Ector County Public Records /Ector County Inmate Search

Ector County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Ector County?

Inmate records in Ector County are official government documents maintained by the Ector County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's detention facilities. These records document the entire custody lifecycle of an individual from initial booking through release or transfer to another facility. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, these records constitute public information maintained by a governmental body.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records focus on case proceedings, legal arguments, and judicial decisions, inmate records specifically document custody status, housing assignments, and institutional behavior. The Ector County District Clerk maintains court records, whereas the Ector County Sheriff's Office is responsible for inmate records.

The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when an individual is processed into the detention facility. During this intake procedure, personal information is collected, photographs are taken, and biometric data may be recorded. Throughout incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant events. Upon release, the record is completed with discharge information but remains part of the permanent archive maintained by the Sheriff's Office in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 202.001 regarding records retention.

Are Inmate Records Public In Ector County?

Inmate records in Ector County are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (formerly known as the Open Records Act). This act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552, establishes the presumption that government records, including inmate records, are available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The following inmate record information is typically accessible to the public:

Current inmate roster showing individuals currently in custody
Basic booking information including name, age, and gender
Charges filed and their status
Mugshot photographs
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

However, certain information within inmate records may be restricted from public disclosure under specific exemptions. These exemptions include:

Medical and mental health information protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws
Information that would compromise institutional security
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Information that could endanger an individual if released
Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information

Members of the public seeking inmate records must submit requests in accordance with established procedures, and the Sheriff's Office must respond within the timeframes specified by the Texas Public Information Act.

What's Included Inmate Records in Ector County

Inmate records maintained by the Ector County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:

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)
Assigned inmate identification number
Last known address
Fingerprints and other biometric data

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency and officer
Current custody status
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level
Disciplinary records during incarceration
Program participation

Charge Information:

Current charges with statute citations
Case numbers
Warrant information
Prior booking history in Ector County
Criminal history information (may be restricted)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Conditions of release if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Court case numbers
Attorney of record

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Sentence start date
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)
Conditions of release if applicable
Probation or parole requirements

This information is maintained in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 9, Chapter 269 regarding record-keeping standards for county jails.

Ector County Prison System

The Ector County correctional system operates under the authority of the Ector County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the incarceration of individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of typically less than one year. This local system is distinct from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), which manages state prisons housing individuals convicted of more serious offenses with longer sentences.

The Ector County Detention Center serves as the primary facility for housing inmates within the county's jurisdiction. This facility accommodates individuals in various custody situations, including those awaiting arraignment, those who cannot post bail, individuals awaiting trial, and those serving sentences for misdemeanors or state jail felonies of short duration.

The Sheriff's Office maintains operational control over all aspects of the detention system, including intake processing, inmate classification, housing assignments, security, and release procedures. All operations must comply with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards regulations, which establish minimum standards for county jail facilities throughout the state.

Ector County Sheriff's Office
300 N. Grant Ave.
Odessa, TX 79761
432-335-3050
Ector County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Ector County

Ector County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate various inmate populations and security needs:

Ector County Detention Center
300 N. Grant Ave.
Odessa, TX 79761
432-335-3050
Ector County Sheriff's Office

The Detention Center is the primary incarceration facility in Ector County, with a housing capacity of 667 inmates. This state-certified facility handles all aspects of inmate custody from initial booking through release. The facility maintains separate housing units for different classification levels and special populations, including:

Maximum security housing
Medium security housing
Minimum security housing
Female inmate housing
Special needs housing
Medical observation units

Ector County Law Enforcement Center
300 N. Grant Ave.
Odessa, TX 79761
432-335-3050
Ector County Sheriff's Office

The Law Enforcement Center houses both the Sheriff's Office administrative functions and detention operations. This facility includes:

Booking and intake processing areas
Visitation areas
Medical services
Administrative offices
Court holding cells

Ector County does not operate separate work release facilities or rehabilitation centers. Inmates requiring specialized medical or mental health treatment beyond the capabilities of the detention center may be temporarily transferred to appropriate medical facilities under guard supervision.

