Lowndes County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Lowndes County?
Inmate records in Lowndes County are official documents maintained by the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office and the county detention facility, documenting the custody status, personal history, and legal circumstances of individuals held in local correctional custody. These records are distinct from court records: while the Lowndes County Circuit Court maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail and sheriff's office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record bond amounts, and photograph the individual. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived. Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-1, public records are broadly defined to include all documents created or received by public bodies in the conduct of their official functions, which encompasses inmate custody records held by county detention facilities.
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office P.O. Box 1364, 1121 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39703 (662) 329-5900 Lowndes County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Lowndes County?
Inmate records maintained by the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office are generally accessible to the public under Mississippi's public records framework. Mississippi Code § 25-61-5 establishes that all public records are presumed open for inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies. Corrections-specific provisions under Mississippi Code § 47-5-119 further govern the management and disclosure of records related to individuals in state and county custody.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to members of the public:
- Current inmate roster and daily booking logs
- Arrest and booking records, including date, time, and arresting agency
- Charges filed against the individual at the time of booking
- Mugshots taken during the intake process
- Bond and bail amounts set by the court
- Expected release dates or scheduled court appearance dates
- The name of the housing facility where the individual is detained
Certain records may be withheld where disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger facility security, or violate a court-issued protective order. Requests for records that fall under recognized exemptions will be processed in accordance with the procedures outlined in Mississippi's Public Records Act.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Lowndes County
Inmate records maintained by the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center contain multiple categories of information compiled from the point of booking through release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name, including any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of booking
- Race, sex, height, and weight
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number or MDOC number (if applicable)
Custody Information:
- Date and time of arrest and booking
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Current housing unit and cell assignment
- Custody classification level
Charge Information:
- All charges filed at the time of booking
- Statute citations for each charge
- Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, or traffic offense)
- Case numbers associated with each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount set for each charge
- Current bond status
Court Information:
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Presiding court and judge assignment
- Case disposition status
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence imposed
- Sentence start date and projected end date
- Any sentence modifications or credits applied
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond, time served, transfer, or court order)
- Transfer destination if moved to a state facility
Lowndes County Prison System
Lowndes County operates a local detention system designed to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The county jail functions primarily as a pre-trial detention facility for individuals awaiting arraignment, bail hearings, or trial, as well as a short-term confinement facility for individuals serving sentences of typically one year or less following conviction on misdemeanor or lower-level felony charges. Individuals convicted of felonies carrying longer sentences are transferred to facilities operated by the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The distinction between a county jail and a state prison is significant. County jails are administered by the county sheriff and funded through county government, while state prisons are managed by MDOC and house individuals serving longer sentences under state jurisdiction. The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office oversees all operations of the county detention facility, including staffing, inmate management, and records maintenance.
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office / Adult Detention Center 1121 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39703 (662) 329-5900 Lowndes County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Lowndes County
Lowndes County's correctional infrastructure consists of the following facility:
Lowndes County Adult Detention Center The primary detention facility serving Lowndes County is the Adult Detention Center, operated under the authority of the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities. The detention center is located adjacent to the sheriff's office in Columbus, Mississippi.
Lowndes County Adult Detention Center 1121 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39703 (662) 329-5900 Lowndes County Sheriff's Office
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year, or those convicted of serious felonies, are transferred to facilities within the Mississippi Department of Corrections system. The MDOC operates multiple facilities statewide, and Lowndes County residents serving state sentences may be housed at any MDOC-designated institution.
Mississippi Department of Corrections 633 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202 (601) 359-5600 Mississippi Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In Lowndes County
The Lowndes County Adult Detention Center houses several distinct populations at any given time. Understanding who is incarcerated in the county facility helps members of the public and families of detainees determine the appropriate agency to contact when seeking information.
The following categories of individuals are currently held in the county detention facility:
- Pre-trial detainees who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted, and who are unable to post bond or have been denied bail
- Individuals serving short-term sentences of one year or less following conviction in Lowndes County Justice Court or Circuit Court
- Individuals awaiting transfer to a Mississippi Department of Corrections facility following a felony conviction
- Individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions, including federal immigration holds or out-of-state warrants
- Individuals serving weekend or work-release sentences as ordered by the court
- Individuals held for probation or parole violations pending a revocation hearing
Individuals who have been transferred to state custody are no longer reflected in the county jail roster and must be located through the MDOC inmate search portal.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Lowndes County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records from the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center may use the following methods to obtain current custody information and official documentation.
