Jail Roster

This article explains how to find, interpret, and appropriately use the Benton County WA Jail Roster. It walks through the official places to access inmate information, shows how the search tool works, clarifies related court and records resources, and outlines who to contact for questions.

Understand the Benton County WA Jail Roster and Its Legal Basis

The Benton County WA Jail Roster is the county’s official, public-facing list of people who have been booked into custody. The roster exists to provide transparent, timely custody information while protecting sensitive data under state law. Washington’s public records and jail records statutes govern what can be shared and what must be withheld. In particular, RCW 70.48.100 outlines confidentiality rules for jail records and explains the balance between public access and personal privacy; the roster you see is provided “pursuant to” that statute and similar rules that limit the release of medical, mental health, and other protected information. You can review the statute text through RCW 70.48.100 for context on what the county may publish and what it cannot.

Visit the law: RCW 70.48.100

Go to the County’s Official Jail Roster Page First

The county maintains a central landing page that explains what the roster is, where to search, and how to use it. If you’re starting fresh, it’s the best first stop because it ensures you’re viewing the correct, official resources rather than unofficial replicators.

Start here: Daily Jail Roster

That page also points to the authorized Benton County inmate search tool. Using the county’s page as your doorway reduces the chance of confusion and helps you avoid outdated or non-government mirrors.

Use the Official Inmate Search Tool to Locate a Person

The county’s search tool is designed to be flexible and user-friendly, with guidance that emphasizes better results when you enter less information. This is especially helpful when spelling is uncertain or when you only know a partial name.

Open the search: Benton County Jail Roster Search Website

Follow These Proven Search Tips

Benton County’s instructions highlight a few simple strategies that dramatically improve results:

“Less is more.” Enter a first name or last name, not both. Fewer fields mean a wider search, which is crucial when spellings or punctuation vary in official records.

Use the “In Custody” checkbox carefully.
Checked: returns only people currently booked in jail.
Unchecked: returns both in-custody and released/out-of-custody records that match your query.

Unsure of dates? Delete them. If you don’t know the Booking From and Booking To dates, clear both boxes so the search isn’t unintentionally restricted.

Avoid special characters. Names with hyphens, apostrophes, or suffixes can be recorded differently. Start broad, then refine if needed.

Try alternate spellings or partials. Shorter fragments of a first or last name help surface records even when exact spelling is unknown.

Know the Search Fields You’ll See

The intake search panel is straightforward. Here’s what each field means and how it helps:

Name – A single text field for first or last name. Use one name to broaden results.

Subject Number – The person’s internal system identifier. Use this if you already have it from prior paperwork.

Booking Number – The unique number assigned at booking. This is helpful when you’re tracking a specific incident.

In Custody – A filter that limits results to people who are currently in the jail if checked.

Booking From Date / Booking To Date – A date range filter. Keep both blank when you’re not certain of the timeframe.

Housing Facility – Limits results to a specific facility in the system. Most users can leave this alone unless directed otherwise.

Read the Results Without Misinterpreting Them

Each search returns a list of records matching your criteria. Clicking into an entry typically reveals booking-related details. The roster is a summary tool—not a court file—and it reflects the county’s duty under RCW 70.48.100 to withhold certain categories of information. Expect to see essential custody facts; do not expect medical or other protected information. If you need certified or comprehensive records for legal purposes, the proper avenue is court or agency records processes described later in this guide.

Know Who Runs What: Corrections vs. Sheriff’s Office

Understanding the difference between the Corrections Department and the Sheriff’s Office helps you direct questions appropriately and avoid delays.

Corrections Department – Oversees jail operations, custody status, and services related to incarceration. If your question is about current custody, housing, or jail procedures (e.g., visitation or inmate accounts), this is the operational home.
Learn more: Corrections Department

Sheriff’s Office – Handles countywide law enforcement functions including patrol, investigations, civil processes, and warrants. If your question is about reports, warrants, or law enforcement services unrelated to daily jail operations, the Sheriff is the right stop.
Explore: Sheriff’s Office

This division of responsibilities also explains why some matters appear on the roster (custody and booking) while other matters do not (investigative details or external court actions).

