Released Inmates face several challenges when transitioning from custody to community life. Inmate reentry programs provide release assistance, post-release supervision, parole and probation services, and access to transitional housing and job training. Families and case managers can also use an inmate locator database or released inmate search tool to find former prisoners. Other resources, including criminal record expungement and voting rights restoration, help reduce barriers to reintegration.
Successful reentry depends on coordinated support from parole officers, community programs, and employment services. These resources help former prisoners find housing, prepare for employment, understand felony background checks, and meet supervision requirements. Criminal justice reforms, including the First Step Act, also support rehabilitation and a smoother transition back into the community.
How to Search Released Inmates
You can locate individuals who have left Pierce County Jail through the public roster database maintained by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. The system displays booking and release history for anyone processed through the Tacoma facility, giving employers, attorneys, family members, and community supervision staff a reliable way to verify custody status. Searches pull from records tied to each person booked into the 910 Tacoma Ave. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official police blotter resources. S. facility and present release outcomes alongside original charges. The lookup tool works with partial or full names, booking numbers, release dates, and unique inmate identifiers assigned at intake.
Official Search Portal: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1932/Pierce-County-Jail
Steps to Search
- Open the Pierce County Jail page at the official URL listed above and select the inmate roster or search tool.
- Enter the last name of the person, or type a booking number if you already have one from a prior arrest record.
- Apply a date filter to narrow results to a single release day or a broader window such as the past 30 days.
- Review the listing for a match based on full legal name, date of birth, and the release agency noted on the record.
- Click the matching entry to view the full release record, including release type, destination, and authority.
- Note the release date and time, then contact the records desk at 253-798-4590 for certified copies when needed.
Released Inmate Record Details
A release record contains the core data points needed to confirm that a specific individual left custody on a specific date at the Pierce County Jail. Each record shows identifiers, dates, and times that work together to verify the event. Reviewers can use these fields to confirm employment dates, court outcomes, supervision requirements, and housing placements. The record reflects the official entry logged by jail staff at the time of release, so each field ties back to a documented action.
Inmate Name
The name field lists the full legal name under which the person was booked, along with documented aliases when applicable. The name ties to the date of birth and physical descriptors on file, helping confirm identity across multiple bookings. Always compare the name against a photo ID or government document to verify the match before using the release record for employment, housing, or supervision decisions.
Booking Number
The booking number identifies the specific intake event at the jail and remains the strongest link to charges, court dates, and release outcomes. A single booking number covers the entire stay from intake through release, even when the person moved between housing units or appeared in court multiple times. Employers and supervision agencies often cite this number when requesting background check details or release verifications.
Inmate ID
The inmate ID is assigned at first contact with the Pierce County Jail and stays with the person across all future bookings. Searching by inmate ID pulls every past stay, every release, and every transfer, building a chronological history that helps reviewers track patterns over time. The ID also links to records held by the Washington State Department of Corrections when the person later moves to state custody.
Original Booking Date
The original booking date records the moment the person was processed into the jail and serves as the starting point for the entire stay. Comparing the original booking date to the release date reveals how long the person remained in custody. Reviewers can use this duration to verify employment gaps, family contact logs, and timeline entries used in legal filings.
Release Date
The release date is the calendar day on which the person officially left custody. The field is populated when jail staff finalize the release action, whether the outcome is a bond, sentence completion, court order, or transfer. The release date drives downstream processes such as probation intake, employer notifications, and housing placements.
Release Time
The release time captures the hour and minute of the release action, which matters when timing affects court orders, employer shifts, or supervision check-ins. Times are recorded in 24-hour format and reflect local Pacific time at the Tacoma facility. When disputes arise over the exact release moment, the time field provides a documented reference that can be cited in legal or administrative records.
Release Information
The release section of a record explains the circumstances behind the person’s departure from custody. Reviewers can read this section to confirm whether the departure was voluntary, ordered, or administrative, and to identify the agency that authorized the action. Each sub-field adds a layer of detail that supports verification work for employers, attorneys, supervision agencies, and family members.
