Rockingham County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Rockingham County?
Inmate records in Rockingham County are official government documents maintained by the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document individuals who are in custody within the county's detention system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained in county facilities. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 53.1-131, these records are created and maintained as part of the Commonwealth's statutory requirements for documenting individuals in custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records, maintained by the Rockingham County Circuit Court, document the judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and management of individuals within detention facilities. The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Initial creation occurs during the booking and intake process
- Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation includes all movements, disciplinary actions, and program participation
- Records are finalized upon the individual's release from custody
The Virginia Department of Corrections and local sheriff's offices maintain these records in accordance with Virginia Code § 53.1-10, which establishes the legal framework for inmate record management.
Are Inmate Records Public In Rockingham County?
Inmate records in Rockingham County are generally considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically § 2.2-3706, which governs access to criminal records. However, certain portions of these records may be exempt from disclosure or subject to redaction to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or security concerns.
The publicly accessible components of inmate records typically include:
- Current inmate roster showing individuals currently in custody
- Basic booking and arrest information
- Charges filed against the individual
- Mugshots (subject to certain restrictions)
- Bond/bail amounts when applicable
- Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
- Facility housing location (general information)
Certain information within inmate records is explicitly protected from public disclosure under Virginia Code § 2.2-3706(B), including:
- Medical and mental health information
- Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information that would jeopardize facility security
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records related to ongoing investigations
Members of the public seeking access to inmate records should be aware that while basic information is readily available, comprehensive records may require formal FOIA requests and may be subject to redactions as required by law.
What's Included Inmate Records in Rockingham County
Inmate records in Rockingham County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of arrest and booking
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, awaiting transfer)
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level and special housing needs
- Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
Charge Information:
- Current charges with statute citations
- Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Prior booking history within the county system
- Warrants from other jurisdictions
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, secured, unsecured)
- Bond amount if applicable
- Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
- Bond conditions imposed by the court
- Bail hearing dates and outcomes
Court Information:
- Court case numbers for pending cases
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Court of jurisdiction (General District, Circuit)
- Court outcomes and dispositions
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length and terms
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time or earned sentence credits
- Probation or parole eligibility dates
- Post-release supervision requirements
Release Information:
- Scheduled or actual release date
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Release conditions if applicable
- Post-release supervision requirements
These records are maintained in accordance with Virginia Code § 53.1-28, which establishes requirements for record-keeping in local correctional facilities.
Rockingham County Prison System
The Rockingham County correctional system operates under the authority of the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of detention facilities within the county. The system primarily consists of the Rockingham County Regional Jail, which serves as the central detention facility for individuals arrested within the county jurisdiction.
The county jail system is designed to house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to 12 months, as prescribed by Virginia law. It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections. The county facilities house individuals who:
- Are awaiting trial or court appearances
- Have been sentenced to terms of 12 months or less
- Are awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Are being held on behalf of other jurisdictions
For longer sentences exceeding 12 months, convicted individuals are typically transferred to state prison facilities operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections.
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
25 South Liberty Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 564-3800
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Rockingham County
Rockingham County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's detention system:
Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional Jail
25 South Liberty Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 564-3858
Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional Jail
This facility serves as the primary detention center for Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg. It houses both male and female inmates with various security classifications, including pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals. The facility provides standard detention services, including medical care, visitation, and limited programming.
Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5420
Middle River Regional Jail
While located in Augusta County, this regional facility serves multiple jurisdictions including portions of Rockingham County through intergovernmental agreements. The facility houses inmates of varying security classifications and offers more extensive rehabilitative programming.
Rockingham County Work Release Center
25 South Liberty Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 564-3800
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
This specialized facility houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for work release programs. These individuals are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day and return to custody during non-working hours. Eligibility is determined by the courts and sheriff's office based on offense type, behavior, and risk assessment.
Juvenile Detention Center
117 South High Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 433-2409
Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center
This facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 18 who are awaiting adjudication or have been adjudicated delinquent. The facility operates under different regulations than adult facilities and provides educational services and age-appropriate programming.