Interpret “In Custody” and “Out of Custody” Correctly

The “In Custody” checkbox is the single most common source of confusion. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls:

If you check “In Custody,” you will only see individuals who are currently booked in jail. If someone was released earlier today or last week, that record will not appear with the box checked.

If you leave it blank, you will see both current and historical entries that match your name or number search. This is essential when someone may have been released, transferred, or otherwise left custody.

A name not appearing does not necessarily mean the person was never booked. It could mean a different spelling was used, the record is historical and you filtered it out, or the person is in another jurisdiction. Start broad and then refine.

Link Jail Roster Information to Visiting, Mail, and Inmate Services

People use the roster to confirm custody before arranging a visit, sending mail, or depositing funds. Benton County provides policy pages where you can review requirements and rules in detail.

For visiting schedules, identification, dress code, and conduct, see Inmate Mail and Visitation. This page centralizes the county’s visitation and mail guidance so you can prepare correctly before traveling or mailing.
Review policy: Visitation

When you pair the roster (to confirm the person is in custody) with the visitation page (to understand procedures), you can plan your trip or communication without surprises. Always confirm the person’s custody status on the day you plan to visit—custody can change quickly.

Use Victim and Witness Notifications the Right Way

Victims and interested parties often need to know when someone’s custody status changes. The county provides information on Washington’s victim notification tools through its dedicated page:

Get started: VINElink

The county page explains how to access victim notification resources. It’s wise to verify identity carefully when you register for notifications, and to continue checking the Benton County WA Jail Roster for the most current local status prior to time-sensitive decisions.

Check Court Dockets When You Need Hearing, Case, or Calendar Context

Jail custody is only one part of a larger process that includes court schedules and hearings. If your questions involve upcoming appearances, docket location, or which court is handling a case, the county provides a gateway to court calendars and related links.

See schedule resources: Court Dockets

Using both the roster (for custody) and court dockets (for hearing timelines) gives you a fuller view of the case’s current stage. Keep in mind that docket updates and custody status changes can occur independently; always recheck both when plans hinge on up-to-the-minute information.

Request Additional Records the Proper Way

The jail roster is not a substitute for certified records, full court files, or jail file disclosures. If you need official documentation or additional materials, Benton County lists the correct channels to request those materials.

Submit a request: Public Records Requests

This page points you to the processes and contacts for records requests under state law. Requesting agencies can include the Sheriff’s Office, Corrections Department, and courts depending on the record type. Use the jail roster to identify the person and booking number; then use the records page to obtain documents appropriately.

Step-by-Step: Example Workflows that Use the Jail Roster

To make these pieces fit together, here are realistic workflows that show how Benton County’s official pages interact.

Scenario 1: Confirming Custody Before a Visit

Verify custody – Open the Benton County Jail Roster Search Website and search by last name only. Leave dates blank and keep “In Custody” checked to see only currently incarcerated individuals.

Open the record – Confirm the person matches the identifier you know (e.g., date of birth or booking number, if available).

Review visitation rules – Go to Inmate Mail and Visitation for hours, identification requirements, and what you may bring.

Plan logistics – If you are coordinating with others, remind them to recheck custody the day of the visit, since releases or transfers can happen on short notice.

Scenario 2: Following a Case from Booking to Court

Identify the person – Use the Benton County WA Jail Roster search to find the recent booking.

Note identifiers – Record the Booking Number or Subject Number shown by the tool; you will need them if you request records later.

Check the court schedule – Use the Court Dockets portal to find calendars associated with the person’s case type (District or Superior Court, as applicable).

Stay informed – If you are a victim or otherwise eligible for notifications, consult the VINElink page to set up alerts for custody changes.

Request documents – If you need certified copies or case files, file through Public Records Requests or the appropriate court channel indicated there.

Scenario 3: You Can’t Find the Person You Expect

Broaden the search – Remove the first name and try the last name only; then try the first name only. Clear the date fields.

Toggle “In Custody” – If you’re not sure whether the person is still incarcerated, uncheck “In Custody” to include released records.

Adjust spelling – Try alternate spellings, shortened versions, or a partial name fragment.

Confirm jurisdiction – If still no match appears, consider whether the arrest or booking occurred in another county or under another agency.