Release Type
The release type classifies the legal reason the person left custody, such as bond posting, sentence completion, or court-ordered release. This field helps reviewers determine whether the person remains under court authority after release or has fully concluded the jail portion of the sentence. The release type also points to follow-up obligations such as probation check-ins, court appearances, or restitution orders.
Release Reason
The release reason adds narrative context to the release type, explaining the specific circumstance behind the action. Reasons may reference a charge drop, a plea agreement, a sentencing modification, or a successful time-served credit calculation. Reviewers should read the reason alongside the type, since the two fields together give a fuller picture of why the person left custody.
Release Authority
The release authority identifies the agency or official who approved the release action. The authority may be the court, the prosecuting attorney’s office, the jail commander, or a probation officer acting within legal authority. Knowing the releasing authority helps reviewers confirm that the release followed proper procedure and supports verification for legal, employment, and supervision purposes.
Release Facility
The release facility shows where the person was held immediately before release. For most records at the Pierce County Jail, the facility is the Tacoma jail located at 910 Tacoma Ave. S. The field may show a different facility when the person was transferred from a state prison, a federal holding site, or a neighboring county before release. Confirming the release facility ensures the record ties back to the right custody site.
Release Destination Information
The destination field lists where the person was headed at the moment of departure, such as a residence, a halfway house, a court hearing, or a transfer site. The destination helps family members confirm pickup plans and helps case managers coordinate housing, transportation, and supervision appointments. When the destination is a halfway house or transitional housing program, the field often includes the program name and intake contact.
Types of Inmate Releases
Pierce County Jail logs different release categories based on the legal outcome that ends custody. Each category carries distinct downstream obligations, and knowing the difference helps reviewers plan the next steps for housing, supervision, employment, and legal follow-up. The list of categories also helps when comparing release outcomes across batches of records.
| Release Type | Trigger | Post-Release Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bond Release | Bail posted or surety bond accepted | Released pending court dates |
| Sentence Completion | Full sentence served | No further jail custody owed |
| Court-Ordered Release | Judge signs release order | May include probation terms |
| Case-Related Release | Charges dropped or dismissed | Case closed or pending |
| Transfer From Custody | Move to state or federal facility | Continues custody elsewhere |
| Other Authorized Release | Medical, immigration, or special order | Varies by circumstance |
Bond Release
A bond release occurs when bail is posted through cash, a bail bond agent, or a property bond that satisfies the court’s bail requirement. The release follows verification of the bond by jail staff and confirmation with the court clerk. The person leaves custody pending future court dates and may be subject to bond conditions such as no-contact provisions, travel limits, or sobriety requirements.
Sentence Completion
A sentence completion release happens when the person serves the full sentence imposed by the court, including time-served credit. The release marks the end of the jail obligation tied to that specific case. Sentence completion releases clear the way for record-clearing petitions, voting rights restoration filings, and expungement applications where eligible under Washington State law.
Court-Ordered Release
A court-ordered release follows a signed order from a judge directing the jail to release the person under specified conditions. The order may accompany a sentence reduction, a dismissal, a not guilty finding, or a release on personal recognizance. Court-ordered releases may include probation terms, treatment requirements, or electronic tracking as decided by the bench.
Case-Related Release
A case-related release happens when the underlying case reaches an outcome ending custody, such as dropped charges, a vacated judgment, or a successful appeal. The release reflects the case outcome rather than a sentence or bond action. Case-related releases often prompt interest in expungement filings to clear the arrest from public records.
Transfer From Custody
A transfer release happens when the person moves from Pierce County Jail to another custody site, such as a state prison, a federal facility, or a different county jail. The release entry records the transfer as the end of the Tacoma stay while custody continues elsewhere. The receiving facility’s records then take over documentation of the person’s status.
