Find Delaware Inmate Records

Persons who are arrested in Delaware are likely to be incarcerated. After arrest and incarceration, inmate records are generated to provide an official account of the process. A compilation of these documents makes up an inmate record. Prisons and jails across the state of Delaware maintain inmate records. While prisons hold convicted persons, jails house inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences for less than one year. The State of Delaware runs a unified system of correctional institutions. The state further stratifies the system into five branches:

• Office of the Commissioner
• Bureau of Administrative Services
• Bureau of Prisons
• Bureau of Correctional Healthcare Services
• Bureau of Community Corrections

Are Incarceration Records Public Information in Delaware?

Delaware Public Records Law allows only citizens of the public to view or copy inmate records to the extent of what the law defines as public information. The Delaware Department of Corrections considers some inmate information unavailable unless by court order or a release by the inmate's attorney. Inmates currently incarcerated cannot access personal records.

In Delaware, public records can be located through official state repositories and independent third-party platforms. These private websites aggregate data across different regions, enabling wider searches not confined to Delaware alone. Users generally must provide essential identifying details, such as a full name and a location connected to the record. Because Delaware's government does not operate these third-party services, the scope and accuracy of available records can differ significantly from official sources. They may also impose service charges, whereas some government agencies provide basic access free of cost.

What Information is Contained in a Delaware Inmate Record?

Except for the address of the facility housing an inmate, the type of information in an inmate record is essentially the same:

• Date of birth
• Physical descriptors like the height, color of eyes, hair, and skin, gender, etc
• An outline of the charges and the sentence served to the inmate
• Length of sentence
• Likely time of release or parole, if any
• The location and status of the inmate

Where Do I Look up an Inmate in Delaware?

The information available to the inquirer and the convenience of options will largely determine how to look up an inmate in the state. If the housing facility is known, inquire directly at the address. Parties should have general identifying information that includes the inmate ID. Only citizens may access inmate information at any level with minimal restrictions. Contacting the Department of Corrections is possible by calling (302) 739–5601 or (302) 857–5221. Otherwise, visit the ground address:

245 McKee Road
Dover, DE 19904

How Do I Conduct an Inmate Search in Delaware?

Individuals should prepare the following information for a successful search outcome:

• The full names of the inmate and aliases, if any;
• Date of birth;
• The name of the facility where the inmate is currently serving a term or is in custody.
• A court order or inmate attorney authorization for confidential information;
• A valid citizen ID;

Non-citizens will need an executive order permitting eligibility. Getting physical copies is subject to the terms and conditions of the public records request policy. Fill out the Freedom of Information Act form online and submit it by email. Otherwise, download, complete, and fill out the PDF version. Send the form through the mail to:

Department of Corrections
Tim Martin, Legal Services Administrator
245 McKee Road
Dover, DE 19904

Or submit in-person to:

DOC Administration Building
Tim Martin, Legal Services Administrator
245 McKee Road
Dover, DE 19904

To access the database online, visit the state website, and click on the Inmate Locator Tab. It opens up to a government-approved third-party link that redirects searches to the specified facility's local online database. Proceed with the instructions on the homepage.

How Can I Find an Inmate for Free in Delaware?

Apart from the cost of logistics and internet or electronic charges, requests to view an inmate record are usually free. Requests for copies may attract a fee depending on the document type, number of pages, and the labor involved in processing the document.

How to Find Old Inmate Records in Delaware

The state may move inmate records to the Delaware Public Archives. Check with the local incarceration facility before proceeding to the Archives agency. Requests for records at the Public Archives require some information that only the primary data manager can provide:

• Type of Record
• County
• Name of the individual named in the record
• Date of record
• Volume
• Page number

Requests attract processing fees depending on the volume and format. Use the fee schedule to decide the preferred options.

Inmate Release Date Lookup In Delaware

The Delaware Department of Correction (DDOC) provides inmate release and custody information through its central office or direct facility contact. While the state does not operate a broad online locator tool like some other jurisdictions, information may be requested by contacting:

Delaware Department of Correction
245 McKee Road
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 739-5601

Some county-level facilities may provide limited online lookup tools. Release information is generally free, though certified documents requested through the state's Freedom of Information Act (29 Del. C. § 10001 et seq.) may carry administrative fees.

How Do I Find Inmate Death Records in Delaware?

There are no records of executed inmates since August 2, 2016, in Delaware. The State DOC has a page of death row executions that happened earlier. It states the individual's name, age, race, gender, offense, and execution method. Inmates who die in custody due to other reasons have their records filed with the Office of Vital Statistics' death registry. However, the death of an inmate is public information unless otherwise indicated.

How Do I Conduct a Federal Prison Inmate Search?

Federal prisons have a centralized supervision system that places inmate information in these prisons in one mega database. Go to the Bureau of Prisons website. Use the Inmate Locator Tab to search for the relevant inmate. Use the name or number to search. Inmate ID numbers in federal prisons have any one of these prefixes:

• BOP –Bureau of Prisons
• DCDC- DC Department of Corrections
• FBI- Federal Bureau of Investigation
• INS- Immigration and Naturalization Service

Persons with an inmate ID number can get more accurate results when searching the database. No two persons have the same ID, but persons can share names.

How Long Does it Take for an Inmate's Information to Be Published in Delaware?

The paperwork involved in an arrest is basic and sufficient to remand the individual in custody. Admitting a sentenced convict into imprisonment is an elaborate process. There are preliminary processes. They include orientation exercises for the individual, mental assessment, health evaluations, and assignment of custody level. Based on the sentence handed to the inmate, persons in custody have five supervision levels.

Why Is An Inmate Not Showing Up In Search?

If the inmate is in a federal facility or temporarily held outside Delaware, their record may not appear in the DDOC's database. Juvenile offenders are excluded from public access by law. Technical issues, data-entry delays, or incorrect search details may also prevent records from showing up. For security reasons, inmates in special custody situations may not be listed publicly.