Search Mercer County, KY Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Mercer County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Mercer County, KY
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Mercer County
- Visitation Rules at Mercer County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Mercer County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Mercer County
- Mercer Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Mercer County?
- Mercer County Facility Directory
- Mercer Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Mercer County, Kentucky, you can use both online and offline resources. Online, you can visit the Kentucky Department of Corrections’ Offender Information Lookup tool, which allows you to search statewide inmate records, including those from Mercer County. However, for local information, you should check the Mercer County Detention Center’s official website (usually found under the county government’s site), where current inmate rosters and booking information may be posted. If online searches don’t yield the information you need, you can contact the Mercer County Detention Center directly at their office: 309 W Lexington St, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, or by phone at (859) 734-6336. Additionally, you may visit in person during business hours to request records, though there might be a small fee for copies or printouts. For court-related inmate records, the Mercer County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is another valuable resource and can provide access to public criminal case files related to inmates. Always bring a valid ID and be prepared for some records to require formal requests under the Kentucky Open Records Act.
How to Find an Inmate in Mercer County, KY
Inmate records for Mercer County, KY, are accessible online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is held in the local jail, a Kentucky state facility, or under federal custody. The resources below help you locate inmates based on custody status.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates (KY DOC custody) | online search | Search statewide by name or DOC number; excludes county jail inmates. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Victim-related notifications & inmate status | online search | Offers status updates and notifications for inmates in Kentucky jails and prisons. |
| Mercer County Jail/Sheriff | Local jail inmates (Mercer County Detention Center) | Phone: (859) 734-6336 Address: 207 W Lexington St, Harrodsburg, KY 40330 | Call or visit for current jail roster; no dedicated online inmate list. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates nationwide | online search | No federal prison in Mercer County; KY federal offenders usually housed at FCI Ashland or other regional facilities. |
| In-Person Records Request | Local inmate and arrest records | Visit: Mercer County Sheriff's Office 207 W Lexington St, Harrodsburg, KY 40330 | Bring valid photo ID; call office for records hours and requirements: (859) 734-4221. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Mercer County
Upon arrest in Mercer County, individuals are transported to the county jail, fingerprinted, photographed, receive a medical screening, and are assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes between 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, driving without a license | High | 8–24 hours or until sober/bail set |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, paraphernalia | High | 24 hours – release on bond or until court appearance |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, domestic battery | Moderate | Until initial hearing, often within 48–72 hours |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, receiving stolen property | Moderate | 1–3 days, pending bond and hearing |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Moderate | Until next available court appearance |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation violations, unpaid fines | High | Until warrant resolved or next court date |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Felony drug trafficking, aggravated assault | Moderate | Held until court proceedings; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Mercer County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the current visitation rules with Mercer County Jail, as policies can change. Ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list prior to arrival.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No Visitation | N/A | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | No Visitation | N/A | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No Visitation | N/A | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing or provocative clothing |
| Prohibited Items | No weapons, electronics, bags, or outside food/drink allowed in visitation |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on inmate’s approved visitor list; application may be required |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Allowed outside regular hours with prior arrangement |
How to Contact an Inmate at Mercer County Jail
Inmates at Mercer County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging services. Please note that all communications are subject to monitoring and may be reviewed by facility staff.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Mercer County Jail
207 W Lexington St, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using the facility's phone system via [Provider]. | Set up an account with [Provider]. | Calls are monitored and limited in duration; no incoming calls. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters through the postal service using the correct address format. | No setup needed for sender. | No contraband; send only acceptable items; all mail opened and inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Exchange secure messages via [Provider]'s online platform. | Register an account with [Provider]. | Messages are screened; no inappropriate content allowed. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and conduct video visits through [Provider]'s service. | Create an account with [Provider]; schedule visit. | Video visits may require advance scheduling; monitored; dress code applies. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Mercer County
The Kentucky Board of Parole oversees parole decisions and hearings for state-sentenced offenders. Local reentry support in Mercer County is available through state-run and community-based programs to assist individuals transitioning back into the community.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Board of Parole | Conducts parole hearings and determines release eligibility for inmates. | State-sentenced offenders | kyparoleboard.ky.gov (502) 564-3620 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Provides sentence credits for good behavior, program participation, or work. | Eligible incarcerated individuals | Request via correctional caseworker or DOC Policy |
| Parole Supervision | Supervises released individuals to ensure compliance with parole conditions. | Parolees in Mercer County | Probation & Parole District 14 653 Louisville Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 564-7643 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists with transitional or supportive housing for individuals leaving incarceration. | Recently released individuals | New Beginnings Harrodsburg, KY (859) 734-0403 KY Reentry Hotline: (877) 687-6818 |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness training, resume help, and job placement services. | Returning citizens seeking employment | Kentucky Career Center – Danville (859) 239-7411 kcc.ky.gov |
| Benefits Restoration | Guidance on restoring Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release. | Former inmates needing benefit reinstatement | KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services (855) 306-8959 benefind.ky.gov |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated system for victims to receive updates about inmate status changes. | Crime victims and concerned citizens | vineLink.com (800) 511-1670 |
Mercer Incarceration Statistics
Mercer County, Kentucky, does not operate a dedicated county jail; inmates are held at the Boyle County Detention Center. Mercer’s crime and incarceration trends largely mirror regional and state patterns, with property crimes more prevalent than violent offenses.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total)(statewide) | 9,240 | 204 | 16% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 6,450 | 142 | 10% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 1,820 | 40 | 3% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 97 | 2 | <1% | ↑ Increasing |
| Property Crime (total)(statewide) | 42,150 | 931 | 73% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 31,700 | 701 | 54% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 7,900 | 174 | 14% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 2,550 | 56 | 5% | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses(statewide) | 8,970 | 198 | 15% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic (statewide) | 6,370 | 141 | 11% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence (statewide) | 5,020 | 111 | 9% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male: 79%, Female: 21% | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 14%, 25-39: 51%, 40+: 35% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 80%, Black: 15%, Other: 5% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Theft, Assault | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 3.1 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 31% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Mercer County?
As of the most recent estimate, Mercer County holds approximately 295 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration are typically transferred to a state facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 170 | 58% | $88 | 77% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 65 | 22% | $88 | 82% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 47 | 16% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 6 | 2% | $94 | 23% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 7 | 2% | $190 | 40% |
| Total | 295 | 100% | — | — |
Mercer County Facility Directory
Mercer County has two correctional facilities: a county jail and a youth facility. These institutions serve a range of security needs for adult and juvenile detainees in the area.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer County Jail | County Jail | 1501 W. Main St, Princeton, WV | 215 | 180 | Medium |
| Sam Perdue Juvenile Center | Youth Facility | 843 Shelter Rd, Princeton, WV | 32 | 18 | Secure Juvenile |
Mercer County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs & Community Support
- Legal Rights & Aid