Cattaraugus County Public Records /Cattaraugus County Inmate Search

Cattaraugus County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Cattaraugus County?

Inmate records in Cattaraugus County are official government documents maintained by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records document the entire custody lifecycle of an individual from initial booking through release. Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, county sheriffs are responsible for maintaining accurate records of all persons committed to their custody.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records focus on case proceedings, legal arguments, and judicial decisions, inmate records specifically document an individual's custody status and institutional history. Court records are maintained by the New York State Unified Court System, whereas inmate records are maintained by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Jail Division.

The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking process, when an individual is first taken into custody. During this intake procedure, correctional staff collect and document:

Biographical information
Photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
Personal property inventory
Medical screening information
Criminal charges
Court information

Throughout an individual's incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect:

Housing assignments
Disciplinary actions
Visitation logs
Medical treatments
Court appearances
Program participation
Release information

Upon an inmate's release, their record is updated with discharge information but remains on file with the Sheriff's Office in accordance with New York State Archives retention schedules.

Are Inmate Records Public In Cattaraugus County?

Inmate records in Cattaraugus County are partially accessible to the public under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, § 84-90. This law establishes the public's right to access government records, with certain exceptions to protect privacy and security interests.

The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Inmate name and identification number
Date of birth
Booking date
Current charges
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release date (for sentenced inmates)
Facility housing location (general information)

However, certain components of inmate records are exempt from public disclosure under FOIL exemptions and the New York Personal Privacy Protection Law, including:

Social Security numbers
Detailed medical information
Mental health records
Disciplinary records
Victim information
Informant information
Security-sensitive details about the facility

Members of the public seeking inmate information can access basic details through the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system or by contacting the jail directly. For more comprehensive records, individuals must submit a formal FOIL request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division, specifying the information sought.

Law enforcement agencies, court officials, and authorized legal representatives may have access to more detailed inmate information through proper channels and with appropriate authorization.

What's Included Inmate Records in Cattaraugus County

Inmate records in Cattaraugus County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
State identification number
Booking identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of admission
Arresting agency
Booking officer
Classification status
Housing assignment history
Scheduled court appearances
Disciplinary incidents and actions
Participation in jail programs or work assignments
Visitation records
Phone call logs (metadata only)
Property inventory

Charge Information:

Current charges (including statute numbers)
Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
Warrant information
Probation/parole violation details
Criminal history (prior bookings)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount
Bond/bail type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond/bail status (posted, not posted)
Bond company information (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case numbers
Scheduled court dates
Court appearance history
Court orders

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/work time credits
Probation/parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

Release date and time
Release type (bail, time served, transfer, etc.)
Conditions of release
Supervising agency (if applicable)
Next court appearance (if applicable)

These records are maintained in compliance with New York Correction Law § 500 and are subject to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives.

Cattaraugus County Prison System

The Cattaraugus County correctional system operates under the authority of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the custody, care, and control of individuals remanded by the courts. The system primarily consists of the Cattaraugus County Jail, a maximum security facility designed to house both pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders.

It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons in New York's correctional hierarchy. The Cattaraugus County Jail houses individuals who:

Are awaiting trial or court proceedings
Have been sentenced to terms of incarceration of one year or less
Are awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Are being held on probation or parole violations
Are detained on behalf of other jurisdictions

In contrast, New York State prisons, operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), house individuals sentenced to terms of incarceration exceeding one year for felony convictions.

The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office maintains oversight of all jail operations, including inmate supervision, facility security, transportation to court appearances, and provision of mandated services such as medical care, food service, and programming.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office
301 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Phone: (716) 938-9191
Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County maintains a single primary correctional facility to serve the county's incarceration needs:

Cattaraugus County Jail
301 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Phone: (716) 938-9191
Cattaraugus County Jail Division

The Cattaraugus County Jail is a maximum security facility with a capacity of 148 beds, housing both male and female inmates. The facility is designed to accommodate various security classifications and special populations, including:

Maximum security housing units
Medium security housing units
Minimum security housing units
Special housing for protective custody
Medical observation units
Mental health observation units
Female housing units

The jail facility includes:

Intake/booking area
Medical services unit
Visitation areas
Program spaces for educational and rehabilitative services
Recreation areas
Administrative offices
Kitchen and laundry facilities

The facility operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with trained correctional officers providing continuous supervision of the inmate population. All operations are conducted in accordance with New York State Commission of Correction standards and regulations as outlined in 9 NYCRR § 7000-7070.

