Nassau Public Records /Nassau County Inmate Search

Nassau County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Nassau County?

Inmate records in Nassau County are official government documents maintained by the Nassau County Sheriff's Department and correctional facilities that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.

Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, county sheriffs are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to their custody. These records are distinct from court records, which document legal proceedings and are maintained by the judicial system. While court records focus on case proceedings, inmate records specifically document an individual's physical custody status and institutional history.

Inmate records typically include:

Booking information and intake assessment
Personal identification details
Custody classification
Housing assignments
Disciplinary incidents
Visitation logs
Medical information (subject to privacy restrictions)
Release information

The Nassau County Correctional Center creates these records at the time of booking, when individuals are processed into the facility. Records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in status, housing, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information. Upon release, records are archived according to state retention schedules but remain accessible for authorized purposes.

Are Inmate Records Public In Nassau County?

Inmate records in Nassau County are partially public under New York State's Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, § 84-90). This law establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy concerns and security considerations.

Certain basic inmate information is readily available to the public, including:

Current custody status
Booking date
Charges
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Facility location

However, not all information contained in inmate records is publicly accessible. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2), certain categories of information may be withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, compromise security, or interfere with law enforcement investigations. Protected information typically includes:

Medical and mental health records
Social security numbers
Detailed disciplinary records
Information that could compromise facility security
Juvenile records (subject to additional protections)

The New York State Commission of Correction provides oversight for county correctional facilities and establishes guidelines for record-keeping and information disclosure. Members of the public seeking inmate information may access basic details through online inmate locator systems, while more comprehensive records may require formal Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests.

What's Included Inmate Records in Nassau County

Inmate records in Nassau County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the correctional system. These records are maintained in accordance with state regulations and include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and other biometric data
State identification number (SID) and/or booking number

Custody Information:

Date and time of admission
Arresting agency
Booking officer
Classification status
Housing assignment history
Disciplinary incidents and hearings
Grievances filed
Program participation

Charge Information:

Current charges (including statute numbers)
Case numbers
Warrant information
Probation/parole status
Prior criminal history (if relevant to custody)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, not posted)
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Attorney information
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders affecting custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges
Sentence length
Credit for time served
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date
Good time/earned time calculations

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release conditions
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in electronic and/or physical formats and are subject to retention schedules established by New York State Archives under the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.05.

Nassau County Prison System

The Nassau County correctional system operates under the authority of the Nassau County Sheriff's Department, which is responsible for the custody and care of individuals who have been arrested, are awaiting trial, or are serving sentences of up to one year. This system is distinct from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, which manages state prisons housing individuals serving longer sentences for more serious offenses.

The primary facility in Nassau County's correctional system is the Nassau County Correctional Center, a multi-security institution that serves as the county's main detention facility. The system processes approximately 10,000 admissions annually, with an average daily population that fluctuates based on criminal justice trends and court processing times.

Under current New York State law, county jails like Nassau's primarily house:

Individuals awaiting arraignment or trial who have not posted bail
Persons serving sentences of less than one year
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Persons held on probation or parole violations
Individuals detained on behalf of other jurisdictions

The Nassau County correctional system operates under the oversight of the New York State Commission of Correction, which establishes minimum standards for the management and operation of correctional facilities throughout the state.

Nassau County Sheriff's Department
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-3800
Nassau County Sheriff's Department

Types of Correctional Facilities In Nassau County

Nassau County maintains a consolidated correctional system centered around one primary facility that serves multiple security classifications and inmate populations. The county's correctional infrastructure includes:

Nassau County Correctional Center
100 Carman Avenue
East Meadow, NY 11554
(516) 572-3600
Nassau County Correctional Center

This facility serves as the main detention center for Nassau County and includes:

Maximum security housing units for high-risk detainees
Medium security general population housing
Minimum security dormitory-style housing
Special housing units for inmates requiring protective custody
Medical and mental health units
Intake and processing center
Administrative offices

The Nassau County Correctional Center has a rated capacity of approximately 1,900 inmates and is accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care for its medical services. The facility operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, processing new arrests, managing the inmate population, and coordinating court appearances.

