Search Forrest County, MS Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Forrest County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Forrest County, MS
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Forrest County
- Visitation Rules at Forrest County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Forrest County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Forrest County
- Forrest Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Forrest County?
- Forrest County Facility Directory
- Forrest Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Forrest County, Mississippi, you have several options. Online, you can start by visiting the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office website (http://forrestcountysheriff.com), which may offer an inmate search tool or instructions for accessing records. Another online resource is the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Inmate Search portal, which lists state prisoners, though county jail inmates may not always be included. Offline, you can contact the Forrest County Sheriff's Office directly in person or by phone; their office is located at 55 Arena Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, and their main contact number is (601) 544-7800. You may also visit the sheriff’s office to request inmate information or jail records at the front desk. For court-related inmate records, the Forrest County Circuit Clerk’s Office at 630 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, can assist with case files and incarceration status. Always bring a valid ID and be prepared to provide the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth for more accurate results.
How to Find an Inmate in Forrest County, MS
Inmate records for Forrest County, MS, can be accessed online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is held in the county jail, a Mississippi state prison, or a federal facility. Use the following resources to locate inmate information based on the custodial authority.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forrest County Sheriff's Office | Forrest County Jail inmates | Inmate List or call (601) 544-7800 | County jail inmate roster; physical address: 55 Arena Dr, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Best for current detainees in county custody. |
| Mississippi DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | MDOC Inmate Search | Statewide database for individuals in Mississippi Department of Corrections custody (state prisons, not county jail). |
| VINE Inmate Search | County & state inmates, custody status | Mississippi VINE | Victim notification service; track custody status and location; free registration for alerts. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates | BOP Inmate Locator | Mississippi has no federal prisons; most federal offenders from Forrest County are held at FCC Yazoo City (2225 Haley Barbour Pkwy, Yazoo City, MS 39194) or Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility. |
| In-Person Records Request | Local arrest & incarceration records | Visit Forrest County Sheriff’s Office: 55 Arena Dr, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 | For records not online or for in-depth background checks; photo ID required; office phone: (601) 544-7800. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Forrest County
After arrest in Forrest County, individuals are transported to the jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and are assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving | Very High | 12–48 hours (first offense); longer if multiple offenses |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of Marijuana, Methamphetamine | High | 24–72 hours (pending bond or first appearance) |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, Domestic Battery | High | 24–72 hours (pending court appearance, sometimes mandatory hold) |
| Property Crimes | Burglary, Theft, Vandalism | Moderate | 24–72 hours or until bond is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Date | High | Until next court appearance or bond posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation Violation, Unpaid Fines | High | Varies – until warrant resolved or court date |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated Assault, Grand Larceny | Moderate | Until trial or transfer to state facility if sentenced |
Visitation Rules at Forrest County Jail
Please confirm all visitation rules with Forrest County Jail before your visit, as policies may change. Ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list before arriving.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Video Visitation | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Video Visitation | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Video Visitation | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Video Visitation | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Video Visitation | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | On-Site/Video | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | On-Site/Video | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing clothing or offensive graphics. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, bags, weapons, or contraband allowed. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be pre-approved and on inmate’s list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Special accommodations available; contact the jail ahead. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Forrest County Jail
Inmates at Forrest County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications subject to monitoring and recording by jail staff.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Forrest County Jail
55 Arena Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outgoing calls via [Provider] to approved numbers. | Create an account with [Provider] | Calls may be recorded; no incoming calls; strict call schedules. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters or approved photos to the inmate’s mailing address above. | No setup required | No contraband; no cash; all mail inspected; use full address format. |
