DeSoto County Public Records /DeSoto County Inmate Search

DeSoto County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In DeSoto County?

Inmate records in DeSoto County are official government documents maintained by the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office and the Adult Detention Facility that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested and detained within the county's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.

Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-3, which defines public records, inmate records are distinct from court records maintained by the judicial system. While court records document legal proceedings, charges, and case dispositions, inmate records specifically document an individual's physical custody status and institutional history within correctional facilities.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking process, where the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office collects and records:

Biographical information
Photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
Personal property inventory
Medical screening information
Initial charge information
Arrest circumstances

These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's incarceration to reflect:

Housing assignments
Disciplinary actions
Visitation logs
Medical treatments
Court appearances
Classification status changes

Upon release, inmate records are completed with discharge information but remain in the custody of the Sheriff's Office as permanent records subject to state retention schedules as outlined in Mississippi Code § 25-59-1, the Local Government Records Act.

Are Inmate Records Public In DeSoto County?

Inmate records in DeSoto County are generally considered public records under the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, specifically Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is subject to specific limitations and exemptions.

The Mississippi Department of Corrections and local detention facilities operate under additional regulations specified in Mississippi Code § 47-5-158, which governs the maintenance and disclosure of offender records. Under current law, the following inmate record information is typically accessible to the public:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information including:
- Full name and aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description
- Booking date and time
- Charges filed
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Facility housing location (general)

Certain portions of inmate records are explicitly exempt from public disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary reports
Victim information
Social security numbers
Detailed security information
Records pertaining to juveniles
Information that would compromise institutional security

The DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility maintains an online jail docket that provides public access to basic inmate information in accordance with these regulations.

What's Included Inmate Records in DeSoto County

Inmate records maintained by the DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility contain comprehensive documentation organized into several categories:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender and race
Height, weight, eye and hair color
Distinguishing physical characteristics (scars, marks, tattoos)
Assigned inmate identification number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and biometric data

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency and officer
Custody classification level
Housing assignment history
Disciplinary incidents and actions
Visitation logs
Telephone call records
Commissary account activity

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Warrant information and numbers
Arresting agency case numbers
Court docket numbers
Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Charge severity classification

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, property, etc.)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bonding company information (if applicable)
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Attorney information
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders affecting custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date
Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Probation/parole eligibility dates
Good time/earned time calculations
Special conditions of sentence

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Actual release date and time
Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
Release conditions
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in accordance with Mississippi Code § 47-5-118, which establishes requirements for correctional record-keeping.

DeSoto County Prison System

The DeSoto County correctional system operates under a tiered structure that distinguishes between local detention and state incarceration facilities. The county-level system is primarily administered by the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, which maintains jurisdiction over individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than one year.

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office
365 Losher Street, Suite 200
Hernando, MS 38632
662-469-8027
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff, currently Thomas E. Tuggle II, serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the county and oversees the operation of the Adult Detention Facility. This local jail system primarily houses:

Individuals awaiting arraignment
Pre-trial detainees
Misdemeanant offenders serving sentences up to one year
Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state custody
Individuals held on probation/parole violations
Federal detainees (through intergovernmental agreements)

For individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year for felony convictions, custody transfers from the county system to the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) state prison system. The MDOC operates under the authority of Mississippi Code § 47-5-10, which establishes its jurisdiction over state prisoners.

The DeSoto County correctional system coordinates with multiple criminal justice agencies including:

DeSoto County Circuit Court
DeSoto County Justice Court
Municipal Courts within DeSoto County
Mississippi Department of Corrections
Federal Bureau of Prisons (for federal detainees)

This multi-jurisdictional approach ensures proper custody management across the spectrum of criminal offenses from minor infractions to serious felonies.

