Cecil County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Cecil County?
Inmate records in Cecil County are official government documents maintained by correctional facilities and the Cecil County Sheriff's Office that document individuals in custody within the county's detention system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information about persons who are currently incarcerated or have previously been detained in Cecil County correctional facilities.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While the Maryland Judiciary maintains case files documenting legal proceedings, charges, and dispositions, correctional facilities maintain custody records that track an individual's status within the detention system. Pursuant to Maryland Code, Correctional Services § 9-601, these records serve both administrative and security functions.
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual first enters custody. During this initial phase, correctional staff collect identifying information, photograph the individual, document personal property, and record the charges for which the person is being detained. As stipulated in Maryland Code, Correctional Services § 9-602, these records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, the inmate record is closed but typically retained according to state record retention schedules.
The Cecil County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for maintaining inmate records for individuals housed at the Cecil County Detention Center, operating under the authority granted by Maryland state law.
Are Inmate Records Public In Cecil County?
Inmate records in Cecil County are partially accessible to the public under Maryland's Public Information Act, codified in Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-101 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including certain inmate records, are open to inspection by the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The Maryland Public Information Act operates under the principle that citizens have a right to information about the operations of government, including correctional facilities. However, this right is balanced against privacy interests and security concerns. Pursuant to Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-343, certain information in inmate records may be withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or could endanger facility security.
Information that is typically publicly accessible includes:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information (date and time of intake)
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Mugshots (in most circumstances)
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Facility where the inmate is housed
Information that is generally not publicly accessible includes:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Information that could compromise facility security
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Members of the public seeking inmate information may utilize the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services inmate locator system or contact the Cecil County Detention Center directly for information about locally housed inmates.
What's Included Inmate Records in Cecil County
Inmate records in Cecil County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories as required by Maryland correctional standards. These records typically include:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints and photograph (mugshot)
- State ID number and/or booking number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of admission
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer information
- Classification status
- Housing assignment
- Custody level
- Disciplinary incidents and actions
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Warrant information
- Prior criminal history (if relevant to current custody)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders related to custody
- Attorney information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Parole eligibility date
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Probation or parole requirements
- Notification requirements under Maryland law
These records are maintained in accordance with Maryland Code, Correctional Services § 9-603, which establishes standards for record-keeping in correctional facilities throughout the state.
Cecil County Prison System
The Cecil County prison system operates under a structured framework that distinguishes between local detention and state incarceration. The Cecil County Detention Center serves as the primary correctional facility for the county, operating under the authority of the Cecil County Sheriff's Office. This facility primarily houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of 18 months or less, as prescribed by Maryland state law.
The distinction between county detention centers and state prisons is significant. The Cecil County Detention Center, as a local facility, primarily houses individuals awaiting trial, those convicted of misdemeanors, and those serving shorter sentences for less serious offenses. In contrast, Maryland state prisons, operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, house individuals convicted of more serious offenses and those serving longer sentences.
The Cecil County Detention Center operates under the administrative oversight of the Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for maintaining security, providing for inmates' basic needs, and facilitating rehabilitative programming. The facility adheres to standards established by the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards and undergoes regular inspections to ensure compliance.
Cecil County Sheriff's Office
109 Cecil Street
Elkton, MD 21921
Phone: 410-996-5500
Cecil County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Cecil County
Cecil County maintains a structured correctional system with facilities designed to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations. The primary facilities include:
Cecil County Detention Center
500 Landing Lane
Elkton, MD 21921
Phone: 410-996-5801
Cecil County Detention Center
The Cecil County Detention Center serves as the main correctional facility in the county. This medium-security facility houses both male and female inmates and is designed to accommodate various custody classifications. The facility includes:
- Pre-trial detention units for individuals awaiting court proceedings
- General population housing for sentenced inmates
- Special housing units for inmates requiring separation from the general population
- Medical unit for inmates with health concerns
- Intake and processing area for new admissions
Cecil County Community Corrections Center
505 Landing Lane
Elkton, MD 21921
Phone: 410-996-5850
Cecil County Community Corrections
The Community Corrections Center operates as a minimum-security facility focused on rehabilitation and community reintegration. This facility typically houses:
- Work release participants who maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences
- Individuals participating in day reporting programs
- Inmates nearing the completion of their sentences who are transitioning back to the community
- Participants in specialized treatment programs
For individuals convicted of more serious offenses requiring longer periods of incarceration, transfer to a Maryland state correctional facility occurs after sentencing. These state facilities are operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services rather than Cecil County authorities.
