Collin County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Collin County?
Inmate records in Collin County are official government documents maintained by the Collin County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated in county detention facilities. These records serve as the official documentation of an individual's custody status, criminal charges, and incarceration history within the county correctional system.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, these records constitute public information maintained by a governmental body in the regular course of business. Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, hearings, and case dispositions
- Inmate records document the physical custody and supervision of detained individuals
- Court records are maintained by the Collin County District Clerk or County Clerk
- Inmate records are maintained by the Collin County Sheriff's Office
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody. During this process, the Sheriff's Office collects identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and details about the alleged offense. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information. Upon release, the records are finalized to document the date and circumstances of release.
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.08 establishes specific requirements for the maintenance of certain inmate records, particularly those related to sex offender registration and notification.
Are Inmate Records Public In Collin County?
Yes, inmate records in Collin County are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including inmate records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The Collin County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate information system in accordance with state transparency requirements. Members of the public may access the following information about current and recently released inmates:
- Current inmate roster with names and booking dates
- Booking and arrest records
- Criminal charges filed
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates (when available)
- Current housing facility
However, certain information within inmate records may be restricted from public disclosure under specific exemptions in the Texas Public Information Act. These exemptions typically include:
- Medical and mental health information protected under HIPAA
- Information that would compromise institutional security
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Information that would endanger an individual if released
The Texas Attorney General has issued numerous opinions interpreting the application of the Public Information Act to inmate records, including Opinion No. OR2017-27494, which addresses the disclosure of certain inmate information.
What's Included Inmate Records in Collin County
Inmate records maintained by the Collin County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- State identification number (SID) and booking number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer
- Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
- Disciplinary records from current incarceration
- Visitation logs and approved visitor list
Charge Information:
- Current charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Case numbers associated with current charges
- Warrant information if applicable
- Prior booking history in Collin County
- Holds from other jurisdictions if applicable
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bond conditions if applicable
- Name of bonding company if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction (district court, county court)
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court case numbers
- Name of assigned judge
- Attorney of record (if represented)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence
- Date sentence began
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits earned
- Parole eligibility date if applicable
- Probation terms if applicable
Release Information:
- Date and time of release (if applicable)
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Conditions of release if applicable
- Post-release supervision requirements
Collin County Prison System
The Collin County correctional system operates under the authority of the Collin County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county's detention facilities. The system primarily consists of the Collin County Detention Facility, which serves as the main incarceration center for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor offenses.
It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system:
- County jails house pre-trial detainees and those serving sentences of typically less than one year
- State prisons, operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, house individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences
- County jails are funded by county tax dollars and operated by the Sheriff's Office
- State prisons are funded by state appropriations and operated by TDCJ
The Collin County Sheriff's Office maintains jurisdiction over all county detention facilities and is responsible for the custody, care, and control of all inmates housed within these facilities.
