Clinton County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Clinton County?
Inmate records in Clinton County are official documents created and maintained by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office and its Corrections Division to document the custody, status, and movement of individuals held in county correctional facilities. These records are distinct from court records: while the Clinton County Court maintains case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, the jail and sheriff's office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
Record creation begins at intake, when a person is booked into the facility. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record physical descriptors, and assign a booking number. Records are updated continuously throughout incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, court transport activity, and program participation. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to applicable public access laws.
Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, state agencies and local government bodies — including county sheriffs — are required to maintain records and make them available to the public unless a specific exemption applies. Custody records fall within the broader category of government records subject to this framework, and the Clinton County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of inmate records for the county.
Are Inmate Records Public In Clinton County?
Inmate records in Clinton County are generally accessible to the public under New York State law. New York's Freedom of Information Law, codified at Public Officers Law § 84–90, establishes a presumption of openness for government records, including those maintained by county correctional facilities. Under this framework, members of the public may inspect or obtain copies of records unless the agency demonstrates that a specific statutory exemption applies.
The following categories of information are currently accessible to the public through the Clinton County Sheriff's Office and its online inmate lookup tools:
- Current inmate roster — names of individuals presently held in the facility
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and intake
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the current custody period
- Bail and bond amounts — amounts set by the court at arraignment
- Expected release dates — projected release or next court appearance dates
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held
Certain information, such as medical records, juvenile records, and information that could compromise an ongoing investigation, may be withheld pursuant to exemptions outlined in Public Officers Law § 87(2). The Corrections Division of the Clinton County Sheriff's Office administers inmate lookup services and processes formal records requests.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Clinton County
Inmate records maintained by the Clinton County Corrections Division contain multiple categories of information compiled from booking through release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Current housing unit and facility assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Statute(s) allegedly violated
- Charge severity and count
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set by the court
- Bond type (cash, surety, recognizance)
- Current bond status
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date
- Presiding court and case number
- Prior court appearances during current custody period
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length imposed
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Release type (completion of sentence, bail posted, transfer, court order)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Clinton County Prison System
Clinton County operates a local jail system designed to house individuals awaiting trial, those serving sentences of generally one year or less, and individuals held on civil or immigration detainers. The county jail is distinct from New York State prisons, which are operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and house individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year.
The Clinton County Sheriff's Office oversees all county correctional operations through its Corrections Division. Correction officers at the facility conduct court transports, manage daily facility operations, and supervise inmate programming. The New York State Commission of Correction provides oversight of county jails statewide, and the Clinton County Jail is listed among the facilities subject to that oversight on the New York State County Jails registry maintained by the Commission.
Clinton County Sheriff's Office 25 McCarthy Drive Plattsburgh, New York 12901 (518) 565-4300 Clinton County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., though members of the public are advised to confirm current hours directly with the office prior to visiting.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Clinton County
Clinton County currently operates one primary correctional facility serving the county's detention and incarceration needs.
Clinton County Jail 25 McCarthy Drive Plattsburgh, New York 12901 (518) 565-4300 Corrections Division
The Clinton County Jail is a medium-security county facility that houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody. The facility is operated by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division and is subject to inspection and regulatory oversight by the New York State Commission of Correction pursuant to New York Correction Law § 45. The facility provides housing, medical services, programming, and court transport for the county's incarcerated population.
In 2025, the New York Attorney General's Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office (LEMIO) announced a settlement with Clinton County following an investigation into conditions at the jail. Details of those reforms are publicly available through the Attorney General's announcement regarding Clinton County Jail reforms.
Who's in Prison In Clinton County
The Clinton County Jail houses several distinct populations under one roof. Understanding who is incarcerated at the county level helps members of the public and families locate individuals and understand the nature of their custody.
- Pre-trial detainees — individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted; they are held because they were unable to post bail or were remanded by the court
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and sentenced to terms typically not exceeding one year
- Parole and probation violators — individuals held pending a hearing on an alleged violation of supervision conditions
- State-ready inmates — individuals convicted of felonies awaiting transfer to a New York State DOCCS facility
- Civil and immigration detainees — individuals held pursuant to civil court orders or federal immigration detainers
- Individuals on temporary holds — persons held for other jurisdictions or pending extradition
How To Search for Inmate Records In Clinton County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Clinton County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Corrections Division page on the Clinton County website.
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" option.
- Enter the individual's first name, last name, or booking number.
- Review the results, which display current custody status, charges, and bail information.
New York State DOCCS Lookup (for state-sentenced individuals):
- Navigate to the DOCCS incarcerated person search tool.
