Franklin County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Franklin County in 2026
FranklinVTRecords.org provides access to publicly available data and information related to inmate records in Franklin County, Vermont. Members of the public may find records pertaining to current custody status, booking information, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. The following record categories are available through official channels:
- Current inmate rosters
- Booking and arrest records
- Charge and case information
- Bond and bail records
- Custody and release status
Records can be searched through official government resources, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, the Vermont Department of Corrections, and online public access tools.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals held at the county level, including pre-trial detainees and those serving short sentences. At present, members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates. The office does not currently operate a standalone public-facing online inmate roster; accordingly, direct phone or in-person inquiry is the primary method for county-level inmate searches.
To conduct a search, members of the public should:
- Contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office by phone at (802) 524-2166
- Provide the full legal name and, if known, the date of birth of the individual
- Request current custody status, facility location, and charge information
- Ask about bond amounts and scheduled court dates
Information available through the Sheriff's Office includes personal identification details, current charges, booking date, bond information, and facility location. Booking photographs may be available upon request, subject to applicable Vermont public records provisions. Records are updated as bookings and releases occur.
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
614 Lake Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-2166
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been transferred to a Vermont state correctional facility following conviction or sentencing, the Vermont Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate locator tool. This resource is distinct from county jail records and applies to individuals serving sentences of more than one year or those who have been transferred from county custody to state supervision.
To search for a state-supervised inmate:
- Visit the Vermont DOC inmate locator through the Vermont Department of Corrections Constituent Services Unit
- Enter the individual's full legal name or DOC identification number
- Review results for current facility assignment, custody status, and projected release information
The Vermont DOC inmate locator provides the incarcerated individual's ID number, current facility, and general custody status. Transfers from county jail to state custody may take several days to appear in the state system following sentencing.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
For individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a free public search tool. This resource applies when an individual is held in a federal detention facility rather than a county or state institution. The locator provides the inmate's register number, age, race, sex, projected release date, and location of confinement.
Phone Search:
- Phone: (802) 524-2166 (Franklin County Sheriff's Office)
- Staff are available to provide basic inmate information by phone
- Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Franklin County Sheriff's Office in person to request inmate information. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, charges, bond information, and facility location during regular business hours.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 614 Lake Street, St. Albans, VT 05478. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies; written responses are provided within a reasonable period consistent with Vermont public records law.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current custody records and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in official records
- 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 a Vermont state prison; check the Vermont DOC locator
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office directly at (802) 524-2166
Are Inmate Records Public in Franklin County?
Inmate records maintained by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Vermont Department of Corrections are subject to public disclosure under Vermont's public records law. Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 317, public records held by government agencies are presumptively open to inspection by members of the public, subject to specific statutory exemptions. This framework applies to inmate records held at both the county and state levels.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots), subject to applicable exemptions
- Custody status (in custody, released, or transferred)
- Facility location
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date, where available
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health information
- Mental health evaluations and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell or housing unit assignments for security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
Inmate records serve several important public functions. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in government custody. Public safety considerations support the availability of current custody and charge information. Families and friends of incarcerated individuals rely on these records to locate loved ones. Legal proceedings, including bail bond determinations and court scheduling, depend on accurate and accessible custody information.
Privacy Considerations:
Vermont law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Under 1 V.S.A. § 317(c), certain categories of personal information are exempt from mandatory disclosure, including medical records and information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. The release of inmate records may affect employment prospects and family relationships; accordingly, custodial agencies apply these exemptions with care.
What Is Inmate Records in Franklin County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention. In Franklin County, these records are created at the point of booking and updated throughout the period of custody. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of county-level inmate records, while the Vermont Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals in state custody.
The following distinctions apply to the types of records maintained:
- Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including personal identification information, charges, and booking photograph
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during incarceration, including facility assignment, classification, and program participation
- Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior and current periods of custody within the jurisdiction
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's release from custody, including the basis for release
County jail records in Franklin County pertain to individuals held pre-trial, those serving sentences of one year or less, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody. State prison records, maintained by the Vermont DOC, apply to individuals serving longer sentences following conviction. Federal prison records, maintained by the Bureau of Prisons, apply to individuals convicted of federal offenses and held in federal facilities.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Franklin 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 (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date, if available
- Actual release date following release
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current criminal charges
- Charge descriptions and statutory citations
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information, where available
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, if applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Franklin County
- Previous charges and custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level
- Special housing designations
- Work assignments, where applicable
- Program participation records
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history and conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for active security reasons
Franklin County Prison System
The Franklin County correctional system operates under the authority of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the management of the county jail and the custody of individuals held at the county level. The Vermont Department of Corrections provides state-level oversight and operates facilities for individuals serving longer sentences.