Other Authorized Release
Other authorized releases cover situations outside the standard categories, such as medical releases, immigration holds resolved in favor of release, or releases under special legislative action. Each entry references the specific legal authority authorizing the action. Reviewers should read the release reason to confirm the legal basis and any follow-up obligations tied to the release.
Recent and Historical Releases
The roster holds both recent and archived release entries, giving reviewers a view of daily activity and long-term trends. Recent releases appear at the top of the listing, while older releases move into the archive as time passes. Both categories remain searchable through the same fields, though archive results may take longer to retrieve.
Today’s Released Inmates
Today’s roster shows every release logged during the current operational day at the Tacoma facility. The list updates as jail staff complete release processing, so late-day releases may take a few hours to appear. Reviewers who need same-day confirmation should refresh the roster after the standard release window to capture late entries.
Recent Release Listings
Recent listings cover releases logged over the past few days and provide a quick view of routine departures from the jail. The listings help employers verify that a worker returned from custody and help case managers confirm that reentry plans are on track. Recent listings also help attorneys and family members confirm that a court outcome produced the expected release.
Releases by Date Range
Date range searches return every release logged between a chosen start point and end point, useful for batch verification projects. Researchers studying reentry trends can pull a range covering a full reporting period and analyze patterns in release types. The range tool also helps supervision agencies verify clusters of releases tied to a court calendar or sentencing docket.
Previous Release Records
Previous records cover releases logged weeks or months earlier and remain accessible through the same search fields. The records help when an employer or housing provider needs historical confirmation of past releases tied to background check requirements. Previous records also support research into recidivism patterns by providing timestamped release data.
Archived Release Information
Archived records cover releases older than the active retention window and may require a records request to access. Archiving protects older records while keeping active records accessible to the public. Reviewers needing records beyond the active window should contact the records desk at 253-798-4590 to request archived release information.
Released Inmate Record Updates
Release records can change after the initial posting as staff correct data, update destinations, or apply new information from the court. Reviewers should expect occasional updates and treat the latest posting as the most current version. The roster flags updated entries so you can spot changes from the original release posting.
Newly Posted Release Entries
New entries appear at the top of the roster when jail staff finalize a release action during the current operational day. New entries carry a timestamp showing when the release was logged. Reviewers should check the timestamp before drawing conclusions, since the entry may have posted hours after the actual release moment.
Delayed Release Updates
Delayed updates happen when the official release entry takes longer than expected to post, often because of paper processing, bond verification, or court paperwork. The delay does not change the underlying release action but can make the record appear later than the actual release moment. When delays affect court or employment timelines, contact the records desk to confirm the actual release moment.
Corrected Release Dates
Corrected release dates happen when staff adjust the calendar entry after confirming the true release moment. Corrections may shift the date by a day in either direction, depending on the time of release and the cutoff for daily processing. Additional county documentation and official archives are indexed under arrest records. Always read the latest release date rather than relying on the date you found in an earlier search.
Updated Release Reasons
Updated reasons happen when the original narrative gets refined after further review by jail staff or the court. The update can change the legal basis of the release or add context about the underlying case outcome. Reviewers should re-read the reason text whenever they revisit a record to confirm the latest wording.
Archived or Removed Entries
Archived entries happen when a release leaves the active roster after the retention period ends. Removed entries may also happen when the record is sealed by judicial action or expunged through a successful petition. Reviewers needing access to a removed entry should submit a records request and, where appropriate, reference the case number tied to the sealing action.
Accessing Released Inmate Records
Public access to release records runs through the online roster, formal records requests, and certified copy orders. Each method serves a different need, from quick status checks to legal filings that demand authenticated paperwork. Knowing which method fits your need saves time and avoids unnecessary fees.
| Access Method | Best For | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Online Release Listings | Quick status checks | Immediate |
| Release Information Requests | Formal written records | Several business days |
| Historical Release Records | Older records | Up to two weeks |
| Copies of Release Records | Certified documents | Several business days |
| Record Access Fees | Paid certified copies | Same day to one week |
Online Release Listings
The online roster at the Pierce County Jail page shows current and recent entries in a searchable table. You can filter by name, booking number, or release date to narrow the results. Online listings serve employers, family members, attorneys, and supervision officers who need quick status confirmation without a formal records request.