Direct questions – For custody operations, start with the Corrections Department page; for law enforcement questions, the Sheriff’s Office is the right destination.

Key Terms You’ll See on the Benton County WA Jail Roster

Knowing the common terms helps you read results without confusion:

Subject Number – An internal person identifier within the county’s system; it remains consistent across bookings for the same individual.

Booking Number – The unique identifier for a single booking event; a person can have multiple bookings over time.

In Custody – Indicates whether the person is currently incarcerated in the county jail system.

Booking Date Range – A filter that narrows search results to a specific window; leave blank when you’re unsure.

Housing Facility – Where the person is currently housed if in custody; may be relevant when coordinating legal visits or verifying transport.

Appropriate, Responsible Use of Roster Information

Custody information serves many legitimate uses—coordinating court appearances, arranging family communication, or ensuring victim safety. Washington law (including RCW 70.48.100) ensures certain information is available while protecting sensitive data. Keep these responsibilities in mind:

Use information for lawful purposes only. The roster is a public tool with limits; misuse can lead to legal consequences.

Respect privacy restrictions. Do not expect medical or protected data. The county cannot disclose what the law prohibits.

Check directly with official pages. Jail status and court calendars can change quickly. Recheck before traveling, posting bond, or making time-sensitive decisions.

Move through the right channels. For evidence, certified records, or transcripts, use the county’s records request processes. The roster is not a records repository.

When to Contact the Corrections Department or Sheriff’s Office

Routing your question correctly saves time:

Corrections Department – Questions about current custody, inmate services, visitation rules, or day-to-day jail operations. Begin at the official Corrections Department page to ensure you’re using the most current procedures for mail, visits, or property.

Sheriff’s Office – Questions about active warrants, reports, or law enforcement services outside of jail operations. Use the Sheriff’s Office page for the proper divisions and workflows.

If you need broader government contacts—such as the main county switchboard for general routing—Benton County also lists its central government office address and phone numbers at the end of this article.

One Page, Many Connections: How the Benton County Jail Roster Fits the System

Think of the Benton County WA Jail Roster as your starting compass:

It confirms custody and provides the basic identifiers you’ll use elsewhere (Subject Number, Booking Number).

It points you to policy pages (like Inmate Mail and Visitation) so you can comply with rules before you arrive at the facility.

It links to court calendars through the county’s Court Dockets portal so you can match a person’s custody to upcoming hearings.

It supports notification for victims and stakeholders through the county’s VINElink information page.

It anchors public disclosure efforts by giving you the reference numbers you need when you submit Public Records Requests for underlying documents.

By staying inside the county’s official ecosystem—beginning with the Daily Jail Roster page and proceeding to the search tool—you minimize errors, avoid stale information, and keep your actions aligned with RCW 70.48.100 and county policy.

Jail Roster–Relevant Departments and Offices (Addresses & Phone Numbers)

Benton County Corrections Department
Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite B110, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-783-1451; 509-786-5613

Benton County Sheriff’s Office
Address: Benton County Justice Center, 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Bldg. A120, Kennewick, WA 99336; Mailing: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A120, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-735-6555 (Kennewick); 509-786-5615 (Prosser)

Benton County Government (Main)
Address: 620 Market Street, Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: 509-786-5710; 509-783-1310

Benton County Jail Roster FAQs

Where do I access the official roster online?

Start from the county’s own hub, the Daily Jail Roster, which points to the secure search portal. For direct lookups, use the county-provided Benton County Jail Roster Search Website. These are the authoritative locations the county maintains; using them helps you avoid outdated or unofficial copies elsewhere.

How do I confirm hearing calendars or case context after finding a name?

Custody information and court scheduling are maintained separately. After you locate a person on the roster, review the county’s official Court Dockets to see daily schedules and calendar assignments for District or Superior Court. Cross-referencing the roster name and identifiers with the appropriate docket reduces errors when coordinating appearances or tracking case movement.

How can I request official documents beyond what the roster shows?

When you need certified records or materials not displayed on a roster entry, use the county’s Public Records Requests. Identify the correct county office for the record type and include precise information (names, booking numbers, dates) from the roster to speed processing. For court file materials, consult the court links within the dockets area to ensure you’re directing the request to the proper custodian.