Jail
King County WA Jail provides detention services for adults and youth through the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD). This article explains how the jail system works, where facilities are located, how to locate someone in custody, how to contact a person in jail, how bail and money services work, and which offices handle specific jail-related needs.
King County Jail System Overview
The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention oversees King County detention facilities and related programs. The department operates adult jails in Seattle and Kent, as well as a juvenile detention facility in Seattle for youth under age 18. The department also provides community corrections programs that offer alternatives to detention.
The primary adult detention facilities are the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent. Both facilities handle adult custody operations, including housing individuals booked into King County jails.
The official Adult and Juvenile Detention information page provides access to jail services, facility information, inmate location tools, contact options, payment services, and other detention resources.
Adult Jail Locations
King County operates two adult detention facilities. Knowing the correct location helps families, attorneys, and other visitors contact the appropriate facility and understand where an individual may be held.
King County Correctional Facility
The King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) is located in Seattle. The facility houses adults in custody and provides access to jail services, including reception services and other detention-related operations.
The facility entrance is located near Fifth Avenue and James Street in downtown Seattle. Public parking facilities are available nearby.
Maleng Regional Justice Center
The Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) is located in Kent. It is one of King County’s two adult detention facilities and provides adult jail services for individuals in custody.
MRJC is located on West James Street in Kent. Visitors and families should confirm they are contacting the correct facility before making arrangements.
Locating Someone in Jail
People looking for an adult currently held in King County jails can use the county’s official Subject Lookup Tool. The tool allows users to find out if an adult is currently in custody, identify where the person is being held, and locate a booking number, sometimes called a Book of Arrest (B/A) number.
The booking number may be needed for certain jail services, including contacting someone in custody or sending money. The King County jail locator information explains how to search for an adult in custody and provides additional instructions.
Another option is the jail phone system at 206-296-1234. For youth under age 18 who may be in detention, families should call 206-263-9595 for custody information.
Jail Records and Booking Information
The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention maintains information related to people who have been in custody at King County jails. The Subject Lookup Tool can be used to search for people who have been in custody within the past year.
Jail records and other documents may require a public records request. The department uses the King County public records process for requests involving detention records. Some records about people in custody may be confidential and restricted from disclosure.
Requests for DAJD records can be submitted through the department’s records process. The Adult and Juvenile Detention records request page explains available request methods and record categories.
Contacting an Adult in Jail
Adults in King County jails can be contacted through approved communication methods. The fastest way to contact an adult in jail is through email. Letters may also be sent, but mailed correspondence must follow facility rules and restrictions.
Incoming phone calls to people in custody are not allowed. Adults in jail can make outgoing calls using the jail telephone service. People in custody receive up to two free phone calls each week.
Jail Visits and Video Visits
In-person visits are available at the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Visitors should review current visitation requirements before planning a visit.
Video visits are also available through Securus Video Connect. Visitors can schedule video visits using their personal devices.
The contact and visitation information for adults in jail explains available communication options and facility rules.
Sending Money to Someone in Jail
Families and friends can add funds to an adult’s account through approved payment methods. Most payment options are managed through Access Corrections.
Available methods include online payments, jail kiosks, retail deposits, phone payments, and certain mailed payments.
Online deposits can be made using a credit card through Access Corrections services.
Jail kiosks are available in the reception areas at both Seattle and Kent adult jails.
Retail deposits may be available through participating locations after registration through Cash Pay Today.
Phone payments can be made by calling Access Corrections at 866-345-1884.
Money orders and cashier’s checks may be mailed with the person’s name and B/A number.
Cash and personal checks are not accepted for mailed deposits. Money orders and cashier’s checks of $50 or more may require up to 10 business days for posting.
The King County jail money services page provides payment instructions and identifies approved methods.
Paying Bail in King County
Bail is the amount set by the court that may allow an individual to be released from jail while requiring them to return for scheduled court dates. The jail accepts bail payments on behalf of the courts.
Bail payments for adults can be made at the reception windows of both adult detention facilities. Payments may be made using cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders.
Cash payments may be accepted for bail.
Cashier’s checks and money orders must be made payable to “King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention.”
Payment documents must include the person’s name, booking number, and sender information.
Cashier’s checks and money orders require verification before processing, which may delay release. Courts, not the jail, are responsible for refunding cash or check bail payments after a case is resolved.
The King County bail and bond information page explains payment options and requirements.
Avoiding Jail Payment Scams
King County warns residents about scams involving people who claim they can arrange jail releases or electronic home detention in exchange for payment. These scams may target family members of people in custody.
Do not provide money, prepaid cards, or personal information to callers or messages making these claims. Questions about jail services should be directed to King County jail customer service at 206-296-1234.
Victim Notification Services
Victims of crime can use VINE, the Victim Information and Notification Everyday service, to receive custody status information and notifications about certain changes.
VINE allows users to search custody information by phone or online and register for telephone or email notifications when a person’s custody status changes, including release, transfer, or escape notifications from a King County jail.
The King County VINE information page provides details about registration and available notification services.
Jail Programs and Services
King County provides programs and services for adults in jail at both adult detention facilities. These programs support educational, personal, and vocational development opportunities while individuals are in custody.
Available services may include religious services, drug and alcohol counseling, recreation, education, and other programs. Specific programs may change depending on availability.
The programs and services information page provides details about available adult and youth detention services.
Juvenile Detention Information
King County’s juvenile detention services are separate from adult jail operations. Youth detention is provided through the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center in Seattle.
Families looking for information about a youth in detention can call 206-263-9595. The youth detention facility provides contact options including phone calls, video visits, and in-person visits for eligible family members and guardians.
Departments and Offices
Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention
500 Fifth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
206-296-1234
King County Correctional Facility
500 Fifth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
206-296-1234
Maleng Regional Justice Center
620 W. James St., Kent, WA 98032
206-296-1234
Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center
1211 East Alder Street, Seattle, WA 98122
206-263-5992
Jail FAQs
How can I find someone currently in King County Jail?
You can use the official King County Subject Lookup Tool to check whether an adult is currently in custody, find the facility where the person is housed, and locate a booking number. The booking number, also called a Book of Arrest (B/A) number, may be needed for certain jail services. The lookup tool only provides information for adults in King County custody.
How do families contact someone held at King County Jail?
Adults in custody can be contacted through approved communication options, including email, mail, phone services, and video visits. Incoming phone calls are not accepted, but people in custody can make outgoing calls. Visitors can also use video visitation through Securus Video Connect. Current rules and approved communication methods are listed on the official contact and visit an adult in jail page.
What payment options are available for a person in King County Jail?
Funds can be added to an adult’s account through approved payment methods managed through Access Corrections. Options include online deposits, jail kiosks, retail deposits, phone payments, and certain mailed money orders or cashier’s checks. The sender should follow King County’s instructions carefully because some payment types require additional processing time.
How does bail work for someone in King County Jail?
Bail amounts are set by the court and may allow a person to be released while requiring them to return for scheduled court appearances. King County accepts certain bail payments at its adult detention facilities. The official King County bail and bond information explains accepted payment types and required information.
Where can I find information about jail programs and services?
King County provides programs and services for adults in custody at its adult detention facilities in Seattle and Kent. Available programs may include education, recreation, religious services, and counseling opportunities. Information about available services is provided through the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s programs and services information.