Search Public Records
Windsor County Public Records /Windsor County Inmate Search

Windsor County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Windsor County?

Inmate records in Windsor County, Vermont, are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies to document the custody status, personal history, and legal circumstances of individuals held in detention. These records are distinct from court records: while the Vermont Superior Court maintains case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, correctional facilities and the Windsor County Sheriff's Office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.

The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into a facility. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record bail or bond conditions, and photograph the individual. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, and program participation. Upon release, the record is formally closed and archived. Under Vermont Title 28, § 102, the Vermont Department of Corrections is authorized to establish standards for the collection and maintenance of offender records across all state-supervised facilities.

Windsor County Sheriff's Office 82 Railroad Row White River Junction, VT 05001 (802) 457-1420 Windsor County Sheriff's Office

Are Inmate Records Public In Windsor County?

Inmate records in Windsor County are generally accessible to the public under Vermont's open records framework. Vermont's Public Records Act, 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq., establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including those maintained by correctional and law enforcement agencies. Pursuant to this statute, members of the public may inspect and obtain copies of records unless a specific exemption applies.

The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public:

  • Current inmate roster — names and booking dates of individuals presently in custody
  • Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest
  • Charges filed — criminal charges as documented at intake
  • Mugshots — photographic images taken at booking
  • Bond and bail amounts — conditions of release set by the court
  • Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information
  • Housing facility — the name of the facility where the individual is held

Certain records may be withheld where disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger a third party, or violate a court-issued protective order. The Vermont Crime Information Center maintains the statewide Sex Offender Registry, which provides additional publicly accessible information on registered individuals, including those with Windsor County connections.

What's Included Inmate Records in Windsor County

Inmate records maintained in Windsor County contain multiple categories of information compiled from the point of arrest through final disposition of custody.

Basic Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Date of birth and age
  • Gender, race, and physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)

Custody Information:

  • Date and time of booking
  • Arresting agency and arresting officer
  • Current facility and housing unit assignment
  • Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, or held on detainer)

Charge Information:

  • Specific criminal charges and applicable Vermont statutes
  • Charge classification (felony or misdemeanor)
  • Offense date and jurisdiction

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bail amount set by the court
  • Bond type (cash, surety, or personal recognizance)
  • Conditions of release, if any

Court Information:

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

  • Sentence length and start date
  • Minimum and maximum release dates
  • Program participation and earned time credits
  • Disciplinary record

Release Information:

  • Actual or projected release date
  • Release type (expiration of sentence, parole, furlough, or transfer)
  • Supervision conditions upon release

Windsor County Prison System

Windsor County operates a local correctional system designed to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences. The county jail functions as the primary pre-trial detention facility for individuals charged with offenses in Windsor County, as well as a facility for individuals sentenced to terms typically not exceeding two years under Vermont law. Individuals convicted of more serious offenses and sentenced to longer terms are transferred to facilities operated by the Vermont Department of Corrections, which administers the statewide prison system.

The Windsor County Sheriff's Office oversees local detention operations and coordinates with the Vermont Department of Corrections for the transfer and supervision of state-sentenced offenders. Vermont does not operate a county-level prison system in the traditional sense; rather, the state Department of Corrections manages all sentenced offenders regardless of the county of conviction, while county sheriffs maintain pre-trial detention functions.

Windsor County Sheriff's Office 82 Railroad Row White River Junction, VT 05001 (802) 457-1420 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Windsor County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Windsor County

Windsor County is served by state-operated correctional facilities administered through the Vermont Department of Corrections. The primary facility serving the region is:

Southern State Correctional Facility 921 US-5 Springfield, VT 05156 (802) 885-2341 Vermont Department of Corrections This facility serves as the primary correctional institution for the Windsor County region, housing both pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders under state supervision.

Windsor County Sheriff's Office (Detention Operations) 82 Railroad Row White River Junction, VT 05001 (802) 457-1420 Windsor County Sheriff's Office The Sheriff's Office maintains holding and short-term detention capacity for individuals recently arrested within the county prior to transfer or arraignment.

Vermont Department of Corrections – Central Office 280 State Drive Waterbury, VT 05671 (802) 241-2442 Vermont Department of Corrections

Who's in Prison In Windsor County

The population held in Windsor County correctional facilities includes several distinct categories of individuals. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest group — persons who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted, and who are unable to meet bail conditions set by the court. Under Vermont law and consistent with the presumption of innocence, these individuals have not been adjudicated guilty of any offense.

Additional populations include:

  • Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
  • Sentenced felons awaiting transfer — individuals convicted of felony offenses pending transfer to a Vermont Department of Corrections facility
  • Probation and parole violators — individuals held on alleged violations of supervision conditions
  • Civil detainees — individuals held pursuant to civil court orders
  • Federal detainees — individuals held on behalf of federal authorities, with cases processed through the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont
  • Interstate detainees — individuals held under agreements with other states or jurisdictions

Individuals who require public defender services in connection with Windsor County proceedings may access resources through the Vermont Office of the Defender General, which provides legal representation to eligible indigent defendants.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Windsor County in 2026

Members of the public may search for inmate records in Windsor County through several official channels. The following steps outline the current process:

  1. Online Offender Lookup — The Vermont Department of Corrections provides an online offender search tool at its official website, allowing users to search by name for individuals currently under state supervision. Visit the Vermont Department of Corrections portal to access this resource.

