Perry County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Perry County in 2026
PerryCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records, including booking data, custody status, charges, and bond information. Members of the public may find records pertaining to current detainees, recently released individuals, and historically booked persons. Available record categories include booking records, charge information, court dates, facility assignments, and release status. Information presented reflects data sourced from official government repositories and may not capture every custodial event.
Inmate records in Perry County may be searched through official government resources, including the Perry County Sheriff's Office, the Kentucky Department of Corrections online portal, public access terminals at county offices, and the federal Bureau of Prisons locator. Each resource serves a distinct custodial population, and members of the public are encouraged to consult multiple sources when a search yields no results.
Online Search Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Perry County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals held at the Kentucky River Regional Jail and provides public access to current inmate information. Members of the public may access the Kentucky River Regional Jail page to obtain booking and custody information.
To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Perry County Sheriff's Office or jail information page
- Select a search type, such as inmate name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the available search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the results list for matching records
- Select an individual record to view detailed custody information
Information displayed in search results may include:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location and housing assignment
- Booking date and expected release date (when available)
The jail roster is updated on a regular basis; however, recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system, maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, allows members of the public to search for individuals currently incarcerated in state prison facilities or supervised under state authority. This resource is distinct from county jail records and applies to individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody.
To search the KOOL system:
- Access the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup portal
- Enter the offender's first and last name or offender identification number
- Apply optional filters such as offender type, facility, or supervision status
- Review results and select a record for detailed information
Available information includes current facility, sentence details, supervision status, and projected release dates. Individuals transferred from county jail to state prison following sentencing will appear in this system rather than the county roster. The transfer from county to state custody at present occurs after sentencing and classification processing, which may take several weeks.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator is the appropriate resource for locating individuals held on federal charges. This tool applies when an individual has been charged with a federal offense and is held in a federal detention facility rather than a county or state institution.
The locator provides current facility location, projected release date, and basic identifying information. Members of the public should use this resource when a county or state search returns no results and federal charges are known or suspected.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the Kentucky River Regional Jail directly at (606) 436-6026 for inmate information inquiries. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available to facilitate the search. Staff are available during regular business hours to assist with inquiries.
In-Person Inquiry:
Kentucky River Regional Jail
115 River Road
Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: (606) 436-6026
Kentucky River Regional Jail
Members of the public visiting in person should present valid government-issued photo identification. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, facility location, and basic booking information during posted business hours.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Kentucky River Regional Jail at the address listed above. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing times vary based on request volume and the nature of the information requested.
Search Tips:
- Use the inmate's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when multiple individuals share a name
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmate rosters and recently released records
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in online systems
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in county records
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to state prison; search the KOOL system
- The individual may be in federal custody; search the Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released since the last system update
- The individual may be held in an adjacent jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Members of the public may contact the jail directly at (606) 436-6026 for assistance
Are Inmate Records Public in Perry County?
Inmate records maintained by Perry County government agencies are subject to public disclosure under Kentucky's Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq. Under current law, records pertaining to individuals in government custody are presumptively open to public inspection, subject to specific statutory exemptions. The Kentucky Open Records Act establishes that all public agency records are open for inspection by any person unless the records fall within an enumerated exception.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and facility population
- Booking date and booking number
- Charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date, when available
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld on security grounds)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments for active security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public disclosure of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in government custody at public expense. Public safety considerations support the availability of booking and charge information. Family members and legal representatives rely on custody records to locate individuals and coordinate legal proceedings. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to booking and bond information to fulfill its statutory functions.
Privacy Considerations:
Kentucky law recognizes a balance between the public's right of access and the privacy interests of individuals in custody. Pursuant to KRS § 61.878, certain categories of information may be withheld when disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Medical and mental health information receives heightened protection under both state and federal law. The impact of public disclosure on families, employment prospects, and community reintegration is acknowledged within the statutory framework, though it does not override the general presumption of openness for custodial records.
What Is Inmate Records in Perry County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by law enforcement and correctional agencies to document the custody, charges, and disposition of individuals taken into government detention. These records serve as the authoritative account of an individual's interaction with the county corrections system and are used for administrative, legal, and public safety purposes.
The Perry County Sheriff's Office and the Kentucky River Regional Jail are the primary custodians of county-level inmate records. The Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving state sentences. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and initial custody information
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's housing assignment, classification, and status throughout the period of detention
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings, charges, and custody periods within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the circumstances, date, and conditions of an individual's release from custody
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. County jail records at the Kentucky River Regional Jail pertain to individuals held pre-trial, those serving short misdemeanor sentences, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. State prison records maintained through the Kentucky Department of Corrections apply to individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year. Federal prison records apply to individuals convicted of offenses under federal law and sentenced to federal institutions.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Perry County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block designation (subject to security limitations)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date, when available
- Actual release date following discharge
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers and court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information, where applicable
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information, in some instances
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and sentence length
- Sentence start date and projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum
- Special housing designations
- Work assignments and program participation, where disclosed
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments maintained for security purposes
Perry County Prison System
Overview of the County Corrections System:
The Perry County corrections system operates through the Kentucky River Regional Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The facility is administered under the authority of the Perry County Sheriff's Office and houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. The Kentucky River Regional Jail also provides work crew services to the county; as noted in official county records, the KRRJ work crew performed substantial community service functions in prior years.