Collin County Sheriff's Office
4300 Community Avenue
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 547-5100
Collin County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Collin County
Collin County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations:
Collin County Detention Facility
4300 Community Avenue
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 547-5100
Collin County Sheriff's Office
This is the main detention facility in Collin County with a capacity of approximately 1,500 inmates. The facility houses both male and female inmates in separate housing units and accommodates various security classifications from minimum to maximum security. The facility includes:
- Intake and booking center
- General population housing units
- Administrative segregation units
- Medical housing units
- Mental health housing units
- Work release program housing
Collin County Minimum Security Facility
4300 Community Avenue
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 547-5100
Collin County Sheriff's Office
This facility houses low-risk inmates who are eligible for work programs and other rehabilitative services. Inmates housed in this facility may participate in:
- Inmate worker programs
- Educational programs
- Substance abuse treatment
- Vocational training
- Community service projects
Collin County Juvenile Detention Center
4700 Community Avenue
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-6570
Collin County Juvenile Probation
This facility is operated separately from adult facilities and houses juvenile offenders under the age of 17. The facility provides specialized services tailored to the needs of juvenile offenders, including:
- Educational services
- Counseling and mental health services
- Family intervention programs
- Substance abuse treatment
- Life skills training
Who's in Prison In Collin County
The Collin County jail system houses several categories of individuals who are in custody for various reasons:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged with a crime but have not yet been convicted
- Those who have been denied bail or are unable to post the required bail amount
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
- Individuals who have violated conditions of pre-trial release
Sentenced Offenders:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
- Individuals serving time for probation violations
- Those serving partial sentences as part of split sentencing arrangements
- Weekend commitments (individuals serving time on weekends only)
Transfer Inmates:
- State inmates temporarily housed in county facilities awaiting transfer to TDCJ
- Federal inmates housed under intergovernmental agreements
- Inmates from other counties housed due to overcrowding or other arrangements
- Individuals awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions
Special Populations:
- Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
- Those requiring protective custody due to safety concerns
- Inmates with medical conditions requiring specialized care
- Military personnel held under agreements with military authorities
According to data from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, the Collin County jail population typically consists of approximately 70% pre-trial detainees and 30% sentenced offenders, with an average daily population that fluctuates between 900-1,100 inmates.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Collin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Collin County may utilize several methods to access inmate records:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the Collin County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information website
- Enter the inmate's first and last name in the search fields
- For more specific results, include additional identifiers such as date of birth if known
- Review the search results, which will display basic information about current inmates
- Click on an individual record to view detailed information including charges, bond amounts, and next court date
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Collin County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information line at (972) 547-5100
- Provide the full name of the individual you are inquiring about
- Be prepared to provide additional identifying information if requested
- Staff will provide basic information about the inmate's custody status
In-Person Request:
- Visit the Collin County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete an inmate information request form at the public information counter
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Staff will provide available public information about the requested inmate
Written Request:
- Submit a written request for inmate information to: Collin County Sheriff's Office Attn: Records Division 4300 Community Avenue McKinney, TX 75071
- Include the full name of the inmate and any known identifying information
- Provide your contact information for response
- Allow 10 business days for processing as required by the Texas Public Information Act
For more comprehensive records beyond basic custody information, individuals may need to submit a formal public information request pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act.
How To Find an Inmate in Collin County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Collin County can be accomplished through several free methods provided by county agencies:
Collin County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Sheriff's Office Inmate Information portal
- No registration or payment is required to use this service
- Search by the inmate's first and last name
- Results will show current inmates and those released within the past 48 hours
- Information provided includes booking date, charges, and bond information
Collin County Courts Records System:
- Visit the Collin County Courts Records Inquiry website
- Select "Jail Records" from the available search options
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review case information that may indicate custody status
- This system provides information on court cases that may be linked to incarceration
Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court Records:
- For minor offenses, check with the specific court of jurisdiction
- Contact the appropriate Justice of the Peace court based on the precinct where the arrest occurred
- Municipal courts may have information for city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors
- These records may indicate if someone has been committed to county jail
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Information Search:
- For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, visit the TDCJ Offender Information Search
- Enter the individual's name or TDCJ number if known
- This database will indicate if someone has been transferred from county to state custody
All of these search methods are provided free of charge as a public service in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
How To Visit an Inmate In Collin County
The Collin County Sheriff's Office maintains specific policies and procedures for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Inmates may have up to 8 approved visitors on their list
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Each inmate is allowed two 20-minute visits per week
- Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
- Visitors must arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled visit time
- All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
Visit Schedule:
- General population: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Special housing units: Schedule varies based on classification
- No visits on Sundays, Mondays, or county holidays
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) may be scheduled during extended hours
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Visitor registration confirmation number
- Essential medical items (with prior approval)
- Vehicle keys (all other items must be secured in lockers)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches)
- Cameras or recording devices
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products or vaping devices
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (shorts, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections staff
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
Visit Types:
- Video visitation is the primary method for general population inmates
- Contact visits are limited to certain classifications with approval
- Special visits may be approved for out-of-state visitors
- Professional visits are conducted in designated areas
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants may be subject to arrest
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination and possible suspension of privileges
These visitation policies are established pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 9, Chapter 291, which governs county jail operations.