  2. Contact the Windsor County Sheriff's Office — For individuals held at the local level, members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly by telephone at (802) 457-1420 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM) to inquire about current custody status.

  3. Submit a Public Records Request — Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 315, any person may submit a written public records request to the custodian of the relevant records. Requests should be directed to the Windsor County Sheriff's Office or the Vermont Department of Corrections, as appropriate, and should identify the individual by full name and date of birth.

  4. Vermont Superior Court Records — For charge and case information, members of the public may access court records through the Vermont Judiciary's online portal or in person at the Windsor County Superior Court.

  5. Sex Offender Registry — For individuals required to register as sex offenders, the Vermont Crime Information Center's Sex Offender Registry provides publicly searchable information.

Windsor County Superior Court – Criminal Division 12 The Green Woodstock, VT 05091 (802) 457-2121 Vermont Judiciary

How To Find an Inmate in Windsor County for Free?

Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an inmate held in Windsor County or under Vermont state supervision.

  • Vermont DOC Offender Search — The Vermont Department of Corrections provides a free online search tool for individuals under state supervision. Users may search by last name or offender ID number at no charge.
  • Sheriff's Office Telephone Inquiry — Members of the public may call the Windsor County Sheriff's Office at (802) 457-1420 during public counter hours to request custody status information at no cost.
  • Vermont Crime Information Center — The Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Vermont Crime Information Center is freely accessible online for registered offenders.
  • Court Records Portal — The Vermont Judiciary's public access portal allows free searches of criminal case dockets, which may confirm whether an individual has an active case in Windsor County.
  • In-Person Records Inspection — Under 1 V.S.A. § 316, members of the public have the right to inspect public records in person at the custodian's office during regular business hours without charge.

How To Visit an Inmate In Windsor County

Visitation at Windsor County correctional facilities is governed by facility-specific rules established by the Vermont Department of Corrections and the Windsor County Sheriff's Office. Prospective visitors should confirm current visitation schedules directly with the facility prior to arrival, as schedules are subject to change.

Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list. Approval typically requires submission of a visitor application, which is reviewed by facility staff. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit.

Visit Schedule Visitation hours vary by facility and housing unit. Members of the public should contact the Southern State Correctional Facility at (802) 885-2341 or the Windsor County Sheriff's Office at (802) 457-1420 to obtain current visitation schedules.

What to Bring

  • Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • Approved identification for minor children accompanying an adult visitor

What NOT to Bring

  • Cell phones, electronic devices, or cameras
  • Outside food or beverages
  • Weapons or prohibited items of any kind
  • Excessive cash or valuables

Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms (typically orange or green), revealing attire, or clothing bearing gang-related insignia is prohibited. Specific dress code requirements should be confirmed with the facility.

Visit Types

  • In-person contact visits — conducted in a designated visitation room
  • Non-contact visits — conducted through a partition with telephone communication
  • Video visitation — available at select facilities as an alternative to in-person visits

Visit Restrictions Visits may be denied or terminated for violations of facility rules, active disciplinary sanctions against the inmate, or security concerns. Individuals with prior felony convictions may be subject to additional screening requirements.

How To Send Money to a Windsor County Inmate

Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account to allow the purchase of commissary items, telephone time, and other approved goods and services. The Vermont Department of Corrections currently authorizes the following methods for sending money:

  • Online deposits — Funds may be deposited electronically through approved third-party vendors contracted with the Vermont Department of Corrections. Members of the public should verify the current approved vendor by contacting the facility directly.
  • Money order — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and inmate ID number) may be mailed to the facility.
  • Kiosk deposits — Select facilities provide on-site kiosk terminals for cash deposits.

Amount Limits Individual facilities may impose limits on the amount that may be deposited within a given period. Members of the public should confirm current limits with the Southern State Correctional Facility at (802) 885-2341.

Fees Third-party electronic deposit services typically assess a transaction fee. The amount varies by vendor and transaction method.

What You Cannot Send

  • Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted and will be returned or confiscated
  • Personal checks are generally not accepted
  • Gift cards or prepaid debit cards are not accepted

What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and approved correspondence services. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court-ordered obligations directly from the trust account without facility authorization.

How To Send Jail Mail In Windsor County

Correspondence sent to inmates at Windsor County correctional facilities is subject to inspection and must comply with facility mail policies established by the Vermont Department of Corrections.

Sending Regular Mail All incoming mail must be addressed with the inmate's full legal name, inmate identification number, and the complete facility address. Mail should be sent to:

Southern State Correctional Facility 921 US-5 Springfield, VT 05156

Mail Rules

  • All incoming mail, with the exception of legal mail, is subject to inspection by facility staff
  • Letters must be written on plain white paper; cards with glitter, stickers, or embedded materials are typically prohibited
  • Photographs may be permitted subject to facility guidelines; Polaroid photographs and images printed on photo paper with a glossy finish may be restricted
  • Envelopes must not contain staples, paper clips, or binding materials
  • Return address must include the sender's full name and address

Legal Mail Correspondence from attorneys and courts is classified as legal mail and is handled under separate procedures to protect attorney-client privilege. Legal mail is opened only in the presence of the inmate.

Prohibited Mail Content

  • Obscene or sexually explicit materials (unless specifically approved)
  • Content that threatens facility security or staff
  • Items that could be used to facilitate escape or criminal activity
  • Cash, checks, or monetary instruments enclosed in envelopes

Publications Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer. Items sent from personal addresses are generally not accepted.

Lookup Inmate Records in Windsor County