St. Lawrence Public Records /St. Lawrence County Inmate Search

St. Lawrence County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In St. Lawrence County?

Inmate records in St. Lawrence County are official government documents maintained by the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been detained, arrested, or incarcerated within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.

Pursuant to New York Correction Law § 500-c, county sheriffs are responsible for maintaining accurate records of all persons committed to their custody. These records are distinct from court records, which document legal proceedings and are maintained by the St. Lawrence County Court system. While court records focus on case proceedings, judgments, and legal determinations, inmate records specifically document an individual's physical custody status and institutional history.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where the following occurs:

Collection of biographical and demographic information
Documentation of arrest circumstances
Recording of charges
Assignment of identification numbers
Photographic documentation (mugshots)
Fingerprinting and biometric data collection

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

Housing assignments
Disciplinary actions
Visitation logs
Medical information
Program participation
Court appearances
Changes in legal status

Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains on file with the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office in accordance with New York State records retention schedules.

Are Inmate Records Public In St. Lawrence County?

Inmate records in St. Lawrence 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, including certain information about individuals in custody, while balancing privacy concerns and security considerations.

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

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
Booking date and time
Charges filed
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Facility housing location (general)

However, significant portions of inmate records remain confidential under various exemptions to FOIL and other state laws, including:

Medical and mental health information (protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws)
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Detailed disciplinary records
Security-sensitive information about facility operations
Information that would endanger the life or safety of any person if disclosed
Records that are specifically exempted from disclosure by state or federal statute

The New York State Committee on Open Government provides guidance on the application of FOIL to correctional records. According to their advisory opinions, while basic custody information is public, detailed personal information about inmates may be withheld when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under Public Officers Law § 87(2)(b).

Members of the public seeking access to inmate records must submit a FOIL request to the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, which serves as the records access officer for county correctional records.

What's Included Inmate Records in St. Lawrence County

Inmate records in St. Lawrence 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 and other biometric data
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency
Booking officer information
Housing assignment history
Classification status
Disciplinary incidents and actions
Visitation logs
Telephone call records
Property inventory

Charge Information:

Current charges (including statute citations)
Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
Warrant information
Prior booking history within the facility
Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions

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 appearances
Court orders
Attorney of record

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.)
Release authorization
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in compliance with New York State Commission of Correction minimum standards, which establish requirements for record-keeping in local correctional facilities.

St. Lawrence County Prison System

The St. Lawrence County correctional system operates under the authority of the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county jail facility. This system functions as part of the broader New York State correctional framework, which distinguishes between county-level detention facilities and state prisons.

The St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility primarily serves the following functions:

Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
Incarceration for individuals sentenced to terms of up to one year
Temporary holding of individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Housing of individuals held on immigration detainers
Short-term detention of parole and probation violators

It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the New York State prison system. The St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility is a local detention facility operated by the county government, while state prisons are operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Individuals sentenced to more than one year of incarceration are typically transferred to state custody to serve their sentences in state prison facilities.

The St. Lawrence County correctional system operates under the oversight of the New York State Commission of Correction, which establishes minimum standards for the management and operation of correctional facilities throughout the state.

St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2222
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In St. Lawrence County

St. Lawrence County maintains a unified correctional system centered around the main county jail facility. The county does not operate multiple specialized correctional institutions as seen in larger jurisdictions. The primary facility serving the county's correctional needs is:

St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility
17 Commerce Lane
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379-2352
St. Lawrence County Correctional Division

This facility serves multiple functions within the county's criminal justice system:

Main Detention Center: The primary secure housing facility for all adult inmates in county custody, with varying security classifications.
Booking and Intake Processing: All individuals arrested in St. Lawrence County are processed through this facility's intake section.
Court Holding: Temporary holding cells for individuals appearing in the St. Lawrence County Court and other local courts.
Medical Unit: Provides basic healthcare services to the inmate population, with arrangements for outside care when necessary.
Program Services Area: Space allocated for educational programs, substance abuse treatment, religious services, and other rehabilitative programming.

The St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility operates under the direct supervision of the Sheriff and is staffed by sworn correctional officers and civilian support personnel. The facility is designed to accommodate both male and female inmates in separate housing units and provides for classification-based housing assignments according to security needs.

For individuals requiring specialized care beyond what the county facility can provide, arrangements may be made with:

Mental Health Housing: Coordination with the Central New York Psychiatric Center for inmates requiring intensive psychiatric care.
Medical Specialty Care: Transfer arrangements with regional hospitals for specialized medical treatment.
Juvenile Detention: Juveniles are not housed in the adult facility but are instead referred to appropriate juvenile detention facilities in accordance with New York State law.

Who's in Prison In St. Lawrence County

The St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility houses a diverse population of individuals who fall into several distinct legal categories. Understanding these classifications is essential for comprehending the function of the county jail within the broader criminal justice system.

