Erie County Public Records /Erie County Inmate Search

Erie County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Erie County?

Inmate records in Erie County are official government documents maintained by the Erie County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records document an individual's custody status, criminal charges, and other pertinent information related to their 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 are maintained by the judicial system and focus on case proceedings, whereas inmate records specifically document an individual's custody status and incarceration details.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody. During this process, the Erie County Sheriff's Office collects identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and details about the alleged offense. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and eventual release information.

Inmate records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system:

They provide essential documentation for correctional facility management
They assist law enforcement agencies in tracking individuals in custody
They inform judicial proceedings regarding custody status
They provide information to authorized family members and legal representatives
They fulfill public information requirements under applicable state laws

The Erie County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements and retention schedules established by the New York State Archives.

Are Inmate Records Public In Erie County?

Inmate records in Erie 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 law establishes the public's right to access government records, including certain information about individuals in custody.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office makes basic inmate information available to the public through its online inmate roster and lookup systems. However, access to comprehensive inmate records is subject to specific limitations and exemptions under state law to protect privacy interests and security concerns.

Information that is typically publicly accessible includes:

Current inmate roster showing individuals currently in custody
Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
Booking date and facility location
Charges filed against the inmate
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates (when available)
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)

Information that is generally not publicly accessible includes:

Detailed medical and mental health records
Social security numbers and other sensitive identifying information
Disciplinary records that may compromise facility security
Information that would endanger the life or safety of any person
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)

Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain records may be withheld if their disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise institutional safety and security. The Erie County Sheriff's Office evaluates requests for inmate records in accordance with these statutory provisions.

Members of the public seeking access to inmate records beyond what is publicly available online may submit a formal FOIL request to the Erie County Sheriff's Office Records Access Officer.

What's Included Inmate Records in Erie County

Inmate records maintained by the Erie County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender and physical description
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and other biometric data
Assigned inmate identification number
Last known address

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Current housing facility and unit assignment
Custody classification level
Previous incarceration history within the county
Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
Program participation and work assignments
Visitation records and approved visitor list

Charge Information:

Current charges and case numbers
Arresting agency and officer
Date and location of alleged offense
Court of jurisdiction for each charge
Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Warrant information, if applicable

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount set by the court
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, not posted)
Bond conditions imposed by the court
Bond hearing dates and outcomes

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction for each case
Judge assigned to the case
Scheduled court appearances and dates
Court orders related to custody
Attorney of record information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date and sentencing date
Length of sentence for each conviction
Concurrent or consecutive sentence structure
Credit for time served calculations
Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
Good time/earned time credits
Special conditions imposed by the court

Release Information:

Scheduled or projected release date
Actual release date and time (when applicable)
Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions

These records are maintained in electronic and/or physical formats in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements and are updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect current status and information.

Erie County Prison System

The Erie County prison system operates under the authority of the Erie County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the custody, care, and control of individuals remanded by the courts. The system primarily serves to house pre-trial detainees and individuals sentenced to terms of incarceration of less than one year, as prescribed by New York Correction Law § 500.

The Erie County correctional system is distinct from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), which manages state prisons housing individuals sentenced to terms of incarceration exceeding one year. County facilities primarily house:

Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
Individuals serving sentences of less than one year
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Individuals held on probation or parole violations
Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions

The Erie County Sheriff's Office Jail Management Division oversees the operation of the county's correctional facilities, ensuring compliance with state standards and regulations for county jails as established by the New York State Commission of Correction.

Erie County Sheriff's Office
10 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-7618
Erie County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains a commitment to public safety while providing constitutional conditions of confinement and appropriate rehabilitative programming for those in custody. The facilities operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, processing thousands of admissions and releases annually.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Erie County

Erie County maintains two primary correctional facilities, each serving different populations and security needs within the county's incarceration system:

Erie County Holding Center
40 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-7636
Erie County Holding Center

The Erie County Holding Center is a maximum-security detention facility located in downtown Buffalo. This facility primarily houses:

Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
Newly arrested individuals during the booking and classification process
Individuals serving short-term sentences
Individuals awaiting transfer to other facilities

The Holding Center has a capacity of approximately 638 beds and provides various services including medical care, mental health services, and limited programming for inmates. The facility processes most new arrests in Erie County and conducts initial classifications before potential transfers to the Correctional Facility.

