Hidalgo County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Hidalgo County?
Inmate records in Hidalgo County are official documents maintained by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office that contain information about individuals who are currently incarcerated or have previously been detained in county correctional facilities. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, which establishes the public's right to access government information.
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive inmate records that include:
- Booking information
- Mugshots
- Current custody status
- Charges and case numbers
- Court dates
- Bond information
- Scheduled release dates (when applicable)
These records serve multiple governmental purposes, including facilitating the administration of justice, ensuring public safety, and providing transparency in the criminal justice system. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records.
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office 711 El Cibolo Road Edinburg, TX 78541 (956) 383-8114 Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Are Inmate Records Public In Hidalgo County?
Inmate records in Hidalgo County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This statute establishes the presumption that government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions.
Members of the public may access basic inmate information through:
- The Hidalgo County Records Inquiry online portal
- In-person requests at the Sheriff's Office
- Written requests submitted to the records custodian
However, certain information within inmate records may be exempt from public disclosure under state and federal laws, including:
- Medical and mental health information (protected under HIPAA)
- Information related to ongoing investigations
- Information that could compromise institutional security
- Records of juveniles (with limited exceptions)
- Information protected by court order
Requests for inmate records may be subject to redaction to protect confidential information. The county is required to respond to public information requests within 10 business days, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221.
What's Included Inmate Records in Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County inmate records contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. The following elements are typically included in these official documents:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Booking number and date of intake
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Mugshot photograph
- Current charges and case numbers
- Custody classification
- Bond information and amount
- Court dates and appearances
- Scheduled release date (if applicable)
- Housing location within the facility
- Prior arrest history within the county
Additionally, internal records maintained by the Sheriff's Office may contain:
- Disciplinary actions during incarceration
- Visitation logs
- Commissary account information
- Medical screening information (restricted access)
- Risk assessment data
These records are maintained in the Odyssey jail management system utilized by Hidalgo County. The information is regularly updated to reflect changes in an inmate's status, including court appearances, transfers between facilities, or release from custody.
Hidalgo County Prison System
The Hidalgo County prison system operates under the jurisdiction of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office and consists of multiple detention facilities designed to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The system is administered in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 9, which establishes minimum standards for county jails.
The primary components of the Hidalgo County prison system include:
- Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center (main facility)
- East Hidalgo Detention Center (operated under contract with federal agencies)
- Juvenile Detention Center (operated by the Juvenile Probation Department)
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the operation and management of these facilities, with oversight provided by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. The system has a total capacity of approximately 2,000 inmates across all facilities.
Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center 1201 N. 25th Street Edinburg, TX 78542 (956) 383-8114 Hidalgo County Detention Information
Types of Correctional Facilities In Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various inmate populations and security requirements. Each facility serves a specific function within the county's criminal justice system.
The Adult Detention Center serves as the primary county jail facility and houses:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state facilities
- Federal detainees under intergovernmental agreements
The East Hidalgo Detention Center operates as a specialized facility that primarily houses:
- Federal detainees held for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- U.S. Marshals Service detainees
- Overflow population from the main county jail
East Hidalgo Detention Center 1300 E Monte Cristo Road La Villa, TX 78562 (956) 262-4142 East Hidalgo Detention Center Information
The Juvenile Detention Center is a separate facility that houses:
- Juvenile offenders under the age of 17
- Youth awaiting adjudication hearings
- Juveniles serving short-term detention sentences
Each facility operates according to specific security protocols and housing classifications based on the risk level and needs of the inmate population, in compliance with Texas Commission on Jail Standards requirements.
Who's in Prison In Hidalgo County
The inmate population in Hidalgo County detention facilities consists of diverse individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. As of 2025, the county facilities house approximately 1,500 inmates on an average day, with fluctuations based on arrest rates, court processing times, and seasonal factors.
The current inmate population includes:
- Pre-trial detainees (approximately 65% of the population)
- Sentenced misdemeanants serving county time
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities
- Federal detainees held under intergovernmental agreements
- Immigration detainees awaiting processing
Demographics of the inmate population generally reflect the following characteristics:
- Predominantly male (85%)
- Average age range of 20-45 years
- Diverse ethnic composition reflecting the county's demographics
The most common offenses resulting in incarceration include:
- Drug-related charges
- Property crimes
- Driving while intoxicated
- Assault and domestic violence
- Probation/parole violations
The Southern District of Texas U.S. Marshals Service coordinates with Hidalgo County facilities for the housing of federal detainees, including those facing immigration proceedings.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Hidalgo County in 2025
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Hidalgo County may utilize several official methods to access these records. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office provides multiple channels for inmate searches in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.021.
