Tygarts Valley Regional Jail Inmate Search gives families, lawyers, and law enforcement fast access to real-time inmate records. The facility at 400 Abbey Road in Belington, West Virginia, opened in 2005 and holds about 310 people daily—slightly over its 300-bed capacity. It serves Monongalia, Preston, Tucker, Barbour, and Upshur counties. Inmates are logged into the West Virginia Office of the Attorney General’s Offender Search system. This statewide database shows booking dates, charges, custody status, bond amounts, housing units, court dates, and release eligibility. Users can search by name or booking number online or call the jail at 304-637-0382 during business hours for live help.
How to Search for an Inmate at Tygarts Valley Regional Jail
To find someone at Tygarts Valley Regional Jail, use the official West Virginia Offender Information System (OIS). Go to the OIS website and enter at least the first three letters of the person’s last name. You can also use their full name or booking number. The search returns a list with booking details, arrest date, charges, bond amount, housing unit, and court dates. Results include a photo, age, and release date if known. The system updates every day, so information is current. You can print or email results to lawyers or family. For phone help, call 304-637-0382 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Official Online Tools for Inmate Lookup
West Virginia offers two main online tools for inmate searches. The first is the Offender Information System (OIS) run by the Regional Jail Authority. It covers all regional jails, including Tygarts Valley. The second is the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) portal, which includes prisons and jails. Both systems update daily and show real-time custody status. OIS requires only three letters of a last name. DCR lets you filter by facility type. Always double-check results with the jail by phone. Third-party sites may have outdated data. Stick to official sources for accuracy.
https://apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender
Facility Location and Security Features
Tygarts Valley Regional Jail sits at 400 Abbey Road in Belington, WV 26250. It is near the Coalton/Norton exit of Route 33, about seven miles west of Elkins. The jail opened in June 2005 to replace older county lockups. It was built to centralize detention for multiple counties. Security includes electronic cameras, steel doors, motion-sensor fencing, a staffed control room, and a K-9 unit. A medical unit provides basic health care. The jail mainly holds people waiting for trial or transfer to state prison. It also houses female inmates before they move to long-term facilities.
Counties Served and Inmate Population
TVRJ serves five West Virginia counties: Monongalia, Preston, Tucker, Barbour, and Upshur. Each county sends people here for short stays or while waiting for prison placement. The average daily population is 310, even though the building is built for 300. This causes crowding during busy arrest periods. The jail works with local police and courts to manage transfers. All inmate movements are logged daily. Families should confirm custody status before visiting or sending mail.
Visitation Rules and Schedule
Visits happen on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Only people on the inmate’s approved list can visit. Everyone must show a government-issued photo ID. Kids under 12 need an adult guardian and must sign in at the front desk. Lockdowns or disciplinary holds may cancel visits. Check the online portal or call ahead for changes. No food, drinks, or packages are allowed. All visitors go through security screening.
Mail, Commissary, and Phone Policies
Inmates can receive letters but not packages unless approved by the warden. Mail must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the jail’s address. All letters are checked for contraband. Commissary runs on weekdays. Inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and phone cards using money from family deposits. Funds can be added online through the jail’s payment portal. Phone calls are monitored and limited. Prepaid cards are required. No cell phones or electronic devices are allowed inside.
How to Get Mugshots and Booking Photos
Mugshots are available through the OIS inmate search. Enter at least three letters of the person’s first and last name. Type the security code shown on screen. Click the name in the results to see the full profile. It includes the booking photo, arrest date, charges, and bond amount. Photos update daily. Some third-party sites also post mugshots, but official records come from the state. Always verify with the jail if you need legal proof.
Reporting Abuse and Safety Concerns
West Virginia has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse in jails. If an inmate reports abuse, contact the jail administrator right away. You can also call the Regional Jail Authority at (304) 558-2110. All reports are investigated by a special team. Confidential counseling is available for victims. The jail must log every complaint and take action if needed. This protects inmates and staff alike.
Phone and Contact Information
The main phone number for Tygarts Valley Regional Jail is 304-637-0382. Call during business hours (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for inmate status, bond info, or release dates. The mailing address is: Tygart Valley Regional Jail, 400 Abbey Road, Belington, WV 26250. For legal mail, include the booking number. The jail does not accept walk-in inquiries outside visitation hours. Always call first.