The inmate population typically 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 due to flight risk or public safety concerns
Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
This group typically constitutes the majority of the jail population

Sentenced Inmates

Individuals convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences of up to one year
Persons convicted of certain non-violent felonies sentenced to local incarceration
Individuals serving intermittent sentences (weekend confinement)
Those serving split sentences (partial incarceration followed by probation)

Temporary Holds

Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison after receiving sentences exceeding one year
Persons detained on behalf of other counties or jurisdictions
Parole violators awaiting revocation hearings
Probation violators serving short sanctions

Special Category Detainees

Individuals held on civil commitments
Persons detained on immigration holds for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Material witnesses held by court order
Individuals held in contempt of court

According to New York Correction Law § 500-a, county jails are authorized to receive and detain these various categories of individuals. The St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility maintains separate housing classifications based on factors including gender, security risk, special needs, and legal status in accordance with state regulations.

The facility's population fluctuates daily as new arrests are made, individuals post bail, cases are resolved, and sentences are completed. The average daily population and demographic breakdown are reported to the New York State Commission of Correction as required by state law.

How To Search for Inmate Records In St. Lawrence County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in St. Lawrence County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that allow for verification of an individual's custody status and access to certain public record information. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate record searches:

Online Inmate Lookup

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate lookup service through their official website:

Navigate to the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office website
Select the "Correctional Division" or "Inmate Information" section
Access the inmate lookup tool
Enter search criteria (typically last name, first name, or inmate ID number)
Review the results, which generally include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)

Telephone Verification

For those without internet access or who require immediate verification:

Contact the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility directly at (315) 379-2352
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Staff will confirm whether the individual is currently in custody
Basic information about charges and bail may be provided

In-Person Record Requests

For more detailed inmate records beyond basic custody information:

Visit the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours:
- Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Excluding county holidays
Complete a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request form
Provide specific information about the records being requested
Present valid identification
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction

Written FOIL Requests

For formal written requests under the New York Freedom of Information Law:

Prepare a written request specifying:
- The inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- The specific records being requested
- Your contact information
Submit the request to:
- Records Access Officer
- St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
- 48 Court Street
- Canton, NY 13617
Allow up to five business days for an acknowledgment of your request
Be prepared to pay any applicable fees for document reproduction

All record searches are conducted in accordance with the New York Public Officers Law § 87, which governs access to government records while protecting privacy and security interests.

How To Find an Inmate in St. Lawrence County for Free?

St. Lawrence County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody within the county correctional system. These free resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other concerned parties verify an individual's incarceration status without financial burden.

County Sheriff's Online Inmate Lookup

The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the online inmate search tool:

Visit the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the Correctional Division section
Access the inmate lookup function
Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
Review the results, which typically include:
- Confirmation of custody status
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond/bail information
- Housing facility

This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and requires no registration or payment.

Telephone Inquiry

For those without internet access, a direct telephone inquiry provides free verification:

Call the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility at (315) 379-2352
Request to verify if a specific individual is in custody
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person
Basic custody information will be provided verbally

New York State VINE Service

The Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system provides free custody status information:

Call the New York VINE service at 1-888-846-3469
Follow the automated prompts
Enter the inmate's information when requested
Receive current custody status and facility information

In-Person Inquiry

Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Office in person to make a free inquiry:

St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

When making an in-person inquiry, visitors should:

Bring personal identification
Be prepared to provide the full name of the individual they are seeking
Specify their relationship to the inmate

State-Level Resources

For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:

Access the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Inmate Lookup
Enter the individual's name or Department Identification Number (DIN)
Review custody status and facility location information

These free resources ensure that basic inmate location information remains accessible to all members of the public regardless of financial means, in accordance with New York's commitment to transparency in government operations.

How To Visit an Inmate In St. Lawrence County

Visitation at the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility is governed by established procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections for inmates. All visits must comply with the facility's regulations as authorized under New York Correction Law § 500-j, which grants sheriffs the authority to establish visitation policies.

Visit Rules and Procedures

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial processing
Changes to visitation lists may be requested once every 30 days
A maximum of two adults and two children may visit at one time
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the visitation area

Visit Schedule

The St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility maintains the following visitation schedule:

General Population:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Special Housing Units:
- Schedule varies; contact the facility for current times
No visits on Mondays or during county holidays
Visits are limited to 30 minutes when other visitors are waiting

Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to complete processing. Specific visitation times may be confirmed by calling the facility at (315) 379-2352.