Administration:
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office administers county-level detention operations. The Sheriff serves as the elected official responsible for jail administration and law enforcement within the county.
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
614 Lake Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-2166
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The county jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences of one year or less, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody. The facility operates a classification system to assign individuals to appropriate security levels based on charge severity, criminal history, and behavioral factors.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted health services
- Mental health services and crisis intervention
- Substance abuse assessment and referral programs
- Educational programming, including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Library and reading materials access
- Recreation and physical activity
Legal Services:
- Law library access for legal research
- Coordination with the Vermont Defender General's Office for public defender services
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
The Vermont DOC, in coordination with county facilities, provides pre-release planning services, including assistance with housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment continuation. As noted by the Vermont Department of Corrections, the department's mission includes supporting successful reintegration into the community.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Vermont Department of Corrections provides state-level oversight of correctional operations, including inspections and policy compliance reviews. Grievance procedures are available to incarcerated individuals pursuant to Vermont correctional regulations.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Franklin County
Northwest State Correctional Facility (NWSCF)
The Northwest State Correctional Facility is a state-operated correctional facility located in Swanton, Vermont, within Franklin County. This facility is operated by the Vermont Department of Corrections and serves individuals who have been sentenced to state supervision. It is distinct from the county jail and houses individuals serving longer sentences following conviction.
Northwest State Correctional Facility
3649 Lower Newton Road
Swanton, VT 05488
Phone: (802) 524-6166
Northwest State Correctional Facility
- Capacity: Medium-security facility
- Population served: Sentenced adult males under Vermont DOC supervision
- Security level: Medium security
- Programs: Educational, vocational, substance abuse treatment, and reentry services
Franklin County Jail (County-Level Detention)
The Franklin County Jail, operated by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, serves as the primary county-level detention facility. It houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences of one year or less, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody.
Franklin County Jail
614 Lake Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-2166
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring: The Vermont DOC administers community supervision programs, including electronic monitoring, for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and the DOC based on offense type, risk assessment, and compliance history.
Work Release: Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentence. Eligibility and program details are administered through the Vermont DOC.
Federal Detention Facilities
There are no federal detention facilities physically located within Franklin County. Individuals charged with federal offenses in the District of Vermont may be held at facilities designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The St. Albans Barracks of the Vermont State Police, which serves Franklin County, coordinates with federal law enforcement agencies on matters involving federal custody. Information about the St. Albans Barracks is available through the Vermont State Police.
Vermont State Police – St. Albans Barracks
342 Fairfax Road
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 524-5993
St. Albans Barracks – Vermont State Police
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin County Jail | 614 Lake Street, St. Albans, VT 05478 | (802) 524-2166 |
| Northwest State Correctional Facility | 3649 Lower Newton Road, Swanton, VT 05488 | (802) 524-6166 |
| Vermont State Police – St. Albans | 342 Fairfax Road, St. Albans, VT 05478 | (802) 524-5993 |
How To Find an Inmate in Franklin County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Franklin County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration or payment is required to access basic inmate information through official channels.
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office provides inmate information at no charge by phone and in person. Basic custody information, including current charges, bond amounts, and facility location, is available without fee. Members of the public may call (802) 524-2166 during business hours for current inmate status.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Vermont DOC inmate locator, accessible through the Vermont Department of Corrections Constituent Services Unit, provides free public access to information about individuals in state custody. The locator allows searches by name or DOC identification number and returns current facility assignment, custody status, and projected release information. Historical custody information is available for individuals previously supervised by the Vermont DOC.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a free public search for individuals in federal custody. The tool returns the inmate's register number, age, race, sex, projected release date, and facility location.
4. Court Records Search
Vermont court records, available through the Vermont Judiciary, may be used to verify custody status and upcoming court dates. Court case records reflect charges, hearing schedules, and case dispositions, which can confirm whether an individual is currently subject to a custody order.
Free Phone Information:
- Call (802) 524-2166 for inmate information at the Franklin County Sheriff's Office
- No charge for basic inquiry
- Available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 614 Lake Street, St. Albans, VT 05478, during regular business hours. Staff assistance is available at the front desk, and no fee is charged for basic inmate information.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no charge:
- Online inmate search through official government resources
- Current custody status and basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information at the Sheriff's Office
The following services involve fees:
- Sending money to an incarcerated individual through approved vendor services
- Video visitation through contracted platforms
- Phone calls initiated by the inmate through the facility's contracted phone provider
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Certified copies of booking records or official documents
- Comprehensive background checks or detailed investigative reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to use only official government websites when searching for inmate information. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 316, Vermont public records are available for inspection without charge, and no payment should be required to access basic inmate location information. Members of the public should verify that they are accessing an official .gov website before submitting any personal information or payment.