Kings County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Kings County?
Inmate records in Kings County are official government documents that systematically track and document individuals who are in custody within correctional facilities operated by the Kings County Sheriff's Office and the New York City Department of Correction. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration history from initial booking through release.
Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, county sheriffs and correctional administrators are required to maintain accurate and complete records of all persons committed to their custody. These records are distinct from court records in that court systems maintain case files pertaining to legal proceedings, while correctional facilities maintain custody records documenting the physical detention and management of individuals.
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where identifying information is collected and documented. According to the New York State Commission of Correction, 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, records are closed but maintained in accordance with state record retention requirements.
In Kings County, which is coterminous with Brooklyn in New York City, inmate records are primarily maintained by the New York City Department of Correction, which operates all city jails including those serving Kings County residents.
Are Inmate Records Public In Kings County?
Inmate records in Kings County are partially accessible to the public under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This law establishes the public's right to access government records, with certain exceptions for privacy, security, and other concerns.
The New York City Department of Correction, which manages inmate records for Kings County, makes certain inmate information publicly available while restricting access to other components based on privacy considerations and security protocols. Information that is typically accessible to the public includes:
- Current custody status
- Basic identifying information
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Charges
- Court information
- Expected release dates (for sentenced individuals)
- Bail/bond amounts
However, pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain information may be withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, interfere with law enforcement investigations, or endanger the life or safety of any person.
The New York State Commission of Correction provides oversight of correctional facilities throughout the state and establishes guidelines for record-keeping and public access to inmate information. Members of the public seeking inmate records in Kings County must follow established procedures for requesting such information, which may include submitting formal FOIL requests for records not readily available through online inmate locator services.
What's Included Inmate Records in Kings County
Inmate records in Kings County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's period of incarceration. 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")
- Assigned identification number
- Fingerprints and biometric data
Custody Information:
- Date and time of admission
- Booking agency
- Custody classification
- Housing assignment
- Disciplinary records
- Program participation
- Visitation logs
- Medical screening information (with restricted access)
Charge Information:
- Arresting agency
- Arrest date
- Criminal charges filed
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Attorney information
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction date
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned time credits
Release Information:
- Release date
- Release type (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Probation/parole requirements
According to the New York City Department of Correction, certain portions of these records are subject to privacy restrictions in accordance with state and federal laws, including health information protected under HIPAA and information related to youthful offenders.
Kings County Prison System
The Kings County prison system operates as part of the larger New York City correctional infrastructure administered by the New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC). Unlike many counties that maintain separate jail facilities under sheriff's office administration, Kings County's correctional services are integrated into the citywide system.
The NYC DOC operates detention facilities primarily on Rikers Island and in borough-based facilities throughout the city. These facilities house individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences of one year or less, or awaiting transfer to state prison facilities. Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500, county jails are authorized to detain individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences of less than one year, or being held for transfer to other jurisdictions.
It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and state prison facilities. County jails primarily house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences, while state prisons, operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, house individuals convicted of more serious offenses serving sentences longer than one year.
New York City Department of Correction
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
(718) 546-1500
New York City Department of Correction
Types of Correctional Facilities In Kings County
Kings County is served by several types of correctional facilities within the New York City Department of Correction system:
Brooklyn Detention Complex (Currently Closed for Redevelopment)
275 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Brooklyn Detention Complex, which previously served Kings County, has been closed as part of New York City's borough-based jail plan. Currently, individuals from Kings County are primarily housed at facilities on Rikers Island while new borough-based facilities are under development.
Rikers Island Facilities Serving Kings County Residents:
Robert N. Davoren Complex (RNDC)
11-11 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
(718) 546-7000
NYC Department of Correction
This facility primarily houses male adolescents and young adults.
Anna M. Kross Center (AMKC)
18-18 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
(718) 546-7000
NYC Department of Correction
This is one of the largest jail facilities on Rikers Island, housing adult male detainees.
Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC)
19-19 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
(718) 546-7000
NYC Department of Correction
This facility houses female detainees and sentenced individuals.
Eric M. Taylor Center (EMTC)
10-10 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
(718) 546-7000
NYC Department of Correction
This facility primarily houses sentenced male inmates serving city sentences of one year or less.
According to the NYC Borough-Based Jails Program, a new Brooklyn facility is planned to replace the Brooklyn Detention Complex as part of the city's initiative to close Rikers Island and create more modern, humane borough-based facilities.
Who's in Prison In Kings County
The Kings County correctional population consists of several categories of individuals who are housed in facilities operated by the New York City Department of Correction. According to data from the NYC Department of Correction, the inmate population includes:
Pre-trial Detainees: The majority of individuals in custody are awaiting trial and have not been convicted of the charges against them. These individuals are either unable to post bail or have been remanded without bail by the court. Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 510.10, courts determine bail based on factors including flight risk and public safety considerations.
