Jail Roster
The King County WA Jail Roster helps people find information about adults currently in custody at King County detention facilities. This article explains how the official jail roster works, where to search for an individual, how booking numbers are used, which detention facilities are involved, and which offices handle related jail services. Readers can also learn how to avoid common search mistakes and identify the correct King County department for questions about custody information, contacting someone in jail, bail, and other detention services.
Purpose of the Jail Roster
The King County Subject Lookup Tool is the official system used to search for adults in King County jails. The service allows users to find out whether an adult is currently in custody, learn where the person is being held, and locate an individual's booking number. The booking number may also be called a Book of Arrest (B/A) number.
A B/A number is useful because it identifies a specific booking record. People may need this number when contacting someone in custody or sending money to a person housed in a King County jail. Searching with accurate information helps users locate the correct custody record and reduces confusion when multiple people have similar names.
The official King County Jail Roster and Subject Lookup Tool is maintained by the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. The roster focuses on adults in custody and provides current custody-related information available through the county system.
Information Available in Search
The Subject Lookup Tool provides search options that help identify an individual in the jail system. Users can search using available personal details to find matching custody records.
The search results may include information such as:
Name of the person in custody
Preferred name, when available
Facility where the person is held
Booking number
Booking date
Arresting agency connected to the current booking
The search system is designed for locating custody information. It is not the same as a court case search system. The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention does not provide information about court cases or hearings. Questions about court dates, hearings, or case records should be directed to the appropriate court.
Searching for Someone in Custody
Users can access the Subject Lookup Tool online and enter available information about the person they are looking for. Accurate spelling and complete information can improve search results.
Search Details That Help
Common details used in the lookup system include:
Last name
First name
Date of birth
Other available identifying information
If a search does not return a record, users should review the information entered and confirm that the person may actually be housed in a King County adult detention facility. A person may be held in another regional jail or correctional facility outside the King County system.
Other Ways to Check Custody
People who cannot use the online lookup system can also search for adults in custody through the jail phone system. The King County jail phone number for custody information is 206-296-1234.
For youth under age 18 who may be in custody, the adult jail roster is not the correct system. Questions about youth detention should be directed to 206-263-9595, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
King County Adult Jail Facilities
King County operates two adult detention facilities. A jail roster search can show where an adult in custody is being held, including whether the person is located at the Seattle facility or the Kent facility.
Seattle Detention Facility
The King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) is located in Seattle. The facility is one of the county’s two adult detention locations and handles adult custody services.
Kent Detention Facility
The Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) is located in Kent. It is also an adult detention facility operated by King County.
King County jails handle felony bookings from throughout the county as well as misdemeanor bookings from many local jurisdictions, including the City of Seattle. Some municipalities operate separate facilities for certain misdemeanor bookings, so a person may not appear in the King County roster if they are held elsewhere.
When a Person Is Not Found
A missing search result does not always mean that a person has no custody record. Several situations may explain why someone cannot be located through the King County Jail Roster.
The person may be held in another jail or correctional facility.
The person may be in a local facility operated separately from King County.
The search information may not match the custody record.
The person may not currently be in King County adult custody.
King County provides information about other regional facilities, including South Correctional Entity (SCORE), Kent City Jail, Pierce County, Snohomish County, and the Washington State Department of Corrections, for situations where someone is not found through the county system.
Booking Numbers and Jail Services
The booking number, also called a B/A number, is an important identifier connected to a person's custody record. It can help when using other jail-related services, including sending money to someone in custody.
When sending money to an adult in jail, King County requires the person's name and B/A number for money orders or cashier’s checks. The B/A number can be found through the Subject Lookup Tool.
The official King County information about sending money to an adult in jail explains available payment options and requirements. Funds may be added through online services, jail kiosks, phone services, retail locations, or approved mailed payments.
Bail Information and Procedures
The jail roster may help users locate a person before handling bail-related matters. Bail amounts are set by the court, and King County jails accept bail payments on behalf of the courts.
King County provides several ways to pay bail, including cash, cashier’s check, and money order. Cashier’s checks and money orders require verification before processing, which may delay release.
The official King County bail payment information page explains accepted payment methods and required information for payments.
Contacting Someone in Jail
After locating a person through the jail roster, users may need additional information about contacting the person. King County provides separate services for mail, phone calls, and visits.
Adults in jail can make phone calls using the county’s telephone services. Incoming calls to people in custody are not allowed. Visitors may also use in-person or video visit options available through King County detention services.
The official King County contact and visit information explains available communication methods and facility rules.
Victim Notification Services
The jail roster provides custody status information, but victims who need notifications about custody changes can use King County’s victim notification service.
Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) allows users to find custody status information by phone or online and register for notifications when a person’s custody status changes. Notifications may include releases, transfers, or escapes from a King County jail.
The official King County VINE victim notification page provides details about registration and available notification services.
Common Jail Roster Mistakes
Searching for custody information can become confusing when users rely on the wrong system or enter incomplete information. Several common mistakes can prevent people from finding the correct record.
Searching court records instead of the jail roster for custody information.
Using incorrect spelling when entering a name.
Assuming every detention facility in the region uses the King County system.
Confusing a booking number with a court case number.
Sending money without the required identifying information.
The jail roster is designed to locate adults in custody. Court hearings, charges, and case information are handled through court systems rather than the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention.
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
Jail Roster FAQs
How can I find a person listed in the King County Jail Roster?
You can search for an adult currently in custody by using the official King County Subject Lookup Tool. The search system allows users to look up custody information and find details connected to an adult’s current detention record. Entering accurate identifying information can help locate the correct record when multiple people have similar names.
What should I do if I cannot find someone in the search results?
If a person does not appear in the search results, they may not currently be held in a King County adult detention facility. King County advises checking other regional facilities because some individuals may be housed outside the county system. The person may also be in a separate local jail or another correctional facility that does not use the King County custody search.
Where are adults found through the jail search system held?
King County operates two adult detention facilities where individuals may be housed. The King County Correctional Facility and Maleng Regional Justice Center information page provides details about these locations. The lookup results can show the facility where an adult in custody is currently located.
Can I use jail roster information for court case questions?
No. The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention provides custody information but does not maintain court case records or hearing details. If you need information about court dates, hearings, or case proceedings, you must use the appropriate court resources rather than the jail custody search.
How is a booking number used after finding someone?
A booking number, also called a Book of Arrest (B/A) number, identifies a specific custody record. Users may need this number when completing certain jail-related services, such as sending money to an adult in custody. King County provides additional instructions through its official send money to an adult in jail information.