Who's in Prison In Ector County

The Ector County Detention Center houses several categories of individuals under the jurisdiction of the county criminal justice system:

Pre-trial Detainees: The majority of individuals housed in the Ector County jail are awaiting trial and have not been convicted of the charges against them. These individuals may be detained because:

They have been denied bail due to the nature of their charges
They are unable to post the set bail amount
They have violated conditions of pre-trial release
They are awaiting transfer to another jurisdiction

Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses with sentences of up to one year are typically housed in the county jail rather than state prison facilities. These offenses include:

Class A misdemeanors (up to one year confinement)
Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days confinement)
Class C misdemeanors (typically fine-only, but may include jail time for non-payment)

Short-term Felony Offenders: Some individuals convicted of state jail felonies with short sentences may serve their time in the county facility rather than being transferred to state custody.

Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated terms of their probation or parole may be held in the county jail pending revocation hearings or as a sanction for the violation.

Federal Detainees: Through intergovernmental agreements, the facility may house federal detainees awaiting trial in federal court or transfer to federal facilities.

Temporary Holds: Individuals may be temporarily detained for:

Court appearances
Processing for transfer to other jurisdictions
Immigration holds
Mental health evaluations

The demographic composition of the jail population fluctuates but generally reflects patterns seen throughout the Texas criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups. The average daily population varies based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing practices.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Ector County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate information in Ector County may utilize several methods to access these records. The county currently maintains multiple platforms for public access to inmate data:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Ector County Sheriff's Office website
Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Records" link on the homepage
Enter the required search criteria, which may include:
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
Review the search results, which typically display:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Housing location
- Expected release date (if applicable)

In-Person Records Request:

Visit the Ector County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours:

Ector County Sheriff's Office Records Division
300 N. Grant Ave.
Odessa, TX 79761
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
432-335-3050
Complete a public information request form
Provide identification and specify the records being requested
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction

Written Request:

Submit a written request under the Texas Public Information Act to:

Ector County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Records Division
300 N. Grant Ave.
Odessa, TX 79761
Include in your request:
- Your full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Time period covered by the request
- Preferred format for receiving records

Telephone Inquiry: Limited information may be available by calling the Ector County Detention Center at 432-335-3050. Staff can typically confirm if an individual is currently in custody, their charges, and bond information.

All requests are processed in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, which requires governmental bodies to respond to requests promptly, typically within 10 business days.

How To Find an Inmate in Ector County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Ector County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources:

Ector County Jail Records Inquiry Website:

Access the Ector County Jail Records Inquiry system
Enter the inmate's name in the search field
Review results showing current custody status, charges, and bond information
No account creation or fees are required for basic search functions

Ector County District Clerk's Online Portal:

Visit the Ector County District Clerk's website
Access the public records search function
Search by defendant name to locate case information
Review case status, which may indicate if the individual is in custody
This service is provided free of charge for basic information

Telephone Verification:

Call the Ector County Detention Center at 432-335-3050
Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
Request confirmation of their custody status
Basic information is provided without charge via telephone

Vinelink Service:

Visit the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) website
Select Texas as the state
Enter the inmate's name
Receive information about custody status and location
This service is free and available 24/7

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Ector County Detention Center during regular business hours:

Ector County Detention Center
300 N. Grant Ave.
Odessa, TX 79761
Lobby Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Request information about an inmate's custody status from the front desk
No fee is charged for basic custody verification

While basic inmate location and status information is available at no cost, fees may apply for obtaining copies of detailed records, booking photos, or comprehensive case files. These fees are established in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261 regarding charges for public information.

