You can search the Cowlitz County Jail roster online through the county’s official custody portal, or by calling the Corrections Department directly at 360-577-3094.
How to Search the Cowlitz County Jail Roster
The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online roster for the county jail. Anyone can use it to check if a person is currently in custody.
To search the roster, follow these steps:
- Go to the official Cowlitz County custody roster page.
- Enter the inmate’s full legal name.
- Add a date of birth if you know it. This helps narrow the results.
- Review the list of matching records.
- Select the correct entry to see booking details.
If the online roster does not show a result, the person may not be in custody at this facility. They could be held elsewhere, released, or transferred to state custody.
What Information the Roster Shows
Each roster entry typically lists basic facts about the inmate. This includes the booking date, charges, and custody status. Some entries also show bail or bond amounts.
The inmate roster is a public record and is available to anyone who requests it. However, the Sheriff’s Office may redact certain details, such as an offender’s address or phone number, if releasing that information could create a safety risk.
Cowlitz County Jail Contact Information
| Department | Phone Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Corrections Department (booking line) | 360-577-3094 | Custody status, booking details, available 24 hours |
| Sheriff’s Office Records Division | 360-577-3095 | Arrest reports, historical records |
| Sheriff’s Office (main) | 360-577-3092 | General inquiries, bail and bond instructions |
The Corrections Department is located at 1935 1st Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. The Sheriff’s Office Records Division is located at 312 SW 1st Avenue, Kelso, WA 98626.
Lobby hours for the Corrections Department run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the best time to visit in person and ask staff about an inmate’s status.
How to Check an Inmate’s Charges
Charges usually appear directly on the roster entry next to the inmate’s name. If the online listing does not include this detail, call the Corrections Department. Staff can confirm the charges when you provide the inmate’s full name and date of birth.
For older or historical arrest records, contact the Sheriff’s Office Records Division at 360-577-3095. This office handles arrest reports that are not part of the daily jail roster.
How to Check Release Dates
The online roster lists releases from the last 48 hours and often includes booking and release timestamps. This makes it possible to confirm a recent release without calling the jail.
For confirmation by phone, call 360-577-3094 and provide the inmate’s full name, date of birth, or booking number. Staff can confirm whether the inmate has been released and explain any pending paperwork or holds that may affect the release timing.
Anyone picking up a released inmate should bring valid government-issued ID. Property and funds collected at booking are typically returned at release. Confirm any special pickup rules with staff beforehand, especially if the inmate has personal property in storage.
Alternative Ways to Check Custody Status
If the online roster does not show the information you need, you can enroll in Washington VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). This free service lets you search by name and receive custody updates through an app.
Keep in mind that the Washington State Department of Corrections inmate search only shows people under state supervision, not local inmates who are awaiting court. For local jail records, the county roster or a direct phone call remains the most accurate source.
Visitation and Communication Rules
Inmates are allowed two 20-minute onsite video visits per week, and these are free. Remote video visitation allows a single 10-minute visit per week, depending on appointment availability. All video visits are monitored for compliance with jail rules.
The inmate telephone system is run through Securus Technologies. This system can automatically record calls, and all parties are told before the call connects that the conversation will be recorded.
Mail sent to an inmate should include their full name and the jail’s address:
Cowlitz County Jail 1935 First Avenue Longview, WA 98632
Letters should be sent in a plain envelope with no stickers except a stamp, written on plain white paper with a non-gel pen.