City-Sentenced Inmates: These are individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanors or lesser offenses and are serving sentences of one year or less. Pursuant to New York Penal Law § 70.15, misdemeanor convictions carry maximum sentences of one year or less, which are typically served in local correctional facilities.
State-Ready Inmates: These individuals have been sentenced to terms exceeding one year and are awaiting transfer to state prison facilities operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
Technical Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the conditions of their parole but have not necessarily committed new crimes.
Federal Detainees: In some cases, individuals facing federal charges may be housed in local facilities through agreements with federal agencies.
Civil Commitments: A small number of individuals may be held on civil matters such as contempt of court or material witness orders.
The demographic composition of the Kings County inmate population reflects broader patterns of criminal justice involvement in New York City, with disproportionate representation of racial and ethnic minorities and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the NYC Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice, efforts are underway to reduce unnecessary incarceration through bail reform, alternatives to incarceration, and diversion programs.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Kings County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Kings County may utilize several methods to access this information. The New York City Department of Correction provides multiple channels for locating individuals in custody:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the NYC Department of Correction's Person in Custody Lookup portal
- Enter the individual's first and last name or New York State ID Number (NYSID)
- Review the search results, which include basic custody information, booking date, and facility location
- Note that information is updated regularly but may not reflect very recent changes in custody status
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the NYC Department of Correction Information Center at (718) 546-1500
- Provide the full name and, if available, date of birth of the individual
- Request current custody status and facility information
- Be prepared to verify your identity and relationship to the incarcerated individual
In-Person Request:
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Visit the central booking facility at the Kings County Criminal Court
Kings County Criminal Court
120 Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 404-9400
New York State Unified Court System -
Provide identification and complete any required forms
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Specify the information being requested
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Allow time for processing as immediate access may not be available
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Request:
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Submit a written FOIL request to the NYC Department of Correction Records Access Officer
NYC Department of Correction Records Access Officer
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
NYC Department of Correction FOIL -
Include specific details about the records being requested
-
Provide contact information for response
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Allow up to five business days for acknowledgment and additional time for processing
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89, agencies must respond to FOIL requests within five business days of receipt. More complex requests may require additional time for processing.
How To Find an Inmate in Kings County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Kings County can be accomplished through several free resources provided by government agencies. These services are designed to provide basic custody information to family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties:
NYC Department of Correction Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup Service
- Enter the individual's first and last name
- For more precise results, include additional identifying information if available
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Full name
- Age
- NYSID (New York State ID) number
- Booking date
- Facility location
- Next court date (if applicable)
New York State Incarcerated Individual Lookup:
- Visit the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Inmate Lookup
- Enter the individual's name or DIN (Department Identification Number)
- This database includes individuals in state custody, which may include Kings County residents who have been transferred to state facilities
New York State Commission of Correction Resources:
- Access the Incarcerated Individual Locators page
- Select the appropriate jurisdiction (NYC Department of Correction for Kings County)
- Follow the links to the relevant lookup service
Telephone Information Services:
- Call the NYC Department of Correction Information Center at (718) 546-1500
- Provide the name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
- Request current custody status and location information
- Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Court System Resources:
- Contact the Kings County Criminal Court at (347) 404-9400
- Provide the individual's name and any case information
- Request information about custody status and upcoming court dates
These free services provide basic information about an individual's custody status. For more detailed records, a formal Freedom of Information Law request may be necessary, as outlined in the previous section. All searches are subject to the provisions of Public Officers Law Article 6, which governs access to government records in New York State.
How To Visit an Inmate In Kings County
Visiting individuals in custody in Kings County requires adherence to specific procedures established by the New York City Department of Correction. The following guidelines apply to all NYC DOC facilities housing Kings County inmates:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Pre-registration is not required but is recommended to reduce wait times
- Visitors are subject to security screening, including metal detectors and searches
- Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-j, correctional facilities may establish reasonable regulations for visitation
Visit Schedule:
- General population visits are typically available Thursday through Sunday
- Visit hours vary by facility, generally between 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM
- Special housing unit visits may have restricted schedules
- Visit times are subject to change; visitors should verify current schedules on the NYC DOC Visit Schedule page
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Locker key deposit ($1.00 in exact change)
- Medications needed during visit time (must be declared)
- Up to $50 in cash for vending machines (bills larger than $10 not accepted)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons or items that could be used as weapons
- Illegal substances or alcohol
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, etc.)