Who's in Prison In Rockingham County
The Rockingham County detention facilities house a diverse population of individuals who have entered the criminal justice system at various stages. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial dates
- Individuals deemed flight risks or dangers to the community
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences up to 12 months
- Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences
- Those participating in work release or other alternative sentencing programs
- Persons serving time for probation violations on misdemeanor charges
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences of 12 months or less
- Persons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Those serving the local portion of split sentences
Special Populations:
- Individuals held on immigration detainers
- Persons awaiting mental health evaluations or treatment
- Those held on behalf of other jurisdictions through intergovernmental agreements
- Individuals participating in drug court or other specialty court programs
According to data from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, the average daily population in Rockingham County detention facilities fluctuates between 300-350 inmates, with approximately 60% being pre-trial detainees and 40% serving sentences. The demographic composition generally reflects the broader criminal justice system in Virginia, with disproportionate representation of certain populations.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Rockingham County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Rockingham County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple channels through which inmate status and basic information can be verified:
Online Inmate Lookup System:
- Visit the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Jail Information" section
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates" option
- Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which typically include booking date, charges, and bond information
- Note that the online system provides only basic information that is considered public record
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete a public records request form, available at the front desk
- Provide specific information about the inmate and records being requested
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
- Allow processing time as required by Virginia FOIA regulations
Written Records Request:
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Prepare a written request clearly stating the specific inmate information being sought
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Include your contact information and preferred method of receiving records
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Mail the request to:
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
25 South Liberty Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801 -
Include payment for any applicable fees (contact the office for current fee schedule)
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Allow up to five business days for processing as permitted under Virginia FOIA
Telephone Verification:
- Call the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office at (540) 564-3800
- Request to speak with the records division or jail administration
- Provide the name and date of birth of the individual
- Note that only basic custody status information is typically provided by telephone
All records requests are processed in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and may be subject to exemptions and redactions as required by law.
How To Find an Inmate in Rockingham County for Free?
Rockingham County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county detention system. These free resources are designed to provide basic information about an inmate's custody status:
County Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- No registration or payment is required to access basic custody information
- Results typically display current housing location, booking date, and charges
Virginia Statewide VINE System:
- Visit the Virginia VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) website
- Select "Find an Offender"
- Choose Virginia from the state dropdown menu
- Enter the inmate's name or ID number if known
- Review results showing custody status and location
- This system also offers free notification services for custody status changes
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Rockingham County Regional Jail at (540) 564-3858
- Provide the full name and approximate age of the person you are trying to locate
- Staff can confirm if the individual is currently in custody
- Basic information such as next court date may also be available
- Note that detailed information may require formal records requests
In-Person Inquiry at Facility:
- Visit the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Speak with the front desk staff or records division
- Provide the name of the individual you are attempting to locate
- Receive basic custody status information at no charge
- Additional information may require formal records requests and associated fees
When using these free resources, members of the public should be aware that information is limited to what is considered public record under Virginia law. More comprehensive information may require formal requests through the procedures outlined in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
How To Visit an Inmate In Rockingham County
Visitation with inmates housed in Rockingham County detention facilities is subject to strict regulations designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain community connections. Prospective visitors should familiarize themselves with the following guidelines:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial intake process
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors with outstanding warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry
- Former inmates must receive special approval and may be subject to waiting periods
Visit Schedule:
- General population visitation occurs on designated days based on housing unit
- Maximum security visitation is typically more restricted
- Visits are generally limited to 30 minutes per session
- Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time
- Late arrivals may result in denial of visitation privileges
- Current schedules are available by calling (540) 564-3858
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID)
- Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicles or lockers)
- Required medical items (with prior approval)
- Baby supplies for infant visitors (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
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 vending machines where applicable)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required for all visitors
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No uniforms resembling those worn by correctional staff
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Visit Types:
- Contact visits are generally not permitted in Rockingham County facilities
- Non-contact visits occur through glass partitions with telephone communication
- Video visitation is available at designated terminals within the facility
- Remote video visitation may be available through approved service providers
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) occur in designated areas
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visits
- Passing contraband to inmates results in criminal charges and permanent visitation bans
- Visitation privileges may be suspended for rule violations
- Special visitation may be arranged for exceptional circumstances with advance approval
All visitation policies are established pursuant to Virginia Code § 53.1-30, which authorizes local correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation regulations.
