In New Hampshire, inmate records are official documents that contain important details about individuals held in state correctional facilities. These records usually include the inmate’s name, age, charges, sentence length, and the location where they are being held. The purpose of keeping this information is to ensure public transparency and help track the legal status of individuals within the criminal justice system. These records are part of the state’s efforts to document and manage incarceration in an organized way.
New Hampshire inmate records may also provide updates on parole eligibility, previous custody history, and expected release dates. This information helps keep legal processes clear and supports accurate case tracking. For access to related legal documents, case dockets, and judicial decisions connected to incarceration, explore the New Hampshire Court Records. Each record is maintained according to legal standards, which helps ensure the data is reliable and up to date. Understanding how this system works can help users find accurate details about incarceration and support awareness of correctional procedures in the state.
Are Inmate Records Public in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, many inmate records are accessible to the public. However, access to these records is guided by state laws that protect both public interest and personal privacy. If you’re trying to understand what inmate information is available and what may be restricted, this section provides a clear overview for informational use only.
Understanding New Hampshire’s Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A)
The foundation of public access to inmate records in New Hampshire is the state’s Right to Know Law, known as RSA 91-A. This law ensures that government operations, including those carried out by correctional agencies, remain transparent and accountable to the public.
Under this law, records created or maintained by public bodies, including the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) and county correctional facilities, may be accessible upon request. The purpose is to allow the public to understand how state systems operate, including the correctional system. However, the law also outlines clear exceptions. These exceptions are in place to protect sensitive information, uphold public safety, and respect individual privacy rights.
What Information is Typically Public?
When it comes to inmate records, several types of information may be made available to the public, especially when the individual is held in a state or county facility. These include:
- The full name of the inmate
- Their inmate identification number
- Date of birth or age
- The name and location of the facility where they are housed
- Date of incarceration or booking
- Information about the offense and legal status
- Sentence length or parole eligibility
- Estimated release or parole date
- Current custody or parole status
This type of information may be available through the NHDOC Inmate Locator Tool or by making a formal records request. County jails may also provide similar information based on their local procedures and public record policies.
How to Search for Inmates in New Hampshire
Searching for inmate records in New Hampshire can help individuals stay informed about the incarceration status of a loved one, verify case information, or access public record data for personal reasons. This guide outlines how to conduct an inmate search within New Hampshire’s correctional system—strictly for informational use only.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding an Inmate in New Hampshire
Before you begin, it’s important to identify what kind of facility may be holding the person:
- State prisons are managed by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC).
- County jails are managed by individual county sheriff departments.
- Federal inmates are held under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Knowing where to look will save time and ensure accurate results.
Visit the Correct Search Portal
- For state prison inmates, visit the NHDOC Inmate Locator via the official website: nh.gov/nhdoc
- For county jail inmates, check the county sheriff’s office website or contact them directly (e.g., Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack counties)
- For federal inmates, use the Federal BOP Inmate Locator: bop.gov/inmateloc
Enter the Required Information
Each system may vary slightly, but you’ll typically need the following personal details:
- Full legal name (first and last)
- Date of birth or estimated age
- Booking number (if available)
- Facility name or county (if known)
Review and Verify the Results
Once you enter the information:
- Carefully check the name, birth date, and other identifiers to confirm accuracy.
- Facilities may also list sentencing status, custody location, or release dates if available.
What Personal Details Are Needed for an Inmate Search?
Providing accurate and complete information is essential for a successful search. Most search tools request:
- First and last name (exact spelling preferred)
- Middle name or initial (optional, but helpful)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- State or county where arrested or incarcerated
Additional details like race, alias, or facility ID can sometimes improve search accuracy when supported by the platform.
Search Inmates in New Hampshire County Jails
If you’re looking to locate someone who may be held in a county jail in New Hampshire, it’s important to understand how the county jail system works and how it differs from state prisons. Unlike state facilities that are managed centrally by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC), county jails are operated by local sheriff’s departments. This section provides an informational overview of how to search for inmates in county-level facilities and what steps you can take if online records are not readily available.
County Jails vs. State Prisons: What’s the Difference?
County jails and state prisons serve different functions within the correctional system:
- County Jails:
- Run by individual county sheriff departments
- House individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences (typically under one year)
- May detain individuals temporarily before transfer to a state prison
- State Prisons:
- Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC)
- Confine individuals sentenced to longer terms, usually after felony convictions
Knowing the difference helps ensure you’re searching in the right place—especially for recent arrests or pending court cases, which are more likely handled at the county level.
Contacting Individual County Sheriff’s Offices
To obtain accurate and timely inmate information from county jails, the best method is to contact the county sheriff’s department directly. These departments typically manage inmate rosters and can confirm:
- Current custody status
- Booking details
- Visitation guidelines
- Procedures for requesting additional records
Not all counties offer public online search tools. If unavailable, a phone call to the jail or a visit to their office is the most effective approach.
Search Tools and Rosters by County
Below are examples of how to check inmate status or get information in some of New Hampshire’s most populated counties:
Hillsborough County Jail
- Jail Locations: Manchester and Nashua
- Online Roster: No public online inmate search currently available
- Contact Information:
- Hillsborough County Department of Corrections
- Phone: (603) 627‑5620
- Official website provides visitation and jail policy information
Rockingham County Jail
- Facility Location: Brentwood, NH
- Online Access: Limited; may require direct inquiry
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (603) 679‑2244 ext. 1
- Check with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office for updated procedures
Merrimack County Jail
- Facility Location: Boscawen, NH
- Online Roster: Not available to the public
- Contact Information:
- Merrimack County Department of Corrections
- Phone: (603) 796‑3600
- Provide the person’s name and other identifying details when calling
What Information Is NOT Public?
When conducting an inmate search in New Hampshire, it’s important to understand that not all records are accessible to the public. While certain inmate details are available through public records, state law protects sensitive information from general disclosure to maintain privacy, ensure due process, and uphold security. Below is an overview of key inmate-related data that cannot be accessed by the public:
Juvenile Inmate Records
In New Hampshire, juvenile criminal records are strictly confidential and are not available through public inmate databases. Youths under the age of 18 who are detained or placed in custody are typically processed through the juvenile justice system, which operates under different privacy laws than the adult system.
- Juvenile proceedings are generally closed to the public.
- Information about juvenile detentions, charges, or sentences is not disclosed in standard inmate searches.
- Only authorized parties, such as legal guardians or attorneys, may request limited information when permitted by court order.
Sealed or Expunged Records
Inmates who have had their records sealed or expunged by a court order will not appear in public searches.
- A sealed record means the case file is hidden from public view, though it may still exist for official use.
- An expunged record means the file is destroyed or treated as if it never existed under the law.
- These protections apply to qualifying individuals who have successfully petitioned the court and met all legal requirements for record removal.
Attempting to access sealed or expunged inmate information through unauthorized channels is not permitted.
Mental Health or Medical Information
Inmate records containing mental health diagnoses, treatment plans, or medical conditions are considered private health data under both state and federal laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- These records are not included in public inmate lookup tools or databases.
- Even family members must request such information through official medical release procedures and are often required to show legal authorization.
New Hampshire correctional facilities are required to safeguard inmate health records, just like any licensed healthcare provider.
Ongoing Investigation Restrictions
If an inmate is currently involved in an open criminal investigation, certain details may be withheld from public access to protect the integrity of the case.
- Arrest records, booking information, or custody location may be temporarily restricted.
- Law enforcement may delay or deny record access until an active investigation or trial phase concludes.
- This limitation helps prevent evidence tampering, witness intimidation, or prejudicial public exposure.
How to Request Official Inmate Records in New Hampshire
Requesting official inmate records in New Hampshire can be a helpful way to gather verified information about a person’s incarceration status, sentencing history, or correctional supervision. Whether you’re a family member, legal representative, or simply seeking public records for personal reasons, New Hampshire law allows access to certain inmate records under the Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A).
Requesting Inmate Records
To request records held by the NHDOC (state prisons, probation, parole services), follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Written Request
- Include the full name of the inmate
- Provide additional details if available (e.g., date of birth, inmate ID, facility)
- Clearly state the type of records you are requesting (e.g., sentencing information, incarceration history)
Step 2: Submit Your Request
You may send your written request by mail or email to:
New Hampshire Department of Corrections
Office of the Commissioner – Public Records Request
105 Pleasant Street, PO Box 1806
Concord, NH 03302-1806
📧 Email: publicrecords@doc.nh.gov (if available)
Step 3: Wait for a Response
- Under RSA 91-A, agencies must respond within 5 business days
- If additional time is needed, the department will notify you in writing
- Records may be provided in electronic or paper format
Requesting Inmate Records from County Jails in New Hampshire
If the inmate is housed in a county jail, you must contact the county sheriff’s department or county department of corrections where the inmate is or was held.
Each county may have its own procedure, but most accept written requests by mail or email.
Examples:
- Hillsborough County Department of Corrections
445 Willow Street, Manchester, NH 03103
Phone: (603) 627-5620
Website: hcnh.org - Rockingham County Department of Corrections
99 North Road, Brentwood, NH 03833
Phone: (603) 679-2244 - Merrimack County Department of Corrections
314 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH 03303
Phone: (603) 796-3600
Always contact the facility directly for their preferred method of request.
Fees for Copies or Certified Records
Agencies may charge nominal fees for copies or certified documents. Fees often include:
- Standard Copy Fee: $0.10 to $1.00 per page (varies by agency)
- Certification Fee: Additional charge if an official certified copy is requested
- Mailing/Postage Fee: If physical copies are requested
You will typically be informed of the cost in advance. Payment instructions (check, money order, or online payment) will be provided with the response.
FAQ’s
If you’re searching for New Hampshire Inmate Search, you may have questions about how to find details, access the records, and any limitations. Here are answers to some common inquiries to help you get started.
Is inmate information free in New Hampshire?
Yes, accessing inmate information is free in New Hampshire through the Department of Corrections’ (NH-DOC) official inmate locator. This online tool allows the public to search by name and view details such as the inmate’s current facility, sentencing length, offense type, and projected release dates. There is no fee to use this service, and no login is required. However, for certified copies or detailed legal records, additional steps and fees may apply. This locator is especially useful for families or individuals seeking basic custody information quickly.
How often are inmate records updated?
Inmate records in New Hampshire are typically updated daily by the Department of Corrections. Information is pulled from the Offender Management database, which tracks transfers, releases, new admissions, and sentencing changes. While most updates are reflected within 24 hours, some delays may occur due to administrative processing or holidays. The system ensures a reliable flow of accurate, near real-time data. Users are encouraged to recheck regularly for the most current inmate status.
What if someone has been transferred out of state?
If an inmate has been transferred to another state, their listing may be removed or marked “not in custody” in the New Hampshire DOC database. New Hampshire generally only displays records for individuals actively held within its jurisdiction or facilities. For those moved through interstate compact agreements, locating them may require checking the receiving state’s inmate locator system. In such cases, direct contact with NH-DOC or the out-of-state department may be necessary for updated details. Tracking inter-state transfers can sometimes involve delays in public record updates.
Can I write or visit an inmate after locating them?
Yes, once you locate an inmate in New Hampshire, you can usually write to them or request visitation. All personal visits must be pre-approved through a formal application and background check process. Each inmate is typically allowed up to two personal visits per week, with exceptions made for attorneys, clergy, or emergencies. All correspondence must follow DOC mail regulations to ensure delivery. Visiting schedules and mail guidelines are available on the NH-DOC website and may vary by facility.