To find inmate records in Portsmouth City County, Virginia, you have several options. Online, you can search the Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Locator (https://vadoc.virginia.gov/offender-locator/), which provides statewide information on currently incarcerated individuals. For those held specifically in Portsmouth, visit the Portsmouth City Jail’s website or use the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office Offender Search tool, if available. Offline, you can contact the Portsmouth City Sheriff's Office directly at 701 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704, or call their main line at (757) 393-8210 for inmate information and visitation inquiries. Additionally, you may request records in person or by written request at the Clerk of the Portsmouth Circuit Court, which handles court and criminal records relevant to inmates. Remember to have the inmate’s full name and, if possible, date of birth to expedite your search.

How to Find an Inmate in Portsmouth City County, VA

Inmate records for Portsmouth City, VA are accessible online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local jail, a Virginia state prison, or a federal facility. Use the table below to identify the right resource and access method for your needs.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Portsmouth City Jail / Sheriff or Police Dept.Local jail inmates within Portsmouth CityCall: (757) 393-8210 or visit 701 Crawford St, Portsmouth, VA 23704. Some info at Sheriff’s Office WebsiteFor recent arrests and local bookings; online lookup limited—phone or in-person visits recommended for current information.
Virginia DOC Inmate LocatorOffenders in Virginia state prisonsOnline SearchBest for individuals sentenced to state prison; search by name or DOC number.
VINE Inmate SearchCustody status for statewide/local offendersVictim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)Allows tracking of custody status, location, and release by registering for notifications.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal inmates nationwideFederal Inmate LocatorVirginia does not have a federal prison; most federal offenders from VA are held at institutions in nearby states (e.g., North Carolina or West Virginia).
In-Person Records RequestAll local inmate records (recent/current)Visit Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office, 701 Crawford St, Portsmouth, VA 23704Photo ID required; best for verifying local jail status when online info is insufficient.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Portsmouth City County

After an arrest in Portsmouth City County, individuals are typically transported to the jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and are then assigned housing. The booking process generally takes between 4 to 8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDUI, reckless driving, driving w/o licenseHigh6–24 hours or until sober/bond set
Drug OffensesPossession, distribution, paraphernaliaHigh1–3 days if bondable; longer if not
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple assault, domestic batteryHigh1–5 days; bail/bond eligible in most cases
Property CrimesBurglary, theft, shopliftingModerate1–5 days; may be longer if not bondable
Failure to AppearMissing court, nonpayment of finesHighUntil court appearance or bond is posted
Outstanding WarrantsBench warrants, probation violationsModerateUntil warrant is addressed in court
Felony (Pre-Trial)Armed robbery, aggravated assaultModerateUntil trial or bond; sentenced inmates transferred to state facility

Visitation Rules at Portsmouth City County Jail

Before planning your visit, always verify Portsmouth City County Jail’s current visitation rules, as policies may change. Ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list before arriving.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayNo visitationN/ANo visits on Mondays
Tuesday8:00am–11:00amIn-personConfirm with facility
Wednesday8:00am–11:00amIn-personConfirm with facility
Thursday8:00am–11:00amIn-personConfirm with facility
Friday8:00am–11:00amIn-personConfirm with facility
Saturday12:00pm–3:00pmIn-personConfirm with facility
Sunday12:00pm–3:00pmIn-personConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors.
Dress CodeModest attire required; no revealing or offensive clothing.
Prohibited ItemsNo cell phones, bags, weapons, or contraband allowed in the visitation area.
Visitor Approval ProcessVisitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list prior to arrival.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and supervised at all times.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsPermitted outside regular hours by prior arrangement; must show professional credentials.