How To Visit an Inmate In Ector County

Visitation at the Ector County Detention Center is governed by strict protocols to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain community connections. All visitors must comply with the following guidelines:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be 18 years of age or older with valid government-issued photo identification
Minors may only visit when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time for processing
Each inmate is allowed two 20-minute visits per week
A maximum of two visitors are permitted per visitation session
All visitors must successfully pass a background check
Visitors with outstanding warrants will be denied entry and may be subject to arrest

Visit Schedule:

General Population:
- Tuesday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Special Housing Units:
- Schedule varies; contact the facility for specific times
No visitation on Mondays or county holidays
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) occur during expanded hours

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicle or lockers)
Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
Baby care items if accompanied by infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20
Medications (unless medically necessary and pre-approved)

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
No excessively baggy clothing
Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (primary method)
In-person non-contact visits (through glass partition)
Special contact visits (requires administrative approval)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)

Visit Restrictions:

Former inmates released within the past year may not visit
Persons on probation or parole must obtain written permission from their supervising officer
Individuals with felony convictions must receive prior approval
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visit and possible suspension of visitation privileges

All visitation policies are established in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 9, Chapter 291 regarding county jail operations.

How To Send Money to a Ector County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Ector County Detention Center have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts:

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay website
Create an account or log in
Select "Ector County Detention Center" from the facility list
Enter the inmate's name and ID number
Enter payment amount and complete transaction
Fees: $2.95 for deposits up to $20; $6.95 for deposits $20.01-$100; $9.95 for deposits $100.01-$200
Funds typically post to inmate accounts within 24 hours

Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the lobby kiosk at the Ector County Detention Center
Available 24/7 in the facility lobby
Enter the inmate's information on the touchscreen
Insert cash or credit/debit card
Receive printed receipt
Fees: $2.50 per transaction
Funds typically post to inmate accounts immediately

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order payable to "Ector County Inmate Trust Fund"
Write inmate's full name and ID number on money order
Do not send cash or personal checks
Mail to:

Ector County Detention Center
Inmate Trust Fund
300 N. Grant Ave.
Odessa, TX 79761
No fee for money orders
Processing time: 5-7 business days

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit per inmate: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposit per inmate: $1,500.00

What Money Can Be Used For:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Phone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Legal copies
Release funds

What Money Cannot Be Used For:

Payment of fines or court costs while incarcerated
Bond payments
Transfer to other inmates
Purchase of prohibited items
Payment for services not approved by the facility

Restrictions:

Deposits from victims of the inmate's alleged offense will be rejected
Deposits from individuals with active protective orders against the inmate will be rejected
Deposits suspected of being associated with illegal activity will be investigated
Excessive deposits may trigger review under money laundering regulations

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 9, Chapter 291.3 regarding inmate funds.

How To Send Jail Mail In Ector County

Correspondence with inmates at the Ector County Detention Center must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure facility security and efficient mail processing:

Regular Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility address:
  
  Ector County Detention Center
  Inmate Name, ID#
  300 N. Grant Ave.
  Odessa, TX 79761
Return address with full name is required
Letters must be on plain white, lined, or unlined paper
Envelopes must be standard white or manila
Black or blue ink only
Mail without proper addressing will be returned to sender

Prohibited Items:

Greeting cards larger than 5"x7"
Cards with electronic components or 3D elements
Polaroid photographs
Photos larger than 4"x6" or containing nudity/gang symbols
Stickers, labels, or tape
Crayon, marker, glitter, lipstick, or perfume
Cash or personal checks (money orders only)
Stamps or envelopes
Plastic, cardboard, or metal items
Food items or candy
Clothing or fabric items
Books or magazines (must come directly from publisher)

Legal Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must come from an attorney, court, or legal agency with return address
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Subject to inspection for contraband but not read by staff
Legal mail status does not apply to mail from family members or friends, even regarding legal matters

Publications:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
Hardcover books are prohibited
Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Limited to 3 books and 5 magazines in possession at one time

E-Messages (if available):

Available through approved third-party service
Subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
May incur fees per message
Typically delivered more quickly than physical mail

Mail Inspection Process:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Mail containing prohibited items will be rejected
Mail suspected of containing coded messages or security threats may be held for further review
Rejected mail will be returned to sender with explanation or held as evidence if illegal

Mail Restrictions: