Cowlitz County Jail Inmate Roster gives you instant access to real-time information about people held in the Cowlitz County Corrections Facility. The list updates every fifteen minutes and shows each inmate’s full legal name, booking number, date and time of intake, all charges filed, bond amount, and scheduled release date when known. As of the latest update, 197 individuals are in custody with 20 new bookings in the past day. You can search by name, booking number, or date of birth. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers so families, lawyers, and the public can check status anytime.
How to Use the Cowlitz County Jail Inmate Roster
The official roster is easy to use. Go to the sheriff’s website and click the “Jail Roster” tab. Type a last name, first name, booking number, or birth date into the search box. Results show a card with housing location, bond details, court dates, and a mugshot. The page also lets you filter by charge type or bond amount. For quick checks, use the name search. For accuracy, use the booking number. The roster refreshes automatically, so you always see current data.
What Information Is on the Roster?
Each entry includes the inmate’s full legal name, unique booking ID, intake date and time, all criminal charges, bond amount (cash or surety), and release date if set. Some profiles show upcoming court hearings and housing unit. Mugshots appear after booking and are updated if the person is re-arrested. The roster does not include medical records, legal strategy, or personal messages. All data comes from official booking logs and court filings.
Booking and Release Activity
In the last 24 hours, 20 people were booked into the jail. Recent cases include a vehicular assault charge filed September 6, 2023, with a $25,000 cash bond posted. Another case from February 2023 involved the same court. Releases happen daily based on court orders, bail payments, or sentence completion. The system logs every release with date, time, and reason. You can view recent releases on a separate tab linked from the main roster.
Inmate Services and Contact Information
The jail offers several services for families and legal teams. Call 360-577-3094 for inmate status checks. Report sexual assault concerns to the hotline at 360-577-1206 or use the online portal. Director Martin Fox manages the division from 1935 First Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. His office posts visitation schedules weekly. All PREA investigations follow federal rules and work with the District Attorney’s Office.
Visiting an Inmate
Visits must follow the posted schedule. Each inmate has assigned days and times based on their housing unit. Bring a valid photo ID and follow dress code rules—no revealing clothes, hats, or gang-related items. Schedule visits online through the sheriff’s website or in person Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Video visits are available and booked the same way. In-person visits happen in a secure room with glass barriers. No physical contact is allowed except for brief handshakes during approved times.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
Families can add funds three ways. Use the kiosk at the Central Booking and Detention Facility with cash or credit card. Pay online through the secure portal using a major credit card. Mail a money order to “Cowlitz County Jail – Inmate Account” at 1935 First Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. Each deposit goes into the inmate’s trust account. They can buy commissary items, phone credits, or hygiene products. Receipts are emailed if you provide an address during online payments.
Phone and Email Access
Inmates can receive voice messages by calling 1-866-949-4574. Each message costs $1.99 and lasts up to 45 seconds. The system saves timestamps and links calls to the inmate’s account. Outgoing calls are collect or paid from the trust fund. Rates vary by time of day. Email is not direct; families leave voice messages only. No texting or instant messaging is allowed. All calls are monitored and recorded for safety.
Court Dates and Legal Information
The roster shows upcoming court dates when available. For full case details, visit the Washington State Courts public portal. Search by the inmate’s name or docket number. You’ll see charges, plea agreements, and sentencing outcomes. Request copies of court documents online for a small fee. The jail does not provide legal advice but can confirm court schedules. Attorneys should contact the Clerk of Courts directly.
Facility Overview and Statistics
The Cowlitz County Jail holds about 350 people on average across minimum, medium, and maximum-security units. It processes roughly 7,000 arrests per year. The building has 24-hour surveillance, biometric locks, and daily risk assessments by a classification board. Probation services supervise over 1,200 people in the community with home visits and drug tests. The Corrections Department includes Jail, Probation, and Hall of Justice Support units.
Downloading and Exporting Roster Data
Users can download the full roster as CSV, Excel, or PDF files. These exports include names, booking numbers, charges, bond amounts, and release dates. Law enforcement, attorneys, and researchers use them for analysis. The files update with each roster refresh. Click the export button at the top of the roster page. Choose your format and save to your device. Data is public record and free to use.
Common Search Methods
Most people search by last name first. If you don’t know the name, use the booking number from a court document or arrest report. Date of birth helps narrow results for common names. The system accepts partial names but may return multiple matches. Always verify the booking number before taking action. Avoid using nicknames or aliases—the roster only shows legal names.
Mugshots and Public Records
Mugshots appear on the roster after booking. They are taken during intake and updated if the person returns. Photos show the front face with a booking number tag. They are not used for identification outside the jail. Request high-resolution copies through the county clerk’s office. There is a fee for printed or digital copies. Mugshots remain public unless sealed by a judge.