- Enter the individual's name or DOCCS identification number.
- Results will indicate current facility, sentence information, and projected release date for individuals in state custody.
In-Person or Written Records Request:
- Submit a written Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 25 McCarthy Drive, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
- Identify the records sought with as much specificity as possible, including the individual's full name and approximate dates of custody.
- Under Public Officers Law § 89, the agency is required to respond within five business days of receipt, either providing the records, denying the request with a written explanation, or acknowledging receipt and providing a timeline for response.
How To Find an Inmate in Clinton County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Clinton County at no cost through the following official resources:
- Clinton County Inmate Lookup — The Corrections Division provides a free online search tool accessible through the county website. No account or fee is required.
- DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup — For individuals transferred to state custody, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision maintains a free incarcerated person lookup tool available to the public at no charge.
- Telephone Inquiry — Members of the public may call the Clinton County Jail directly at (518) 565-4300 during business hours to inquire about an individual's custody status.
- In-Person Inquiry — Individuals may visit the Clinton County Sheriff's Office at 25 McCarthy Drive, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to request custody status information at the public counter.
How To Visit an Inmate In Clinton County
Visitation at the Clinton County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Corrections Division and applicable provisions of New York Correction Law. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all posted rules and procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list prior to the visit.
- Visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit.
- Visitors are subject to search upon entry, including metal detector screening.
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation schedules are set by the facility and may vary by housing unit. Members of the public are advised to contact the jail at (518) 565-4300 to confirm current visitation days and times before traveling to the facility.
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Any required documentation for special visit categories (attorney visits, clergy visits)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Food, beverages, or packages (unless specifically authorized)
- Excessive cash or valuables
Dress Code:
- Visitors must dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms (typically orange or green) is prohibited. Revealing clothing, clothing with offensive graphics, and clothing associated with gang affiliation are not permitted.
Visit Types:
- General visitation — available to approved family members and friends
- Legal visitation — available to licensed attorneys and their authorized representatives; generally not subject to the standard visitor list requirement
- Clergy visitation — available to credentialed religious representatives
Visit Restrictions:
- Individuals with active warrants, individuals on probation or parole (unless specifically authorized by their supervising officer), and individuals with prior facility bans may be denied entry.
- Visits may be suspended or terminated for rule violations or facility security concerns.
How To Send Money to a Clinton County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's commissary account through methods authorized by the Clinton County Corrections Division. The Corrections Division page provides current information on approved deposit methods.
Accepted Methods:
- Online deposits — The facility currently accepts commissary fund deposits through an approved third-party service accessible via the Corrections Division website. Depositors must provide the inmate's full name and booking number.
- Kiosk deposits — A deposit kiosk may be available at the facility lobby for cash or card deposits.
- Money order — Money orders made payable to the inmate (with full name and booking number noted) may be mailed or delivered to the facility.
Amount Limits:
- Specific deposit limits per transaction or per week are set by facility policy. Members of the public are advised to confirm current limits with the Corrections Division at (518) 565-4300.
Fees:
- Third-party deposit services may charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not typically charge a deposit fee, but service provider fees vary.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent by 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 as direct deposits.
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For:
- Commissary funds may be used to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and phone time.
- Funds may not be used to pay fines, court fees, or restitution directly through the commissary account unless specifically authorized by court order.
How To Send Jail Mail In Clinton County
Mail sent to inmates at the Clinton County Jail must comply with facility rules to ensure delivery. All incoming mail is inspected by Corrections Division staff for contraband and compliance with facility policies.
Mailing Address: All inmate mail should be addressed as follows: Inmate Full Name, Booking Number Clinton County Jail 25 McCarthy Drive Plattsburgh, New York 12901
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All mail must include the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. Anonymous mail will not be delivered.
- Only standard first-class letters and postcards are accepted from the general public. Some facilities restrict mail to postcards only; members of the public are advised to confirm current policy with the facility.
- Envelopes must be white or manila; colored envelopes may be rejected.
- Letters must be written in ink on plain white paper. Stickers, glitter, crayon, lipstick, or other embellishments are prohibited.
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; Polaroid or instant-print photographs are typically prohibited due to contraband concerns.
- No hardcover books, magazines, or publications may be sent directly from individuals. Publications must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor.
- Cards with glitter, pop-ups, or metallic elements are generally not accepted.
- Mail containing threats, coded language, or content that poses a security risk will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action.
Legal Mail:
- Correspondence from licensed attorneys is treated as privileged legal mail and is opened only in the presence of the inmate to verify the absence of contraband, consistent with inmate rights under New York Correction Law.