Harrison County Public Records /Harrison County Inmate Search

Harrison County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Harrison County?

Inmate records in Harrison County, Mississippi, are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and the Harrison County Sheriff's Office to document individuals who are or have been held in custody within the county's detention system. These records are distinct from court records: while the Harrison County Circuit and County Courts maintain case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail and correctional facilities 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 a facility. 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, though it remains subject to applicable public records laws.

Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-1, the Mississippi Public Records Act establishes the framework governing access to government-held documents, including those maintained by county detention facilities. Members of the public seeking general information about the Harrison County detention system may access records through the Sheriff's Office or the Adult Detention Center.

Are Inmate Records Public In Harrison County?

Inmate records in Harrison County are generally considered public records under Mississippi law. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-3, all public records are presumed to be open for inspection by any person unless a specific exemption applies. This presumption of openness extends to records maintained by county sheriff's offices and detention facilities, meaning that basic custody information is accessible to members of the public without requiring a formal legal interest or demonstrated need.

The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public in Harrison County:

Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in county detention
Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and intake
Charges filed — the specific criminal charges associated with each detainee
Mugshots — booking photographs taken at intake
Bond and bail amounts — the 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 where the individual is held

Certain information within inmate records may be withheld under statutory exemptions, including records that could compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger facility security, or involve juvenile detainees. Mississippi law, specifically § 25-61-11, outlines the process by which a custodian of records may deny access and the remedies available to requesters.

What's Included Inmate Records in Harrison County

Inmate records maintained by Harrison County correctional facilities contain a comprehensive set of data fields that document every stage of an individual's custody. The following breakdown reflects the standard categories of information included in a complete inmate record.

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth
Race, sex, height, and weight
State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)
Booking photograph (mugshot)

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking
Arresting agency
Current housing facility and unit assignment
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)

Charge Information:

Specific criminal charges (statute cited)
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
Offense date

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond status (posted, pending, denied)

Court Information:

Next scheduled court date
Presiding court and case number
Attorney of record (if available)

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Sentence length
Sentence begin date
Good-time credits applied
Projected release date

Release Information:

Actual release date and time
Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, dismissal)
Transferring agency (if applicable)

Harrison County Prison System

Harrison County operates a local detention system designed primarily to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of typically one year or less for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions. The county jail system is administered by the Harrison County Sheriff's Office and is distinct from state correctional institutions operated by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, which house individuals convicted of more serious offenses and serving longer sentences.

The county system functions as the first point of custody following arrest, processing all individuals booked by local law enforcement agencies operating within Harrison County, including municipal police departments and the Sheriff's Office itself. Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are typically transferred to a state facility under MDOC jurisdiction.

Harrison County Sheriff's Office 10451 Larkin Smith Drive, Gulfport, MS 39503 (228) 865-7093 Harrison County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office public counter is generally open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Members of the public seeking in-person assistance with inmate records or custody inquiries are advised to contact the office directly to confirm current hours of operation.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Harrison County

Harrison County currently operates the following correctional and detention facilities to serve the county's law enforcement and pre-trial detention needs.

Harrison County Adult Detention Center 10451 Larkin Smith Drive, Gulfport, MS 39503 (228) 865-7093 Harrison County Adult Detention Center

This is the primary detention facility for Harrison County, housing pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and those held on immigration or other federal detainers. The facility is operated under the authority of the Harrison County Sheriff's Office and is subject to state inspection and certification requirements.

Harrison County Work Center Located within the Harrison County correctional complex, the Work Center houses sentenced inmates who qualify for work-release or community service programs. Eligibility is determined by facility classification staff based on offense history, behavior, and sentence length.

For individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms in excess of one year, custody is transferred to the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The MDOC maintains multiple facilities statewide, and the specific placement of a state inmate depends on classification, security level, and available bed space.

Who's in Prison In Harrison County

The Harrison County Adult Detention Center houses several distinct populations of individuals at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest group — these are individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted of any offense. They are held because they have not posted bond, have been denied bond, or are awaiting a bond hearing.

Additional populations currently held in Harrison County facilities include:

Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of less than one year
Sentenced felons (short-term) — individuals convicted of lower-level felonies serving sentences within the county system
Probation and parole violators — individuals held pending a revocation hearing
Federal and immigration detainees — individuals held under agreements with federal agencies
Individuals on holds — persons held at the request of other jurisdictions pending transfer

Individuals convicted of serious felonies and sentenced to longer terms are housed within the state prison system administered by the Mississippi Department of Corrections rather than in county facilities.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Harrison County in 2026

Members of the public may search for inmate records in Harrison County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods for locating current and historical custody information.

Online Search:

Visit the Harrison County government website and navigate to the Sheriff's Office or detention center section to access any available online inmate roster.
For individuals who have been transferred to state custody, use the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search tool, which allows searches by name or MDOC identification number.

