Ulster County Public Records /Ulster County Inmate Search

Ulster County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Ulster County?

Inmate records in Ulster County are official government documents maintained by correctional facilities and the Ulster County Sheriff's Office that document individuals in custody within the county's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who are currently or were previously incarcerated in Ulster County detention facilities.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records maintained by the Ulster County Clerk's Office document legal proceedings, case filings, and judicial decisions, inmate records specifically track the custodial status and management of individuals within correctional facilities. Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, county sheriffs are responsible for maintaining accurate records of all persons committed to their custody.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first taken into custody. During this initial phase, basic identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details are documented. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, the inmate record is closed but typically maintained in accordance with state record retention requirements.

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of inmate records for individuals housed in county detention facilities. These records are maintained in compliance with New York State regulations governing correctional facilities and records management.

Are Inmate Records Public In Ulster County?

Inmate records in Ulster County are partially accessible to the public under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, § 87). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including certain inmate information, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and local correctional facilities maintain publicly accessible inmate information systems in accordance with state regulations. However, it is important to note that not all information contained within inmate records is publicly available. Certain information may be withheld to protect privacy interests, security concerns, or other exemptions provided by law.

Information that is typically publicly accessible includes:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking and arrest information
Charges filed against the inmate
Mugshots (in most circumstances)
Bond or bail amounts
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

Information that is generally not publicly accessible includes:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary records
Personal identifying information (Social Security numbers, etc.)
Victim information
Confidential security information

Members of the public seeking inmate information may utilize the online inmate lookup services provided by Ulster County or submit formal requests under the Freedom of Information Law to obtain publicly available records.

What's Included Inmate Records in Ulster County

Inmate records in Ulster County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the 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
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and other biometric data
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency
Custody classification
Housing assignment
Disciplinary incidents and actions
Program participation
Visitation records
Commissary account information

Charge Information:

Current charges
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Incident reports

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount
Bond type
Bond status
Bond conditions
Court-ordered restrictions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Attorney information
Court dates
Court appearance records

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date
Good time/earned time credits
Detainers or holds

Release Information:

Release date
Release type (completed sentence, bail, transfer, etc.)
Post-release supervision requirements
Conditions of release

This information is maintained in accordance with New York Correction Law § 500-f, which establishes requirements for record-keeping in county jails and penitentiaries.

Ulster County Prison System

The Ulster County correctional system operates under the authority of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of detention facilities within the county. The system primarily consists of the Ulster County Jail, which serves as the main detention facility for individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of up to one year, or awaiting transfer to state prison facilities.

It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons in New York's correctional system. County jails, including the Ulster County Jail, typically house:

Individuals awaiting trial (pre-trial detainees)
Persons serving sentences of less than one year
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Persons held on probation or parole violations
Individuals detained on behalf of other agencies

In contrast, New York State prisons, operated by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, house individuals convicted of more serious offenses and serving sentences longer than one year.

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office maintains oversight of the county's correctional facilities and inmate records:

Ulster County Sheriff's Office
380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: (845) 340-3802
Ulster County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office operates under the leadership of the elected Sheriff and employs correctional officers, administrative staff, and support personnel to manage the county's detention facilities and ensure compliance with state regulations governing correctional operations.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Ulster County

Ulster County's correctional system consists of several facilities designed to accommodate different inmate populations and security requirements:

Ulster County Jail
380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: (845) 340-3644
Ulster County Sheriff's Office - Corrections Division

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

Main Detention Center: A secure facility housing the general inmate population, with varying security classifications from minimum to maximum security.
Medical Unit: Specialized housing for inmates requiring medical observation or treatment.
Mental Health Unit: Dedicated space for inmates with mental health needs requiring specialized supervision.
Special Housing Units: Segregated housing for inmates requiring protective custody, disciplinary detention, or administrative segregation.

Ulster County Juvenile Detention
Juvenile offenders in Ulster County may be housed in specialized juvenile detention facilities or in designated juvenile sections within the county jail, in accordance with New York State regulations governing the detention of minors.

