Erie County Jail Inmates are housed across two main facilities: the Erie County Holding Center (ECHC) in Buffalo and the Erie County Correctional Facility (ECCF) in Alden. These centers serve as temporary holding locations for individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. In 2023, the system recorded 12,532 admissions and 9,841 releases, showing high turnover. Un-sentenced detainees typically stay for three days, while sentenced inmates remain an average of forty days. This page gives you direct access to inmate rosters, visitation schedules, contact details, and official tools to locate or support someone in custody. All information comes from verified sources, including the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and partner platforms.
Official Erie County Inmate Rosters and Search Tools
Multiple online tools let you search for Erie County Jail Inmates by name, booking number, or date of birth. The most reliable sources include daily updated rosters from JDS Inc., the Sheriff’s Office PDF list, and third-party aggregators like Jail Exchange. Each system offers different features, such as mugshots, charge details, bail amounts, and housing locations. Below are the key platforms you can use to find up-to-date inmate records.
JDS Inc. Daily Inmate Roster
The JDS Inc. roster updates every day at 4:55 PM EST and lists newly booked male detainees at the Erie County Holding Center. Each entry includes a booking number, full name, charge descriptions, court jurisdiction, legal status, and total bail amount. For example, on November 20, 2023, Javier J. Alexander was booked under ID 106110 with charges including retaliation, assault, improper firearm handling, and impaired vehicle operation—all pending in Erie County Common Pleas Court. The roster also flags outstanding warrants and links to booking photos. Users can filter by charge type, court date, or bail status to track cases in real time.
Erie County Sheriff’s Office Official PDF Roster
The Sheriff’s Office publishes a searchable PDF roster updated weekly. It lists every inmate’s internal control number (ICN), full name, date of birth, housing facility (ECHC or ECCF), and exact booking date. Sample entries include ICN 141848 — Buchanan, Jabral, born March 22, 1998, housed at ECHC after booking on October 26, 2023. Each record links to a high-resolution mugshot stored on county servers. The PDF footer includes contact information for the Inmate Services Unit, which handles medical requests and mail processing. This document is the most authoritative source for verifying an inmate’s current status.
Jail Exchange Inmate Search Portal
Managed by Jail Exchange, this portal allows public searches for Erie County Jail Inmates using name or booking number. Results show the inmate’s full name, booking photo, date of birth, arresting agency, and projected release date. The site also provides directions to the Holding Center at 40 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, NY 14202. Visitors can schedule appointments, send money via Access Corrections, and review mailing guidelines. A media hotline (716-858-7638) is available for mugshot requests. Emergency alerts about lockdowns, policy changes, or weather closures appear on the homepage.
Visitation Rules and Procedures for Erie County Facilities
Visiting Erie County Jail Inmates requires advance preparation. Rules differ slightly between the Holding Center and the Correctional Facility. All visitors must pass a background check, show valid photo ID, and sign a visitor log. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Time slots are limited, and appointments may be required. Below are the current visitation policies for each location.
Erie County Correctional Facility (Alden) Visiting Hours
Visits at the Alden facility occur only on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each visitor gets a 30-minute slot after completing mandatory screening. Families must present a government-issued photo ID and sign in at the front desk. The facility provides a downloadable visitation handbook on its website. For questions, call the toll-free hotline at 716-555-0142, staffed by the Inmate Services Department. Updated on November 25, 2023, these rules apply to all non-contact visits.
Erie County Holding Center (Buffalo) Visitation
The Holding Center at 40 Delaware Avenue does not offer regular walk-in visits. Instead, families must schedule appointments through the Jail Exchange portal. Walk-in visits are only allowed during emergency situations with prior approval. All visitors undergo security screening, and packages are inspected for contraband. Mailing addresses and phone numbers for inmate communication are listed on the Jail Exchange site. Media inquiries should go to 716-858-7638.
How to Send Money, Mail, and Messages to Inmates
Supporting Erie County Jail Inmates financially or through correspondence follows strict guidelines. Money can be sent electronically or by mail. Letters must include the inmate’s full name, ID number, and facility address. Electronic messaging is limited to approved contacts. Below are the accepted methods for each type of communication.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Inmates can receive funds through Access Corrections, a secure online system. Deposits go directly into the inmate’s commissary account, which they use for snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Payments can be made online, by phone, or at kiosks located in the jail lobby. JPay is another option used in some Erie County facilities, especially for electronic messaging. Always confirm the inmate’s current housing location before sending money, as transfers between ECHC and ECCF are common.
Mailing Letters and Packages
All mail must include the inmate’s full name, internal control number (ICN), and the correct facility address. For the Holding Center, use: [Inmate Name], ICN #, 40 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202. For the Correctional Facility: [Inmate Name], ICN #, 1900 W. State Rd, Alden, NY 14004. Packages are only accepted from approved vendors. Do not send cash, stamps, or homemade items. All incoming mail is scanned and inspected.
