Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail is a secure detention facility in Spokane, Washington, that holds individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. It operates under the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and serves as a key part of the local justice system. The jail provides housing, medical care, legal resources, and rehabilitation programs for inmates. Families, legal representatives, and community members rely on accurate, up-to-date information about inmate status, visitation rules, and available services. This page delivers complete, verified details about the Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail, including how to search for inmates, visit loved ones, send funds, access records, and understand inmate rights and programs.
How to Search for an Inmate in Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail
Finding someone in the Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail is simple using the official online inmate lookup tool. This system is updated daily and provides real-time information about current inmates. You can search by full name or inmate ID number. Results show booking date, charges, bond amount, court dates, and expected release date. The lookup tool is free and available 24/7 on the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office website. For privacy and security, some sensitive details may be limited. If you cannot find an inmate online, call the jail directly at (509) 477-2278. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody and provide basic status updates. Always have the inmate’s full legal name and date of birth ready when calling.
Steps to Use the Online Inmate Search
- Go to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office website.
- Click on “Inmate Roster” or “Jail Lookup.”
- Type the inmate’s first and last name or ID number.
- Review the search results for accurate details.
If no results appear, double-check the spelling. Try using a middle name or known alias. The system only shows active inmates. Released individuals are removed within 24 hours. For historical records, submit a public records request.
Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail Location and Contact Information
The Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail is located at 1100 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260. It sits near downtown Spokane, close to public transit and major roads. The main phone number is (509) 477-2278. Calls are answered Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. For after-hours emergencies, contact the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office dispatch. The jail’s official website is spokanecounty.org/Departments/Jail. This site hosts the inmate roster, visitation schedules, commissary info, and policy documents. Visitors should arrive early and bring a valid photo ID. Parking is available on-site, but spaces fill quickly during peak hours.
Visiting Hours and Scheduling
Visitation at the Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail runs Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM. All visits must be scheduled in advance. You can book online or call the visitation office. Walk-in visits are not allowed. Each inmate is allowed one 30-minute visit per week. Up to two adults can visit at the same time. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Virtual video visits are also offered through a secure platform. These require registration and advance payment. Check the jail’s website for current links and fees.
Inmate Communication: Phone, Mail, and Email
Inmates at the Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail can stay in touch with family and friends through approved communication methods. All calls are outgoing only and must go to pre-approved numbers. Calls are monitored and limited to 15–20 minutes. Inmates fund calls through a prepaid account. Families can add money online, by phone, or at kiosks in the jail lobby. Email is available through a secure messaging system. Messages are screened for safety but delivered faster than regular mail. Inmates can reply using the same platform.
Mail Guidelines
Inmates may send and receive letters. All mail is inspected for contraband. Use plain white envelopes and standard paper. Do not include stickers, drawings, or Polaroid photos. Books and magazines must come directly from publishers like Amazon. Send mail to: Inmate Name, Inmate ID#, Spokane County Jail, 1100 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260. Include your return address. Packages are not accepted unless pre-approved for medical or religious needs.
Sending Money to Inmates
Family and friends can send money to inmates for commissary, phone calls, or medical co-pays. Funds are held in a secure account. Three options are available: online deposits, kiosk payments, or money orders by mail. Online transfers are instant and can be made via the jail’s payment partner. Kiosks accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Money orders must be made out to the inmate and include their full name and ID number. Personal checks and cash are not accepted. Fees may apply depending on the method. Keep receipts for all transactions.
Commissary Purchases
Inmates use their accounts to buy snacks, hygiene items, writing supplies, and extra clothing. Orders are placed weekly and delivered to housing units. Popular items include chips, coffee, toothpaste, and socks. Prices are regulated and listed on the jail’s website. Funds cannot be withdrawn by inmates. Unused balances remain in the account until release.
Inmate Programs and Rehabilitation Services
The Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail offers education, job training, and counseling to support rehabilitation. Programs aim to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for life after release. GED classes help inmates earn a high school equivalency diploma. Vocational training includes carpentry, plumbing, and computer skills. Substance abuse treatment includes detox, counseling, and recovery support. Mental health services provide individual and group therapy. These programs are voluntary and based on eligibility. Participation can improve behavior and increase chances of early release.
Work Release and Reentry Support
Eligible inmates may join work release programs. They leave the jail during the day for approved jobs and return at night. This helps build work history and responsibility. Reentry services connect inmates with housing, employment, and community resources before release. Case managers assist with transition planning. These efforts support safer communities and lower reoffending rates.
Healthcare and Medical Services
All inmates receive medical, dental, and mental health care. Upon intake, each person gets a health screening. Routine care includes check-ups, vaccinations, and chronic disease management. Prescription medications are provided as needed. Emergency care is available 24/7. Dental cleanings and eye exams are offered periodically. Mental health staff assess inmates for depression, anxiety, and trauma. Counseling and medication are available. Requests for care can be made through housing unit staff. All services follow state and federal standards.