Alternative to Incarceration Programs
Ulster County also operates several alternative-to-incarceration programs, which, while not physical detention facilities, serve as components of the county's correctional system:

Electronic Monitoring Program: Allows certain low-risk offenders to serve their sentences under home confinement with electronic monitoring.
Day Reporting Center: Provides structured supervision and programming for offenders who report daily but do not require secure detention.
Work Release Program: Permits eligible inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences, returning to the jail during non-working hours.

These facilities and programs operate under the authority of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office and in accordance with regulations established by the New York State Commission of Correction, pursuant to New York Correction Law § 45.

Who's in Prison In Ulster County

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

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
Persons who could not post bail or were denied bail
Individuals awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings

Sentenced Inmates:

Persons convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences of up to one year
Individuals convicted of certain non-violent felonies serving shorter sentences locally
Persons serving intermittent sentences (e.g., weekend incarceration)

Specialized Populations:

Individuals held on probation or parole violations
Persons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after sentencing
Individuals detained on behalf of other jurisdictions (including federal detainees)
Immigration detainees held under contract with federal authorities

Demographic Composition: The demographic composition of the Ulster County inmate population varies over time but generally reflects patterns seen in the broader criminal justice system. The population includes adult men and women of various ages, with separate housing provided based on gender and classification status.

Population Statistics: The daily inmate population at Ulster County correctional facilities fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing patterns. The facilities maintain capacity management plans to address population fluctuations while ensuring compliance with state regulations regarding housing requirements and facility conditions.

Individuals seeking current information about the Ulster County inmate population may access the inmate lookup service provided by the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, which provides real-time information about persons currently in custody.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Ulster County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Ulster County may utilize several methods to access publicly available information. The following steps outline the current process for searching inmate records:

Online Inmate Lookup:

Visit the Ulster County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Inmate Lookup" section
Enter the required search criteria, which may include:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth
- Inmate identification number (if known)
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Current custody status
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if applicable)
- Expected release date (for sentenced inmates)

In-Person Requests: Individuals may also request inmate information in person at:

Ulster County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: (845) 340-3802
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

When making an in-person request, requestors should:

Bring valid government-issued photo identification
Complete the required records request form
Provide specific information about the inmate (full name, date of birth)
Pay any applicable fees for record copies

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests: For more detailed inmate records beyond basic custody information, individuals may submit a formal FOIL request:

Submit a written request to the Records Access Officer at the Ulster County Sheriff's Office
Clearly identify the records being requested
Provide contact information for response
Allow up to five business days for an initial response (additional time may be needed to fulfill the request)

For individuals seeking information about inmates who have been transferred to state custody, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision maintains a separate inmate lookup system for state prisoners.

How To Find an Inmate in Ulster County for Free?

Ulster County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently incarcerated within the county correctional system:

Ulster County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup: The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the online inmate search tool:

Access the Ulster County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
Review the results, which include current custody status and basic case information

This online service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody.

Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may contact the Ulster County Jail directly:

Call the Ulster County Jail at (845) 340-3644
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
Request basic custody information

Please note that telephone inquiries are limited to confirming whether an individual is in custody and providing basic visitation information. Detailed record information requires formal written requests.

New York State Inmate Lookup: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:

Visit the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision inmate lookup
Enter the required search information
Review custody status and facility location information

Court Records Search: Court records may also provide information about an individual's custody status:

Contact the Ulster County Clerk's Office at (845) 340-3288
Provide the case number or defendant's name
Request information about custody status related to specific cases

These free resources provide basic information about an inmate's custody status, current location, and, in some cases, expected release date. More detailed information may require formal records requests and associated fees.