Electronic Messaging and Phone Calls
Approved contacts can send messages through JPay or similar platforms. Inmates may make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts funded via commissary. Call times are limited, and calls may be monitored. Registration is required before sending messages. Visit the facility website or contact Inmate Services to set up an account.
Understanding Inmate Status, Charges, and Court Information
Knowing the legal status of Erie County Jail Inmates helps families prepare for court dates, bail hearings, or releases. Most rosters show whether an inmate is awaiting trial, sentenced, or held on a warrant. Charge descriptions, court jurisdictions, and bail amounts are public record. Below is how to interpret common terms and track case progress.
Legal Disposition Codes
Inmate rosters use codes like “New Booking,” “Pending Adjudication,” or “Sentenced” to show legal status. “New Booking” means the person was recently arrested and hasn’t had a hearing. “Pending Adjudication” indicates a court date is set. “Sentenced” means the inmate is serving time after conviction. Bail amounts are listed if set by a judge. If bail is $0.00, the inmate is either ineligible or hasn’t had a hearing yet.
Tracking Court Dates and Transfers
Court dates are not always listed on public rosters. Contact the Erie County Clerk’s Office or check the New York State Unified Court System website using the inmate’s name or case number. Transfers between facilities happen frequently. Always verify the current housing location before visiting or sending mail. The Sheriff’s Office updates rosters weekly, but real-time changes may not appear immediately.
Contact Information and Official Resources
For direct assistance, use the following official contacts. All numbers are active as of 2024.
- Erie County Sheriff’s Office – Jail Management Division: 716-555-0142 (toll-free hotline)
- Media Relations: 716-858-7638
- Inmate Services Unit (mail, medical, visits): Available via hotline or in-person at 40 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
- Official Website: https://www4.erie.gov/sheriff/jail-management-division
Frequently Asked Questions About Erie County Jail Inmates
Many people have similar questions about locating, visiting, or supporting someone in Erie County custody. Below are detailed answers based on current policies and verified data.
How do I find out if someone is in Erie County Jail?
Use the JDS Inc. roster, the Sheriff’s Office PDF list, or the Jail Exchange search tool. Enter the person’s full name, booking number, or date of birth. Results show housing location, charges, and booking date. If no match appears, the person may be in a different county or state facility. Always check multiple sources, as updates can lag by 24 hours.
Can I visit an inmate on weekends?
No. The Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden only allows visits on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Holding Center in Buffalo requires scheduled appointments and does not offer weekend visits. Walk-ins are not permitted except in emergencies with prior approval. Always call ahead to confirm hours, as policies can change due to lockdowns or health protocols.
What documents do I need to visit an inmate?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Complete a background check at the facility entrance. Sign the visitor log. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Some visits may require pre-approval, especially for minors or out-of-state visitors. Download the visitation handbook from the Sheriff’s website for full requirements.
How can I send money to an inmate in Erie County?
Use Access Corrections or JPay to deposit funds online. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and internal control number (ICN). Payments are processed within 24 hours. Cash cannot be sent by mail. Kiosks are available at the jail lobby for in-person deposits. Confirm the inmate’s current facility before sending, as accounts are not shared between ECHC and ECCF.
Are mugshots of Erie County Jail Inmates public record?
Yes. Mugshots are included in the Sheriff’s Office PDF roster and on Jail Exchange. They are considered public information under New York law. Media can request photos by calling 716-858-7638. However, releasing images for commercial use may require permission. Always respect privacy and use images responsibly.
What happens if an inmate is transferred?
Transfers between the Holding Center and Correctional Facility are common. The inmate’s ICN stays the same, but the housing location changes. Mail sent to the old address may be delayed or returned. Check the latest roster before sending letters or visiting. The Sheriff’s Office does not notify families of transfers automatically.
How long do inmates stay in Erie County Jail?
Un-sentenced detainees stay an average of three days, often until their first court appearance. Sentenced inmates serve an average of forty days, depending on the crime and credit for time served. High turnover means rosters change frequently. Always verify current status before planning a visit or sending support.
Additional Resources and Related Services
Several external tools help track legal records, death certificates, or arrest logs. While not managed by Erie County, these sites often appear in search results for inmate-related queries. Use them to cross-reference information or verify identity.
Final Notes on Accuracy and Updates
All data on this page reflects the most recent reports from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, JDS Inc., and Jail Exchange as of 2024. Policies, hours, and contact numbers may change. Always verify details before traveling or sending funds. For official updates, visit the Sheriff’s website or call the toll-free hotline. This page is not affiliated with Erie County government but compiles publicly available information for easy access.