Harford County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Harford County?
Inmate records in Harford County are official government documents maintained by the Harford 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 Harford County correctional facilities. Pursuant to Maryland Public Information Act § 4-101, these records are maintained as part of the state's public information system.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records, maintained by the Maryland Judiciary, document case proceedings, filings, and judicial decisions, inmate records specifically track an individual's custody status and institutional history. The Harford County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records, while the Maryland courts maintain separate case files related to criminal proceedings.
The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first processed into the detention center. During this initial phase, personal information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details are collected and entered into the county's record-keeping system. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and program participation. Upon release, the record is updated to reflect the individual's discharge date and conditions, though the record itself remains in the system as required by Maryland Code, Correctional Services § 8-102.
Are Inmate Records Public In Harford County?
Inmate records in Harford County are generally considered public information under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) § 4-201, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is subject to specific limitations and exemptions designed to protect certain sensitive information and individual privacy rights.
The Maryland Correctional Services Code § 8-201 further regulates the disclosure of inmate information, balancing public access with security concerns and privacy protections. Under current Maryland law, the following inmate record information is typically accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking and arrest information
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Mugshot photographs (with certain exceptions)
- Bond or bail amounts
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Current housing facility location (general information)
Certain portions of inmate records may be redacted or withheld from public disclosure if they contain:
- Medical or mental health information
- Information that could compromise institutional security
- Details that might endanger an inmate or others
- Records related to juvenile offenders
- Information protected by other state or federal privacy laws
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Harford County may access basic custody status through the county's online inmate locator system or by contacting the Harford County Detention Center directly.
What's Included Inmate Records in Harford County
Inmate records maintained by Harford County detention facilities contain comprehensive information organized into several categories. These records serve administrative, security, and legal purposes throughout an individual's period of incarceration. The following information is typically included in Harford County inmate records:
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
- Fingerprints and booking photograph (mugshot)
- State ID number and/or booking number
- Last known address
Custody Information:
- Date and time of arrest and booking
- Arresting agency and officer
- Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
- Disciplinary records from current incarceration
- Program participation and work assignments
Charge Information:
- Current charges (including statute numbers)
- Case numbers associated with current charges
- Warrant information if applicable
- Criminal history information
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond or bail amount set by the court
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Bond status (posted, not posted, denied)
- Conditions of release if bond is posted
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and appearances
- Court location for hearings
- Judge assigned to the case
- Public defender or private attorney information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time or earned compliance credits
- Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date and time
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release or probation
This information is maintained in accordance with Maryland Code, Correctional Services § 8-104, which establishes requirements for record-keeping in correctional facilities throughout the state.
Harford County Prison System
The Harford County correctional system operates under the authority of the Harford County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the detention and custody of individuals arrested in the county. The system primarily consists of the Harford County Detention Center, which serves as the central facility for both pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to 18 months as prescribed by Maryland state law.
It is important to distinguish between the county detention system and the state prison system. The Harford County Detention Center houses individuals who are awaiting trial, serving shorter sentences for misdemeanors and less serious felonies, or awaiting transfer to state facilities. In contrast, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of more serious offenses serving longer sentences.
The Harford County correctional system operates under the oversight of the Sheriff and is funded primarily through county resources, while adhering to state standards for detention facilities. The system provides various rehabilitative programs, including educational services, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training aimed at reducing recidivism.
Harford County Sheriff's Office
45 South Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-838-6600
Harford County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Harford County
Harford County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's detention system:
Harford County Detention Center
1030 Rock Spring Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3140
Harford County Detention Center
The Harford County Detention Center serves as the primary correctional facility in the county. This medium-security facility houses both male and female inmates and includes separate housing units for different classifications. The facility accommodates pre-trial detainees, sentenced inmates serving terms of up to 18 months, and individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities. The detention center includes:
- Main housing units with varying security classifications
- Medical unit for inmates requiring healthcare services
- Administrative segregation for inmates requiring separation
- Work release center for qualifying low-risk inmates
- Intake and processing center for newly arrested individuals
Harford County Work Release Center
(Located within the Detention Center complex)
1030 Rock Spring Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3140
The Work Release Center houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for work release programs. These individuals are typically serving sentences for non-violent offenses and are permitted to leave the facility for employment during specified hours. Participants in this program must return to the facility when not at work and are subject to strict monitoring and drug testing.
Harford County Community Corrections
(Administrative offices)
45 South Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3299
While not a physical detention facility, the Community Corrections division oversees alternative sentencing programs, including:
- Home detention with electronic monitoring
- Day reporting center programs
- Community service programs
- Pre-trial supervision services
These facilities operate in accordance with standards established by the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards and are subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Who's in Prison In Harford County
The Harford County detention facilities house several categories 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 charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted constitute a significant portion of the detention center population. These individuals are either awaiting trial or have been unable to post the required bail. Under Maryland law, these individuals retain the presumption of innocence while in custody.