Bail and Release Procedures
Bail allows inmates to leave jail before trial by posting a set amount of money. The judge decides bail based on the charges and risk level. To post bail, contact the Booking Office at (509) 477-2278. Payment can be made in cash, by credit card, or through a bail bondsman. Once paid, the inmate completes release paperwork and leaves within hours. If bail is denied, the inmate stays in custody until court. Release dates for sentenced inmates are calculated by the jail and shown in the online roster.
Inmate Rights and Grievance Process
Inmates have rights protected by law. These include access to medical care, legal materials, religious services, and grievance procedures. If an inmate has a complaint, they can file a grievance form with staff. Forms are available in housing units. Responses are required within a set time. If unresolved, appeals go to higher authorities. The jail must protect inmates from harm and provide safe living conditions. Discrimination and retaliation are prohibited. Legal advocates can assist with rights issues.
Security and Safety Measures
The Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail uses strict protocols to ensure safety. The facility has 24/7 surveillance with high-definition cameras. Inmates are classified by risk level and housed accordingly. Staff receive regular training in crisis response and de-escalation. Emergency plans cover fires, medical events, and security threats. All areas are inspected for cleanliness and hazards. Contraband is controlled through searches and screening. These measures protect inmates, staff, and visitors.
Community Partnerships and Outreach
The jail works with local police, courts, and community groups. Partnerships help with inmate transfers, victim support, and public education. Tours and school visits teach youth about the justice system. Victim assistance programs offer counseling and legal help. Public campaigns share information about jail operations and rehabilitation. These efforts build trust and promote safety.
Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail Policies and Handbook
The jail follows written policies for operations, inmate conduct, and staff behavior. The inmate handbook outlines rules, privileges, and responsibilities. Topics include dress code, meal times, recreation, and discipline. Inmates receive a copy upon intake. Violations can lead to loss of privileges or extended stays. Policies are reviewed regularly and updated as needed. Copies are available on the jail’s website or by request.
How to Request Inmate Records
Public records, including booking details and mugshots, can be requested through the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Submit a written request with the inmate’s name and ID number. Some records may have fees. Mugshots are public but may be restricted if charges are dropped. Expungement requires a court order. Use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for formal requests. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about inmate search, visitation, and services at the Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail. Below are answers to the most common questions. These cover lookup tools, communication, programs, and legal processes. For more help, call (509) 477-2278 or visit the official website.
How do I find out if someone is in the Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail?
Use the free online inmate roster on the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office website. Search by name or ID. If no results appear, call the jail at (509) 477-2278. Have the person’s full name and date of birth ready. The roster updates daily and shows current inmates only. Released individuals are removed within 24 hours. For past records, submit a public records request. The jail does not give out information about future bookings or transfers over the phone.
Can I visit an inmate at the Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail?
Yes, but visits must be scheduled in advance. Go to the jail’s website or call the visitation office. Visits occur Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Each inmate gets one 30-minute visit per week. Up to two adults can attend. Minors need a parent or guardian. Dress modestly—no shorts, tank tops, or offensive logos. All visitors go through security screening. Virtual video visits are also available for a fee. Check the website for links and rules.
How can I send money to an inmate?
You can send money online, at a kiosk, or by mail. Online deposits are fastest and go through the jail’s payment partner. Kiosks in the lobby take cash, debit, or credit cards. Mail a money order to the jail with the inmate’s name and ID. Do not send cash or personal checks. Funds go into a secure account for commissary, phone calls, or medical fees. Keep your receipt. Fees may apply based on the method.
What programs are available for inmates?
Inmates can join GED classes, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Programs include carpentry, plumbing, computer skills, and mental health counseling. Work release allows some inmates to hold jobs during the day. Reentry services help with housing and employment after release. Participation is voluntary and based on behavior and eligibility. These programs aim to reduce reoffending and support successful reintegration.
How do I get a mugshot or booking photo?
Mugshots are public records. Request one from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Include the inmate’s full name and booking date. There may be a small fee. If charges are dropped or the person is acquitted, they can request removal. This usually requires a court order. Use the FOIA process for formal requests. Processing takes about a week.
What are the inmate mail rules?
Mail must use plain white envelopes and standard paper. No stickers, drawings, or Polaroid photos. Books and magazines must come directly from publishers. Send mail to: Inmate Name, ID#, Spokane County Jail, 1100 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260. Include your return address. All mail is inspected. Packages are not accepted unless approved for medical or religious needs.
How is bail posted at the Spokane-Metro-Area County Jail?
Call the Booking Office at (509) 477-2278 to confirm the bail amount. Pay in cash, by credit card, or through a bail bondsman. Once paid, the inmate completes release paperwork and leaves within hours. Bail is set by a judge and based on the charges and risk level. If bail is denied, the inmate remains in custody until court.
Official Website: spokanecounty.org/Departments/Jail
Phone: (509) 477-2278
Address: 1100 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM (by appointment only)