How To Send Money to a Rockingham County Inmate
Rockingham County provides several methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses. The following options are currently available:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay Payment Systems website
- Create an account or log in if you have an existing account
- Select "Rockingham County Jail" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
- Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours
- Service fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on deposit amount)
Lobby Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Rockingham County Regional Jail lobby during regular business hours
- Locate the TouchPay kiosk near the main entrance
- Follow the on-screen instructions to deposit funds
- Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted
- Maximum single deposit amount is $300
- Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
- Lower service fees apply compared to online deposits
Mail-In Money Orders:
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Purchase a money order from an approved provider (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
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Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
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Do not send cash, personal checks, or third-party checks
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Include the sender's full name and return address on the envelope
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Mail to:
Rockingham County Regional Jail
Inmate Accounts
25 South Liberty Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801 -
No service fees apply, but processing may take 5-7 business days
-
Maximum money order amount is $500
Amount Limits:
- Maximum single deposit: $300 (kiosk), $500 (money order), $300 (online)
- Maximum weekly deposit total per inmate: $500
- Maximum account balance permitted: $1,000
Fees:
- Online deposits: $2.50 for deposits up to $50; $5.00 for $50.01-$200; $10.00 for $200.01-$300
- Kiosk deposits: $2.00 for deposits up to $100; $3.00 for $100.01-$300
- Money orders: No fee from the facility (purchase fees may apply from issuer)
What Money Can Be Used For:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls and video visitation sessions
- Medical co-pays for non-emergency services
- Haircuts and other personal services
- Educational materials and program fees
What Money Cannot Be Used For:
- Bail or bond payments
- Court fines or fees
- Restitution payments
- Transfer to other inmates' accounts
- Outside purchases or bill payments
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Virginia Code § 53.1-26, which governs inmate accounts and financial management in local correctional facilities.
How To Send Jail Mail In Rockingham County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Rockingham County detention facilities must adhere to strict guidelines designed to maintain facility security. The following regulations apply to all mail sent to inmates:
General Mail Guidelines:
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All incoming mail must include the sender's complete name and return address
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Mail without a return address will not be delivered to inmates
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Use the following address format:
Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known)
Rockingham County Regional Jail
25 South Liberty Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801 -
Mail is inspected for contraband and policy violations before delivery
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Delivery typically occurs within 24-48 hours after receipt and processing
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Legal mail from attorneys is opened in the inmate's presence
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters on plain white or lined paper (no construction or colored paper)
- Photographs (maximum size 4"x6", limit of 5 per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Money orders (following the procedures outlined in the money deposit section)
- Legal documents from attorneys or courts
- Religious materials (subject to review for content and quantity)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind (all items must be in standard envelopes)
- Hardcover books or magazines (these must come directly from publishers)
- Polaroid photographs or photos with adhesive backing
- Stickers, labels, or stamps (other than postage on the envelope)
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented papers
- Cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
- Sexually explicit or obscene materials
- Gang-related content or symbols
- Items containing biohazards or unknown substances
- Correspondence containing threats, blackmail, extortion, or criminal conspiracy
Books and Publications:
- Books must be shipped directly from publishers or approved online retailers
- Soft-cover books only (hardcover books are prohibited)
- Maximum of 3 books per shipment
- Publications must not contain material that threatens security
- Religious texts are subject to the same shipping requirements
E-Messages (where available):
- Create an account on the GTL ConnectNetwork
- Add the inmate to your contacts using their ID number
- Purchase credits for messaging
- Compose and send messages through the secure platform
- Messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
- Fees apply per message (typically $0.25-$0.50)
All mail policies are established in accordance with Virginia Department of Corrections Operating Procedures and local facility regulations to maintain security while facilitating communication between inmates and their support networks.