Step 1 – Contact the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office directly. Members of the public may call (662) 329-5900 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to inquire about an individual's current custody status. Staff can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody and provide basic booking information.
Step 2 – Submit a formal public records request. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, members of the public may submit a written public records request to the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. Requests should include the full name of the individual, date of birth if known, and a description of the specific records sought. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by email to the records division.
Step 3 – Search the MDOC database for state inmates. If the individual has been transferred to state custody, members of the public may use the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search to locate current housing information by entering the individual's name or MDOC identification number.
Step 4 – Visit the facility in person. Members of the public may visit the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center at 1121 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39703, during public counter hours to review available records or submit a records request in person.
How To Find an Inmate in Lowndes County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are available for locating an inmate currently held in Lowndes County or transferred to state custody.
- Call the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office at (662) 329-5900 to request a verbal confirmation of custody status at no charge during regular business hours.
- Visit the detention center in person at 1121 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39703, where staff can confirm whether a named individual is in custody.
- Search the MDOC inmate database at no cost through the Mississippi Department of Corrections official website, which allows searches by name or MDOC ID number for individuals in state custody.
- Check the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry through the Public Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, which provides location and registration information for registered sex offenders statewide.
- Contact the Lowndes County Circuit Clerk's Office for court-related case information that may reflect an individual's custody status as part of an active case file.
Lowndes County Circuit Clerk's Office 505 Second Avenue North, Columbus, MS 39701 (662) 329-5900 Lowndes County Circuit Clerk
How To Visit an Inmate In Lowndes County
Visitation at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center is governed by facility rules established by the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. All visitors must comply with applicable regulations to maintain facility security and inmate welfare.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of check-in. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which is submitted by the inmate upon intake or updated upon request. Individuals with active warrants or pending criminal charges may be denied entry.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are set by the facility administration and are subject to change based on operational needs. Members of the public should contact the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center at (662) 329-5900 to confirm current visitation days and times prior to arrival.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Any court-issued documentation authorizing special visitation, if applicable
What NOT to Bring
- Cell phones, cameras, or electronic recording devices
- Food, beverages, or outside packages
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products or controlled substances
Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays offensive imagery will result in denial of entry. Specific dress code requirements should be confirmed with facility staff prior to visiting.
Visit Types The facility currently offers in-person contact or non-contact visits depending on the inmate's classification level. Video visitation options may be available through contracted service providers.
Visit Restrictions Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of facility rules, disciplinary actions against the inmate, or court-ordered restrictions. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must also be on the approved visitation list.
How To Send Money to a Lowndes County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center through approved channels. These funds allow inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and cover other approved personal expenses.
Approved Methods for Sending Money:
- In person at the facility lobby via cash or money order, subject to staff availability and posted hours
- Through a contracted kiosk or online service if available at the facility — members of the public should contact the detention center at (662) 329-5900 to confirm currently accepted deposit methods
Amount Limits: Specific deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply and are set by facility administration. Members of the public should confirm current limits directly with the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
Fees: Third-party deposit services typically charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not charge a fee for receiving funds, but service providers may apply processing charges.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent by mail
- Personal checks
- Funds from unverified or anonymous sources
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Inmate trust account funds may be used to purchase approved commissary items, pay for phone call credits, and cover court-ordered fees or fines. Funds may not be used to purchase contraband, transfer to outside parties without authorization, or circumvent facility financial controls.
How To Send Jail Mail In Lowndes County
Members of the public may send written correspondence to inmates housed at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center by following the facility's established mail procedures.
Mailing Address Format: All mail must be addressed to the inmate using the following format: Inmate Full Legal Name, Inmate ID Number (if known), Lowndes County Adult Detention Center, 1121 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39703.
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff for contraband and security threats, consistent with inmate rights under applicable Mississippi law
- Letters must be written on plain white paper and sent in standard white envelopes
- The sender's full name and return address must appear on the outside of the envelope
- Postcards are generally accepted; padded envelopes or packages are typically not permitted without prior authorization
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; explicit or offensive imagery is prohibited
- Stickers, glitter, perfume, or any substance applied to the paper or envelope is not permitted
- Legal mail from licensed attorneys is treated as privileged correspondence and handled separately from general mail under established constitutional protections
Prohibited Items in Mail:
- Cash, checks, or money orders enclosed in envelopes
- Controlled substances or drug-laced paper
- Staples, paper clips, or binding materials
- Items that could be used to facilitate escape or harm
Members of the public with questions about specific mail policies should contact the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center directly at (662) 329-5900.