Visitation Rules and Restrictions
Each inmate has a visitation schedule posted weekly. Times vary by housing unit. Children under 18 must be with an adult. Only two visitors are allowed per session. No food, drinks, or gifts are permitted. Bags and phones must stay in lockers. Violating rules can cancel future visits. Check the schedule before arriving. Late arrivals may lose their slot.
Bond and Release Information
Bond amounts are listed on the roster. Cash bonds must be paid in full. Surety bonds require a bail bondsman. Release happens after payment, court order, or sentence completion. The roster shows scheduled release dates when known. Actual release may change due to paperwork or medical holds. Call 360-577-3094 for confirmation before visiting.
Reporting Crimes and PREA Compliance
If you know about a sexual assault in the jail, call 360-577-1206 or use the online reporting form. All reports are confidential. The Sheriff’s Office investigates under federal PREA standards. They work with the District Attorney for prosecution. The jail trains staff yearly on prevention and response. Inmates can report abuse directly to any officer or through the hotline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the roster updated?
The roster refreshes every fifteen minutes. New bookings, releases, and court dates appear within minutes of processing.
Can I visit without scheduling online?
No. All visits must be scheduled online or in person at the jail Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Walk-ins are not allowed.
What ID do I need to visit?
Bring a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Student IDs are not accepted.
How do I find an inmate’s booking number?
Check court documents, arrest reports, or call the jail at 360-577-3094. The number is also on the roster if you search by name.
Can I send letters to an inmate?
Yes. Mail letters to the inmate’s name and booking number at 1935 First Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. All mail is inspected for contraband.
Are video visits free?
No. Video visits cost the same as phone credits and are deducted from the inmate’s trust account. Rates are posted online.
What happens if bond is posted?
The inmate is released after paperwork is complete. This usually takes one to two hours. The roster updates immediately.
Official Contact and Location
Cowlitz County Jail
1935 First Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
Phone: 360-577-3094
Visiting Hours: Posted weekly online
Website: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/1105/Jail-Division
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Many people ask how to find a loved one in jail. The fastest way is to use the online roster and search by name or booking number. If you don’t have internet access, call the jail at 360-577-3094. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody but won’t give details over the phone. Always have the full legal name and birth date ready. The roster updates every fifteen minutes, so information is current. If the person was recently arrested, wait a few hours for processing. Bookings happen 24/7, but data entry may take time. For court dates, check the Washington State Courts website. The jail only shows scheduled hearings, not continuances or changes. Attorneys should contact the Clerk of Courts directly for updates.
Another common question is about sending money. Families want to know the safest and fastest method. The kiosk at the jail accepts cash and cards instantly. Online payments take effect within minutes but charge a small fee. Mailed money orders are secure but slower—allow three to five days for delivery and processing. Never send cash through the mail. All deposits go into a trust account the inmate can use for commissary, phone calls, or hygiene items. Receipts are available online or at the kiosk. If a deposit doesn’t appear, call the jail with your transaction number. Refunds are not allowed unless the inmate is released without using funds. Keep records of all payments for your protection.
Visitation rules cause confusion for many. People often arrive without checking the schedule and find no slots available. Each inmate has assigned days based on their housing unit. Schedules change weekly due to staffing or security needs. Always check the website before traveling. Video visits are an option if you live far away. They cost the same as phone credits and must be scheduled in advance. In-person visits require a valid ID and proper clothing. No hats, hoodies, or revealing outfits are allowed. Children must be supervised. Bags and phones go into lockers. Violating rules can cancel future visits. If you’re late, your slot may be given to someone else. Plan to arrive early and allow time for security checks.
Bond payments are another frequent topic. Some think posting bond means immediate release. In reality, paperwork and medical checks can delay release by hours. Cash bonds must be paid in full at the jail or online. Surety bonds require a licensed bondsman. The roster shows bond amounts, but court orders may change them. Always confirm with the court before paying. If bond is posted, the inmate is usually released within two hours. The roster updates immediately, so you can track the status. If the person isn’t released, call the jail for details. Holds for other agencies or medical issues can delay release even after bond is paid.
Finally, people ask about mugshots and privacy. Mugshots are public record once someone is booked. They appear on the roster and can be downloaded. High-resolution copies cost a fee from the county clerk. Photos are not used for identification outside the jail. If an inmate believes a mugshot was released incorrectly, they can file a motion with the court. The jail does not control media use of photos. Once online, images may spread beyond the official site. There is no way to remove them from the internet, but the jail only posts current inmates. Released individuals’ photos stay online unless sealed by a judge.