Whitfield County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Whitfield County?
Inmate records in Whitfield County are official government documents maintained by the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document the custody, supervision, and management of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks an individual from initial booking through release.
Pursuant to Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, inmate records are distinct from court records. While court records document judicial proceedings and are maintained by the Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court, inmate records specifically document custody status and are maintained by detention facilities. The creation of inmate records begins at the booking process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge information are collected and documented.
The legal basis for maintaining inmate records is established under Georgia Code § 42-4-7, which mandates sheriffs to maintain records of all persons committed to county jails. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, records are closed but maintained according to Georgia's records retention schedules.
Are Inmate Records Public In Whitfield County?
Inmate records in Whitfield County are generally considered public records under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, certain components of inmate records may be exempt from disclosure based on privacy considerations and security concerns.
The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information including full name and age
- Charges filed and their status
- Mugshots/booking photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
Certain information within inmate records is restricted from public access pursuant to Georgia Code § 50-18-72, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical and mental health information
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Information related to ongoing investigations
Members of the public seeking inmate records may access basic information through the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal or by submitting a formal records request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
What's Included Inmate Records in Whitfield County
Inmate records in Whitfield County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include:
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
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- Last known address
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Booking number and inmate identification number
- Current custody status
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
- Disciplinary records during incarceration
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Warrant numbers
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Criminal history information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court case numbers
- Attorney information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length and terms
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits earned
- Parole eligibility date
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
Whitfield County Prison System
The Whitfield County prison system operates under a multi-tiered structure that distinguishes between county and state responsibilities for inmate custody. The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office administers the Whitfield County Jail, which primarily houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of 12 months or less for misdemeanor offenses.
Individuals sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration for felony convictions are typically transferred to the Georgia Department of Corrections state prison system. This distinction is important for members of the public seeking inmate information, as different agencies maintain separate record systems.
The Whitfield County Jail serves multiple functions within the local criminal justice system:
- Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
- Incarceration for misdemeanor sentences (typically up to 12 months)
- Temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities
- Housing for individuals who have violated probation or parole
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 278-1233
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Whitfield County
Whitfield County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations:
Whitfield County Jail
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 278-1233
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
The main detention facility houses both male and female inmates with varying security classifications. The facility provides 24-hour supervision and includes medical services, visitation areas, and programming space. This facility primarily houses pre-trial detainees and those serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses.
Whitfield County Work Release Center
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 278-1233
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
This minimum-security facility houses non-violent offenders who are permitted to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. Participants return to the facility when not working and must adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct and schedule.
Whitfield County Detention Center Annex
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 278-1233
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
This supplementary facility provides additional housing capacity for the main jail during periods of high population. It typically houses minimum to medium security inmates.
Who's in Prison In Whitfield County
The Whitfield County Jail population consists of several distinct categories of individuals in custody:
Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted constitute a significant portion of the jail population. These individuals are either awaiting trial or have been unable to post bail. Under Georgia Code § 17-6-1, these individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to 12 months as prescribed by Georgia Code § 17-10-3. These offenses include DUI, simple assault, petty theft, and other lower-level crimes.
Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their community supervision may be held in the county jail pending hearings or as a sanction for the violation.
Temporary State Inmates: Some individuals who have been sentenced to state prison may be temporarily housed in the county jail while awaiting transfer to a Georgia Department of Corrections facility.
Federal Detainees: In some instances, the Whitfield County Jail may house federal detainees through intergovernmental agreements with federal agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Weekend Confinement: Some individuals serve their sentences on weekends only, allowing them to maintain employment and family responsibilities while fulfilling court-ordered incarceration.
The demographic composition of the Whitfield County Jail population varies over time but generally reflects the broader demographics of arrests within the county. The jail maintains separate housing units for male and female inmates, as well as classification systems to separate inmates based on security risk, special needs, and other factors.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Whitfield County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Whitfield County may utilize several methods to access this information:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and bond information
- Note that online records are updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes in custody status
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the inmate
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction (currently $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page)
- Allow time for records staff to process the request
Written Records Request:
- Submit a written request to the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Include the inmate's full name, date of birth, and approximate dates of incarceration
- Provide contact information for response
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Mail the request to:
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Records Division
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 278-1233
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
Pursuant to Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71, the Sheriff's Office must respond to records requests within three business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the office will provide a written timeline for when the records will be available.
How To Find an Inmate in Whitfield County for Free?