Cattaraugus County does not operate separate work release centers, juvenile detention facilities, or minimum security camps. Juveniles charged as adults may be temporarily housed in specially designated areas of the jail, but those adjudicated as juvenile delinquents are typically placed in facilities operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Who's in Prison In Cattaraugus County

The Cattaraugus County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals who have entered the criminal justice system at various stages. The facility's population generally consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Individuals deemed flight risks or dangers to the community

Sentenced Offenders:

Persons convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences of up to one year
Individuals convicted of certain non-violent felonies serving sentences of one year or less
Those serving intermittent sentences (weekends only)
Individuals serving multiple consecutive sentences with a combined term of one year or less

Other Custody Categories:

Probation violators awaiting hearings or disposition
Parole violators awaiting revocation proceedings
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Persons held on behalf of other counties or jurisdictions through inter-municipal agreements
Federal detainees held through contracts with U.S. Marshals Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The jail population fluctuates daily based on arrests, court proceedings, releases, and transfers. According to data from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, the average daily population of the Cattaraugus County Jail typically ranges between 90-120 inmates, with seasonal variations.

Demographic analysis of the jail population generally reflects patterns seen in the broader criminal justice system, with overrepresentation of certain groups based on socioeconomic factors. The jail houses both male and female inmates, though males typically constitute approximately 85-90% of the population.

Common offenses for which individuals are detained include drug-related crimes, property crimes, domestic violence, driving while intoxicated, and probation/parole violations.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Cattaraugus County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate information in Cattaraugus County may utilize several methods to access these records. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate record searches:

Online Inmate Lookup:

Visit the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the Jail Division section
Select the "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates" option
Enter the required search criteria (typically name or booking number)
Review the results, which generally include basic information such as:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if sentenced)

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Cattaraugus County Jail at (716) 938-9191
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Jail staff can confirm if an individual is in custody and provide basic information
Note that detailed information may require formal records requests

In-Person Request:

Visit the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office during business hours:
- Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Excluding holidays
Complete an inmate information request form at the reception desk
Provide identification and specify the information being requested
Basic information may be provided immediately; more detailed records may require a formal FOIL request

Formal FOIL Request:

Submit a written request under the New York Freedom of Information Law to:

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office
Records Access Officer
301 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Include in your request:
- Your full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Purpose of the request (optional)
Allow up to five business days for an acknowledgment of your request
Be prepared to pay reasonable copying fees if requesting physical copies

For information about inmates who have been transferred to state custody, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup service should be utilized instead of county resources.

How To Find an Inmate in Cattaraugus County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Cattaraugus County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods that provide basic custody information to the public. The following free resources are available to determine if an individual is currently incarcerated in the county jail:

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Website:

Access the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the Jail Division section
Locate and select the inmate search function
Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Confirmation of custody status
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond/bail information
- Next court date (if available)
- Expected release date (for sentenced inmates)

Telephone Inquiry to the Jail:

Call the Cattaraugus County Jail at (716) 938-9191
Request to speak with the booking department or records division
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person you're inquiring about
Jail staff can confirm if the individual is in custody and provide basic information

Most Wanted List: If attempting to locate a person with outstanding warrants, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted List provides information about individuals being actively sought by law enforcement.

New York State Victim Notification Service (VINE):

Visit the VINE website or call 1-888-846-3469
Select New York State
Enter the inmate's name
The system will provide custody status and location information
VINE also offers notification services for custody status changes

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours:

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office
301 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Request basic inmate information at the reception desk
Provide the name of the individual you're inquiring about

For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup provides a free online database of all state prisoners.

These free methods provide basic custody information only. More detailed records may require formal requests through the Freedom of Information Law process, which may involve copying fees.

How To Visit an Inmate In Cattaraugus County

Visitation at the Cattaraugus County Jail is governed by specific policies designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain community connections. All visits must comply with New York Correction Law § 500-j, which establishes minimum visitation standards for county jails.

Visit Schedule:

Tuesdays: 2:45 PM - 10:00 PM
Fridays: 7:45 AM - 3:00 PM
All visits must be scheduled in advance
No visits on holidays or during facility lockdowns

Visit Registration and Scheduling:

Call the Cattaraugus County Jail at (716) 938-9191 to schedule a visit
Provide the inmate's full name and your information
Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled visit time
Present valid government-issued photo identification at check-in

Visitor Eligibility:

Visitors must be 18 years or older, or accompanied by a parent/legal guardian
Former inmates must receive special permission to visit
Individuals on probation or parole must provide written permission from their supervising officer
Maximum of two visitors per inmate per session
Visitors under 18 must be the inmate's child, stepchild, or sibling

Visit Types:

Non-contact visits through glass partitions with telephone communication
Special contact visits may be authorized for certain circumstances (attorney visits, clergy)
Video visitation is not currently available at the Cattaraugus County Jail

Visit Duration:

Standard visits last 30 minutes
Extended visits may be granted for visitors traveling long distances (over 100 miles)
Attorney and clergy visits are not subject to standard time limitations

Visitor Dress Code:

Conservative, appropriate attire required
No revealing clothing (shorts, tank tops, low-cut tops, see-through materials)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
Shoes and shirts required at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)

Items Permitted During Visits:

Valid identification
Vehicle keys
Baby care items (if visiting with infant):
- One clear bottle with formula/milk
- One baby blanket
- Two diapers
- Baby wipes in clear plastic bag

Prohibited Items:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Weapons of any kind
Food or beverages
Tobacco products
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry
Medications (unless medically necessary)

Visit Restrictions:

All visitors subject to search
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
False information on visitor application will result in visitation denial
Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Violation of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges

For the most current visitation information, refer to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office inmate visitation page.

How To Send Money to a Cattaraugus County Inmate

Individuals incarcerated at the Cattaraugus County Jail are permitted to maintain inmate accounts for purchasing commissary items and paying for services. The following methods are available for depositing funds into an inmate's account:

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order from an authorized vendor (USPS, Western Union, etc.)
Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
Do not send cash, personal checks, or third-party checks
Mail the money order to:

Cattaraugus County Jail
Inmate Accounts
301 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Include a brief note with the sender's name and return address
Money orders are typically processed within 2-3 business days

In-Person Cash Deposits:

Visit the Cattaraugus County Jail during lobby hours:
- Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Excluding holidays
Complete an inmate deposit form at the reception desk
Provide the inmate's full name and booking number
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours

Online Payment Services:

Visit the approved third-party payment processor website
Create an account or proceed as a guest
Enter the inmate's information (full name and booking number)
Enter payment information (credit/debit card or electronic check)
Pay the associated service fee (typically $2.50-$7.95 depending on deposit amount)
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-2 business days

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit total: $300.00
Maximum account balance: $500.00

Service Fees:

Money orders: No fee
In-person cash deposits: No fee
Online payment services: Variable fee based on deposit amount
Credit/debit card payments: 3-8% of total deposit amount

Funds Usage Regulations: Inmates may use funds in their accounts for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Phone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Restitution payments
Court fees and fines

Funds may not be used for:

Purchasing items for other inmates
Gambling or betting activities
Paying for unauthorized services
Bribing or attempting to influence staff

Account Management:

Inmates receive account statements weekly
Discrepancies should be reported to jail staff immediately
Unused funds are returned to the inmate upon release
If an inmate is transferred to another facility, funds may be transferred or returned to the sender

For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact the Cattaraugus County Jail at (716) 938-9191 and ask to speak with the Inmate Accounts Department.

How To Send Jail Mail In Cattaraugus County

Correspondence with inmates at the Cattaraugus County Jail must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All mail is subject to inspection in accordance with New York Correction Law § 500-c, which authorizes the screening of non-privileged inmate correspondence.

Regular Mail Addressing Requirements:

Address envelopes or packages as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Cattaraugus County Jail
301 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Include your complete return address with full name
Mail without proper addressing may be returned to sender

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
Money orders (made payable to the inmate)
Religious materials (soft-cover only, from approved publishers)
Legal documents related to the inmate's case

Prohibited Mail Items:

Cash or personal checks
Postage stamps or envelopes
Stickers, labels, or tape
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Polaroid photographs
Laminated items
Cards larger than 8"x10"
Cards with glitter, pop-ups, or electronic components
Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
Gang-related materials
Items containing threats or plans for escape
Correspondence containing coded messages
Items with lipstick marks, perfume, or other substances
Books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)

Publications and Books:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an authorized retailer
Publications must be soft-cover only
Maximum of 3 publications per mailing
Content must not violate jail security policies
Address publications as specified above, including inmate name and booking number

Legal/Privileged Mail:

Mail from attorneys, courts, or government officials should be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Privileged Correspondence"
Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Legal mail is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
Include your bar number if sending as an attorney

E-Messages: The Cattaraugus County Jail currently does not offer electronic messaging services for inmates. All correspondence must be sent via postal mail.

Mail Inspection Process:

All non-privileged mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Mail may be read to ensure it does not contain security threats
Prohibited items will be returned to sender, destroyed, or placed in the inmate's property
Mail containing evidence of criminal activity may be forwarded to appropriate authorities

Mail Delivery Schedule:

Incoming mail is processed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours after receipt at the facility
There may be delays during high-volume periods or security situations

For questions regarding mail policies, contact the Cattaraugus County Jail at (716) 938-9191.

Lookup Inmate Records in Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County Jail Division

Visiting an Inmate of the Cattaraugus County Jail

Most Wanted List by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Incarcerated Lookup