Nassau County does not operate separate specialized facilities such as work release centers or dedicated juvenile detention centers. Juvenile offenders are typically housed at specialized youth facilities operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services rather than in adult correctional facilities.

For individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year, transfer to appropriate New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision facilities occurs after sentencing, as county facilities are not designed for long-term incarceration.

Who's in Prison In Nassau County

The Nassau County correctional population consists of diverse individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The facility houses approximately 1,200-1,500 inmates on any given day, with the population fluctuating based on arrest rates, court processing times, and seasonal factors.

The current inmate population in Nassau County facilities primarily consists of:

Pre-trial detainees (approximately 70% of the population) who are awaiting court proceedings and have not been convicted of the charges for which they are being held
Individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions
Persons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities following felony convictions
Individuals detained on probation or parole violations
Persons held on behalf of other jurisdictions, including federal detainees awaiting court appearances

Demographic analysis of the Nassau County inmate population indicates:

The majority of inmates are male (approximately 85-90%)
The average age range is 20-40 years
The population reflects diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
Many inmates come from economically disadvantaged communities
A significant percentage have histories of substance abuse or mental health issues

Under New York State law, certain categories of individuals are not housed in county facilities, including:

Juveniles under 16 years of age (with limited exceptions)
Persons serving sentences longer than one year
Individuals requiring specialized long-term medical or psychiatric care beyond the facility's capabilities

The Nassau County Sheriff's Department maintains current inmate population statistics that are reported to the New York State Commission of Correction as required by state regulations.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Nassau County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate information in Nassau County may utilize several methods to access these records. The county currently maintains multiple channels for inmate record searches to accommodate different needs and technological capabilities.

To locate an individual in Nassau County custody:

Online Inmate Locator System
- Visit the Nassau County Sheriff's Department official website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Inmate Lookup" section
- Enter the required search criteria (typically name and/or date of birth)
- Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and facility location
Telephone Information System
- Call the Nassau County Correctional Center at (516) 572-3600
- Follow the automated prompts for inmate information
- Provide the requested identifying information
- Basic custody information may be provided via this system
In-Person Inquiry
- Visit the Nassau County Correctional Center during public counter hours
- Nassau County Correctional Center
  100 Carman Avenue
  East Meadow, NY 11554
  Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete an information request form
- Staff will provide publicly available information
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Request
- For more detailed records beyond basic custody information
- Submit a written request to:
  Records Access Officer
  Nassau County Sheriff's Department
  240 Old Country Road
  Mineola, NY 11501
- Clearly identify the records sought and provide sufficient information to locate them
- Requests may also be submitted via email to the designated FOIL officer
- Responses are typically provided within 5-20 business days as required by Public Officers Law § 89(3)

When searching for inmate records, it is advisable to have the following information available:

Full legal name (including any known aliases)
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest or incarceration (if known)
Case or docket number (if available)

How To Find an Inmate in Nassau County for Free?

Nassau County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody. These free resources are designed to provide basic information about an inmate's status and location without requiring payment or subscription fees.

The following methods are available for conducting free inmate searches in Nassau County:

Nassau County Sheriff's Department Online Inmate Locator
- Access the Nassau County Sheriff's Department website
- Navigate to the inmate search function
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- No registration or payment is required
- Results typically include current custody status, facility location, and booking date
New York State Incarcerated Individual Lookup
- Visit the NY Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website
- Enter search criteria (name or DIN number)
- This system primarily covers state facilities but may include individuals recently transferred from Nassau County
- Provides information on current location and earliest release date
New York State Unified Court System WebCrims
- Access the New York State Unified Court System website
- Search by name or case number
- Provides case status information that may indicate custody status
- Requires basic registration but no payment
Telephone Inquiry
- Call the Nassau County Correctional Center at (516) 572-3600
- Request inmate information from the operator
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
- Basic custody information is provided at no charge
In-Person Inquiry at Public Counter
- Visit the Nassau County Correctional Center information desk
- Nassau County Correctional Center
  100 Carman Avenue
  East Meadow, NY 11554
  Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Request basic inmate information
- No fee is charged for standard inquiries

