Ontario County Public Records /Ontario County Inmate Search

Ontario County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Ontario County?

Inmate records in Ontario County are official government documents maintained by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office that track and document individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's 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.

Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, county sheriffs are responsible for maintaining accurate records of all persons committed to their custody. These records are distinct from court records, which document legal proceedings and are maintained by the court system. While court records focus on case proceedings, judgments, and legal determinations, inmate records specifically document an individual's custody status and institutional history.

The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:

Initial booking/intake documentation occurs when an individual is first taken into custody
Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
Documentation includes housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and program participation
Medical and mental health information is maintained in separate confidential files
Records are finalized and archived upon the individual's release from custody

The Ontario County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies. These records serve multiple purposes including ensuring proper identification, facilitating appropriate housing assignments, and maintaining security within the facility.

Are Inmate Records Public In Ontario County?

Inmate records in Ontario County are partially accessible to the public under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which is codified in Article 6, Sections 84-90 of the New York Public Officers Law. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy concerns and security considerations.

Under current law, certain basic information about incarcerated individuals is publicly available, while other information remains confidential. The New York State Committee on Open Government provides guidance on what information can be disclosed from inmate records.

Information that is typically publicly accessible includes:

Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information including date of arrest and intake
Charges filed against the individual
Mugshot photographs (with certain exceptions)
Bond/bail amounts
Scheduled court dates
Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
Current housing facility

However, pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain information is exempt from public disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary records
Information that would endanger the life or safety of any person
Information that would interfere with law enforcement investigations
Social security numbers and other personal identifying information

The Ontario County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible Incarcerated Individual Locator that provides basic information about individuals currently in custody, in compliance with state disclosure requirements.

What's Included Inmate Records in Ontario County

Inmate records in Ontario County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's period of incarceration. These records are maintained in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies. The following categories of information are typically included:

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 and other biometric data
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency
Booking officer information
Classification assessment results
Housing assignment history
Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
Program participation records
Visitation logs

Charge Information:

Current charges (including statute numbers)
Warrant information
Probation/parole violation details
Criminal history information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted or not posted)
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case numbers
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release conditions
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in both electronic and physical formats by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division, with access restricted based on security clearance and need-to-know basis for staff members.

Ontario County Prison System

The Ontario County correctional system operates under the authority of the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration and operation of the county's detention facilities. The system primarily consists of the Ontario County Jail, which serves as the main detention facility for individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than one year.

It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons in New York's correctional system:

County jails, including the Ontario County Jail, primarily house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions
State prisons, operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), house individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences longer than one year

The Ontario County Jail operates under the guidelines established in New York Correction Law § 500, which outlines the requirements for county jails and the responsibilities of county sheriffs in maintaining these facilities.

For inquiries regarding the Ontario County correctional system, members of the public may contact:

Ontario County Sheriff's Office
74 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4560
Ontario County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains oversight of all correctional operations, including inmate records, visitation policies, and facility management, in accordance with state regulations and accreditation standards.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Ontario County

Ontario County maintains a structured correctional system designed to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations. The following facilities operate within the county's jurisdiction:

Ontario County Jail
3045 County Complex Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4689
Ontario County Corrections

The Ontario County Jail serves as the primary detention facility in the county and includes:

Main housing units for general population inmates
Special housing units for inmates requiring separation
Medical unit for inmates with health concerns
Intake and booking area for processing new arrivals
Program spaces for educational and rehabilitative services

The facility is designed with multiple security classifications to appropriately house inmates based on their risk level, charges, and behavioral history. The jail is equipped with modern surveillance systems and follows contemporary correctional practices to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.

In addition to the main jail facility, Ontario County operates:

Ontario County Work Release Facility
3045 County Complex Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4689

This facility houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for work release programs, allowing them to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. Participants return to the facility when not at approved work sites.

For individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year, transfer to a state correctional facility occurs. These facilities are operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision rather than Ontario County.

All Ontario County correctional facilities operate in compliance with the New York State Commission of Correction standards and undergo regular inspections to ensure adherence to state regulations.

