Alexandria County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Alexandria County?
Inmate records are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and sheriff's offices to document the custody, status, and history of individuals held in detention. In Alexandria, Virginia, these records are generated and managed primarily by the Alexandria Sheriff's Office and the Truesdale Adult Detention Center, which serves as the city's primary holding facility for individuals in local custody.
The record creation process begins at the point of booking or intake, when a detained individual is formally processed into the facility. At that stage, identifying information, charges, and physical descriptors are recorded. The record is then updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, court appearances, and disciplinary actions. Upon release, the record is closed and archived in accordance with applicable retention schedules.
Inmate records are distinct from court records. Court records—maintained by the Alexandria Circuit Court or General District Court—document the judicial proceedings associated with a criminal case, including indictments, motions, verdicts, and sentencing orders. Custody records, by contrast, are maintained by the correctional facility and document the physical detention of the individual, independent of the court's case file. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, the Commonwealth establishes parameters governing the dissemination of criminal history record information, which includes records generated during the booking and detention process.
Alexandria Sheriff's Office 2003 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 746-4200 Alexandria Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Alexandria County?
Inmate records in Alexandria are generally accessible to members of the public pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq. This statute establishes a presumption of openness for all public records held by government bodies, including law enforcement and correctional agencies, unless a specific exemption applies.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster — names and booking dates of individuals presently in custody
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the current period of detention
- Bond and bail amounts — financial conditions of release set by the court
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit in which the individual is held
Certain information may be withheld under exemptions provided in Virginia FOIA, including records that could compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger a witness, or reveal confidential informant identities. Juvenile records are also exempt from public disclosure under Virginia law.
What's Included In Inmate Records in Alexandria County
Inmate records maintained by the Alexandria Sheriff's Office contain a comprehensive set of data fields compiled from the point of intake through release. The following categories represent the standard components of a custody record:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Race, sex, height, weight, and eye color
- Photograph (booking photo/mugshot)
- Unique inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Current housing assignment and facility location
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, federal hold, etc.)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges and corresponding Virginia Code sections
- Charge classification (felony or misdemeanor)
- Offense date
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date
- Presiding court (Circuit Court or General District Court)
- Case number
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence imposed
- Sentence commencement date
- Good-time or earned-time credits applied
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Actual release date upon discharge
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, court order)
Alexandria County Prison System
Alexandria operates a local detention system designed to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of twelve months or less. The city's correctional infrastructure is administered by the Alexandria Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the operation of the Truesdale Adult Detention Center and the management of all individuals in local custody.
The local jail system is distinct from the Virginia state prison system. Individuals convicted of felonies carrying sentences exceeding twelve months are typically transferred to a facility operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC). The Alexandria Sheriff's Office also holds federal detainees and individuals awaiting transfer under intergovernmental agreements.
Alexandria Sheriff's Office 2003 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 746-4200 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Alexandria Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Alexandria County
Alexandria currently operates one primary adult detention facility serving the city's correctional needs.
Truesdale Adult Detention Center The Detention Center Bureau of the Alexandria Sheriff's Office operates the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center, which at present houses approximately 300 inmates, including local, state, and federal prisoners. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and provides housing for pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, and individuals held under federal or state authority.
William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center 2001 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 746-4200 Detention Center Bureau
Who's in Prison In Alexandria County
The William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center houses several distinct populations of incarcerated individuals. Members of the public seeking to understand who may be held at the facility should be aware of the following categories:
- Pre-trial detainees — individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted; they are held because they were denied bail or were unable to post bond
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of twelve months or less
- State-sentenced felons — individuals awaiting transfer to a VADOC facility following a felony conviction
- Federal detainees — individuals held under agreements with federal law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Marshals Service detainees
- Civil detainees — individuals held pursuant to civil court orders, including immigration detainers in some circumstances
- Individuals on probation or parole violations — persons returned to custody following alleged violations of supervision conditions
How To Search for Inmate Records In Alexandria County in 2026
Members of the public may conduct inmate searches through several official channels currently available through the City of Alexandria and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Step 1 — Use the Online Crime Database The City of Alexandria maintains a publicly accessible crime and arrest database that allows users to search for reported incidents and arrest information by date, location, and offense type.
