduled delivery of messages
Service fees apply (typically $0.25 per message)

Mail Restrictions: Pursuant to RCW 70.48.210, which governs inmate communication in local correctional facilities, mail privileges may be restricted for:

Security concerns
Disciplinary reasons
Court orders limiting communication
Protection of victims or witnesses

All mail sent to or from the facility is subject to monitoring except privileged legal correspondence. Violation of mail rules may result in rejection of correspondence and possible suspension of mail privileges.

For questions regarding mail policies, contact the Chelan County Regional Justice Center at (509) 667-6462 during regular business hours.