In-Person Request:

Visit the Harrison County Adult Detention Center at 10451 Larkin Smith Drive, Gulfport, MS 39503, during public counter hours.
Present a valid government-issued photo identification.
Submit a written public records request if the information sought is not available through the standard inmate roster.

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Harrison County Sheriff's Office at (228) 865-7093 to inquire about an individual's custody status.
Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide basic booking information.

Written Public Records Request:

Submit a formal written request pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-5 to the records custodian at the Sheriff's Office.
Include the full name of the individual, date of birth if known, and a description of the specific records sought.
The custodian is required to respond within a reasonable time under current law.

How To Find an Inmate in Harrison County for Free?

Several no-cost methods are available for locating an inmate currently held in Harrison County or transferred to state custody.

Harrison County Sheriff's Office online roster — The Sheriff's Office may maintain a publicly accessible inmate roster on the Harrison County official website, searchable by name at no charge.
MDOC Inmate Search — The Mississippi Department of Corrections provides a free online search tool for individuals in state custody. Users may search by first name, last name, or MDOC ID number.
Telephone inquiry — Members of the public may call the Harrison County Adult Detention Center at (228) 865-7093 to request verbal confirmation of an individual's custody status at no cost.
In-person inquiry — Visiting the detention center in person and requesting information from the front desk is free of charge, though fees may apply for printed copies of records.
Mississippi Sex Offender Registry — For individuals required to register as sex offenders, the Mississippi Public Sex Offender Registry provides free public access to registration information, including current address and conviction details.

How To Visit an Inmate In Harrison County

Visitation at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. All visits are subject to approval and may be suspended or restricted based on facility operations, inmate behavior, or security concerns.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit.
Visitors are subject to search prior to entering the facility.

Visit Schedule:

Visitation schedules vary by housing unit and are subject to change. Members of the public should contact the facility at (228) 865-7093 to confirm current visitation days and times before arriving.

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
Food, beverages, or packages not authorized through official channels
Cash or valuables beyond what is permitted by facility policy

Dress Code:

Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery may result in denial of entry.

Visit Types:

In-person contact visits — available to approved visitors based on inmate classification
Non-contact visits — conducted through a barrier, typically for higher-security classifications
Video visitation — remote video visits may be available through the facility's contracted service provider

Visit Restrictions:

Individuals with active warrants, prior felony convictions, or who are on probation or parole may be denied visitation privileges.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also on the approved visitor list.
The facility reserves the right to terminate any visit that violates facility rules or poses a security risk.

How To Send Money to a Harrison County Inmate

Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account to allow the individual to purchase approved items from the facility commissary. The Harrison County Adult Detention Center currently works with approved third-party vendors to process inmate deposits.

Methods for Sending Money:

Online deposits — Funds may be deposited through the facility's contracted commissary or payment service provider. Members of the public should contact the facility at (228) 865-7093 or visit the Harrison County website to identify the current approved vendor.
Kiosk deposits — Lobby kiosks at the detention facility may accept cash or card deposits directly to an inmate's account.
Money order — Some facilities accept money orders mailed directly to the facility, made payable to the inmate with the inmate's full name and booking number noted on the instrument.

Amount Limits:

Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply and are set by the facility or the contracted vendor. Members of the public should verify current limits with the facility before submitting a deposit.

Fees:

Third-party payment processors typically charge a transaction fee. The fee amount varies by method and vendor.

What You Cannot Send:

Cash sent through the mail is not accepted and will not be credited to the inmate's account.
Personal checks are generally not accepted.
Gift cards or prepaid debit cards are not accepted as direct deposits.

What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For:

Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used to purchase commissary items such as hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and approved electronics.
Trust account funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution unless specifically authorized by a court order or facility policy.

How To Send Jail Mail In Harrison County

Members of the public may correspond with inmates held at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff for contraband and security purposes.

Mailing Address: Mail should be addressed to the inmate using the following format: Inmate Full Name, Booking Number Harrison County Adult Detention Center 10451 Larkin Smith Drive Gulfport, MS 39503

Rules for Sending Mail:

All mail must include the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. Anonymous mail will not be delivered.
Only standard white envelopes are accepted. Padded envelopes, packages, or parcels are generally not permitted unless specifically authorized.
Letters must be written on plain white paper. Colored paper, stickers, glitter, or other embellishments may result in the mail being rejected.
Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; however, Polaroid photographs, photos with dark backgrounds, or photos depicting nudity, weapons, or gang-related imagery are prohibited.
Books, magazines, and publications must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved retailer and are subject to facility approval.
All incoming mail is opened and inspected before delivery to the inmate. Mail containing contraband will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action.
Legal mail from licensed attorneys is treated as privileged correspondence and is opened only in the presence of the inmate, consistent with constitutional protections.