Who's in Prison In Ontario County

The Ontario County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The jail population typically consists of the following categories:

Pre-trial detainees constitute a significant portion of the jail population. These individuals:

Have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
Are awaiting trial or other court proceedings
May be held because they could not post bail or were denied bail
Remain in custody pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law § 510.10 regarding bail eligibility

Sentenced inmates serving misdemeanor sentences include:

Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses
Those serving sentences of less than one year
Persons who may participate in work release or other jail programs

Individuals held on probation or parole violations:

Probationers who have violated terms of their supervision
Parolees detained pending revocation hearings
Those serving sanctions for technical violations

Temporary detainees include:

Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison after felony sentencing
Persons held on behalf of other jurisdictions (federal, other counties)
Those detained on immigration holds

The jail population fluctuates daily based on arrests, court proceedings, releases, and transfers. At present, the Ontario County Jail has a capacity of approximately 286 beds, with actual population varying based on current criminal justice activities in the county.

Demographic data indicates the jail population generally reflects patterns seen throughout the New York State correctional system, with disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains statistical information regarding county jail populations throughout the state.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Ontario County in 2026

Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Ontario County have several methods available to access inmate records. The following procedures are currently in effect for conducting inmate searches:

Online Inmate Locator System:

The Ontario County Sheriff's Office maintains an Incarcerated Individual Locator on their official website. To use this system:

Navigate to the Ontario County Sheriff's Office website
Select the "Incarcerated Individual Locator" option
Enter the required search criteria (typically name, date of birth, or inmate ID number)
Review the results, which generally include:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Housing facility
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)

Telephone Inquiry:

For those without internet access, information may be obtained by telephone:

Contact the Ontario County Jail at (585) 396-4689
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Be prepared to provide additional identifying information if requested
Note that certain information may be restricted over the telephone for security reasons

In-Person Request:

Records may also be requested in person:

Visit the Ontario County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours:
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Excluding holidays
Complete an inmate information request form
Present valid government-issued identification
Specify the information being requested

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Request:

For more detailed records beyond basic custody information:

Submit a formal FOIL request to the Ontario County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Clearly identify the specific records being requested
Provide contact information for response
Allow up to five business days for an initial response, as required by Public Officers Law § 89(3)

When searching for inmate records, be aware that certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with privacy laws and security protocols. Additionally, records of individuals no longer in custody may require a more formal records request process.

How To Find an Inmate in Ontario County for Free?

Ontario County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently incarcerated within the county correctional system. These free resources are accessible to family members, friends, legal representatives, and members of the general public.

County Online Inmate Search:

The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the Ontario County Sheriff's Office online inmate locator:

Visit the Ontario County Incarcerated Individual Locator
Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
For more precise results, include additional information if known:
- Date of birth
- Approximate booking date
- Inmate identification number
Review the search results, which typically display:
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information

New York State Inmate Lookup:

For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:

Access the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Inmate Lookup
Enter the required search information
The system will display information for individuals currently in state custody

Telephone Verification:

For those without internet access, the Ontario County Jail provides basic inmate information via telephone:

Call the Ontario County Jail at (585) 396-4689
Request inmate location verification
Provide the full name of the individual
Staff will confirm if the person is in custody and provide basic information

Jail Lobby Kiosk:

The Ontario County Jail lobby contains a public access kiosk that provides:

Inmate custody verification
Visitation information
Bond information
Court date information

This service is available during normal lobby hours, typically 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

When using any of these free search methods, it's important to have accurate identifying information. Common names may return multiple results, and recently arrested individuals may not appear in databases immediately as processing can take 24-48 hours.

How To Visit an Inmate In Ontario County

Visitation with incarcerated individuals at the Ontario County Jail is governed by established policies designed to maintain facility security while supporting inmates' connections with family and community. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

Visitors to the Ontario County Jail must adhere to the following procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance by calling (585) 396-4689
Upon arrival, visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the visitation area
Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week

Visit Schedule:

Visitation hours at the Ontario County Jail are as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday, Thursday: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Specific housing units have designated visitation days within these hours. Visitors should confirm the appropriate day when scheduling their visit.