Common Search Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people misspell names or use nicknames instead of legal names. Always use the full legal name as listed on court papers. If you don’t know the name, ask a lawyer or check arrest records. Another mistake is searching too soon after booking. It can take 24 hours for data to appear online. Wait a day before calling. Also, don’t rely on third-party sites. They may be outdated or charge fees. Use only official state tools.
Using the Offender Information System (OIS) Step by Step
Go to the OIS website. Click “Inmate Search” at the top. Type at least three letters of the last name. Fill in the security code. Hit search. Review the list of matches. Click a name to see full details. Check the booking date, charges, and housing unit. Print or save the page for your records. If no results show, try a different spelling or call the jail.
Division of Corrections Offender Search Portal
The DCR portal covers both jails and prisons. Choose “Jails” to find Tygarts Valley inmates. Enter the name or ID number. Results show facility, offense, and release date. It also lists escapees and absconders for public safety. The DCR office is in Charleston at 1409 Greenbrier Street, WV 25311. Call (304) 558-2036 for help. This site is best for long-term inmates moving to prison.
What Information Is Public vs. Private
Booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and housing units are public. Photos and court dates are also public. But medical records, mental health notes, and disciplinary reports are private. Only lawyers, investigators, or authorized staff can access those. Families can get basic info by phone or online. For sensitive details, a lawyer must request records through proper channels.
How Often Is Inmate Data Updated
The OIS and DCR databases update every 24 hours. New bookings, releases, and transfers appear by the next morning. Weekends may cause slight delays. If you don’t see a name, wait 24 hours and search again. For urgent cases, call the jail directly. Live staff can confirm status even if the website hasn’t refreshed yet.
Fees, Payments, and Financial Services
There is no fee to search for inmates online or by phone. However, sending money to an inmate costs a small processing fee. Online deposits charge around $2.95 per transaction. Money orders by mail have no fee but take longer. Commissary purchases are deducted from the inmate’s account. Refunds are not allowed. Only approved family members can add funds.
Legal Rights of Inmates and Visitors
Inmates have the right to medical care, legal mail, and visitation. They can file grievances if rights are violated. Visitors have the right to fair treatment and clear rules. Discrimination based on race, gender, or religion is prohibited. If you experience issues, report them to the jail administrator or the Regional Jail Authority. Keep records of all communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if someone is in Tygarts Valley Regional Jail?
Use the West Virginia Offender Information System (OIS) online. Enter at least three letters of their last name. You’ll see booking details, charges, and housing info. Or call 304-637-0382 during business hours. Always use the person’s full legal name. Avoid nicknames or misspellings. If no results appear, wait 24 hours—new bookings take time to process.
Can I visit an inmate at Tygarts Valley Regional Jail?
Yes, visits are on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You must be on the approved visitor list and bring a government ID. Children under 12 need an adult. Check the online portal for lockdowns or rule changes. No food, drinks, or packages allowed. All visitors go through screening. Call ahead if you’re unsure.
How do I send money to an inmate?
Use the jail’s online payment portal. Fees apply per transaction. You can also mail a money order to the jail’s address. Include the inmate’s full name and booking number. Cash is not accepted. Funds appear in the account within 24–48 hours. Only approved family members can deposit money.
Are mugshots public record in West Virginia?
Yes, booking photos are public. Find them on the OIS website by searching the inmate’s name. Click their profile to view the mugshot. Third-party sites may also post them, but official records come from the state. Use these for legal or personal verification only.
What should I do if I suspect abuse at the jail?
Report it immediately. Call the jail administrator or the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority at (304) 558-2110. All reports are logged and investigated. Confidential counseling is available for victims. Do not ignore concerns—abuse is taken seriously and punished under state law.
How long does it take for an inmate to appear in the system?
Most inmates appear within 24 hours of booking. Weekend arrests may take until Monday. If you don’t see a name, wait a day and search again. For urgent needs, call the jail directly. Staff can confirm custody status even if the website hasn’t updated yet.
Can I get a copy of an inmate’s court schedule?
Yes. The OIS search results show scheduled court dates. You can print or email this info. For detailed dockets, contact the county clerk where the case is filed. Lawyers receive official notices, but families can request copies too.
Official Resources
West Virginia Offender Information System (OIS): https://apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation: https://dcr.wv.gov/offendersearch/Pages/default.aspx
Tygarts Valley Regional Jail Phone: 304-637-0382
Visiting Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address: 400 Abbey Road, Belington, WV 26250