| Digital Messaging | Use [Provider] to send secure messages electronically to inmates. | Register with [Provider] online | Messages screened; attachments limited; may have message fees. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and conduct remote video visits through [Provider]. | Account with [Provider] needed | Visits monitored; dress code; must be scheduled in advance. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Forrest County
The Mississippi Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, guiding supervised release. In Forrest County, individuals and families can access various state and community-based programs to support successful reentry.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Board of Parole | Makes parole decisions for eligible state inmates, setting release conditions. | State-sentenced offenders | https://www.ms.gov/mdoc/parole/ Phone: (601) 576-3520 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Credits that can reduce sentence length for good behavior and program participation. | Eligible incarcerated persons | https://www.mdoc.ms.gov/Inmate-Info/Pages/Earned-Time-Allowance.aspx |
| Parole Supervision (Forrest County) | Local supervision office provides monitoring, support, and compliance checks for parolees. | Parolees in Forrest County | Mississippi Department of Corrections – Hattiesburg Office 5156 Hwy 49 S, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Phone: (601) 544-5616 |
| Reentry Housing | Assistance in locating transitional and supportive housing options post-release. | Recently released individuals | MDOC Reentry Program https://www.mdoc.ms.gov/Reentry Local resources via 2-1-1 |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness training, résumé help, and connections to employment opportunities. | Returning citizens | WIN Job Center, Hattiesburg 1911 Arcadia St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Phone: (601) 584-1202 |
| Benefits Restoration | Guidance on restoring and accessing government benefits, including Medicaid and SNAP. | Eligible returning citizens | Mississippi Reentry Guide: https://www.mdoc.ms.gov/Reentry DHS local office: (601) 554-4350 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated notifications to victims regarding offender release or status changes. | Crime victims | https://www.vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/28000 Phone: (866) 277-7477 |
Forrest Incarceration Statistics
Forrest County, Mississippi, experiences crime rates that are generally in line with statewide averages, with property and drug-related offenses being the most common. The county does not operate its own dedicated jail; instead, inmates are housed at the Forrest County Adult Detention Center, a regional facility serving the local area.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 302 (statewide) | 291.2 (statewide) | 14% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 210 (statewide) | 202.3 (statewide) | 10% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Robbery | 70 (statewide) | 67.5 (statewide) | 2% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 22 (statewide) | 21.4 (statewide) | 1% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 1,635 (statewide) | 1,575.6 (statewide) | 74% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 1,055 (statewide) | 1,017.5 (statewide) | 48% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 410 (statewide) | 395.5 (statewide) | 18% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 170 (statewide) | 163.1 (statewide) | 8% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 210 (statewide) | 202.3 (statewide) | 9% (statewide) | → Stable |
| DUI / Traffic | 150 (statewide) | 144.6 (statewide) | 7% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 110 (statewide) | 106.1 (statewide) | 5% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 78% Male, 22% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 16%, 25-34: 33%, 35-44: 28%, 45+: 23% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 58% Black, 40% White, 2% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug-related, Property, Assault | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 5.2 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 32% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Forrest County?
Forrest County currently holds an estimated 375 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer terms may be transferred to a Mississippi state facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 205 | 54.7% | $60 | 82% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 95 | 25.3% | $60 | 80% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 30 | 8.0% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 12 | 3.2% | $85 | 65% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 33 | 8.8% | $225 | 77% |
| Total | 375 | 100% | — | — |
Forrest County Facility Directory
Forrest County operates four correctional facilities, including a county jail, a community jail, a youth detention center, and a work release center, each serving different detention needs within the county.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forrest County Jail | County Jail | 55 Arena Dr, Hattiesburg, MS | 250 | 180 | Medium |
| Forrest County Community Work Center | Work Release Center | 1277 Hwy 49 S, Hattiesburg, MS | 110 | 90 | Minimum |
| Forrest County Juvenile Detention Center | Youth Facility | 2550 Old Airport Rd, Hattiesburg, MS | 30 | 15 | Secure Juvenile |
| Mississippi Department of Corrections - South Mississippi Correctional Institution | Regional Facility | 22689 MS-63, Leakesville, MS | 3,204 | 2,600 | Medium/Maximum |
Forrest County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail & Bond Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Aid
- Family & Community Support
- Legal Rights