Multnomah County Jail is a key part of Oregon’s criminal justice system. It holds people who are waiting for trial or serving short sentences. The jail is run by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and serves Portland and surrounding areas. It includes the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) and the Multnomah County Inverness Jail. Both facilities focus on safety, care, and preparing inmates for life after release. The jail offers programs in education, job training, and mental health support. Families can stay connected through visits, phone calls, and mail. This page gives clear, up-to-date information on how to find an inmate, visit, send money, and understand jail policies. All details come from official sources and reflect current practices as of 2024.
How to Search for an Inmate in Multnomah County Jail
If you need to find someone in Multnomah County Jail, use the free online inmate lookup tool. This system shows who is currently in custody, their charges, bail amount, and court dates. You can search by name or inmate ID number. The roster updates daily, so you get the most recent info. This helps families, lawyers, and friends stay informed.
Steps to Use the Inmate Lookup Tool
Go to the official Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office website. Click on “Inmate Roster” under the Jail Services section. Type the person’s full legal name or booking number. If you’re not sure of the spelling, try common nicknames or partial names. The results will show:
- Full name and photo (mugshot)
- Booking date and time
- Current charges and case status
- Bail amount, if set
- Next court date
- Housing location inside the jail
If you don’t find a name, the person may not be in custody yet, or they could be in another facility. Call the jail at (503) 988-3689 to confirm. You can also visit in person at 1120 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204. Bring a valid ID and the inmate’s full name and date of birth.
Understanding Booking and Release Info
When someone is arrested in Multnomah County, they go through booking at the jail. This includes fingerprinting, a mugshot, health screening, and background check. The whole process usually takes 2 to 6 hours. Once booked, the person appears in the online roster within 24 hours. If bail is posted, release can happen quickly—often within a few hours. If no bail is set or the person is held without bail, they stay until their court date. The jail does not control court schedules or bail decisions—those are made by judges.
Visiting Someone at Multnomah County Jail
Visitation helps inmates stay connected with family and friends. Multnomah County Jail offers both in-person and video visits. All visits must be scheduled ahead of time. Walk-in visits are not allowed. Visitors must follow strict rules to keep the facility safe.
In-Person Visitation Rules
In-person visits happen at the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) at 1120 SW 3rd Ave. Visits are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. You must book your slot online at least 24 hours in advance. Only two visitors are allowed per inmate per day. All visitors must:
- Be 18 or older (minors must be with a parent or guardian)
- Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Pass through a metal detector and bag check
- Follow the dress code: no hats, sunglasses, revealing clothes, or clothing with gang symbols
Prohibited items include phones, bags, food, weapons, and drugs. If you bring any of these, you will not be allowed in. Smoking is not allowed on jail property.
Video Visitation Options
Video visits are a convenient alternative. They use a secure online system and can be done from home or at a kiosk at the jail. To schedule a video visit, go to the jail’s website and create an account. Choose a time slot and pay the fee (usually $9.95 per 30-minute session). Video visits follow the same rules as in-person visits. The inmate must be available and not in lockdown. All video calls are recorded and may be reviewed by staff.
Special Visits for Children and Legal Representatives
Children under 18 can visit with a parent or legal guardian. The guardian must show proof of relationship, like a birth certificate. Lawyers and legal aides can visit without scheduling, but they still need ID and must follow security checks. Legal visits can last longer than 30 minutes if needed for case prep.
Sending Mail and Packages to Inmates
Inmates can receive mail, but all letters are opened and checked for safety. Only plain paper and standard envelopes are allowed. Do not send photos with sticky backs, stickers, glitter, or drawings in marker. These items can hide contraband and will cause the mail to be rejected.
How to Address Inmate Mail
Write the inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope. Use this format:
Inmate’s Full Name
Booking Number: [Number]
Multnomah County Detention Center
P.O. Box 15987
Portland, OR 97293-5987
Books and magazines must come directly from a publisher or bookstore (like Amazon). No used books are allowed. Newspapers are not permitted. All mail must include the sender’s name and address. Anonymous mail will be thrown away.
Email and Electronic Messages
Multnomah County Jail uses a system called Securus for email. Family and friends can send messages online. Inmates can reply using kiosks in their housing units. All messages are screened before delivery. Attachments, links, and emojis are not allowed. Messages cost about $0.25 each, paid by the sender. This is faster than regular mail, which can take 3 to 5 days.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Inmates can use money for commissary items, phone calls, and medical co-pays. There are three safe ways to send funds:
- Online: Use Access Corrections at www.accesscorrections.com. Create an account, enter the inmate’s info, and pay with a credit or debit card.
- Kiosk: Visit the jail lobby and use the self-service machine. It accepts cash, credit, and debit cards. Receipts are printed instantly.
- Money Order by Mail: Send a money order (not cash or personal check) to the same P.O. box used for mail. Make it payable to the inmate’s full name. Include their booking number.
Funds usually appear in the inmate’s account within 1 to 2 hours for online and kiosk deposits. Mail deposits take 3 to 5 business days. There is a small fee for each transaction (around $2.95 to $3.50). Inmates can check their balance on kiosks inside the jail.
Commissary and Inmate Purchases
The commissary lets inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and small comforts. Orders are placed weekly using kiosks or paper forms. Items arrive within 1 to 2 days. Popular items include:
- Chips, candy, and instant coffee
- Toothpaste, deodorant, and soap
- Writing paper, envelopes, and pens
- Extra socks, undershirts, and shoes
Prices are set by the vendor and may change. Inmates cannot share or trade items. All purchases are deducted from their account. If an inmate has no money, they still get basic hygiene supplies and three meals a day.