Erie County Correctional Facility
11581 Walden Avenue
Alden, NY 14004
Phone: (716) 937-5800
Erie County Correctional Facility

The Erie County Correctional Facility is a medium-security facility located in Alden, approximately 25 miles east of Buffalo. This facility primarily houses:

Sentenced inmates serving terms of less than one year
Pre-trial detainees classified for medium-security housing
Inmates participating in specialized treatment programs
Inmates on work release programs

The Correctional Facility has a capacity of approximately 1,070 beds and offers more extensive rehabilitative programming, educational opportunities, and vocational training compared to the Holding Center. The facility includes specialized housing units for various populations and security classifications.

Both facilities operate under the New York Minimum Standards for County Jails and are subject to regular inspections by the New York State Commission of Correction to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding conditions of confinement, staffing, and inmate services.

Who's in Prison In Erie County

The Erie County correctional facilities house a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of the following categories:

Pre-trial Detainees: The largest segment of the Erie County jail population consists of individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are held in custody because:

They have not posted the bail amount set by the court
They have been remanded without bail due to the nature of their charges
They have been deemed a flight risk or danger to the community
They have violated conditions of pre-trial release

Sentenced Offenders: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanors or certain felonies and sentenced to terms of incarceration of less than one year serve their sentences in Erie County facilities. These sentences typically result from:

Misdemeanor convictions in city, town, or village courts
Felony convictions with sentences of less than one year
Multiple consecutive sentences totaling less than one year
Probation violations resulting in short-term incarceration

Temporary Holds: Some individuals are held temporarily in Erie County facilities while awaiting:

Transfer to state prison after receiving sentences exceeding one year
Transfer to other jurisdictions based on outstanding warrants
Immigration proceedings with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Parole violation hearings with the New York State Board of Parole

Special Populations: Erie County facilities also house specialized populations requiring specific housing and services:

Individuals with mental health conditions requiring specialized care
Individuals participating in substance abuse treatment programs
Individuals participating in educational or vocational programs
Veterans enrolled in veteran-specific programming
Individuals on work release or community service programs

According to data from the Erie County Sheriff's Office inmate roster, the daily population fluctuates but typically ranges between 800-1,000 individuals across both facilities. The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 25 days, while sentenced inmates typically serve terms ranging from several days to one year.

The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of individuals from economically disadvantaged communities and racial minorities.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Erie County in 2026

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

Online Inmate Lookup: The Erie County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about individuals currently in custody:

Visit the Erie County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Jail Management Division" section
Select the "Inmate Lookup" or "Inmate Roster" option
Enter the individual's name (last name, first name) in the search fields
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Full name and date of birth
- Booking date and facility location
- Current charges
- Bond/bail information
- Next court date (if available)

Telephone Inquiry: For those without internet access, basic inmate information can be obtained by telephone:

Contact the Erie County Holding Center at (716) 858-7636 or the Erie County Correctional Facility at (716) 937-5800
Provide the operator with the full name and, if possible, the date of birth of the individual
Specify the information being requested (e.g., custody status, visitation information)
Be prepared to verify your identity if requesting certain types of information

In-Person Records Request: More detailed inmate records may be requested in person at the Sheriff's Office:

Visit the Erie County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 10 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
Complete a records request form, specifying the information being sought
Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction (fees vary based on the type and volume of records requested)
Allow processing time as required by law (up to 5 business days for initial response)

FOIL Request for Comprehensive Records: For access to more detailed inmate records not available through the above methods, submit a formal Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request:

Prepare a written request specifying the records being sought
Include the inmate's full name, date of birth, and approximate dates of incarceration
Submit the request to:

Records Access Officer Erie County Sheriff's Office 10 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14202
Allow up to 5 business days for an initial response and potentially longer for record production
Be prepared to pay any applicable fees for record reproduction

The Sheriff's Office processes all requests in accordance with the New York Freedom of Information Law and applicable privacy protections.

