New York County Court
New York County Inmate Search

New York County, New York Inmate Search

An inmate search (also known as a jail roster or custody lookup) is a public-facing tool that helps individuals determine whether someone is currently in custody and where they are being held. In New York County, whether a requester conducts an inmate search is dependent on which system has custody of the person of interest.

In New York, the New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC) operates New York City jail custody (local jails), while the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NY State DOCCS) runs state prisons. Likewise, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) oversees federal custody. Consequently, the official inmate search for locating inmates in NYC jail custody (Manhattan/NYC DOC) is the "Person in Custody Lookup" tool. This search tool displays the current location and basic case information of someone in DOC custody. Nonetheless, the NYC DOC states that this is not for individuals in police, state, or federal custody.

For inmates in New York State prison custody, requesters typically use the NY DOCCS "Incarcerated Lookup." This tool allows searches by last name (optionally with birth year) or by identifiers such as the Department Identification Number (DIN) or the New York State Identification Number (NYSID). At the federal level, the BOP provides an official Inmate Locator searchable by name or number for locating federal inmates (1982 to the present).

New York County refers to Manhattan, one of the boroughs that constitute New York City (NYC). The County does not have separate incorporated cities like most US counties. Consequently, the New York City Police Department, which serves New York County (as part of New York City), uses the Person in Custody Lookup and does not maintain a different jail roster.

How to Find an Inmate in New York County Jail

Individuals seeking to locate an inmate in a New York County jail facility may use the New York City Department of Correction’s Person in Custody Lookup. It is worth noting that the "county jail" function is not operated by a County Sheriff’s Office like most US counties. The NYC DOC handles jail custody for New York City, including New York County (Manhattan).

Step-by-step guide to finding someone in NYC Jail Custody

Use the official NYC DOC Person in Custody Lookup. This search tool is specifically for individuals currently in DOC custody, not police, state prison, or federal custody.
Use the NYSID or Book & Case Number, or First Name and Last Name as search criteria.
Review the search results. The result details may include information, such as holding location, charges, court date/location, book & case number, NYSID, release date, and bail/bond amount (as available).
If the person of interest does not appear, use the "72-hour" rule of thumb. This means if it has been less than 72 hours since arrest, the individual may still be in police custody and may not yet appear in the DOC lookup.

Alternatively, requesters seeking information on New York City inmates may contact the NY DOC at the following addresses:

Manhattan Detention Complex (New York County Jail site)

125 White Street

New York, NY 10013

Rikers Island - NYC DOC Jail Facilities (Queens)

15 Hazen Street

East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Note: The New York City Sheriff’s Office, under the NYC Department of Finance, primarily enforces court mandates and civil processes; The Office does not maintain NYC DOC facilities.

How to Use the New York County Jail Roster

New York County (Manhattan) does not operate a traditional "county sheriff jail roster." To find individuals in New York County jail custody, requesters must use the New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC) "Person in Custody Lookup." This public-facing search tool provides current location and basic case details on individuals in the NYC DOC jail custody.

Step-by-Step Guide for Searching the New York County Jail Roster

Navigate to the NYC DOC official website and look for "Person in Custody Lookup."
Select the search method that matches the tool. Requesters may search by number (e.g., NYSID or Book & Case Number) or by name (first and last name).
Enter the information and submit the search. If searching by name, start with the exact spelling. Users who are not certain of a name spelling should try searching again with common variations, such as a shortened first name.
Open the individual’s "detail" page, which contains booking information. This displays the book and case number as part of the record layout.

If the person of interest does not appear, the arrest may be less than 72 hours. This means the individual may still be in police custody and therefore not visible on the NYC DOC lookup.

What Information is Included in the New York County Inmate Roster

Requesters seeking inmate records through the New York County inmate jail roster would typically find information such as:

Booking Name: This is the inmate’s official name under which they were officially processed (’booked") into NYC DOC custody.
NYSID: The New York State Identification Number is a permanent statewide criminal justice identification number used to track someone’s criminal history across arrests and cases in New York.
Year of Birth: The inmate’s birth year (full date of birth is not publicly displayed).
Physical Descriptors: This includes demographic information (race and sex) and body features, like height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
Nativity: Inmate’s place of birth (state or country of origin).
Incarceration Date: This is the date the individual was processed (booked) into the NYC Department of Correction.
Book & Case Number: This is a special booking number issued by the BYC DOC for this specific incarceration event. The number links the inmate to their custody records and connected court cases.
Current Housing Facility: The facility where the person is currently detained.
Arrest Date: The date the individual was taken into custody by law enforcement.
Arrest Number: This refers to the arrest tracking number assigned by the arresting law enforcement agency.
Next Court Date: The next scheduled court appearance date.
Bail Status: This refers to the bail status of someone’s court-ordered custody condition. The individual may be held in jail, eligible for release on bail, or released on their own recognizance.
Docket Number: This is the court case number that tracks a specific criminal case in the court system.
Indictment (if available): This typically appears when a grand jury has issued a formal felony indictment.
Court Part: The specific courtroom or division within the court handling the case.
Court Name: The name and location of the court where the case is being heard.
Charge: This refers to the internal charge code associated with the offense. Charge codes correspond to specific violations in the New York Penal Law or other statutes.