Release Information Requests
A formal request through the Pierce County records desk returns written confirmation of release details for legal filings or background check projects. Requests typically require the person’s full name, date of birth, and booking number. Submit requests to the records desk at the Tacoma facility or by phone at 253-798-4590 to start the process.
Historical Release Records
Historical records cover releases that fall outside the standard online retention window and may require a formal request. The records desk retrieves archived files from off-site storage and returns them through written confirmation. Historical retrieval often takes longer than recent retrieval because of the time needed to locate and review the older files.
Copies of Release Records
Certified copies of release records carry the agency seal and signature needed for legal filings, employment verifications, and expungement petitions. The records desk issues copies upon request, and each copy serves as a stand-alone document for court or administrative use. Certified copies are commonly required when filing for record-clearing relief under Washington State law.
Record Access Fees
The records desk charges fees for certified copies, formal searches, and extended retrieval work. Fees cover staff labor, document preparation, and administrative overhead. Call 253-798-4590 to confirm current fee schedules before submitting a request so you can plan for the cost.
Released Inmate Record Verification
Verification work confirms that a release record matches the right person, the right date, and the right custody event. Strong verification reduces errors in employment offers, housing placements, supervision plans, and legal filings. Reviewers should cross-check every field against independent sources before treating a record as final.
Confirming the Inmate Identity
Identity confirmation starts with comparing the name and date of birth on the release entry against a government-issued photo ID. The name field lists aliases on file, so check those as well when the ID shows a different surname. Identity confirmation is the foundation for safe use of the record in any employment, legal, or supervision setting.
Matching the Booking Number
The booking number on the release entry should match the booking number on related court paperwork, attorney notes, and supervision documents. A mismatch suggests the record refers to a different stay and should be reconciled before use. Confirming the booking number also confirms the timeframe and the charges tied to that specific intake event.
Confirming the Release Date
The release date should align with court orders, employer expectations, and supervision intake plans. When a date mismatch appears, contact the records desk to confirm whether a delayed update changed the calendar entry. Confirming the date is critical when planning housing intake, transportation, or employer return dates.
Checking the Release Type
The release type should match the legal outcome of the case. A bond release should reference a posted bond, a sentence completion should reference a served sentence, and a court-ordered release should reference a signed order. Type mismatches suggest the record was logged with the wrong category and should be flagged for review by jail personnel.
Verifying the Release Facility
The release facility should match the custody site that held the person immediately before the release action. A facility mismatch suggests the record references a different custody site and should be reconciled. Confirming the facility ties the record to the correct physical site and helps when coordinating pickup, transportation, or supervision intake.
Released Inmate Record Limitations
Public release records carry limitations that reviewers should understand before relying on them for major decisions. Records may be delayed, incomplete, updated, or restricted by law. Knowing the limits of public release data protects against errors in legal filings, employment decisions, and supervision plans.
Release Data Publication Delays
Public release data may post hours or days after the actual release moment because of internal processing steps. Publication delays affect same-day verifications and may cause confusion when a person appears to still be in custody shortly after release. Contact the records desk when a delay affects a court deadline, employment start date, or supervision intake.
Incomplete Release Information
Some release entries show partial details when certain data points have not yet been finalized by the jail or the court. Incomplete entries may lack a destination, a release reason, or a precise release time. Reviewers should wait for the full entry to post before treating the record as final, especially when the missing field affects a downstream decision.
Updated Release Entries
Updated entries can change the release type, reason, date, or destination after the original posting. Reviewers using older screenshots or printouts may miss updates that change the meaning of the record. Always re-check the live roster before relying on a release entry for a legal or employment decision.