How To Find an Inmate in Erie County for Free?

Erie County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently incarcerated within the county correctional system. These free resources are designed to provide basic custody information to family members, legal representatives, and members of the public:

Erie County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster: The Sheriff's Office publishes a regularly updated inmate roster that lists all individuals currently in custody:

Access the Erie County Sheriff's Office inmate roster, which is available as a downloadable PDF
The roster is typically updated daily and includes:
- Inmate name
- Date of birth
- Facility location (Holding Center or Correctional Facility)
- Booking date
Use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F) to locate a specific name on the list
Note that the roster only includes currently incarcerated individuals and does not provide information about charges or release dates

Telephone Inquiry System: Basic inmate information is available through a free telephone inquiry:

Call the Erie County Holding Center at (716) 858-7636 or the Erie County Correctional Facility at (716) 937-5800
Request information about a specific inmate by providing their full name
Receive confirmation of custody status, facility location, and general visiting information
Note that detailed case information is not typically provided through this method

New York VINE Service: The New York Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) service provides free custody status information and notifications:

Visit the New York VINE website or call 1-888-VINE-4-NY (1-888-846-3469)
Register for a free account or proceed as a guest
Search for an inmate by name and select Erie County as the jurisdiction
View basic custody information including facility location
Optionally register for free notifications about changes in custody status (release, transfer, etc.)

In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may inquire about an inmate's custody status in person at no cost:

Visit the public reception area at either:
- Erie County Holding Center, 40 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
- Erie County Correctional Facility, 11581 Walden Avenue, Alden, NY 14004
Speak with reception staff and provide the name of the individual
Receive confirmation of custody status and basic facility information
Obtain information about visitation procedures if the individual is in custody

These free resources provide basic custody information but may not include comprehensive details about charges, court dates, or expected release dates. For more detailed information, individuals may need to submit a formal records request or contact the appropriate court of jurisdiction.

How To Visit an Inmate In Erie County

Visitation with inmates in Erie County correctional facilities is governed by specific rules and procedures established by the Erie County Sheriff's Office Jail Management Division. The following guidelines apply to all visits at both the Erie County Holding Center and the Erie County Correctional Facility:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be 18 years of age or older with valid government-issued photo identification
Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proper documentation
Visitors must successfully pass through security screening before each visit
Visitors with outstanding warrants or who are on probation/parole may be denied visitation
Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before being permitted to visit
Visitors must register at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled visitation time
Visitors arriving late may have their visit canceled at the discretion of facility staff

Visit Schedule: Erie County Holding Center:

Tuesday through Saturday: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
No visits on Sundays, Mondays, or county holidays
Visits are limited to 20 minutes per session
Inmates are permitted two visits per week

Erie County Correctional Facility:

Wednesday through Sunday: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
No visits on Mondays, Tuesdays, or county holidays
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Inmates are permitted two visits per week

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID)
Visitor registration information (if pre-registered)
Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicles or lockers)
Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, medical devices)
Documentation for minors if accompanying (birth certificate, court orders)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices of any kind
Weapons or items that could be used as weapons
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $50 (for inmate account deposits only)
Letters, photos, or any items for inmates (must be sent through mail)

Dress Code:

No revealing or provocative clothing
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or halter tops
No shorts or skirts above mid-thigh
No see-through or excessively tight clothing
No hats, bandanas, or head coverings (except religious items)
No open-toed shoes or sandals

Visit Types:

Contact visits are not permitted at either facility
All visits are non-contact through glass partitions with telephone communication
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) are conducted in designated areas
Special visits may be arranged for exceptional circumstances with advance approval

Visit Restrictions: Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-j, visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for:

Violation of facility rules during previous visits
Attempting to introduce contraband into the facility
Disruptive or threatening behavior
False identification or misrepresentation
Appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Visitors are advised to contact the specific facility prior to their visit to confirm current visitation hours and any temporary restrictions that may be in effect. The Sheriff's Office reserves the right to modify visitation procedures as necessary for facility security and operational needs.