How to Contact an Inmate at Portsmouth City County Jail

Inmates at Portsmouth City County Jail can be reached through phone calls, physical mail, digital messaging, and video calls. Please note that all forms of communication are monitored by jail staff.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Portsmouth City County Jail
701 Crawford St, Portsmouth, VA 23704

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates call out using [Provider], charges apply to recipient.Set up an account with [Provider].All calls are monitored and recorded; inmates cannot receive calls.
Physical MailSend letters to the inmate using the standard mailing address.No setup required.No contraband, explicit, or inappropriate content; mail is screened.
Digital MessagingSend and receive messages via [Provider]'s online platform.Create an account with [Provider].Messages monitored; attachments may be restricted.
Video CallsRemote video visitation scheduled online through [Provider].Register and schedule via [Provider]'s website.Visits are monitored and time-limited; must follow dress/code of conduct.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Portsmouth City County

The Virginia Parole Board oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, while returning citizens in Portsmouth City County can access reentry support through state-run and community-based programs focused on housing, employment, benefits, and supervision.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Virginia Parole BoardReviews and decides parole eligibility and release; oversees parole policies statewide.State-sentenced inmates eligible for paroleVirginia Parole Board
(804) 674-3081
Good Time / Sentence ReductionEarned sentence credits allow for early release based on behavior and program participation.Eligible incarcerated individualsVADOC Good Time Information
Parole SupervisionLocal probation/parole office provides supervision and support services for parolees.Individuals released on parole or mandatory supervisionPortsmouth Probation & Parole District 3
601 Crawford St, Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 393-8525
Reentry HousingTransitional housing and assistance finding stable accommodations post-release.Returning citizens in need of housingVirginia CARES Portsmouth
(757) 393-1067
Employment AssistanceJob readiness, placement services, and skills training for reentrants.People with criminal records seeking employmentVirginia CARES Portsmouth
(757) 393-1067
Benefits RestorationAssistance to restore Medicaid, SNAP, and other social benefits for returning citizens.Recently released individualsVirginia Reentry Initiative
VINE Victim NotificationVictims can receive automated updates on offender status and release dates.Crime victims and survivorsVINE Virginia
(800) 467-4943

Portsmouth City Incarceration Statistics

Portsmouth City experiences crime rates above the state average, with violent and property crime remaining persistent challenges. The city does not operate its own dedicated jail; Portsmouth City inmates are held at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)824859.616%↑ Increasing
— Assault596621.612%↑ Increasing
— Robbery195203.44%→ Stable
— Homicide3334.40.6%↑ Increasing
Property Crime (total)3,3663,510.766%↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny2,5712,681.651%↓ Decreasing
— Burglary604630.112%↓ Decreasing
— Vehicle Theft191198.94%↑ Increasing
Drug Offenses517539.310%↓ Decreasing
DUI / Traffic235 (statewide)266.1 (statewide)5% (statewide)→ Stable
Domestic Violence310 (statewide)323.4 (statewide)6% (statewide)↑ Increasing

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
GenderMale: 82%, Female: 18%Statewide average used
Age Groups18–24: 12%, 25–34: 32%, 35–44: 30%, 45+: 26%Statewide average used
Race / EthnicityBlack: 65%, White: 30%, Other: 5%Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesAssault, Drug Offenses, Robbery, TheftBased on regional inmate data
Avg. Sentence Length2.8 yearsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate23.9%Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Portsmouth City County?

As of the latest estimate, Portsmouth City County holds approximately 490 inmates in its local correctional system. Offenders sentenced to longer terms may be transferred to state facilities for the duration of their sentences.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)27055%$7891%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)11022%$7285%
Transferred to State Facility7816%N/AN/A
Federal Holds153%$8560%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/AN/A
Total490100%

Portsmouth City County Facility Directory

Portsmouth City County operates two correctional facilities: one county jail and one regional facility used for housing detainees. Below is a directory of these facilities.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Portsmouth City JailCounty Jail701 Crawford St, Portsmouth288~250Medium
Hampton Roads Regional JailRegional Facility2690 Elmhurst Ln, Portsmouth1,110~950Medium/Maximum

Portsmouth City County Prisons and Jails

1 Jails Found
Portsmouth Va Jail
701 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA, 23704
757-393-8210