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  1. Ellis County Court
  2. Ellis County Inmate Search

Ellis County, Texas Inmate Search

An inmate search is a critical tool for citizens to locate individuals currently in custody within a specific jurisdiction. Ellis County provides these public resources to ensure transparency and to help family members, legal professionals, and interested residents track the status of incarcerated individuals. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office primarily manages these searches for local detention events, while the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) handles searches in state-managed facilities.

In addition to county-wide records, some cities within Ellis County maintain their own detention records systems for individuals processed through local police departments. Two of the most prominent cities in the county are Waxahachie and Ennis. The Ennis Police Department operates the Ennis Detention Center, which temporarily houses individuals awaiting trials and those serving time for municipal court cases.

General inmate searches typically provide basic booking details, such as the individual’s full name, their current custody status, and the date they were taken into custody.

How to Find an Inmate in Ellis County Jail

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office manages the Wayne McCollum Detention Center (WMDC), the county’s primary detention facility. To locate an individual specifically housed within this facility, the Sheriff’s Office maintains a public inmate search tool (inmate/jail roster) on its official website.

For those who cannot access the online tool or require additional assistance, the jail provides information over the phone. Residents can call (972) 825-4931 to speak directly with jail staff regarding current inmates. The Sheriff’s Office and the county jail share a centralized location in Waxahachie, making it convenient for the public to visit for bonding or records inquiries. Both the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and the Ellis County Jail are located at

300 South Jackson Street

Waxahachie, TX, 75165

How to Use the Ellis County Jail Roster

Navigating the Ellis County jail roster is designed to be a straightforward process for the public. The Sheriff’s Office maintains an online portal that allows users to look up the current inmate population without needing to visit the jail facility in person.

To use the roster effectively, one can follow these steps:

  • Access the Search Tool: Visit the official Ellis County Sheriff’s website and navigate to the "Detention Services" section to find the "Inmate Search" link.
  • Choose Search Criteria: Users can typically search for an inmate by entering their full name. The system also allows for more specific searches using an Inmate Number or a Booking Number if those details are known.
  • Review the List: The roster displays a list generated in real-time (or with a recent timestamp), showing all individuals currently in custody.

For state-level inmate searches involving the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the process is similar. The TDCJ website offers an online inmate search where users may specify a last name and at least the first initial of the first name, or provide a TDCJ or SID number.

What Information is Included in the Ellis County Inmate Roster

The Ellis County inmate roster provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s current legal status within the county system. When a search is performed, the results generally include the following fields:

  • Full Name: The legal name of the incarcerated individual.
  • Inmate Number: A unique identifier assigned to the individual within the facility.
  • Booking Number: A specific number tied to the current period of incarceration.
  • Identifying Characteristics: Basic demographic information such as race, gender, and age.
  • Arrest Date: The specific date and time the individual was taken into custody.

To view an inmate’s complete jail profile, individuals can select the dropdown menu next to their name.

Certain exceptions apply to the release of information. For example, juvenile records are often handled with a higher degree of confidentiality to protect the privacy of minors. In addition, sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or medical records, is not released to the general public.

Contact Details for Ellis County Jail or Sheriff’s Office

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and the county jail operate as a centralized resource for residents seeking official inmate information. Both facilities share a primary physical location at 300 South Jackson Street in Waxahachie, Texas. While the jail operates as a 24-hour facility, administrative offices generally assist the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Individuals requiring specific details regarding currently housed inmates or booking procedures can contact the dedicated Jail Information line at (972) 825-4931. For general sheriff’s administration or operational questions, the public may utilize the main office number at (972) 825-4901. The Sheriff’s Office also maintains a 24/7 dispatch line at (972) 937-6060 for non-emergency communication needs.

The official Sheriff’s Office website provides a digital directory and access to various detention services, including video visitation and inmate search portals. These helpful, fact-based resources allow families and legal professionals to obtain official updates efficiently.

Category

Contact Number

Ellis County Sheriff’s Office/Jail

(972) 825-4901

Jail Information Line

(972) 825-4931

Records/Open Records

(972) 825-4901

Jail Facility Overview in Ellis County

Ellis County maintains a few detention facilities designed to house various categories of individuals, from those recently arrested to those serving court-ordered sentences. The largest and primary facility in the county is WMDC, located in Waxahachie. Named after a long-serving sheriff, the center features a mix of podular and direct supervision designs and has a maximum population capacity of 856 prisoners. It houses adult inmates, including those awaiting trial and those serving sentences under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff.