Sentenced Offenders: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanors or certain felonies and sentenced to terms of 18 months or less may serve their entire sentence in the county detention center. These typically include:
- Persons convicted of driving under the influence
- Individuals found guilty of simple assault
- Those convicted of theft or property crimes below certain thresholds
- Persons sentenced for drug possession offenses
Temporary Holds: The detention center also houses individuals on temporary holds, including:
- Persons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Individuals detained on probation or parole violations
- Those held on court orders for contempt or failure to appear
- Individuals awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions
Weekend Sentences: Some offenders are permitted by the court to serve their sentences on weekends only, allowing them to maintain employment and family responsibilities during the week.
Work Release Participants: Qualifying low-risk offenders may participate in the work release program, which allows them to maintain employment while serving their sentence.
According to data from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the average daily population of the Harford County Detention Center typically ranges between 300-400 inmates, with fluctuations based on seasonal factors and law enforcement activity. Demographic analysis indicates that the population reflects patterns similar to other suburban Maryland counties, with representation across age groups, though predominantly male (approximately 85%).
The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 30 days, while sentenced inmates typically serve terms ranging from several days to the maximum 18 months permitted in county facilities.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Harford County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Harford County may utilize several methods to access these records. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate record searches:
Online Inmate Locator:
- Visit the Harford County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Detention Center" or "Inmate Information" section
- Access the online inmate search function
- Enter the required search criteria (typically last name and first name)
- For more specific searches, additional identifiers such as date of birth may be required
- Review the search results, which typically include basic custody information
Maryland Incarcerated Individual Locator:
- Visit the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website
- Access the Incarcerated Individual Locator tool
- Enter the required search information (name, ID number if known)
- This system provides information on individuals in both county and state facilities
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Harford County Detention Center during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete an inmate information request form at the public information desk
- Provide proper identification and specify the information being requested
- Staff will process the request according to current Maryland Public Information Act guidelines
Written Requests:
- Prepare a written request including the inmate's full name and, if known, date of birth
- Address the request to: Harford County Detention Center Records Division 1030 Rock Spring Road Bel Air, MD 21014
- Include contact information for response
- Allow 10-30 days for processing as required by the Maryland Public Information Act
Telephone Inquiries:
- Call the Harford County Detention Center at 410-638-3140
- Request the Records Division or Inmate Information
- Provide the name of the individual and other identifying information
- Note that basic custody status information may be provided by phone, but detailed records typically require written requests
When conducting searches, it is advisable to have as much identifying information as possible, including the individual's full legal name, any known aliases, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest or incarceration if available.
How To Find an Inmate in Harford County for Free?
Harford County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county detention system. These free resources are available to family members, legal representatives, and members of the general public:
Harford County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Harford County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Detention Center section
- Use the online inmate search function, which is provided at no charge
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and bond information
- This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Maryland Judiciary Case Search:
- Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review criminal case information, which often includes custody status
- This service provides court case information that can help determine if someone is in custody
- The service is free and accessible to the public
Telephone Verification:
- Call the Harford County Detention Center directly at 410-638-3140
- Request inmate verification from the operator
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
- Basic custody information (whether the person is currently in custody) is typically provided at no charge
- Available during business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Harford County Detention Center during regular business hours
- Proceed to the public information desk
- Request information about the individual in question
- Provide proper identification
- Basic custody status information is provided without charge
Maryland Incarcerated Individual Locator:
- Access the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website
- Use the Incarcerated Individual Locator tool
- Enter the individual's name and other identifying information if available
- This statewide system can locate individuals in both county and state facilities
- The service is provided free of charge
When using these free services, it is important to note that while basic custody information is readily available, more detailed records may require formal requests under the Maryland Public Information Act, which may involve processing fees for extensive records.
How To Visit an Inmate In Harford County
Visitation with inmates at the Harford County Detention Center is governed by specific policies established to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visits must be scheduled in advance through the online visitation scheduling system
- Visitors must arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled visit time
- All visitors age 16 and older must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- All visitors are subject to security screening, including metal detection and personal item inspection
- Visitors with outstanding warrants or who are on active probation/parole may be denied entry
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before being permitted to visit
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Maximum Security: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Work Release: Saturday and Sunday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- Visit days and times are assigned based on housing unit and last name
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicles or lockers)
- Required medical items (must be approved in advance)
- If visiting with children, one baby bottle and one diaper may be permitted
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)
- Medications (unless pre-approved for medical necessity)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Contact Visits: Limited to certain classifications of inmates and special circumstances
- Non-Contact Visits: Standard visitation through glass partition with telephone communication
- Video Visitation: Available for remote visits from approved locations
- Professional Visits: Attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals have separate scheduling procedures
Visit Restrictions:
- Maximum of two adult visitors per inmate per session
- Children count toward the two-visitor maximum after age 3
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
- Three missed scheduled visits in a 30-day period will result in temporary suspension of visitation privileges
These regulations are established pursuant to Maryland Correctional Services Code § 9-403, which authorizes detention facilities to establish reasonable visitation policies. The Harford County Detention Center reserves the right to modify these policies as necessary for security purposes.