Step 2 — Contact the Alexandria Sheriff's Office Directly Members of the public may contact the Alexandria Sheriff's Office by telephone at (703) 746-4200 or visit the public counter at 2003 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314, Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, to request custody status information on a specific individual.
Step 3 — Submit a FOIA Request Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, any person may submit a written public records request to the Alexandria Sheriff's Office or the City of Alexandria's FOIA Officer. Requests may be submitted by mail, email, or in person. The agency is required to respond within five business days.
Step 4 — Search the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator For individuals who have been transferred to state custody, the Virginia Department of Corrections maintains a statewide inmate locator tool accessible through the VADOC website.
Alexandria City FOIA Officer 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 746-4550
How To Find an Inmate in Alexandria County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an individual held in Alexandria's correctional system.
- Alexandria Sheriff's Office telephone inquiry — Members of the public may call (703) 746-4200 during business hours to request custody status information at no charge
- In-person inquiry — Visitors may appear at the Truesdale Adult Detention Center at 2001 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314, during public counter hours to request inmate location information
- Virginia VADOC Inmate Locator — For individuals transferred to state prison, the Virginia Department of Corrections inmate locator provides free online search access to locate individuals under VADOC custody, including their current facility and projected release date
- Alexandria Crime Database — The city's publicly accessible crime report search tool provides arrest and incident data at no cost
How To Visit an Inmate In Alexandria County
The Alexandria Sheriff's Office administers visitation at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center in accordance with facility rules and applicable Virginia law. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all established procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list. Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Individuals with outstanding warrants or active criminal charges may be denied entry.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are subject to change based on facility operations and housing unit assignments. Members of the public are advised to contact the facility directly at (703) 746-4200 to confirm current visitation hours prior to arrival.
Visit Types
- In-person contact visits — available to approved visitors in designated visitation areas
- Video visitation — remote video visits may be available through the facility's contracted service provider
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure area
- Unauthorized packages, food, or beverages
Dress Code Visitors must dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery may result in denial of entry.
Visit Restrictions Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked as a result of disciplinary actions against the inmate or violations of facility rules by the visitor. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also on the approved visitor list.
How To Send Money to an Alexandria County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's commissary account through methods authorized by the Alexandria Sheriff's Office and its contracted financial services provider.
Accepted Methods:
- Online deposits — through the facility's contracted third-party service provider (fees may apply)
- Kiosk deposits — available at the facility lobby during public hours
- Money order — mailed to the facility; personal checks are generally not accepted
Amount Limits: Deposit limits are established by the facility and may vary. Members of the public are advised to contact the Sheriff's Office at (703) 746-4200 to confirm current limits.
Fees: Third-party transaction fees may apply depending on the deposit method selected. The facility itself does not charge a fee for receiving funds.
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: Funds in an inmate's commissary account may be used to purchase approved items from the facility commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and phone time. Funds may not be used to purchase contraband, make unauthorized transfers, or pay for services outside the facility's approved vendor network.
How To Send Jail Mail In Alexandria County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff pursuant to facility security protocols and applicable Virginia correctional regulations.
Mailing Address Format: Inmate Full Legal Name, Inmate ID Number William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center 2001 Mill Road Alexandria, VA 22314
Mail Rules:
- All letters must be written on plain white paper and sent in standard white envelopes
- Envelopes must include the sender's full return address
- Photographs may be permitted subject to facility guidelines; polaroid or instant-print photos are typically prohibited
- Cards and letters must not contain glitter, stickers, staples, paper clips, or any embedded materials
- Books and publications, if permitted, must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer, not from an individual sender
- Mail containing threatening, obscene, or contraband-related content will be rejected and may be reported to law enforcement
The facility reserves the right to reject, copy, or hold any incoming correspondence that poses a security risk or violates facility rules. Inmates are notified when mail is rejected. The inmate resources page maintained by the Alexandria Sheriff's Office provides current guidance on correspondence policies.