What to Bring:

Visitors are permitted to bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys
Medication required during the visit (e.g., asthma inhaler)
Up to $50 in cash for the inmate account deposit kiosk

What NOT to Bring:

The following items are prohibited:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Weapons of any kind
Food or beverages
Tobacco products
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Any contraband items

Dress Code:

Visitors must comply with the following dress requirements:

No revealing clothing (shorts must be knee-length)
No tank tops, halter tops, or clothing with offensive language/images
No gang-related attire or colors
Shoes must be worn at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)

Visit Types:

The Ontario County Jail offers:

Contact visits for sentenced inmates (physical contact limited to brief embrace at beginning and end)
Non-contact visits for pre-trial detainees (communication through glass partition)
Professional visits for attorneys, clergy, and service providers
Special visits may be arranged for exceptional circumstances with advance approval

Visit Restrictions:

Visitation privileges may be suspended or modified for:

Violation of facility rules
Security concerns
Disciplinary sanctions against the inmate
Facility lockdowns or emergencies

All visitation policies are established in accordance with New York Correction Law § 500-j, which governs county jail operations and inmate rights. For the most current visitation information, visitors should contact the Ontario County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division prior to planning their visit.

How To Send Money to a Ontario County Inmate

Ontario County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow incarcerated individuals to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.

Available Deposit Methods:

Lobby Kiosk Deposits
- Available in the Ontario County Jail lobby
- Located at 3045 County Complex Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
- Accessible during lobby hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
- Accepts cash and credit/debit cards
- Provides immediate deposit to inmate accounts
- Receipt provided for all transactions
Online Deposits via TouchPay
- Visit TouchPay Direct
- Select "Ontario County Jail" from the facility list
- Enter inmate information (name and ID number)
- Follow prompts to complete payment using credit/debit card
- Service fee of approximately 3.5% applies to online transactions
Telephone Deposits
- Call TouchPay service at 1-866-232-1899
- Follow automated prompts
- Have inmate name, ID number, and credit/debit card ready
- Service fee applies to phone transactions
Money Order by Mail
- Make money order payable to "Ontario County Jail" with inmate's name and ID in memo line
- Mail to: Ontario County Jail, Inmate Accounts, 3045 County Complex Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
- No personal checks accepted
- Processing typically takes 3-5 business days

Deposit Limits and Restrictions:

Maximum single deposit: $300
Maximum weekly deposits per inmate: $500
Minimum deposit amount: $5
Funds from unidentified sources will be returned
Deposits from individuals with active warrants or criminal cases may be rejected

Prohibited Uses of Inmate Funds:

Funds deposited into inmate accounts cannot be used for:

Payment of bail or bond
Court fees or fines (separate payment process required)
Purchases from outside vendors
Transfers to other inmates' accounts
Items prohibited by jail regulations

Approved Uses of Inmate Funds:

Inmates may use account funds for:

Commissary purchases (weekly ordering schedule)
Telephone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Approved educational materials

Upon release, any remaining balance in an inmate's account will be returned via debit card or check. For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact the Ontario County Jail Inmate Accounts Office at (585) 396-4689 during regular business hours.

How To Send Jail Mail In Ontario County

Correspondence with incarcerated individuals at the Ontario County Jail follows specific guidelines to ensure security while maintaining important connections between inmates and their support networks. All mail is subject to inspection in accordance with New York Correction Law § 500-c.

Addressing Mail Correctly:

All mail must be properly addressed using the following format:

Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
Ontario County Jail
3045 County Complex Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424

The sender's full name and return address must appear in the upper left corner of the envelope. Mail without a return address will not be delivered.

Permitted Mail Items:

The following items are permitted:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
Money orders (made payable to the inmate with their ID number noted)
Legal documents
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

The following items are prohibited and will be rejected:

Packages or padded envelopes
Hardcover books or magazines (these must come directly from publishers)
Stickers, labels, or tape on correspondence
Polaroid photographs
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented items
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Any items containing contraband or prohibited substances
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related materials

Mail Inspection Process:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the presence of the inmate.

Publication Delivery:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from publishers or approved vendors. These items must be soft-cover only and are subject to content review by jail staff.

Electronic Messaging:

The Ontario County Jail also offers a secure electronic messaging system through Smart Communications. Family and friends can register online to send electronic messages to inmates for a fee. This system provides faster communication than traditional mail.

For questions regarding mail policies or to report concerns about mail delivery, contact the Ontario County Jail Mail Room at (585) 396-4689. Mail that violates facility policies may be returned to sender, placed in the inmate's property, or destroyed if it contains contraband.