Please note that the DOC lookup does not provide details on individuals in police, state, or federal custody. Likewise, the portal does not display information, such as full date of birth, Social Security number, home address, detailed criminal history, and sensitive investigative records.

Contact Details for New York County Jail or Sheriff’s Office

Unlike most counties that operate a county sheriff jail system, the New York City Department of Correction (NY DOC) handles jail custody for Manhattan and other NYC boroughs.

For inquirers trying to confirm whether someone is currently in NYC DOC custody, the most reliable channels are:

NYC DOC "Person in Custody" lookup for custody location and status.
NYC 311 for NYC government information and help contacting DOC services.
NYC DOC Office of Constituent and Grievance Services (OCGS) for general questions or concerns related to people in custody (conditions, information requests, and assistance with DOC-related issues).

Manhattan Detention Complex (New York County)

125 White Street

New York, NY 10013

Requesters seeking answers to general questions and help-related information concerning people in custody may contact the following NYC agencies:

NYC 311 (within NYC): 311
Outside NYC: 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675)
NYC DOC OCGS (weekday line): 718-546-1500 (Monday through Friday, business hours)
NYC DOC headquarters mailing address: 75-20 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Office/Facility	Address	Phone	Notes
Manhattan Detention Complex (MDC)	125 White Street, New York, NY 10013	Use 311/OCGS for help	NYC DOC jail site in Manhattan (Known as "The Tombs")
NYC Department of Correction (OCGS)	75-20 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst, NY 11370	718-546-1500 (Mon-Fri)	Help or concerns and general inquiries about people in custody.
NYC 311	Nil	311 (NYC)/212-639-9675 (outside NYC)	NYC government help line for DOC-related service info.

Jail Facility Overview in New York County

New York County, better known as Manhattan, does not operate a single, county-run jail in the traditional sense. Instead, the New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC) primarily handles detention and incarceration functions through New York City-wide systems. The DOC often houses individuals arrested on Manhattan cases in Manhattan-based facilities or at Rikers Island in Queens, depending on classification, capacity, and operational needs.

In New York County, the main Manhattan Detention Complex (MDC) was traditionally the primary jail complex. However, since the NYC began transitioning toward a borough-based jail system, Rikers Island facilities now house a significant proportion of individuals detained on Manhattan cases. Typically, NYC DOC facilities house adult men and women, including pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates, and operate at medium to maximum-security levels depending on the facility and housing unit.

Note: The New York County Sheriff’s Office is part of the NYC Department of Finance and handles civil enforcement and court mandates, not jail operations.

Agency/Facility	Office and Mail Address	Phone Number	Office Hours	Email
New York City Department of Correction (DOC)	75-20 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst, NY 11370 (DOC Headquarters)	311 (NYC) or 212-639-9675 (outside NYC)	Varies by unit and service; administrative offices typically Mon-Fri business hours	No single public email; official contact via NYC DOC contact forms and NYC311
Manhattan Detention Complex (MDC) - Manhattan site	124-125 White Street, New York, NY	Via NYC DOC / 311	Facility operations are 24/7; public services (visits, inquiries) vary by schedule	Managed through NYC DOC (no direct facility email)
Otis Bantum Correctional Center (OBCC) - Rikers Island	16-00 Hazen Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370	718-546-1500 (DOC information line)	24 hours a day (facility operations)	Managed through NYC DOC
George R. Vierno Center (GRVC) - Rikers Island	09-09 Hazen Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370	718-546-1500 (DOC information line)	24 hours a day (facility operations)	Managed through NYC DOC

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Otis Bantum Correctional Center (OBCC)

To send money to someone at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center (OBCC) typically means depositing funds into the person’s NYC DOC account (used for commissary and other approved purchases). Before a depositor can send funds, they typically need the inmate’s first and last name, and their Book & Case Number (NYC DOC booking identifier).

Option 1: Send money online

Depositors may send funds online using NYC DOC-approved money transfer agents. To begin, they must select the provider and follow their prompts to deposit into the person’s NYC DOC account.

General steps

Confirm the person’s Book & Case Number (via NYC DOC lookup).
Visit an approved provider’s website (NYC DOC lists the participating agents).
Enter the required identifiers (usually name and Book & Case Number) and pay using a debit or credit card.

Note: Deposits processed through money-transfer agents typically include a fee, which does not go to the NYC DOC.

Option 2: Send money by phone

Family and friends may also deposit funds by phone through NYC DOC-authorized money transfer agents using a debit or credit card.

Option 3: Send money in person (kiosk deposit)

Depositors may send funds through kiosks at DOC cashier offices. Please note that kiosks on Rikers Island accept cash only (for some providers). The Rikers Island Central Cashier’s Office is located inside the Rikers Island Central Visit House.

Option 4: Send money by mail

The NYC DOC permits deposits by mail using a bank check or money order, but not cash or personal checks. It is worth noting that bank checks or money orders must be made payable to the incarcerated individual and also include their Book & Case Number. Depositors using the mail option are advised to confirm the correct mailing address format via the NYC DOC lookup system to avoid delays in deposits.