Types of Correctional Facilities In DeSoto County

DeSoto County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody needs and security classifications:

DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility
3425 Industrial Drive
Hernando, MS 38632
662-469-8500
Adult Detention Facility

The Adult Detention Facility serves as the primary correctional institution in DeSoto County. This medium-security facility houses adult male and female inmates in separate housing units. The facility includes:

Intake/booking area
General population housing units
Administrative segregation units
Medical housing unit
Work release dormitory
Video visitation center
Commissary services
Medical services clinic

DeSoto County Juvenile Detention Center
5905 Pepper Chase Drive
Olive Branch, MS 38654
662-895-2919

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) who are awaiting adjudication or serving short-term detention sentences. The juvenile facility operates under different regulations than adult facilities, with an emphasis on education and rehabilitation services as required by Mississippi Code § 43-21-605.

DeSoto County Work Center
3425 Industrial Drive
Hernando, MS 38632
662-469-8127

The Work Center houses minimum-security inmates who participate in:

County maintenance programs
Roadside cleanup crews
Community service projects
Facility maintenance details

Inmates housed at this facility typically have non-violent offenses and demonstrate good behavior. The Work Center operates under the authority of the Sheriff's Office and provides labor for various county departments while allowing inmates to earn good time credit toward their sentences.

DeSoto County does not operate state prison facilities. Individuals sentenced to state custody are initially processed at the county level before transfer to Mississippi Department of Corrections reception centers for classification and assignment to appropriate state facilities.

Who's in Prison In DeSoto County

The DeSoto County detention 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 are awaiting their initial court appearance
Defendants who have been arraigned but are awaiting trial
Persons who have been denied bail or cannot afford to post bond
Individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions

These pre-trial detainees constitute approximately 60-70% of the county jail population at any given time, according to national averages for county detention facilities.

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

Individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions
Common offenses include:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Simple assault
- Petty theft/shoplifting
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Probation violations for misdemeanor offenses

Short-term Felony Offenders:

Persons convicted of felonies serving sentences in county custody through intergovernmental agreements
Individuals awaiting transfer to Mississippi Department of Corrections facilities

Specialized Populations:

Work release program participants
Weekend commitment inmates (serving sentences only on weekends)
Individuals in custody for civil contempt (non-payment of child support, etc.)
Federal detainees housed through intergovernmental agreements

The demographic composition of the DeSoto County inmate population generally reflects broader incarceration trends in Mississippi, with disproportionate representation of economically disadvantaged individuals. The Mississippi Department of Corrections publishes regular statistical reports on statewide incarceration demographics.

Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 47-1-21, inmates are classified according to security risk, medical needs, and programming requirements to ensure appropriate housing assignments within the facilities.

How To Search for Inmate Records In DeSoto County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in DeSoto County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that provide public access to basic inmate data:

Online Jail Docket Search:

Visit the DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility official website
Locate and select the "Jail Docket" or "Inmate Search" function
Enter search criteria (at least one is required):
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Booking number (if known)
- Date of birth
Review search results showing current inmates matching the criteria
Select an individual record to view publicly available details

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility at 662-469-8500
Provide the name of the individual being sought
Request basic custody status information
Note that detailed information may require formal records requests

In-Person Records Request:

Visit the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- 365 Losher Street, Suite 200
- Hernando, MS 38632
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Complete a public records request form
Provide identification
Specify the records being requested
Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.25 per page for standard copies)

Written Records Request:

Submit a formal written request to:
- DeSoto County Sheriff's Office
- Records Division
- 365 Losher Street, Suite 200
- Hernando, MS 38632
Include in your request:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific records being requested
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Purpose of request (optional)
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response

For state prisoners who have been transferred from DeSoto County to Mississippi Department of Corrections facilities, inquiries should be directed to the MDOC Inmate Search portal.

How To Find an Inmate in DeSoto County for Free?

DeSoto County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody within the county detention system:

DeSoto County Online Jail Docket:

Access the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the Adult Detention Facility page
Select the "Jail Docket" link
Enter the inmate's name in the search field
The system displays:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates (if scheduled)

This online resource is updated regularly and provides the most current information on individuals in custody at the DeSoto County detention facilities.

