Lamar County Public Records /Lamar County Inmate Search

Lamar County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Lamar County?

Inmate records in Lamar County are official documents created and maintained by the Lamar County Sheriff's Office and its detention facility, capturing the full custodial history of every individual booked into county custody. These records are distinct from court records: while the Lamar County Circuit and Chancery Courts maintain case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, the jail maintains custody records that document the physical detention of an individual from the moment of booking through release.

The record creation process begins at intake, when a booking officer records the arrestee's personal identifying information, the charges alleged, and the arresting agency. The record is updated continuously throughout incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical holds, and court appearances. Upon release—whether by bond, court order, or completion of sentence—the record is closed and archived. Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-3, public records are broadly defined to include any document, paper, or electronic data created or received by a public body in connection with the transaction of public business, a definition that encompasses inmate custody records held by the Sheriff's Office.

Lamar County Sheriff's Office 606 N. Main St., Purvis, MS 39475 (601) 794-1010 Sheriff's Office | Lamar County Mississippi

Are Inmate Records Public In Lamar County?

Inmate records maintained by the Lamar County Sheriff's Office are generally accessible to members of the public under Mississippi's Public Records Act. Mississippi Code § 25-61-5 establishes that all public records are presumed open for inspection and copying unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Booking records, current custody status, and charge information are among the categories routinely disclosed without requiring a formal written request.

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

Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the Lamar County Detention Center
Booking and arrest records — date, time, and arresting agency
Charges filed — statutory citations and offense descriptions
Mugshots — photographs taken at the time of booking
Bond and bail amounts — amounts set by the court or magistrate
Expected release dates — where available and not subject to security restrictions
Housing facility — the specific detention unit or facility where the individual is held

Certain categories of information may be withheld where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or endanger the safety of an individual, consistent with exemptions recognized under Mississippi law.

What's Included In Inmate Records in Lamar County

Inmate records maintained by the Lamar County Sheriff's Office contain a comprehensive set of data fields that are populated at booking and updated throughout the period of custody.

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Race, sex, height, and weight
Physical descriptors and identifying marks
Booking photograph (mugshot)

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency and arresting officer
Current housing assignment and cell block
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)

Charge Information:

Specific charges and statutory citations
Offense classification (felony, misdemeanor)
Alleged offense date and jurisdiction

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 applicable

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Sentence length and start date
Projected release date
Any concurrent or consecutive sentence designations

Release Information:

Actual release date and time
Release type (bond, time served, transfer, court order)
Transferring agency, if applicable

Lamar County Prison System

Lamar County operates a local detention facility administered by the Lamar County Sheriff's Office, which serves as the primary custodial institution for individuals awaiting trial and for those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions. The county jail is distinct from state correctional institutions: individuals convicted of felonies carrying sentences exceeding one year are typically transferred to the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, which operates prisons and community corrections facilities throughout the state.

The Sheriff's Office is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Lamar County Detention Center, including intake processing, inmate classification, facility security, and records management. The office also coordinates with the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the transfer of state-sentenced inmates and maintains records on individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions.

Lamar County Sheriff's Office / Detention Center 606 N. Main St., Purvis, MS 39475 (601) 794-1010 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (administrative inquiries) Sheriff's Office | Lamar County Mississippi

Types of Correctional Facilities In Lamar County

Lamar County's correctional infrastructure consists of the following facility types currently operating within or directly serving the county:

Lamar County Detention Center — The primary county-operated jail located in Purvis, Mississippi, administered by the Lamar County Sheriff's Office. This facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and persons held on immigration or inter-jurisdictional detainers.
State Correctional Facilities (Mississippi Department of Corrections) — Lamar County residents sentenced to terms exceeding one year are remanded to MDOC custody and housed at state-operated prisons. The Mississippi Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate search tool for locating individuals in state custody.
Community Supervision — The Mississippi Department of Corrections also supervises parolees and probationers residing in Lamar County through its field offices, though these individuals are not physically incarcerated at the county level.

Who's in Prison In Lamar County

The Lamar County Detention Center holds several categories of individuals at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest population; these are persons who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted, and who remain in custody because they have not posted bond or have been denied bail. Sentenced misdemeanants serving terms of up to one year under Mississippi law are also housed at the county facility. Additionally, the detention center may hold individuals on behalf of other law enforcement agencies, including federal immigration detainees, persons awaiting extradition to another jurisdiction, and individuals held on warrants issued by other counties or states. Persons found in violation of probation or parole conditions may also be temporarily housed at the county level pending a revocation hearing.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Lamar County in 2026

Members of the public may access inmate records through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:

Online Inmate Search — The Lamar County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search function through its official website. Members of the public may visit the Sheriff's Office | Lamar County Mississippi portal and navigate to the inmate search section to query current detainees by name or booking number.
State Corrections Search — For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Mississippi Department of Corrections maintains a searchable inmate database accessible by name or MDOC identification number.
Chancery Court Records — Civil commitments, guardianship orders, and related official records may be accessed through the Lamar County Chancery Court's official records portal, which provides an online inquiry system for recorded documents.
In-Person Request — Members of the public may appear in person at the Lamar County Sheriff's Office, 606 N. Main St., Purvis, MS 39475, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) to request inmate records. Requests may be submitted verbally or in writing.
Formal Public Records Request — Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, any person may submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office. The agency is required to respond within a reasonable time and may charge fees for reproduction of records.
Sex Offender Registry — For individuals registered as sex offenders, the Mississippi Public Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Department of Public Safety provides searchable public information by name, county, or ZIP code.

How To Find an Inmate in Lamar County for Free?

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

Lamar County Sheriff's Office Online Search — The Lamar County Sheriff's Office provides a free inmate search tool on its website, allowing searches by the detainee's name or booking number at no charge.
Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Locator — The Mississippi Department of Corrections offers a free online search for individuals in state prison custody, searchable by first name, last name, or MDOC ID number.
Mississippi Sex Offender Registry — The state's Public Sex Offender Registry is freely accessible online and allows the public to search for registered sex offenders by name, county, or ZIP code without any fee.
Telephone Inquiry — Members of the public may call the Lamar County Sheriff's Office at (601) 794-1010 during business hours to inquire about an individual's custody status at no cost.
In-Person Inquiry — Individuals may visit the Lamar County Detention Center at 606 N. Main St., Purvis, MS 39475, during public counter hours to request custody status information verbally, free of charge.

How To Visit an Inmate In Lamar County

Visitation at the Lamar County Detention Center is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.

Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of check-in. Visitors are subject to screening, which may include metal detector screening and inspection of personal items. Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of facility rules.

Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are set by the Lamar County Sheriff's Office and are subject to change. Members of the public are advised to contact the facility directly at (601) 794-1010 to confirm current visitation days and times prior to arrival.

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 recording devices into the secure visitation area
Unauthorized packages, food, or beverages

Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or bears gang-affiliated insignia is prohibited. The facility reserves the right to deny entry to visitors whose attire does not comply with the dress code.

Visit Types The Lamar County Detention Center may offer in-person contact or non-contact visitation, as well as video visitation, depending on the inmate's classification and housing assignment.

Visit Restrictions Individuals with active warrants, persons on probation or parole (unless specifically authorized), and individuals who have been previously banned from the facility may be denied visitation. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

How To Send Money to a Lamar County Inmate

Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account to allow the individual to purchase commissary items, make telephone calls, and cover other approved expenses within the facility.

Accepted Methods:

Online deposits — The Lamar County Detention Center may utilize a third-party payment service provider for online deposits. Members of the public should contact the facility at (601) 794-1010 to confirm the current approved platform.
Money order — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and booking number) may be accepted by mail or in person, subject to facility policy.
Kiosk deposits — Where available, lobby kiosks at the detention center may accept cash or card deposits directly to an inmate's account.

Amount Limits: Deposit limits, if any, are established by facility policy and may vary by inmate classification. Members of the public should verify current limits with the Sheriff's Office.

Fees: Third-party service providers may charge a transaction fee for online or kiosk deposits. No fee is typically assessed for money orders submitted directly to the facility.

What the Money Can Be Used For:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone and video call charges
Postage for outgoing mail

What the Money Cannot Be Used For:

Payment of fines, court costs, or restitution directly from the inmate trust account without a court order
Purchases of prohibited items

How To Send Jail Mail In Lamar County

Members of the public may correspond with inmates held at the Lamar County Detention Center by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff pursuant to security protocols and applicable Mississippi law.

Addressing Mail: All correspondence must be addressed to the inmate's full legal name and booking number, followed by the facility address:

Inmate Full Legal Name / Booking Number Lamar County Detention Center 606 N. Main St. Purvis, MS 39475

Rules for Sending Mail:

All letters must be written on plain white paper and sent in standard white envelopes. Colored paper, stickers, glitter, or other embellishments are typically prohibited.
Photographs may be permitted subject to facility guidelines; explicit or gang-related imagery is prohibited.
Books, magazines, and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer; items sent from private individuals are generally not accepted.
No cash, checks, or contraband may be enclosed in any correspondence.
All incoming mail is opened and inspected before delivery to the inmate. Mail that violates facility rules will be returned to the sender or confiscated.
Legal mail from licensed attorneys is handled separately and is subject to different inspection procedures to protect attorney-client privilege.