Kittitas County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Kittitas County?
Inmate records in Kittitas County are official documents created and maintained by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office and its correctional division, capturing the full custodial history of individuals held in county detention facilities. These records are distinct from court records: the Kittitas County Superior Court and District Court maintain case files, dockets, and judicial orders, while the jail maintains custody-specific documentation tied to the physical detention of an individual.
The record lifecycle begins at booking or intake, the moment a person is received into custody. From that point forward, the record is continuously updated to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical flags, court appearances, and bond status. Upon release—whether through bail, sentence completion, court order, or transfer—the record is closed and archived. Under Washington State's Public Records Act, codified at RCW 42.56, government agencies including sheriff's offices are required to create, retain, and make available records generated in the conduct of public business.
Kittitas County Sheriff's Office 507 Nanum St, Ellensburg, WA 98926 (509) 962-7513 Kittitas County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Kittitas County?
Inmate records maintained by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office are generally considered public records under Washington State law. The Washington Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56.070, requires all state and local agencies to make identifiable public records available for inspection and copying upon request, unless a specific exemption applies. Corrections-related records are subject to the same framework, with limited exemptions for information that could endanger facility security or compromise ongoing investigations.
Members of the public may access the following categories of inmate information without filing a formal records request in most circumstances:
- Current inmate roster — names of individuals presently held in the Kittitas County Jail
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and intake
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the current custody period
- Mugshots — booking photographs, which are generally public in Washington State
- Bond and bail amounts — the financial conditions of release set by the court
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held
Certain information may be withheld under RCW § 42.56.240, which exempts records that could endanger a person's life or safety, reveal the identity of confidential informants, or compromise active law enforcement investigations.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Kittitas County
Inmate records in Kittitas County contain multiple categories of documentation compiled from the point of arrest through final release. The following breakdown reflects the standard components of a complete custody record:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (if applicable)
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Facility name and housing unit assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold for another agency)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges (statute cited)
- Charge classification (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
- Charge disposition status
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set by the court
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond conditions imposed
Court Information:
- Case number(s) associated with the custody period
- Next scheduled court date and hearing type
- Presiding court (Superior Court or District Court)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length imposed
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
- Earned release date or earliest release date
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond posted, sentence served, transferred, released on recognizance)
- Receiving agency if transferred
Kittitas County Prison System
Kittitas County operates a local jail system administered by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The county jail is designed to house individuals awaiting trial (pre-trial detainees), those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor convictions, and individuals held on behalf of other agencies pending transfer. This structure is distinct from the Washington State Department of Corrections, which operates state prisons for individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year.
The Kittitas County Jail operates under the authority of the elected Kittitas County Sheriff and is subject to oversight by the Washington State Department of Corrections' jail inspection program. Operational policies, inmate rights, and facility standards are governed by Washington Administrative Code and applicable federal standards.
Kittitas County Sheriff's Office — Jail Division 507 Nanum St, Ellensburg, WA 98926 (509) 962-7513 Kittitas County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Kittitas County
Kittitas County currently operates one primary correctional facility serving the detention needs of the county:
Kittitas County Jail The Kittitas County Jail is the sole county-operated detention facility and houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, and individuals held on immigration or inter-agency detainers. The facility is co-located with the Sheriff's Office headquarters in Ellensburg.
Kittitas County Jail 507 Nanum St, Ellensburg, WA 98926 (509) 962-7513 Kittitas County Sheriff's Office
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Kittitas County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to Washington State Department of Corrections facilities. The Washington State Department of Corrections maintains a statewide offender search tool for individuals housed in state facilities.
Washington State Department of Corrections 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 (360) 725-8213 Washington State Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In Kittitas County
The Kittitas County Jail houses several distinct populations at any given time. Understanding who is incarcerated in the county facility helps members of the public and families locate individuals in the correct system.
The following categories of individuals are typically held in the Kittitas County Jail:
- Pre-trial detainees — individuals arrested and charged with a criminal offense who have not yet been convicted and are unable to post bail or were denied bail
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of up to one year
- Probation and parole violators — individuals held pending a hearing on alleged violations of supervision conditions
- Federal and inter-agency holds — individuals held on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), other county agencies, or out-of-state jurisdictions pending extradition or transfer
- Court-ordered commitments — individuals remanded to custody by a judge for contempt, failure to appear, or other court-ordered reasons
- Work release participants — in some cases, sentenced individuals participating in structured work release programs may be housed at the facility
Individuals serving felony sentences of more than one year are not held at the county jail and are instead housed within the Washington State Department of Corrections system.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Kittitas County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Kittitas County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Step 1 — Check the Online Inmate Roster The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office currently maintains an online inmate lookup tool that allows members of the public to search for individuals held in the county jail by name. This tool is accessible through the Sheriff's Office website and is updated regularly.
Step 2 — Contact the Jail Directly Members of the public who are unable to locate an individual through the online roster may contact the Kittitas County Jail directly by telephone. Jail staff can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody and provide basic booking information.