Administration:
Perry County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 7309
Hazard, KY 41702-7309
Phone: (606) 436-6026
Perry County Sheriff's Office
Joseph Engle currently serves as Sheriff of Perry County. The Sheriff's Office oversees law enforcement operations and maintains administrative authority over the county jail facility.
Facility Operations:
The Kentucky River Regional Jail houses individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process, including pre-trial detainees who have not yet been convicted, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting classification and transfer to state prison. The facility operates a classification system to assign appropriate security levels to each individual in custody.
Inmate Services:
The facility at present provides a range of services to individuals in custody, which may include:
- Medical care and health screening
- Mental health services and referrals
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational opportunities
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Recreation and library access
Legal Services:
Individuals in custody retain the right to access legal counsel. The facility coordinates with the public defender's office and accommodates attorney visitation. Law library access is provided in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Kentucky Department of Corrections exercises oversight authority over county jail facilities pursuant to KRS § 441.045, which establishes minimum standards for county jails. Inspection reports and compliance records are maintained by the state agency. Individuals in custody may submit grievances through the facility's established grievance procedures.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Perry County
Kentucky River Regional Jail
The Kentucky River Regional Jail is the primary correctional facility serving Perry County and surrounding jurisdictions.
Kentucky River Regional Jail
115 River Road
Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: (606) 436-6026
Kentucky River Regional Jail
The facility serves as a regional detention center, housing pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody. The jail operates work crew programs that provide community services throughout Perry County. The facility accepts federal contract inmates in some circumstances.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Perry County, in coordination with the court system, may utilize home detention and electronic monitoring as alternatives to incarceration for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the sentencing court based on offense type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about these programs should contact the Perry County Circuit Court or the Sheriff's Office directly.
Work Release
Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment in the community while serving a custodial sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the court and facility administration. Participants are subject to facility rules and supervision requirements.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Perry County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. State prison facilities are distinct from county jail operations and are administered by the Commonwealth of Kentucky rather than county government. The KOOL system provides the appropriate search tool for locating individuals in state custody.
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with federal offenses may be held in federal detention facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. No federal detention facility is currently located within Perry County. Members of the public seeking to locate a federally held individual should use the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky River Regional Jail | 115 River Road, Hazard, KY 41701 | (606) 436-6026 |
| Perry County Sheriff's Office | P.O. Box 7309, Hazard, KY 41702 | (606) 436-6026 |
How To Find an Inmate in Perry County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Kentucky River Regional Jail page provides access to current inmate information at no cost and without registration. Members of the public may access this resource at any time to obtain:
- Current inmate roster
- Booking information and booking dates
- Charges and bond amounts
- Facility location
- Booking photographs, where available
The roster is updated on a regular basis, with recent bookings potentially requiring several hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system is available at no cost to members of the public seeking information about individuals in state custody. The system provides historical information for individuals who have previously been under state supervision, in addition to current incarceration data.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides free access to information about individuals in federal custody. No registration or fee is required to conduct a search.
4. Court Records Search
The Perry County Circuit Court Clerk maintains records of Circuit and District court proceedings, which may reflect an individual's custody status, upcoming court dates, and case disposition. As noted by the Kentucky Court of Justice, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
Perry County Courthouse
481 Main Street
Hazard, KY 41701
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (606) 436-6026 to inquire about inmate custody status at no charge. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff are available during regular business hours to respond to inquiries.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Kentucky River Regional Jail at 115 River Road, Hazard, KY 41701, during posted business hours to request inmate information. Public access terminals may be available on-site. Staff assistance is provided at no charge for basic information requests.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
Services that are at present provided at no cost include:
- Online inmate search and roster access
- Current custody status inquiries
- Basic inmate information by phone
- In-person information requests at the facility
Services that at present involve fees include:
- Depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account
- Video visitation services
- Telephone calls placed by inmates through the facility's contracted provider
- Certified copies of booking records or court documents
- Comprehensive background check reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public should exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for inmate location services. Basic inmate search information is available at no cost through official government websites. Members of the public are advised to verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a verified government domain. Fees charged by commercial services for information available free through official sources do not reflect any government-authorized charge.