When using these free search methods, results are typically limited to basic information such as:

Confirmation of custody status
Current facility location
Booking date
Scheduled court dates (if available)
Projected release date (for sentenced individuals)

More detailed information may require formal records requests through the Freedom of Information Law process.

How To Visit an Inmate In Nassau County

Visitation at the Nassau County Correctional Center is governed by established procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important connections between inmates and their support networks. All visits are subject to the rules and regulations established by the Nassau County Sheriff's Department.

Visit Rules and Procedures

Visitors to the Nassau County Correctional Center must adhere to the following procedures:

All visitors must register in advance through the Nassau County Jail Visitation online system
Registration must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the intended visit
Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before the 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 must successfully pass security screening
Visitors with outstanding warrants or who pose security risks may be denied entry

Visit Schedule

Visitation hours at the Nassau County Correctional Center are as follows:

General Population
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Special Housing Units
- Schedule varies; contact facility for current hours
Holiday Schedule
- Modified hours apply; check facility website for updates

Visits are typically limited to 30 minutes per session, with a maximum of two visits per week per inmate.

What to Bring

Visitors may bring the following items:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys (limited to one key fob)
Prescription medications needed during the visit (must be declared)
Baby supplies if visiting with an infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
Up to $50 in cash for the inmate account deposit (to be processed at designated kiosk)

What NOT to Bring

The following items are prohibited:

Weapons of any kind
Tools
Electronic devices (including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets)
Cameras or recording devices
Food or beverages
Tobacco products or vaping devices
Purses, backpacks, or large bags
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Newspapers, magazines, or books
Any items to be passed to inmates

Dress Code

Visitors must adhere to the following dress code:

No revealing or provocative clothing
No gang-related attire or symbols
No clothing resembling inmate or staff uniforms
No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or halter tops
No shorts or skirts shorter than knee length
No see-through or mesh clothing
No hooded sweatshirts or jackets
Appropriate footwear required (no flip-flops)

Visit Types

The Nassau County Correctional Center offers the following visit types:

Contact Visits
- Available for certain classification levels
- Limited physical contact (brief embrace at beginning and end)
- Seated at tables with low dividers
Non-Contact Visits
- Conducted through glass partitions
- Communication via telephone handset
- No physical contact permitted
Professional Visits
- For attorneys, clergy, and authorized service providers
- Conducted in designated professional visiting areas
- Extended hours available by appointment

Visit Restrictions

Visitation privileges may be restricted under the following circumstances:

During facility lockdowns or emergencies
When an inmate is on disciplinary status
During intake processing (typically first 72 hours)
When an inmate is in medical isolation
When a court order restricts contact with specific individuals

All visitation is subject to monitoring except for privileged attorney-client meetings. Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-j, the facility administrator has authority to establish and modify visitation policies as necessary for security and operational needs.

How To Send Money to a Nassau County Inmate

Nassau County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the facility commissary, make phone calls, and in some cases, pay for certain services.

Approved Money Transfer Methods

Online Deposits
- Visit the Nassau County Sheriff's Department website
- Navigate to the inmate services section
- Select the approved third-party payment processor
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's information and payment details
- Processing fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on amount)
Kiosk Deposits
- Available in the lobby of the Nassau County Correctional Center
- Nassau County Correctional Center
  100 Carman Avenue
  East Meadow, NY 11554
  Kiosk Hours: 24 hours daily
- Touch-screen operation with clear instructions
- Accepts cash and credit/debit cards
- Provides immediate receipt
- Lower processing fees than some other methods
Money Order by Mail
- Send money orders (no personal checks) to:
  Inmate Accounts
  Nassau County Correctional Center
  100 Carman Avenue
  East Meadow, NY 11554
- Make payable to the inmate with their ID number
- Include sender's full name and return address
- No processing fees
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Mobile Application
- Download the approved mobile application (available on iOS and Android)
- Create an account
- Select Nassau County from the facility list
- Enter inmate information and payment details
- Convenience fees apply