Kittitas County Jail 507 Nanum St, Ellensburg, WA 98926 (509) 962-7513 Kittitas County Sheriff's Office
Step 3 — Submit a Public Records Request For detailed historical records, booking reports, or documentation beyond what is available through the online roster, members of the public may submit a formal public records request pursuant to RCW § 42.56.080. Requests may be submitted in writing to the Sheriff's Office records division. The agency is required to respond within five business days of receiving a request.
Step 4 — Search State DOC Records If the individual may be serving a felony sentence, members of the public may use the Washington State Department of Corrections Offender Search to locate individuals housed in state facilities.
Step 5 — Check Court Records For case-related information, members of the public may search the Washington Courts Case Search maintained by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts.
How To Find an Inmate in Kittitas County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Kittitas County at no cost through the following official methods:
- Kittitas County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Roster — The Sheriff's Office provides a publicly accessible inmate search tool on its website at no charge. Users may search by the individual's first and last name to retrieve current custody status and basic booking information. Access this tool through the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office website.
- Telephone Inquiry — Members of the public may call the Kittitas County Jail at (509) 962-7513 to inquire about an individual's custody status at no cost.
- Washington State DOC Offender Search — For individuals who may be in state custody, the Washington State Department of Corrections Offender Search is available to the public free of charge.
- Washington Courts Case Search — Court case information, including custody-related hearings, is searchable at no cost through the Washington Courts Case Search portal.
How To Visit an Inmate In Kittitas County
Visitation at the Kittitas County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable policies.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be pre-approved before visiting an inmate. Visitors are required to present valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Individuals with outstanding warrants or active criminal charges may be denied entry.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules at the Kittitas County Jail are subject to change based on facility operations and staffing. Members of the public are advised to contact the jail directly at (509) 962-7513 to confirm current visitation hours before arriving.
What to Bring
- Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons of any kind
- Controlled substances or alcohol
- Unauthorized food or beverages
- Cell phones or electronic recording devices (unless specifically authorized)
- Cash or valuables beyond what is permitted by facility policy
Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated symbols or colors is prohibited. The facility reserves the right to deny entry to any visitor whose attire is deemed inappropriate.
Visit Types The Kittitas County Jail currently offers in-person visitation and may offer video visitation options. Members of the public should confirm available visit types by contacting the facility directly.
Visit Rules
- Visitors must remain in designated visitation areas at all times
- Physical contact may be restricted depending on the inmate's classification and housing assignment
- Visits may be terminated at any time for violations of facility rules
- All visits are subject to monitoring and recording
Visit Restrictions Individuals who have been previously banned from the facility, who are on active supervision, or who are listed as victims in the inmate's case may be prohibited from visiting. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Kittitas County Jail 507 Nanum St, Ellensburg, WA 98926 (509) 962-7513 Kittitas County Sheriff's Office
How To Send Money to a Kittitas County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Kittitas County Jail through approved methods. Inmates use trust account funds to purchase commissary items, make telephone calls, and cover other approved personal expenses.
Approved Methods for Sending Money
- Kiosk deposits — The facility may provide on-site kiosk terminals where funds can be deposited using a debit or credit card
- Online deposits — Funds may be deposited through an approved third-party service provider contracted by the facility; members of the public should contact the jail to confirm the current approved provider
- Money order — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including the inmate's full name and booking number) may be accepted by mail or in person, subject to facility policy
Amount Limits Specific deposit limits per transaction or per time period are established by facility policy. Members of the public should contact the Kittitas County Jail at (509) 962-7513 to confirm current limits.
Fees Third-party deposit services typically charge a transaction fee. The amount varies by provider and deposit method. The facility itself does not set these fees.
What You Cannot Send
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted
- Personal checks are generally not accepted
- Funds from unverified or anonymous sources are not accepted
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For Inmate trust account funds may be used for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone and video call charges
- Postage for outgoing mail
Funds may not be used for:
- Purchasing contraband
- Paying fines or restitution directly through the trust account (separate processes apply)
- Transferring funds to other inmates
How To Send Jail Mail In Kittitas County
Members of the public may send written correspondence to inmates held at the Kittitas County Jail. All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff pursuant to facility security policies and applicable Washington State law.
Mailing Address Format All mail must be addressed using the inmate's full legal name and booking number to ensure proper delivery:
Inmate Full Name / Booking Number Kittitas County Jail 507 Nanum St Ellensburg, WA 98926
Rules for Sending Mail
- All letters must be written on plain white paper; cards and colored paper may be restricted
- Envelopes must be standard white envelopes with no padding, glitter, stickers, or decorative elements
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; Polaroid photographs and photos with dark or black backgrounds are typically prohibited
- No hardcover books are accepted directly from senders; books must be sent directly from a publisher or approved vendor
- Paperback books may be accepted if sent directly from an approved retailer
- All mail is opened and inspected before delivery to the inmate
- Mail containing contraband, coded messages, or content that threatens facility security will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action
- Return address must be included on all correspondence; anonymous mail is not delivered
Prohibited Items in Mail
- Cash, checks, or money orders enclosed in envelopes
- Controlled substances or drug-laced paper
- Sexually explicit material (unless specifically approved by facility policy)
- Gang-related materials or symbols
- Items that could be used to facilitate escape or harm
Members of the public with questions about specific mail policies should contact the Kittitas County Jail directly at (509) 962-7513 or visit the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office website for current guidelines.