Who's in Prison In Cecil County
The Cecil County detention facilities house a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted constitute a significant portion of the jail population. These individuals are held in custody while awaiting trial for several reasons:
- Inability to post bail or bond
- Denial of bail due to public safety concerns
- Flight risk determination by the court
- Violation of pre-trial release conditions
Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of typically 18 months or less remain in county custody rather than being transferred to state facilities. Common misdemeanor convictions include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Simple assault
- Petty theft
- Drug possession
- Disorderly conduct
Short-term Felony Offenders: Some individuals convicted of less serious felonies with shorter sentences may serve their time in the county detention center rather than being transferred to state prison.
Probation and Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole may be held in the county detention center pending hearings or as a sanction for the violation. The Maryland Division of Parole and Probation supervises these individuals in the community.
Weekend Servers: Some offenders are permitted by the court to serve their sentences on weekends only, allowing them to maintain employment and family responsibilities during the week.
Work Release Participants: Qualifying inmates may participate in work release programs, leaving the facility during the day for employment and returning in the evening.
Individuals Awaiting Transfer: Persons sentenced to state prison may be temporarily housed in the county detention center while awaiting transfer to a state facility.
According to data from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the average daily population of the Cecil County Detention Center fluctuates between 200-250 inmates, with variations based on seasonal factors, court schedules, and law enforcement activity.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Cecil County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Cecil County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate record searches:
Online Inmate Locator System:
- Visit the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Incarcerated Individual Locator website
- Enter the required search criteria (at minimum, last name is required)
- Additional search parameters such as first name, date of birth, or inmate ID number may be used to narrow results
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Inmate ID number
- Current facility
- Custody status
- Projected release date (if applicable)
Direct Contact with Cecil County Detention Center:
- Contact the Cecil County Detention Center Records Division by phone at 410-996-5801 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
- Provide the name of the individual and any additional identifying information
- Records staff will confirm if the individual is currently in custody and provide publicly available information
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Cecil County Detention Center at 500 Landing Lane, Elkton, MD 21921
- Complete an inmate information request form at the reception desk
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Specify the information being requested
- Records staff will process the request according to Maryland Public Information Act guidelines
Written Records Request:
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Submit a written request under the Maryland Public Information Act to:
Records Custodian Cecil County Detention Center 500 Landing Lane Elkton, MD 21921
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Include in the request:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Relationship to the inmate (if applicable)
- Signature and date
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Allow up to 30 days for processing as permitted under Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-203
Requests for certain confidential information may require additional documentation, such as a signed release from the inmate or a court order.
How To Find an Inmate in Cecil County for Free?
Cecil County residents and other interested parties can locate inmates in Cecil County custody without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate location information:
Maryland Incarcerated Individual Locator:
- Access the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Incarcerated Individual Locator
- Enter the inmate's last name (required) and any additional information such as first name or date of birth
- Review the results, which will indicate if the individual is in custody and at which facility
- This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost
Cecil County Detention Center Inmate Inquiry:
- Call the Cecil County Detention Center at 410-996-5801
- Request information about a specific inmate by providing their full name
- Staff can confirm custody status and provide basic publicly available information
- This service is available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Cecil County Sheriff's Office Website:
- Visit the Cecil County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Detention Center section
- Some basic information about current inmates may be available through this resource
- This online resource is accessible at any time without charge
Maryland Judiciary Case Search:
- Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Enter the individual's name to search for court cases
- Review case information, which may include custody status notations
- This service is provided free of charge by the Maryland Judiciary
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Cecil County Detention Center at 500 Landing Lane, Elkton, MD 21921
- Speak with reception staff and request basic custody information about a specific individual
- Present identification if requested
- This service is available during regular business hours at no cost
When using these resources, it is advisable to have as much identifying information as possible about the individual being sought, including full legal name, date of birth, and, if available, any identifying numbers such as a booking number or case number.
How To Visit an Inmate In Cecil County
Visitation with inmates at the Cecil County Detention Center is governed by established policies designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following information outlines current visitation procedures:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visits must be scheduled in advance
- Visitors must arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled visit time
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Visitors are subject to search upon entering the facility
- A maximum of two visitors are permitted per visit
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes in duration
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Work Release: Saturday-Sunday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Special Housing Units: Schedule varies; contact facility for specific times
- No visits are conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays, or county holidays
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
- Medication needed during visit time (must be declared and approved)
- Infant necessities if visiting with an infant (one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Contact visits are generally not permitted at the Cecil County Detention Center
- Non-contact visits are conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) are conducted in designated areas
- Video visitation may be available for certain housing units
Visit Rules:
- Physical contact is prohibited
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
- Passing items to inmates is strictly prohibited
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- All conversations must be conducted at a reasonable volume
- Visitors must remain seated throughout the visit
Visit Restrictions:
- Individuals with active warrants will be subject to arrest
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Individuals with felony convictions must receive advance approval
- Visitors who have been banned from other correctional facilities may be denied entry
These regulations are established pursuant to Maryland Code, Correctional Services § 9-402, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation policies. For the most current information or to schedule a visit, contact the Cecil County Detention Center at 410-996-5801.