Other facilities within the county serve more localized or temporary roles. The Ennis Detention Center, operated by the Ennis Police Department, functions as a 24/7 facility for the temporary confinement of pretrial individuals and those serving time for misdemeanor cases from the Ennis Municipal Court.

Agency

Office and Mail Address

Phone Number

Office Hours

Email

Ellis County Sheriff’s Office/WMDC

300 South Jackson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165

(972) 825-4901

24 Hours (Jail); 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (Admin)

No public email available

Ennis Police Department/Detention

1700 Lake Bardwell Drive, Ennis, TX 75119

(972) 875-4455

24/7

ennispd@ennistx.gov

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Wayne McCollum Detention Center

For individuals housed at the Wayne McCollum Detention Center, friends and family can provide financial support through several authorized methods. The primary way to deposit funds for an inmate’s use (often for purchasing items from the mobile commissary cart) is through a third-party payment system.

While inmates are not permitted to possess physical cash, these electronic deposits are managed through an inmate trust fund. It is important to note that certain restrictions apply; for instance, inmates on commissary restriction or those in certain high-security housing levels may not be eligible for certain purchases.

Inmate Search by Jail Facility

Finding information about an individual in custody depends on which facility is holding them. The Sheriff’s Office provides a centralized search tool for the main county population, while municipal jails may require direct contact.

  • Wayne McCollum Detention Center: The Sheriff’s Office maintains an online Inmate Search portal, allowing the public to check the status and booking information of individuals in the main jail.
  • Ennis Detention Center: This facility does not list a separate online roster; instead, the public can find out if someone is being held there by calling the Detention Center at (817) 290-5070.
  • State Facilities: For individuals who have been transferred to state prison, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) offers a separate online inmate search requiring a name, TDCJ number, or SID number.

Ellis County Visitation Rules and Schedules

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office facilitates visitation at the Wayne McCollum Detention Center to support inmate rehabilitation and maintain family bonds. Visitation is managed through a video system that ensures facility security, while allowing inmates to see their loved ones.

Who Can Visit and What Are the Requirements:

  • Visitors must appear on the inmate’s approved Visitors List, which is generally limited to 10 individuals.
  • All visitors aged 18 and above must present a current and official government-issued identification card.
  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult.
  • Visitors must register for a video visitation account online before scheduling a visit.

Rules and Expectations:

  • Scheduling: Visits must be scheduled in advance; same-day visits are not guaranteed.
  • Duration: Visits typically last up to two hours.
  • Dress Code: Proper attire is required, including shirts and shoes. Clothing must not be transparent, and visitors are prohibited from wearing all-white clothing. Profane or offensive language or pictures on clothing are not allowed.
  • Behavior: Visits must remain orderly; failure to control children or disruptive behavior may result in the termination of the visit.

General Visitation Schedule:

  • Tuesday through Saturday: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • The last sign-in for a visit is at 7:30 p.m.

Mailing and Commissary Information

Ellis County implements a digital mail system for general correspondence. This system allows family and friends to stay connected to inmates while preventing contraband from entering the facility.

General Inmate Mail (Personal): General mail, including letters and photos, must be sent to a central processing facility to be scanned and delivered electronically to the inmate’s kiosk or tablet.

  • Format: Envelopes must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the sender’s return address.
  • Limitations: Mail must not exceed 5 pages, should be written on the front side only, and can include a maximum of one photo per mail.

The correct mailing address format is provided on the Sheriff’s website

Legal, Medical, and Publications: Legal and medical mail, as well as magazines and books sent directly from a publisher, must be mailed directly to the detention facility.

  • Format: Envelopes must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and a return address.
  • Prohibited Items: Do not send items like food, jewelry, or toiletries through the mail. Staples are not permitted, as they are considered a security risk.
  • Mailing Address for Processing:

Inmate Full & Last Name

Inmate Booking Number

c/o Wayne McCollum Detention Center

300 South Jackson Street

Waxahachie, TX 75165