How To Send Money to a Collin County Inmate
The Collin County Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Access Corrections Secure Deposits website
- Create an account or log in if you have an existing account
- Select "Collin County Jail" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's name and booking number
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit/debit card
- Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours
Mobile App Deposits:
- Download the "Access Corrections" app from the App Store or Google Play
- Create an account or log in to your existing account
- Select "Collin County Jail" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's information and deposit amount
- Complete the transaction using the secure payment system
- Receive confirmation of your deposit
Phone Deposits:
- Call the Access Corrections toll-free number at 1-866-345-1884
- Follow the automated prompts to make a deposit
- Have the inmate's name and booking number ready
- Have your credit/debit card information available
- Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Lobby Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Collin County Detention Facility lobby during regular hours
- Locate the Access Corrections kiosk
- Follow the on-screen instructions to make a deposit
- Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted at the kiosk
- Funds are typically available immediately
Mail-In Money Orders:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Collin County Inmate Trust Fund"
- Write the inmate's full name and booking number on the money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or letters with the money order
- Mail to: Collin County Sheriff's Office Inmate Trust Fund 4300 Community Avenue McKinney, TX 75071
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Amount Limits and Fees:
- Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
- Maximum online/phone deposit: $300.00 per transaction
- Maximum kiosk deposit: $500.00 per transaction
- Maximum money order: $1,000.00
- Online/phone/app transaction fee: $3.95 for deposits up to $50.00
- Higher amounts incur proportionally higher fees
- No fee for money orders sent by mail
Funds Usage Restrictions:
- Funds may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
- Funds may be used for phone calls and video visitation fees
- Funds may be used for medical co-pays
- Funds may NOT be used for bail or bond payments
- Funds may NOT be used to purchase contraband items
- Funds may NOT be transferred to other inmates
For more information about inmate accounts and financial services, visit the Sheriff's Office Inmate Accounts page.
How To Send Jail Mail In Collin County
The Collin County Sheriff's Office has established specific guidelines for sending mail to inmates in accordance with security protocols and Texas jail standards:
Regular Mail Guidelines:
- Address all mail as follows: Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number Collin County Detention Facility 4300 Community Avenue McKinney, TX 75071
- Include your complete return address on the envelope
- All incoming mail must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service
- Mail from other delivery services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) will be rejected
- All mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters on plain white or lined paper (no construction or colored paper)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Money orders (following the guidelines in the previous section)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
- Religious materials (subject to security review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Padded or oversized envelopes
- Cash, checks, or currency
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Cards larger than 5"x7"
- Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related materials
- Items containing unknown substances
- Books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Legal Mail:
- Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies should be clearly marked as "Legal Mail"
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Legal mail is inspected for contraband but not read by staff
- Legal mail must still comply with physical restrictions (no staples, paper clips, etc.)
Electronic Messaging:
- The Collin County Sheriff's Office utilizes the Access Corrections system for electronic messaging
- Create an account on the Access Corrections website
- Purchase message credits through the secure payment system
- Compose and send messages through the online portal
- Messages are subject to review and monitoring
- Electronic messages are typically delivered within 24 hours
Mail Restrictions:
- All mail is subject to inspection for contraband and security concerns
- Mail may be rejected if it contains threats, criminal activity, or escape plans
- Mail containing gang references or symbols will be rejected
- Excessive mail (more than 10 letters per week from a single sender) may be limited
- Publications must come directly from the publisher or authorized retailer
These mail policies are established in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 9, Chapter 291, Rule §291.2, which governs inmate correspondence in county jails.