- Food or beverages
- Cigarettes or tobacco products
- Excessive jewelry or valuables
- Oversized bags or packages
Dress Code:
- No revealing or provocative clothing
- No gang-affiliated colors or symbols
- No clothing resembling Department of Correction uniforms
- No hooded garments, hats, or head coverings (except religious items)
- No open-toed shoes or flip-flops
- No clothing with offensive language or images
Visit Types:
- Contact visits (general population)
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition for certain classifications)
- Attorney/legal visits (separate from personal visits)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors with criminal histories may face additional screening
- Individuals on probation or parole must obtain permission from their supervising officer
- Former DOC employees must receive prior approval
- Visitors exhibiting signs of intoxication will be denied entry
Visit Processing:
- Arrive at least one hour before the scheduled end of visiting hours
- Processing may take 1-2 hours during peak times
- Visitors are processed on a first-come, first-served basis
For the most current information on visitation procedures, visitors should consult the NYC Department of Correction Visitor's Guide or call the facility directly before planning their visit.
How To Send Money to a Kings County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to persons in custody in Kings County have several approved methods for sending funds. These funds are deposited into the individual's commissary account for purchasing approved items and services within the facility:
Online Deposit:
- Visit the NYC DOC's approved vendor, JPay
- Create an account or log in
- Select "New York City DOC" as the facility
- Enter the incarcerated person's information (name and ID number)
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using credit/debit card
- Service fees apply (typically $3.95-$11.95 depending on amount)
- Funds are typically available within 1-3 business days
Mobile App Deposit:
- Download the JPay mobile app from App Store or Google Play
- Create an account or log in
- Follow similar steps as online deposit
- Service fees apply
- Provides convenient deposit confirmation
Money Order by Mail:
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Purchase a money order payable to "NYC Department of Correction"
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Write the incarcerated person's name and ID number on the money order
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Complete a money order deposit form (available on the DOC website)
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Mail to:
NYC Department of Correction
Inmate Cash Processing Center
P.O. Box 975192
Dallas, TX 75397-5192 -
No service fees apply
-
Processing may take 7-10 business days
Lobby Kiosk Deposit:
- Visit any NYC DOC facility during regular business hours
- Use the self-service kiosk in the facility lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Cash, credit, and debit cards accepted
- Service fees apply
- Funds are typically available within 24 hours
Deposit Limits and Restrictions:
- Maximum deposit amount: $1,000 per transaction
- Maximum account balance: $5,000
- Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c(4), inmate funds must be properly accounted for and maintained
Prohibited Funding Sources:
- Funds from other incarcerated individuals
- Funds from victims of the incarcerated person's crime
- Funds from unidentified sources
- Funds suspected to be associated with illegal activity
Approved Uses for Funds:
- Commissary purchases (food, hygiene items, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Tablet services (where available)
- Medical co-pays
- Restitution payments (if court-ordered)
Restricted Uses:
- Cannot be used for bail or bond payments
- Cannot be transferred to other incarcerated individuals
- Cannot be used for outside purchases
For additional information regarding inmate accounts and financial services, interested parties may contact the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Accounts Unit or call (718) 546-1500.
How To Send Jail Mail In Kings County
Corresponding with individuals in custody in Kings County requires adherence to specific guidelines established by the New York City Department of Correction. The following procedures apply to all mail sent to incarcerated individuals:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Sender's full name and return address
- Recipient's full name and ID number (if known)
- Proper facility address
- Mail is inspected for contraband and prohibited content
- Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, facility administrators may establish reasonable regulations for mail processing
Mailing Address Format:
Incarcerated Person's Name, ID Number
Facility Name
Facility Address
City, State, ZIP
Facility Mailing Addresses: For individuals housed at Rikers Island facilities:
Anna M. Kross Center (AMKC)
18-18 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Robert N. Davoren Complex (RNDC)
11-11 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC)
19-19 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Eric M. Taylor Center (EMTC)
10-10 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Approved Mail Items:
- Letters (preferably on white paper)
- Greeting cards (no musical or oversized cards)
- Photos (maximum 4"x6", no Polaroids)
- Money orders (following procedures in previous section)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (soft-cover only)
- Publications directly from publishers or approved vendors
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages from individuals (must come from approved vendors)
- Hardcover books
- Padded envelopes
- Plastic or metal items
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or stained papers
- Cash or personal checks
- Pornographic materials
- Gang-related content
- Items depicting violence or escape
- Excessive mail (more than reasonable reading quantity)
Electronic Messaging:
- Visit the NYC DOC's approved vendor, JPay
- Create an account or log in
- Select "New York City DOC" as the facility
- Enter the incarcerated person's information
- Compose and send message (character limits apply)
- Service fees apply (typically $0.25-$0.50 per message)
- Messages are typically delivered within 24-48 hours
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Privileged Correspondence"
- Must include attorney's name, title, and return address
- Is opened in the presence of the incarcerated individual
- Is not read by facility staff
Mail Restrictions:
- Mail may be rejected if it contains threats, contraband, or prohibited content
- Senders of rejected mail are typically notified
- Incarcerated individuals may appeal mail rejections through the grievance process
For additional information regarding mail procedures, interested parties may consult the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Correspondence page or contact the facility directly.