Restricted Information
Certain release details are restricted from public view by law, including sealed cases, juvenile records, and protected identities. Restricted information will not appear on the public roster and may require a court order to access. Reviewers should respect these restrictions and avoid attempts to retrieve protected details outside legal channels.
Release Does Not Determine Case Outcome
A release from custody does not resolve the underlying case, especially for bond releases, court-ordered releases, and case-related releases. Pending charges, future court dates, and probation terms can continue after the release moment. Reviewers should always pair release records with court records to understand the full legal status of the case.
Search Problems
Search problems happen when records are missing, delayed, or entered under different identifiers. Reviewers should expect occasional gaps and apply systematic checks before drawing conclusions. The troubleshooting steps below help resolve the most common search issues.
Released Person Not Found
A missing record often means the release happened under a different name spelling, a different date of birth, or a different booking cycle. Try alternate spellings, prior booking numbers, and the inmate ID to widen the search. When the person still does not appear, contact the records desk at 253-798-4590 for direct assistance.
Release Date Not Listed
An unlisted date often means the release entry has not yet posted to the roster or the entry is still being processed. Try the adjacent calendar day to capture late postings, and refresh the roster after a few hours. The records desk can also confirm the actual release date when the public field is missing.
Multiple Matching Names
Common surnames can return several matches on a single search. Review each entry against the date of birth, the booking number, and the listed aliases to find the correct match. When matches share the same name and date of birth, the booking number is the best tie-breaker.
Incorrect Booking Number
An incorrect booking number returns no results because each number is tied to a unique intake event. Recheck the number against the original paperwork, and try the inmate ID as an alternative. The records desk can confirm the correct booking number when paper records are unavailable.
Recent Release Not Yet Published
A recent release may not appear on the public roster until jail staff complete the entry. Recent releases often post the next morning or later the same day. Refresh the roster after the standard release window, and contact the records desk when timeliness is critical.
Archived Release Entry
An archived entry has moved outside the active roster window and may not appear in the standard search. Submit a formal records request to retrieve archived entries, and allow several business days for the records desk to retrieve the file. Archived retrieval fees may apply based on the time needed to locate the entry.
Updated Release Information
An updated entry may show new details that differ from the original posting. Review the latest entry for the most current information, and document any updates that affect downstream decisions. Updates commonly affect the destination, the release reason, or the release type.
Contact Information
You can reach the Pierce County Jail records desk for assistance with release record searches, certified copies, archived retrieval, and verification questions. The Tacoma facility serves as the central location for in-person records requests and certified copy pickups. Phone assistance helps with quick status checks and request submissions.
Pierce County Jail Booking
910 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: 253-798-4590
Email: —
Official URL: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1932/Pierce-County-Jail
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ answers common questions about locating and supporting individuals who have been released from custody. It highlights how the Pierce County Jail system provides public access to booking and release records, explains where to find identification documents, and describes resources that help former inmates secure housing, employment, and supervision. All information is based on the latest 2026 data from official county sources.
How can I find recently released inmates in Pierce County?
You can check the Pierce County Jail Roster for current custody information. For past release dates, contact jail administration, as historical release information may not be available online. Pierce County, WA – Official Website+1
Where can I access inmate booking and release records?
The public Jail Roster provides details such as booking dates, charges, and release dates for listed inmates. Most other inmate records are confidential and require proper authorization to access. Pierce County, WA – Official Website
What identification documents do former inmates need after release?
Former inmates may need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security card, and birth certificate to apply for employment, housing, or public benefits. Contact the relevant agency to confirm its requirements and available assistance.
What housing and employment resources are available for released inmates?
Pierce County’s Pathways to Progress program offers eligible individuals housing assistance, employment support, and connections to behavioral health services. The Court Resource Center can provide information about eligibility and referrals. Pierce County, WA – Official Website
How can I find supervision requirements for a released inmate?
Supervision requirements depend on the person’s court order and release conditions. Individuals referred to Pierce County Pretrial Services should report within 24 hours of release, or the next business day if released outside office hours.