How To Send Money to a Cecil County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Cecil County Detention Center have several approved methods for sending funds. These funds are deposited into the inmate's commissary account, allowing for the purchase of approved items and services within the facility.
Approved Methods for Sending Money:
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Online Deposits:
- Visit the official Cecil County inmate deposit website
- Create an account or log in to an existing account
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Select the deposit amount
- Complete payment using a credit or debit card
- Processing fees apply (typically 5-8% of the transaction amount)
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Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Cecil County Detention Center lobby at 500 Landing Lane, Elkton, MD 21921
- Use the self-service kiosk located in the lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete the deposit
- Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted
- Minimal processing fees apply
- Available during lobby hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, seven days a week
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Money Order by Mail:
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Purchase a money order from an approved vendor (U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, etc.)
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Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
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Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
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Mail to:
Inmate Accounts Cecil County Detention Center 500 Landing Lane Elkton, MD 21921
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Include sender's full name and return address
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No processing fees apply, but delivery takes 5-7 business days
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Amount Limits:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500
- Maximum monthly deposit total: $1,000
- Minimum deposit amount: $5
Transaction Fees:
- Online deposits: 5-8% of transaction amount
- Kiosk deposits: $2.50 flat fee for transactions under $100; $5.00 for transactions over $100
- Money orders: No fee charged by the facility (postal fees for money order purchase may apply)
Prohibited Items:
- Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
- Personal checks are not accepted and will be returned
- Third-party checks are not accepted
- Cashier's checks from non-verified financial institutions may be rejected
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone account funding
- Medical co-pays
- Haircut services
- Educational materials
- Restitution payments (if court-ordered)
Restricted Uses:
- Funds cannot be transferred to other inmates
- Funds cannot be used to purchase prohibited items
- Funds cannot be withdrawn as cash while incarcerated
- Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
Upon an inmate's release, any remaining balance in their account will be returned via debit card or check. For additional information regarding inmate accounts, contact the Cecil County Detention Center Inmate Accounts Office at 410-996-5820 during regular business hours.
How To Send Jail Mail In Cecil County
Correspondence with inmates at the Cecil County Detention Center is permitted but subject to specific regulations designed to maintain facility security. The following guidelines apply to all mail sent to individuals incarcerated in Cecil County:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Cecil County Detention Center
- 500 Landing Lane
- Elkton, MD 21921
- Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on the envelope
- Mail without a return address will not be delivered
- All mail is subject to inspection and screening before delivery
- Mail containing contraband or prohibited content will be rejected
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (following the procedures outlined in the money-sending section)
- Legal documents (marked as "Legal Mail" and sent by attorneys)
- Religious materials (subject to review by facility chaplain)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Stickers or labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Laminated items
- Cardboard or hardcover materials
- Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Materials depicting violence or weapons
- Coded messages
- Items containing perfume, lipstick, or unknown substances
- Oversized mail (larger than 9"x12")
Publications and Books:
- Books must be sent directly from publishers or approved vendors
- Soft-cover books only (hardcover books are prohibited)
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review by facility staff
- Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Legal Mail:
- Mail from attorneys, courts, or legal agencies should be clearly marked "Legal Mail"
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Contents are inspected for contraband but not read by staff
- Must include attorney bar number or court/agency information
Electronic Messaging (if available):
- Some housing units may have access to electronic messaging services
- Family and friends can register online through the approved vendor
- Fees apply for electronic messages
- All electronic communications are monitored and subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
Mail Rejection Procedures:
- Senders will be notified if mail is rejected
- Reason for rejection will be provided
- Appeals of mail rejection decisions may be submitted in writing to the Detention Center Administrator
- Rejected mail will either be returned to sender or placed in the inmate's personal property
These mail regulations are established pursuant to Maryland Code, Correctional Services § 9-404, which authorizes correctional facilities to inspect inmate mail and establish reasonable restrictions. For additional information regarding mail policies, contact the Cecil County Detention Center at 410-996-5801.