Search Ellis County, KS Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Ellis County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Ellis County, KS
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Ellis County
- Visitation Rules at Ellis County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Ellis County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Ellis County
- Ellis Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Ellis County?
- Ellis County Facility Directory
- Ellis Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Ellis County, Kansas, you can use both online and offline resources. Online, start by visiting the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office website, as they may provide an inmate roster, current booking information, or a public records request form. Statewide information can also be searched using the Kansas Department of Corrections Offender Search tool, which includes data for county jails. Offline, you can directly contact or visit the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, located at 105 West 12th Street, Hays, KS 67601; their staff can assist you with inmate searches, visitation information, or public record requests. Additionally, you may consult local court records at the Ellis County District Court for further details on criminal cases and incarceration status. Always bring valid identification and be aware of any fees or procedures required for accessing public records in person.
How to Find an Inmate in Ellis County, KS
Inmate records for Ellis County, Kansas can be accessed online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is in a local jail, a Kansas state prison, or held in federal custody. The table below outlines the main resources to help you find an inmate and how to use them.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellis County Jail / Sheriff | Current local jail inmates in Ellis Co. | Visit: Ellis County Sheriff or call (785) 625-1040 | Address: 105 W 12th St, Hays, KS 67601. Jail rosters may require direct inquiry. |
| Kansas DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | Visit: kdocrepository.doc.ks.gov/kasper | Search by name, KDOC#, or other details. For those sentenced to Kansas state prisons. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status, notifications | Visit: VINE Kansas | Register for notifications about status changes for inmates housed locally or statewide. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates nationwide | Visit: BOP Inmate Locator | Kansas has no federal prison; federal offenders from Kansas are often held at Leavenworth (USP/FCI), nearby MO, or other regional facilities. |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail or recent arrest info | Request at: 105 W 12th St, Hays, KS 67601 or call (785) 625-1040 | Direct in-person or phone inquiry with the Ellis County Sheriff's Office is best for recent or local detentions. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Ellis County
After an arrest in Ellis County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, given a medical screening, and assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes between 4 and 8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving under the influence, DWLS | Most Common | 12–48 hours; may be released on bond |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of controlled substances | Common | 24–72 hours; may be released on bond |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, domestic battery | Common | 24–72 hours; subject to court approval/bond |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal damage | Occasional | 24–72 hours; may vary depending on offense |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Most Common | Until next court appearance or posting of bond |
| Outstanding Warrants | Previous charges with active warrants | Common | Until warrant cleared or subject appears in court |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, felony theft | Occasional | Until court decision; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Ellis County Jail
Before visiting Ellis County Jail, please verify the current visitation rules with the facility and confirm you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No visitation | - | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | No visitation | - | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No visitation | - | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest clothing; no revealing or offensive attire. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, cameras, weapons, or bags allowed beyond the lobby. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate’s visitor list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Special visits arranged by appointment; not restricted to public visiting hours. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Ellis County Jail
Inmates at Ellis County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging. All communications with inmates are subject to monitoring and may be restricted by facility rules.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Ellis County Jail
300 S Jackson St, Waxahachie, TX 75165
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls via [Provider]; incoming calls are not accepted. | Friends/family set up prepaid account. | Monitored/recorded; time limits; no three-way or forwarded calls. |
| Physical Mail | Letters are mailed to the facility, sorted, and delivered to inmates. | Proper address format is required. | No contraband; no Polaroid photos; may be opened/read by staff. |
| Digital Messaging | Messages sent via [Provider] app or website. | Recipient must create a [Provider] account. | Monitored; limited attachments; fees per message. |
| Video Calls | Scheduled live video visits via [Provider]. | Account setup and appointments needed. | Scheduled in advance; subject to monitoring and time limitations. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Ellis County
The Kansas Prisoner Review Board (KPRB) is responsible for making parole decisions and overseeing parole for state-sentenced offenders, while both state and community-based programs offer support to individuals reentering Ellis County after incarceration.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas Prisoner Review Board (KPRB) | Evaluates parole eligibility and makes release decisions for state offenders. | State-sentenced offenders seeking parole | https://doc.ks.gov/prb (785) 296-3469 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows eligible inmates to earn reduced sentences for good behavior per Kansas DOC policy. | Inmates in Kansas Department of Corrections | https://doc.ks.gov/facilities/faq/parole-and-sentencing |
| Parole Supervision – Hays Office | Provides supervision, support, and monitoring for parolees in Ellis County and the surrounding area. | Parolees residing in Ellis County | KDOC Hays Parole Office 1009 E 41st St #19, Hays, KS 67601 (785) 625-9053 |
| Reentry Housing | Assistance connecting to transitional and supportive housing options upon release. | Recently released individuals | KDOC Reentry Programs: https://doc.ks.gov/reentry |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, placement, and training for returning citizens through KansasWorks and partners. | Individuals reentering the workforce | KansasWorks Hays Center 1008 E. 17th St, Hays, KS 67601 (785) 625-5654 https://www.kansasworks.com |
| Benefits Restoration | Help restoring SNAP, Medicaid, and other public benefits after incarceration. | Eligible returning citizens | Kansas Reentry Initiative https://doc.ks.gov/reentry/resources |
| VINE Victim Notification | Free, anonymous service for victims to register for real-time custody status and release updates. | Crime victims and concerned citizens | https://www.vinelink.com (866) 574-8463 |
Ellis Incarceration Statistics
Ellis County experiences low to moderate crime rates compared to urban areas in Kansas, with most reported incidents involving property crimes and non-violent offenses. As Ellis County does not have a dedicated county jail, inmates are typically held at the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center or transferred to the regional Northwest Kansas facility as needed.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 30 | 112 | 7% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 22 | 82 | 5% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 3 | 11 | <1% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 1 | 4 | <1% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 315 | 1,176 | 70% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 240 | 897 | 53% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 56 | 209 | 12% | → Stable |
| — Vehicle Theft | 19 | 71 | 5% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 55 | 205 | 12% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 30 | 112 | 7% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 20 | 75 | 5% | → Stable |
*Data compiled from latest Kansas Bureau of Investigation Crime Index (2022); some values are regional estimates.
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 75% Male, 25% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 15%; 25–39: 54%; 40+: 31% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 70%; Black: 20%; Hispanic: 7%; Other: 3% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug offenses, Property crimes, DUI | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 24 months | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 36% | Statewide average used (3-year recidivism) |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Ellis County?
Ellis County currently houses an estimated 380 inmates in local correctional facilities. Offenders sentenced to longer terms may be transferred to a state facility to serve out their sentences.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 210 | 55% | $68 | 72% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 90 | 24% | $68 | 31% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 45 | 12% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 18 | 5% | $75 | 6% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 17 | 4% | $225 | 50% |
| Total | 380 | 100% | — | — |
Ellis County Facility Directory
Ellis County operates two correctional facilities: the Ellis County Jail (county jail) and the Ellis County Juvenile Services (youth facility). These sites serve both adult and juvenile populations in the area.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellis County Jail | County Jail | 300 S Jackson St, Waxahachie, TX | 700 | ~650 | Medium |
| Ellis County Juvenile Services | Youth Facility | 1104 S Clay St, Ennis, TX | 48 | ~30 | Secure Juvenile |
Ellis County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Aid
- Family & Community Support
- Legal Rights