The most efficient methods for searching inmate records include:
-
Online Inmate Search Portal
- Visit the Hidalgo County Records Inquiry website
- Select "Jail Records" from the main menu
- Enter the inmate's name or booking number
- Review the results for custody status and basic case information
-
In-Person Requests
- Visit the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Provide proper identification
- Pay applicable fees for printed records ($1.00 per page)
-
Telephone Inquiries
- Call the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at (956) 383-8114
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth
- Basic information may be provided over the phone
-
Written Requests
- Submit a written request to: Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Records Division 711 El Cibolo Road Edinburg, TX 78541
- Include the inmate's full name, date of birth, and your contact information
- Allow 10 business days for processing
For federal detainees housed at the East Hidalgo Detention Center, inquiries should be directed to (956) 262-4142.
How To Find an Inmate in Hidalgo County for Free?
Hidalgo County provides several no-cost options for locating inmates within the county detention system. These free resources are available to the public pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act.
The following methods may be utilized without incurring fees:
-
Online Inmate Locator
- The Hidalgo County Records Inquiry system provides free public access to basic inmate information
- Search by name, booking number, or case number
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Provides current custody status, charges, and bond information
-
Telephone Information Line
- Call the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at (956) 383-8114
- Automated system available after hours
- Provides basic custody information at no charge
-
Public Access Terminals
- Located in the lobby of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- No fee for self-service searches
For individuals seeking information about federal detainees housed at the East Hidalgo Detention Center, the facility maintains a 24-hour information line at (956) 262-4142 that provides free custody verification.
Visitors should note that while basic inmate location information is provided at no cost, fees may apply for printed records, certified copies, or extensive research requests in accordance with the county's established fee schedule.
How To Visit an Inmate In Hidalgo County
Visitation with inmates housed in Hidalgo County detention facilities is permitted according to established protocols designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important family connections. All visits are subject to the regulations set forth in the Texas Administrative Code § 291.1.
Visitation procedures for the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center include:
-
Visitation Schedule
- Non-contact visits are conducted Wednesday through Sunday
- Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Evening sessions (Wed/Thurs only): 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
-
Registration Requirements
- Visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance
- Registration can be completed online or by calling (956) 383-8114
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Minors must be accompanied by an authorized adult
-
Visitation Rules
- Maximum of two visitors per session
- Visits limited to 30 minutes
- Appropriate dress code strictly enforced
- No personal items allowed in visitation area
- All visitors subject to security screening
For professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.), special accommodations are available by contacting the facility directly to schedule appointments outside regular visitation hours.
Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center 1201 N. 25th Street Edinburg, TX 78542 Visitation Information: (956) 383-8114, ext. 2
How To Send Money to a Hidalgo County Inmate
Hidalgo County provides multiple secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds enable inmates to purchase approved items from the facility commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, and communication services.
Authorized deposit methods include:
-
Online Deposits
- Visit the Hidalgo County Detention page
- Select "Inmate Commissary" link
- Follow instructions for online deposits
- Processing fees apply (typically 5-8% of deposit amount)
- Funds available within 24-48 hours
-
Kiosk Deposits
- Self-service kiosks located in the lobby of: Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center 1201 N. 25th Street Edinburg, TX 78542
- Available 24/7
- Cash or credit/debit card accepted
- Funds typically available within 1-2 hours
- Receipt provided for all transactions
-
Money Order by Mail
- Send money orders (no personal checks) to: Inmate Trust Fund Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office 711 El Cibolo Road Edinburg, TX 78541
- Include inmate's full name and booking number
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
- No processing fee for this method
-
In-Person Deposits
- Visit the Inmate Services Office during business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Cash or money orders accepted
- Immediate processing
- Receipt provided
All deposits are subject to a maximum limit of $300 per transaction and $500 per week. Funds from released inmates are returned via check mailed to their last known address or may be collected in person with proper identification.
How To Send Jail Mail In Hidalgo County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Hidalgo County detention facilities must comply with established mail procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating communication with family and friends. All mail is subject to inspection in accordance with Texas Administrative Code § 291.2.
The following guidelines apply to all inmate mail:
-
Addressing Requirements
- All mail must be addressed as follows: Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center 1201 N. 25th Street Edinburg, TX 78542
-
Permitted Items
- Letters (maximum 10 pages)
- Photographs (maximum 5, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (must be addressed to Inmate Trust Fund)
- Greeting cards (no musical or oversized cards)
-
Prohibited Items
- Cash or personal checks
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Polaroid photographs
- Crayon or marker writings
- Items with perfume or lipstick marks
- Any contraband or unauthorized items
-
Legal Mail
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Opened in the presence of the inmate
- Sender must be clearly identified as attorney or legal representative
All incoming mail is processed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Delivery to inmates typically occurs within 24-48 hours after processing. Outgoing mail must be unsealed and submitted through the housing unit's mail collection system.
For additional information regarding mail policies, interested parties may contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at (956) 383-8114.
Lookup Inmate Records in Hidalgo County
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Access East Hidalgo Detention Center information