Healthcare and Mental Health Services
Multnomah County Jail provides medical and mental health care to all inmates. Upon arrival, each person gets a health screening. This includes checking for injuries, infections, and mental health needs. Chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are managed with regular check-ups and medication.
Mental Health and Substance Use Support
The jail has licensed counselors and psychiatrists on staff. Inmates can request counseling or be referred by staff. Group therapy is available for anger management, trauma, and addiction. The jail partners with local agencies to offer detox services and medication-assisted treatment (like methadone or buprenorphine) for opioid use disorder. These programs help reduce withdrawal symptoms and support recovery.
Dental and Vision Care
Basic dental care includes cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Emergency dental pain is treated right away. Vision exams are offered if an inmate has eye pain or vision loss. Prescription glasses can be ordered if medically needed. All services require a co-pay of $3 to $5 per visit, paid from the inmate’s account.
Education and Job Training Programs
Multnomah County Jail offers programs to help inmates build skills for life after release. These include:
- GED Classes: Free classes help inmates earn a high school equivalency diploma. Classes are held weekdays and led by certified teachers.
- Vocational Training: Programs in carpentry, plumbing, and computer basics teach job-ready skills. Some inmates earn industry certificates.
- Life Skills Workshops: Topics include budgeting, job interviews, and parenting. These are run by community volunteers.
Participation is voluntary but encouraged. Inmates who complete programs often have better outcomes after release, including lower re-arrest rates.
Bail and Release Information
Bail is set by a judge during the first court appearance. The amount depends on the crime, criminal history, and flight risk. If bail is granted, it can be paid in several ways:
- Cash (exact amount)
- Credit or debit card (online or at kiosk)
- Bail bond through a licensed bondsman (usually 10% of bail amount)
Call the Booking Office at (503) 988-3689 to confirm the bail amount. Once paid, the inmate is released after processing, which takes 1 to 3 hours. Release times vary based on staffing and workload. Inmates are not released after 10:00 PM unless it’s an emergency.
Jail Safety, Reform, and Community Impact
Multnomah County Jail has faced criticism over overcrowding and conditions. In recent years, the Sheriff’s Office has worked to improve safety and reduce jail population. Reforms include:
- Expanding mental health services
- Using risk assessments to decide who can be released before trial
- Partnering with nonprofits for reentry support
- Reducing use of solitary confinement
These efforts aim to make the jail safer for staff and inmates while supporting rehabilitation. The jail also hosts community tours and school visits to increase transparency.
Contact Information and Location
For questions or help, use these official contacts:
- Address: 1120 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
- Phone: (503) 988-3689
- Website: https://www.mcso.us/jail
- Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Multnomah County Jail. Below are clear answers based on current policies and procedures. These cover inmate search, visits, mail, money, and more. If you need more help, call the jail or visit their website.
How do I find out if someone is in Multnomah County Jail?
Use the free online inmate roster on the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office website. Search by name or booking number. The list updates daily and shows current inmates, charges, bail, and court dates. If you can’t find the person, call (503) 988-3689. They may not be in custody yet, or they could be in another facility. Always use the person’s full legal name. Nicknames or misspellings can cause errors. The roster is the fastest and most reliable way to check status.
Can I visit an inmate on weekends or holidays?
No, in-person visits are only allowed Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Weekends and holidays are not available for visits. Video visits can be scheduled any day, but still require advance booking. The jail closes visitation during emergencies or lockdowns. Always check the website or call before visiting. Special arrangements for legal visits may be possible with prior approval.
What happens if my mail gets rejected?
If mail doesn’t follow the rules, it will be returned to sender or destroyed. Common reasons include using colored paper, stickers, or sending books not from a publisher. Always use plain white paper and standard envelopes. Include your return address. Write the inmate’s full name and booking number clearly. If your mail is rejected, you’ll get a notice. Resend it with corrections. Keep copies of important letters for your records.
How much does it cost to send money to an inmate?
Sending money costs a small fee each time. Online and kiosk deposits cost about $2.95 to $3.50 per transaction. Money orders by mail have no fee, but take longer to process. The inmate can use funds for commissary, phone calls, and medical co-pays. There’s no limit on how much you can send, but large deposits may be reviewed. Always keep your receipt. If funds don’t appear in 48 hours, contact Access Corrections or the jail.
Are inmates allowed to have phones or internet access?
No, inmates cannot have personal phones or direct internet access. They can make outgoing calls using a prepaid system. Calls are limited to 15–20 minutes and monitored for safety. Family can add money to the phone account online. Inmates can also send and receive emails through Securus. All messages are screened. Video visits use a secure platform but are not private. These rules help prevent crime and protect everyone’s safety.
What programs help inmates prepare for life after jail?
Multnomah County Jail offers GED classes, job training, and counseling. These programs teach skills like reading, math, carpentry, and computer use. Mental health and addiction support are also available. Inmates who join these programs often do better after release. They’re more likely to find jobs and stay out of trouble. Programs are free, but space is limited. Inmates can sign up through staff or kiosks. Completion certificates can help with employment and housing.
How can I get a copy of an inmate’s mugshot or records?
Mugshots and booking info are public records. You can view them on the inmate roster. To get a copy, submit a public records request to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Use their online form or mail a written request. Include the inmate’s name, booking number, and what records you need. There may be a small fee for printing and mailing. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. If charges are dropped, you can request mugshot removal, but this is not automatic and may require legal help.