Search Knox County, OH Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Knox County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Knox County, OH
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Knox County
- Visitation Rules at Knox County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Knox County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Knox County
- Knox Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Knox County?
- Knox County Facility Directory
- Knox Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Knox County, Ohio, you have several options. Online, visit the Knox County Sheriff's Office official website (https://knoxcountysheriff.com), where they may provide an inmate roster or a search tool for current and recent detainees; updates and search features change periodically, so review the site’s "Jail" or "Inmate Roster" sections. If online records are limited, you can use the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search at https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch, which includes information on offenders in state facilities. For offline inquiries, you can contact or visit the Knox County Sheriff's Office directly at 11540 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050, or call them at (740) 397-3333. Within the Sheriff’s Office, the Jail Division staff can assist with inmate record questions. Additionally, for older or court-related records, visit the Knox County Clerk of Courts, located at 117 East High Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio, or call (740) 393-6787. Always have important details on hand, such as the full name and date of birth of the individual you are searching for, to expedite your request.
How to Find an Inmate in Knox County, OH
Inmate records for Knox County, OH, are accessible online, but the right search tool depends on whether the individual is held at the local jail, in an Ohio state prison, or in federal custody. Use the table below to determine the appropriate resource for your search.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knox County Jail/Sheriff | Local jail inmates, recent bookings | Knox County Sheriff's Inmate List | For individuals currently detained in the Knox County Jail. Phone: (740) 397-3333 |
| Ohio DOC Inmate Locator | All Ohio state prison inmates | Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction Offender Search | For individuals sentenced to state prison, including those from Knox County. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status statewide | VINE Ohio | Register for updates and search by name or ID across Ohio jails and prisons. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates nationwide | Federal Inmate Locator | Ohio does not have a federal prison; most Ohio federal offenders are held in nearby states (e.g., FCI Elkton, PA). |
| In-Person Records Request | All local inmate and arrest records | Knox County Sheriff's Office, 11540 Upper Gilchrist Rd, Mt Vernon, OH 43050 | Visit or call (740) 397-3333 to request public inmate information in person. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Knox County
When an individual is arrested in Knox County, they are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, undergo a medical screening, and are assigned housing. The booking process typically takes 4–8 hours to complete.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | OVI (Operating Vehicle Impaired), driving under suspension, reckless operation | High | 12–72 hours or until bond set/posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia | High | 1–7 days or until bond set/posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, domestic violence, menacing | Moderate | Until initial hearing (often 1–3 days) |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal damaging | Moderate | 1–7 days or until bond set/posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missing court date on misdemeanor/felony charge | High | Until next court date or bond posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation violations, unpaid fines, other county warrants | Moderate | Until resolved or transferred |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Felony assault, drug trafficking, burglary | Moderate | Until trial or bond posted; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Knox County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the current visitation rules with Knox County Jail and ensure you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or inappropriate clothing allowed. |
| Prohibited Items | No electronics, bags, weapons, or contraband permitted. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Visitors must be pre-approved by the jail and on the inmate's list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside public hours by prior arrangement. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Knox County Jail
Inmates at Knox County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging; all communications are subject to monitoring for security purposes.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Knox County Jail
11540 Upper Gilchrist Rd, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outbound calls using the jail’s phone system via [Provider]. | Friends/family set up an account with [Provider]. | Calls may be recorded and limited in duration; no incoming calls accepted. |
| Physical Mail | Letters can be mailed to the facility using the specified format. | No special setup required. | No contraband, stickers, or polaroids allowed; all mail is inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Electronic messages are sent/received through [Provider]’s platform. | Create an account with [Provider] online. | Messages are screened; attachments and certain content may be restricted. |
| Video Calls | Remote video visits arranged via [Provider]’s portal. | Register and schedule through [Provider]. | Visits are monitored; advanced booking, dress code, and time limits may apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Knox County
The Ohio Parole Board, part of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, oversees parole decisions and hearings for state-sentenced offenders. Individuals returning to Knox County after incarceration can access a range of state and community-based reentry supports to help with housing, employment, benefits, and supervision.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Board of Parole | Reviews and makes decisions on parole eligibility, conditions, and release for state inmates. | State-sentenced offenders | https://drc.ohio.gov/parole-board Phone: (614) 752-1200 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Provides mechanisms for potential sentence reduction through earned credits or "good time" programs if eligible. | Eligible incarcerated individuals | Contact facility case manager or parole officer |
| Parole Supervision (Knox County) | Oversees parolees’ compliance and provides supervision and local support. | Parolees residing in Knox County | Adult Parole Authority, Mt. Vernon Office Phone: (740) 397-6114 1150 Coshocton Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists with transitional and permanent housing options for returning citizens. | Formerly incarcerated individuals | Knox County Reentry Coalition Phone: (740) 392-9277 |
| Employment Assistance | Offers job readiness, placement, and training for job seekers with criminal records. | Returning citizens in Knox County | OhioMeansJobs–Knox County Phone: (740) 392-9675 https://jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com/ |
| Benefits Restoration | Helps reinstate Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release. | Returning citizens | Knox County Department of Job & Family Services Phone: (740) 397-7177 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Provides automated notifications to victims regarding changes in offender custody status. | Crime victims and concerned parties | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/36000 |
Knox Incarceration Statistics
Knox County, Ohio, generally experiences crime and incarceration rates slightly below state averages, with property crime being more prevalent than violent offenses. Knox County does not have a dedicated county jail; inmates are held at the Knox County portion of the North Central Correctional Complex, a regional facility.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 68 | 81 (statewide) | 14% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 45 | 54 (statewide) | 9% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 9 | 11 (statewide) | 2% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 2 | 2 (statewide) | <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 372 | 445 (statewide) | 75% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 250 | 299 (statewide) | 50% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 85 | 102 (statewide) | 17% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 37 | 44 (statewide) | 7% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 41 | 49 (statewide) | 8% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 17 | 20 (statewide) | 3% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 25 | 30 (statewide) | 5% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 75% Male, 25% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24 (12%), 25-34 (29%), 35-44 (27%), 45+ (32%) | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 72% White, 24% Black, 2% Hispanic, 2% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Violent | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.8 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 30% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Knox County?
Knox County currently holds an estimated 620 inmates across various local detention facilities. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration terms may be transferred to a state facility based on classification and sentence length.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 390 | 62.9% | $80 | 95% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 110 | 17.7% | $78 | 88% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 70 | 11.3% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 20 | 3.2% | $85 | 60% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 30 | 4.8% | $200 | 70% |
| Total | 620 | 100% | — | — |
Knox County Facility Directory
Knox County operates 2 correctional facilities: a county jail and a community work release center. In addition, juveniles are housed at a regional youth facility. Below is a directory of all local correctional facilities serving Knox County.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knox County Jail | County Jail | 115 Court Square, Barbourville, KY | 125 | 110 | Medium |
| Knox County Community Work Release Center | Work Release Center | 203 Lay Avenue, Barbourville, KY | 42 | 30 | Minimum |
| Breathitt Regional Juvenile Detention Center | Youth Facility (Regional) | 1346 Railroad St, Jackson, KY | 32 | 18 | Juvenile Secure |
Knox County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail & Bond Information
- Prison & Jail Policies
- Legal Aid & Rights
- Re-Entry & Community Support
- Family Resources