Telephone Information Line:

Call the DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility at 662-469-8500
Follow the automated prompts or request to speak with booking staff
Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
Basic custody information will be provided at no charge

Automated Victim Information and Notification (VINE):

Visit VINELink or call 1-888-846-3365
Select Mississippi as the state
Enter the inmate's name
Receive custody status information
Register for free notifications about changes in custody status

The VINE service is provided at no cost to users and allows for automated notifications when an inmate's custody status changes.

Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:

Visit the MDOC Inmate Search portal
Enter the inmate's name or MDOC number
Review custody information for state prisoners

These free resources provide basic custody information in compliance with Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, which governs public access to government records. More detailed information may require formal records requests and associated fees.

How To Visit an Inmate In DeSoto County

The DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility maintains specific protocols for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family connections:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visits must be scheduled in advance
Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Maximum of two adults per visit (children under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor)
Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
All visitors are subject to search prior to visitation
Visitation may be terminated at any time for rule violations

Visit Schedule:

General Population:
- Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday-Monday: No visitation
Special Housing Units:
- Restricted to specific days based on housing assignment
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
Medication required during visit (must be declared and approved)
Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
Tobacco products or vaping devices
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no shorts above knee, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections staff
Shoes and shirts required at all times

Visit Types:

Video Visitation:
- Primary visitation method
- Conducted via secure video terminals
- Must be scheduled 24 hours in advance through online scheduling system
Contact Visits:
- Limited to special circumstances
- Requires advance approval from facility administration
- Typically reserved for attorney visits or special family situations

Visit Restrictions:

Persons with felony convictions within past 5 years may be denied
Former inmates released within past 6 months are prohibited from visiting
Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination and possible suspension of privileges

These regulations are established pursuant to Mississippi Code § 47-5-124, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation policies.

How To Send Money to a DeSoto County Inmate

DeSoto County provides multiple secure methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts:

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay website
Select "DeSoto County Detention Center" from the facility list
Create an account or proceed as guest
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Specify deposit amount
Complete payment using credit/debit card
Service fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on amount)
Funds are typically available within 24 hours

Lobby Kiosk:

Visit the DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility lobby
- 3425 Industrial Drive
- Hernando, MS 38632
- Available 24/7
Use the self-service kiosk
Follow on-screen instructions
Make payment using cash, credit, or debit card
Obtain receipt for transaction
Funds are typically available within 1-4 hours
Service fees apply for credit/debit transactions

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order payable to "DeSoto County Detention Center"
Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
Do not send cash, personal checks, or other items with the money order
Mail to:
- DeSoto County Detention Center
- Inmate Accounts
- 3425 Industrial Drive
- Hernando, MS 38632
No service fees apply
Processing time: 5-7 business days

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00

Funds Usage Regulations: Inmates may use funds for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Phone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Restitution payments
Court fees and fines

Funds may not be used for:

Purchasing items for other inmates
Gambling activities
Contraband purchases
Bribing staff or other inmates

All financial transactions are monitored and subject to review under Mississippi Code § 47-5-158, which governs inmate accounts and financial records. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and could result in criminal charges.

How To Send Jail Mail In DeSoto County

Correspondence with inmates at the DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery:

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility address:
  - DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility
  - 3425 Industrial Drive
  - Hernando, MS 38632
Sender's full name and return address must appear on the envelope
Mail without proper identification will be returned to sender
All mail is inspected for contraband and policy violations

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
Money orders (must be separate from letters)
Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
Religious materials (subject to security review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Plastic or metal items of any kind
Stickers, labels, or tape
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Food items or cosmetics
Clothing or fabric items

Legal Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must come from an identifiable legal source (attorney, court, legal agency)
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Is not subject to content inspection, only contraband screening

Publications:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or authorized retailer
Soft-cover books only (no hardcover books)
Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Maximum of 3 publications per inmate at any time

Electronic Messaging:

Visit SmartJailMail
Create an account
Add the inmate to your contacts
Purchase message credits
Compose and send messages
Service fees apply
Messages are subject to monitoring and screening

All mail procedures comply with Mississippi Code § 47-5-124, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable mail policies that balance security concerns with inmates' rights to communication.