Inmate Search by Jail Facility

In New York County, inmate searches by facility work differently from most counties because the NYC DOC manages jail custody on a citywide scale. Consequently, requesters do not have to search separate rosters for different Rikers Island jail facilities (e.g., Otis Bantum Correctional Center, George R. Vierno Center, and Robert N. Davoren Complex). Information seekers typically search (using a name, NYSID, or Book & Case number) the citywide "Person in Custody" lookup that returns an individual’s current housing facility and related basic case information.

New York County Visitation Rules and Schedules

In New York County, the Rikers Island Central Visits handles in-person visits for Rikers facilities, including Otis Bantum Correctional Center (OBCC). These visits align with NYC DOC’s official visitation schedule and rules.

Who Can Visit

No more than two adults and one child (the child must be small enough to sit on an adult’s lap), or
One adult and two children (one child must be small enough to sit on someone’s lap)
Children under 16 may visit when accompanied by an adult (ID rules below).

Visitor ID and Approval Requirements

Adults and youths older than 16 years are expected to provide valid photo IDs. Such IDs include a driver’s license, DMV non-driver ID, IDNYC, and passport. Please note that High school IDs are not accepted.
Children under 16, accompanied by an adult, do not require identification.
A 16 or 17-year-old may bring a child under 16 only in the specific parent/child scenario described by NYC DOC/NYC311 and must provide the child’s birth certificate.

Dress Code and Behavior Expectations

Visitors are expected to wear appropriate clothing; overly suggestive clothing is not permitted.
Visitors must wear one layer of clothing only (with limited exceptions for DOC-provided cover-ups).
Commonly prohibited items and clothing include hooded garments, see-through garments, hats and head coverings (except religious), clothing with explicit references to drugs, sex, violence, and shorts, skirts, and dresses more than 3 inches above the knee.
No accessories or jewelry except limited exceptions (e.g., a wedding ring and one small religious medal).
All visitors must wear undergarments.
Visitors are required to undergo security screening; visitors may be subject to passive canine searches when arriving for visits.
Visitors whose outfits violate the dress code may still be permitted a contact visit if they agree to wear a DOC-provided cover-up. Refusal to wear the cover-up may result in the denial of visitation rights.

Visit Duration and Visitation Schedule

All visits are one (1) hour long.
No visits on Monday and Tuesday.
Visits are allowed from Wednesday to Sunday.

In-person visits (walk-in registration at Rikers Island Central Visits):

Wednesday-Thursday: registration 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: registration 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Individuals who arrive outside registration hours will not be eligible for a visit.
Visits may run past the registration end time to accommodate visitors who arrive within registration hours.

Mailing and Commissary Information

Mailing Format and Requirements

When sending mail, friends and family should ensure that their envelopes are addressed as follows:

The person’s full name

Their Book & Case Number

The full name and address of the facility where they are housed

Sample mailing format (OBCC example):

Inmate Full Name

Book & Case Number

Otis Bantum Correctional Center (OBCC)

16-00 Hazen Street

East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Senders who are uncertain about an inmate’s current location (housing) should consider using the NYC DOC custody lookup first to prevent their mail from going to the wrong destination.

Letters and Packages

NYC DOC allows letters in certain situations, but packages are tightly restricted.
Senders must ensure their letters have the required postage and relevant information (name, Book & Case Number, and facility address).

According to the NYC DOC, permissible packages:

may be accepted during in-person visiting hours at the Bail & Package Reception area next to Central Visits on Rikers Island, and packages may also be mailed
must meet size/weight limits (no more than 15 lbs and within stated dimensions)
are searched for contraband (bringing contraband can result in arrest and prosecution)

Items Not Allowed

Toiletries (e.g., soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.) and snacks or food items are prohibited. They must be purchased through the commissary.
Cash is not accepted by mail for a person’s account; only money orders and cashier’s checks are accepted by mail for fund accounts.

Items Allowed

For a comprehensive list of items that may be brought in or sent by mail as packages, interested parties should visit the "Mailing Packages to Persons in Custody" page on the NYC DOC website to review the list.

Depositing Funds for Commissary

The standard methods of depositing funds into an inmate’s account, through NYC DOC-approved money transfer agents, are:

By phone (pay by credit or debit card)
By internet (pay by credit or debit card)
Walk-in payments at participating agents (pay by card or cash, depending on the agent)
Kiosks at DOC cashier offices (some accept cash only, others accept cash and cards)

NYC DOC-approved money transfer agents offering these services include:

JPay (phone, online, walk-in, and kiosks)
Western Union (phone, online, and walk-in; requires City Code NYCITYDOC and State Code NY)

Helpful Non-Legal Restrictions

To send money through an agent, depositors must provide the person’s first and last name and Book & Case Number.
Do not hand cash to someone in custody. NYC DOC warns that visitors who give cash to a person in custody may be subject to arrest.
Fees apply when using money transfer agents; NYC DOC does not receive such fees.