Whitfield County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody:
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Search:
- Access the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
- Enter the inmate's name or booking number
- Review the results, which include current custody status and basic case information
- This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Whitfield County Jail at (706) 278-1233
- Follow the automated prompts or ask to speak with the booking department
- Provide the full name and, if possible, the date of birth of the individual
- Basic custody information may be provided over the phone
- Note that detailed information may require a formal records request
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, visit the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query
- Enter the individual's name or GDC ID number
- Review results for current location and custody status
- This service is particularly useful for individuals serving felony sentences longer than 12 months
Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court:
- Visit the Clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request assistance with locating court records related to an individual's case
- Court records may indicate custody status and location
Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court
205 N. Selvidge Street
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 278-5890
Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court
How To Visit an Inmate In Whitfield County
Visitation at Whitfield County detention facilities is governed by specific policies designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may update their visitation list once every 30 days
- Visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance of planned visits
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the visitation area
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Maximum Security: Saturday only, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Work Release: Sunday only, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
- Inmates are permitted two visits per week
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
- Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
- Baby care items if visiting with an infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, and one small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products or lighters
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20 (for vending machines where applicable)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No uniforms that resemble those worn by correctional staff
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Visit Types:
- Contact visits are not permitted at the main facility
- Video visitation is available at designated terminals
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) are conducted in separate areas
- Special visits may be approved by the facility administrator for exceptional circumstances
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors with felony convictions must receive special approval
- Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
- Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of visits and possible suspension of visitation privileges
Visitation policies are established pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-5-56, which authorizes detention facilities to establish reasonable visitation regulations.
How To Send Money to a Whitfield County Inmate
Whitfield County provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account:
Lobby Kiosk:
- Visit the Whitfield County Jail lobby during regular business hours
- Use the automated kiosk located in the lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
- Acceptable payment methods include cash, credit cards, and debit cards
- A receipt will be provided for all transactions
- Service fees apply (typically $2.50 per transaction)
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay payment portal through the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office website
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Enter the inmate's information (full name and inmate ID number)
- Select the deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit card or debit card
- Service fees apply (typically 3.5% of the transaction amount)
Phone Deposits:
- Call the automated system at 1-866-232-1899
- Follow voice prompts to complete the transaction
- Have the inmate's full name and ID number ready
- Use a credit card or debit card for payment
- Service fees apply (typically $4.95 per transaction)
Mail Money Orders:
- Purchase a money order from an approved vendor (U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name
- Write the inmate's ID number on the money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
- Mail to:
Whitfield County Detention Center
Inmate Accounts
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00
Fund Usage: Inmates may use funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Program fees
Funds may not be used for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Payment of fines or restitution
- Purchases for other inmates
- Items prohibited by facility rules
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review pursuant to Georgia Code § 42-4-13, which authorizes sheriffs to establish and maintain inmate accounts.
How To Send Jail Mail In Whitfield County
Correspondence with inmates in Whitfield County detention facilities must adhere to specific guidelines:
Regular Mail Guidelines:
- Address all mail as follows:
Inmate's Full Name, Inmate ID Number Whitfield County Detention Center 805 Professional Boulevard Dalton, GA 30720 - Include a complete return address on the envelope
- All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened for contraband
- Letters must be written on plain white, lined, or unlined paper
- Envelopes must be plain white or manila
- Photographs must be 4x6 inches or smaller (maximum of 5 photos per envelope)
- Mail containing unauthorized items will be returned to sender or discarded
Prohibited Items:
- Greeting cards with musical, electronic, or pop-up components
- Stickers, labels, or stamps inside the correspondence
- Crayon, marker, glitter, lipstick, or other substances on paper
- Polaroid photographs
- Laminated items
- Cash, checks, or money orders (must be sent through approved channels)
- Sexually explicit or obscene materials
- Gang-related content
- Items that pose a security threat
Books and Publications:
- Books must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
- Paperback books only (hardcover books are not accepted)
- Maximum of 3 books per package
- Magazines must be sent directly from the publisher
- Newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher
Legal Mail:
- Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies should be clearly marked as "Legal Mail"
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Legal mail is inspected for contraband but not read by staff
E-Messages:
- Electronic messaging is available through the facility's approved vendor
- Family and friends can create an account on the messaging system
- Messages are subject to the same screening as physical mail
- Service fees apply for electronic messages
All mail procedures are established in accordance with Georgia Code § 42-5-18, which authorizes correctional facilities to inspect inmate mail for security purposes while respecting constitutional rights to correspondence.