How To Visit an Inmate In Ulster County

Visitation with inmates at Ulster County correctional facilities is governed by established procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following information outlines the current visitation policies:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must pre-register at least 24 hours before the intended visit
Registration can be completed online through the Ulster County Sheriff's Office website or by calling (845) 340-3644
Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Special Housing Units: Schedule varies; contact facility for specific times
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
Visit days and times are assigned based on inmate housing unit and classification

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, state ID)
Locker key (provided at facility) for securing personal items
Medication needed during visit (must be declared and approved)
Up to $50 in cash or money order for inmate commissary deposits

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Illegal substances or alcohol
Tobacco products
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Any items to be passed to inmates

Dress Code:

Conservative, appropriate attire is required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, mini skirts)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No uniforms that resemble staff attire
Shoes must be worn at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)

Visit Types:

Contact Visits: Available for eligible inmates in general population
Non-Contact Visits: Conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication
Professional Visits: Attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals have separate visitation procedures

Visit Restrictions:

Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Visitors with outstanding warrants may be subject to arrest
Former inmates must receive special approval and may be subject to waiting periods
Visitors who violate rules may have visitation privileges suspended

These visitation policies are established pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-j, which authorizes county sheriffs to establish reasonable regulations for jail visitation. Visitation policies are subject to change based on facility needs and security considerations.

How To Send Money to a Ulster County Inmate

Ulster County provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, make phone calls, and access certain services.

Online Deposits:

Visit the Ulster County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Services" or "Commissary" section
Select the approved third-party payment processor
Create an account or log in
Enter the inmate's information (full name and inmate ID number)
Enter payment information and deposit amount
Complete the transaction and retain the confirmation number

In-Person Deposits: Funds may be deposited in person at:

Ulster County Jail - Lobby Kiosk
380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY 12401
Hours: 24 hours daily

For in-person deposits:

Use the automated kiosk in the jail lobby
Follow the on-screen instructions
Insert cash or credit/debit card
Obtain and retain receipt

Mail-In Deposits: Money orders may be sent via mail:

Make money order payable to the inmate (full name and ID number)
Do not send personal checks or cash
Include sender's full name and return address
Mail to:

Ulster County Jail - Inmate Accounts
380 Boulevard
Kingston, NY 12401

Deposit Limits and Fees:

Minimum deposit: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Online transaction fee: $2.95 - $9.95 (varies by deposit amount)
Kiosk transaction fee: $2.00 - $8.00 (varies by deposit amount)
Money order deposits: No fee

Funds Usage Restrictions: Inmates may use commissary funds for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Electronic messaging (where available)
Approved educational materials

Funds may not be used for:

Bail or bond payments
Court fees or fines
Transactions with other inmates
Purchases from outside vendors

All deposits are subject to processing time, typically 24-48 hours. Funds remaining in an inmate's account upon release will be returned via debit card or check. These procedures are established in accordance with New York Correction Law § 500-c(7), which governs the handling of inmate funds in county correctional facilities.

How To Send Jail Mail In Ulster County

Correspondence with inmates at Ulster County correctional facilities is subject to specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. The following information outlines the current mail procedures:

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility address:
  
  Ulster County Jail
  380 Boulevard
  Kingston, NY 12401
Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on the envelope
All mail is inspected for contraband and prohibited content
Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies should be clearly marked as "Legal Mail"

Permitted Items:

Letters (on plain paper)
Photographs (maximum 4" x 6", no Polaroids)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Money orders (see previous section on sending money)
Up to five pages of newspaper or magazine clippings
Self-addressed stamped envelopes for return correspondence

Prohibited Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Plastic, metal, or other non-paper items
Stickers, labels, or tape
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented papers
Polaroid photographs
Personal checks or cash
Postage stamps (except on self-addressed envelopes)
Sexually explicit or obscene materials
Materials depicting violence or criminal activity
Gang-related materials
Any items that pose a security threat

Publications and Books:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
Hardcover books are not accepted
Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Religious materials are subject to the same security screening

Electronic Messaging (where available):

Some facilities offer secure electronic messaging services
Access the service through the Ulster County Sheriff's Office website
Create an account with the approved service provider
Messages are subject to screening and character limits
Fees apply for electronic messages

All mail procedures are established in accordance with New York Correction Law § 500-c and facility regulations. Mail that does not comply with these guidelines may be returned to sender, placed in the inmate's property, or destroyed if it contains contraband.