How To Send Money to a Erie County Inmate

The Erie County Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the facility commissary, make phone calls, and pay for certain services. The following options are currently available:

Online Deposits: The most convenient method for sending money is through the online payment system:

Visit the JailATM website
Create an account or log in as a guest
Select "New York" and "Erie County" from the dropdown menus
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number (if known)
Enter the deposit amount and payment information
Complete the transaction and retain the confirmation number

Fees: Online deposits incur a service fee based on the amount deposited, typically ranging from $2.50 to $10.00. Processing time: Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours.

Lobby Kiosk Deposits: Both the Erie County Holding Center and the Erie County Correctional Facility have self-service kiosks in their public lobbies:

Visit either facility during regular business hours:
- Erie County Holding Center, 40 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
- Erie County Correctional Facility, 11581 Walden Avenue, Alden, NY 14004
Use the touch-screen kiosk to select the inmate
Insert cash or credit/debit card for payment
Receive and retain the printed receipt

Fees: Kiosk deposits incur a service fee similar to online deposits. Processing time: Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 12 hours.

Money Order by Mail: For those who prefer to send funds by mail, money orders are accepted:

Purchase a money order from a post office, bank, or authorized retailer
Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
Do not send cash, personal checks, or third-party checks
Mail the money order to:

Inmate Accounts Erie County Sheriff's Office 10 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14202
Include the sender's full name and return address on the envelope

Fees: No fees are charged by the Sheriff's Office, though the money order itself may have a purchase fee. Processing time: Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 3-5 business days after receipt.

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposits per inmate: $500.00
Maximum account balance: $1,000.00

What the Money Can Be Used For:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Electronic messaging (where available)
Medical co-pays
Haircuts and other personal services
Restitution and court-ordered payments

What the Money Cannot Be Used For:

Bail or bond payments
Fines paid directly to courts
Purchases for other inmates
Items not approved by facility administration
Services not provided by the facility

All funds remaining in an inmate's account upon release will be returned to the inmate via debit card or check. Unclaimed funds are held according to state regulations and may eventually be forfeited if not claimed within the specified timeframe.

How To Send Jail Mail In Erie County

Correspondence with inmates in Erie County correctional facilities is subject to specific guidelines established by the Sheriff's Office to maintain security while facilitating communication with family, friends, and legal representatives. The following procedures apply to all mail sent to inmates:

General Mail Guidelines: All non-legal mail must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service to:

Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known) Erie County Holding Center 40 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14202

Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known) Erie County Correctional Facility 11581 Walden Avenue Alden, NY 14004

Acceptable Mail Items:

Letters on plain white or light-colored paper
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Money orders (as described in the previous section)
Approved religious materials (subject to review)
Legal documents from attorneys of record

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
Postage stamps or pre-stamped envelopes
Stickers, labels, or adhesive materials
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit or obscene materials
Gang-related materials or symbols
Items containing unknown substances
Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)

Mail Inspection Procedures: Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, all non-legal mail is subject to inspection and may be opened, read, and examined for contraband. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies will be opened in the presence of the inmate to inspect for contraband but will not be read by staff.

Mail Restrictions:

Maximum envelope size: 9"x12"
Maximum letter length: 10 pages
All mail must have a complete return address
Mail without a return address will not be delivered
Mail suspected of containing contraband may be held for further inspection
Mail containing threats, escape plans, or criminal activity will be forwarded to appropriate authorities

Books and Publications: Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor:

Publications must be prepaid and shipped directly from the publisher or authorized retailer
Hardcover books are not permitted
All publications are subject to review for prohibited content
Inmates are limited to possessing a maximum of 5 books and 5 magazines at any time

E-Messages (where available): Some facilities offer electronic messaging services through approved vendors:

Create an account on the approved vendor's platform
Purchase message credits
Compose and send messages to the inmate
Messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
Responses from inmates will be delivered to your account

All correspondence should be addressed properly with the inmate's full name and ID number (if known) to ensure prompt delivery. Mail that does not comply with these guidelines may be returned to sender, held in the inmate's property until release, or destroyed if it contains contraband or prohibited items.