Amount Limits and Restrictions

The following limits apply to inmate accounts:

Maximum single deposit: $300
Maximum weekly deposits: $500
Maximum account balance: $1,500
Minimum deposit amount: $1.00

Deposits exceeding these limits may be rejected or require additional verification.

Processing Fees

Fee structures vary by deposit method:

Online deposits: 3-8% of deposit amount
Kiosk deposits: $2.00-$8.00 flat fee
Money orders: No fee
Mobile application: 4-9% of deposit amount

Prohibited Transactions

The following transactions are not permitted:

Transfers between inmate accounts
Third-party personal checks
Cash sent through mail
Wire transfers from international sources
Deposits from individuals on active probation/parole without approval
Deposits from victims of the inmate's offense

Approved Uses of Funds

Inmates may use account funds for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Electronic messaging where available
Certain medical co-pays
Release funds

Funds cannot be used for:

Payment of fines or restitution (separate accounts)
Bail or bond payments
Transactions with other inmates
Purchase of prohibited items

Upon release, any remaining balance is returned to the inmate via debit card or check. Unclaimed funds are handled according to New York State abandoned property laws.

How To Send Jail Mail In Nassau County

Correspondence with inmates at the Nassau County Correctional Center is subject to specific guidelines designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain important connections. All mail is processed through the facility mail room and is subject to inspection before delivery.

Mailing Address Format

All mail to inmates must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
Nassau County Correctional Center
100 Carman Avenue
East Meadow, NY 11554

The inmate's identification number is essential for proper delivery. This number can be obtained through the inmate locator system or by contacting the facility directly.

Approved Mail Items

The following items may be sent through regular mail:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, maximum size 8"x10")
Photographs (maximum 10 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6", no Polaroids)
Money orders (made payable to the inmate with ID number)
Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
Approved periodicals (must come directly from publisher)

Prohibited Mail Items

The following items are prohibited and will be rejected:

Packages of any kind
Cash or personal checks
Postage stamps or envelopes
Stickers or adhesive labels
Crayon or marker writings
Perfumed or scented items
Oversized cards or homemade cards
Hardcover books
Photos depicting gang symbols, nudity, or criminal activity
Any items containing biohazards or unknown substances
Contraband or any items that pose a security risk

Publications and Books

Books and publications must adhere to these guidelines:

Must be shipped directly from publisher or approved vendor
Soft-cover books only (no hardcover)
Maximum of 3 books per shipment
Subject to content review for security concerns
No pornographic or explicitly violent content
No content promoting criminal activity or hatred

Legal Mail

Mail clearly marked as "Legal Mail" or "Legal Correspondence" from attorneys, courts, or legal agencies receives special handling:

Opened only in the presence of the inmate
Not read by staff, only inspected for contraband
Processed with priority
Must clearly indicate it is from a legal source on the envelope

Mail Inspection and Delivery

All non-legal mail is subject to the following procedures:

Opened and inspected for contraband
May be read for security concerns
Contraband items are removed and documented
Delivery typically occurs within 24-48 hours after processing
Rejected mail is returned to sender with explanation

Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, facility administrators have authority to establish mail procedures necessary for security. These procedures comply with constitutional requirements while maintaining facility safety.

Electronic Messaging

The Nassau County Correctional Center currently offers a limited electronic messaging system:

Available through approved third-party vendor
Requires account creation and prepayment
Messages subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
Character limits apply
Attachments not permitted
Fees apply per message

For current electronic messaging options and fees, visit the Nassau County Sheriff's Department website.

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