What to Bring

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID)
Visitor's pass (issued at check-in)
If visiting with children, birth certificates may be required to verify relationship
Locker key (provided for securing personal items)
Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, medical devices)

What NOT to Bring

Weapons of any kind
Drugs or alcohol
Tobacco products or electronic cigarettes
Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Large bags or purses
Food or beverages
Gifts or items for inmates

Dress Code

All visitors must adhere to the following dress requirements:

No revealing or provocative clothing
No gang-related attire or colors
No clothing with offensive language or images
No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or halter tops
No shorts above mid-thigh
No see-through clothing
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
No open-toed shoes or sandals

Visit Types

Contact Visits: Available for general population inmates in good standing
Non-Contact Visits: Conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication
Professional Visits: Attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals may visit during extended hours

Visit Restrictions

Former inmates must wait 180 days after release before visiting
Persons on probation or parole must obtain written permission from their supervising officer
Visitors who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
Violation of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges

Complete visitation information is available on the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Correctional Inmate page.

How To Send Money to a St. Lawrence County Inmate

St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the facility commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.

In-Person Deposits

Funds may be deposited in person at the facility:

Location: St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility, 17 Commerce Lane, Canton, NY 13617
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Acceptable forms of payment:
- Cash (exact amount, no change provided)
- Money orders
- Cashier's checks
Personal checks are not accepted
Deposit receipts are provided for all transactions
Valid photo identification is required

Online Deposits

The facility contracts with a third-party service for electronic deposits:

Access the service through the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Inmate Information page
Create an account with the service provider
Locate the inmate using their name and ID number
Follow the prompts to complete the transaction
Service fees apply to all online transactions
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24-48 hours

Mail-In Deposits

Money orders and cashier's checks may be mailed to:

Inmate Accounts
St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility
17 Commerce Lane
Canton, NY 13617

Important mail-in deposit guidelines:

Make payable to the inmate (full legal name)
Include the inmate's ID number on the money order or cashier's check
Include sender's full name and return address
Do not send cash through the mail
Personal checks are not accepted

Deposit Limits and Fees

Minimum deposit amount: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
In-person deposits: No fee
Online deposits: Fees vary based on amount and payment method
Mail deposits: No facility fee (postal fees may apply)

Restrictions on Fund Usage

Inmates may use commissary funds for:

Commissary purchases (weekly limit applies)
Telephone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Approved educational materials

Funds may not be used for:

Bail or bond payments
Court fees or fines (unless specifically authorized)
Transfers to other inmates
Outside purchases
Contraband items

Account Management

Inmates receive account statements showing deposits and expenditures
Remaining funds are returned to the inmate upon release
Unclaimed funds are handled according to New York State abandoned property laws
Questions regarding inmate accounts may be directed to (315) 379-2352

All monetary transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with facility security protocols and New York State Commission of Correction standards.

How To Send Jail Mail In St. Lawrence County

Correspondence with inmates at the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility is permitted but must adhere to strict guidelines established for security and operational purposes. All mail procedures comply with New York Correction Law § 500-c, which authorizes sheriffs to establish rules for inmate correspondence.

General Mail Guidelines

All incoming mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility
17 Commerce Lane
Canton, NY 13617

Important mail regulations include:

All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the inmate's presence
Mail that violates facility rules will be returned to sender or held as evidence
There is no limit on the number of letters an inmate may receive
Correspondence must be in English or require translation at the facility's discretion

Acceptable Mail Items

The following items are generally permitted:

Letters on plain paper (no cardstock, construction paper, or heavy stock)
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope)
- Must be 4" x 6" or smaller
- No Polaroid photos
- No explicit or suggestive content
- No gang symbols or signs
Money orders (made payable to the inmate)
Pre-approved religious materials
Legal documents
Plain postcards

Prohibited Mail Items

The following items are not permitted:

Packages (without prior approval)
Hardcover books
Magazines or newspapers (must be sent directly from publisher)
Greeting cards with musical, electronic, or pop-up components
Cards larger than 5" x 7"
Stickers, labels, or tape
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented papers
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Food items or candy
Clothing or accessories
Any items with biohazards (lipstick, bodily fluids, etc.)
Any items containing contraband or suspected contraband

Books and Publications

Books and publications must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor:

Paperback books only
No hardcover books
Maximum of 3 books per mailing
Subject to review for appropriate content
Must not contain maps, escape information, or material deemed a security risk

E-Messages

The facility offers a digital messaging service through a third-party provider:

Create an account on the approved messaging platform
Purchase credits for messages
Compose and send messages through the secure system
Messages are subject to review before delivery
Inmates can send replies through the same system

This service can be accessed through the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Correctional Inmate page.

Mail Restrictions

Mail may be rejected if it:

Contains threats or extortion
Describes manufacturing of weapons, drugs, or explosives
Contains gang-related content
Includes escape plans or facility security information
Contains sexually explicit material
Advocates violence or illegal activity
Contains unauthorized business transactions
Includes information that could jeopardize facility security

Senders of rejected mail will receive notification explaining the reason for rejection. Questions regarding mail policies may be directed to the facility at (315) 379-2352.

Lookup Inmate Records in St. Lawrence County

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