How To Send Money to a Harford County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Harford County Detention Center have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds can be used by inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and pay for certain services within the facility.
Methods for Sending Money:
-
Online Deposits:
- Visit the approved third-party payment processor website (currently TouchPay/GTL)
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Select the deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit card, debit card, or electronic check
- Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of the transaction amount)
-
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Harford County Detention Center during lobby hours
- Use the automated kiosk located in the public lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
- Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted
- Receipt is provided for all transactions
- Lower service fees than online deposits (typically $2.00-$3.00 per transaction)
-
Money Orders:
- Purchase a money order from an approved provider (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make payable to "Harford County Detention Center"
- Write inmate's full name and ID number in memo line
- Mail to: Harford County Detention Center Inmate Accounts 1030 Rock Spring Road Bel Air, MD 21014
- No service fees apply for money orders
- Processing time is 3-5 business days
-
Lobby Deposits (Cash Only):
- Visit the Harford County Detention Center during business hours
- Complete an inmate deposit form at the public information desk
- Submit cash and completed form to staff
- Obtain receipt for the transaction
- No service fees apply for lobby deposits
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00 per transaction
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00 per inmate
- Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00 per inmate
Transaction Fees:
- Online deposits: 3-5% of transaction amount
- Kiosk deposits: $2.00-$3.00 flat fee
- Money orders: No fee
- Lobby deposits: No fee
What Money Cannot Be Used For:
- Payment of bail or bond
- Payment of court fines or fees
- Purchase of contraband items
- Transfer to other inmates' accounts
- Payment for services outside the facility
Approved Inmate Expenditures:
- Commissary items (hygiene products, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls and video visitation sessions
- Electronic messaging where available
- Approved educational materials
- Medical co-pays for non-emergency services
- Haircuts and other personal services
Funds remaining in an inmate's account upon release will be returned via debit card or check. All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Maryland Correctional Services Code § 9-614, which governs inmate finances and property.
How To Send Jail Mail In Harford County
Correspondence with inmates at the Harford County Detention Center is permitted but subject to specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All mail must comply with the following regulations:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include the sender's complete name and return address
- Mail must be addressed with the inmate's full name, ID number (if known), and facility address: Inmate Full Name, ID# (if known) Harford County Detention Center 1030 Rock Spring Road Bel Air, MD 21014
- All mail is opened, inspected, and screened for contraband
- Personal mail is typically limited to standard-sized envelopes and postcards
- Mail containing prohibited content will be rejected and returned to sender
- Delivery times vary, but processed mail is typically distributed within 24-48 hours of receipt
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters on plain white or light-colored paper
- Commercially printed postcards
- Greeting cards (no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Black and white photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no Polaroids)
- Money orders (following proper procedures)
- Legal documents and correspondence from attorneys
- Religious materials from approved publishers
- Soft-cover books and magazines sent directly from publishers or approved vendors
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind without prior approval
- Hardcover books
- Polaroid photographs
- Colored paper or envelopes
- Cards larger than 8"x10"
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Perfumed or scented items
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Any items containing glitter, glue, or adhesives
- Pornographic or obscene materials
- Content related to criminal activity, gangs, or violence
- Any contraband or unauthorized items
Legal Mail:
- Mail from attorneys, courts, or legal agencies must be clearly marked "Legal Mail"
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Legal mail is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
- Attorneys should include their bar number on all legal correspondence
Electronic Messaging (where available):
- The facility may offer secure electronic messaging through approved providers
- Family and friends must create an account through the approved service
- Fees apply for electronic messages
- All electronic communications are subject to monitoring and screening
- Photos and attachments may be permitted with restrictions
Publications and Books:
- Books must be soft-cover only
- All publications must come directly from publishers or approved vendors
- Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
- Inmates are limited to possessing a maximum number of books/magazines at one time
These mail regulations are established in accordance with Maryland Correctional Services Code § 9-402, which authorizes correctional facilities to implement reasonable restrictions on inmate correspondence. The Harford County Detention Center reserves the right to modify these policies as necessary to maintain institutional security and safety.
Lookup Inmate Records in Harford County
Harford County Sheriff's Office
Incarcerated Individual Locator