Search Ellis County, TX Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Ellis County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Ellis County, TX
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Ellis County
- Visitation Rules at Ellis County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Ellis County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Ellis County
- Ellis Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Ellis County?
- Ellis County Facility Directory
- Ellis Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Ellis County, Texas, you have several resources at your disposal. Online, you can visit the Ellis County Sheriff's Office website (https://co.ellis.tx.us/), which provides a jail inmate lookup tool allowing you to search for current detainees by name or booking date. Additionally, statewide inmate information is available through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Offender Information Search (https://offender.tdcj.texas.gov/). For offline searches, you may visit or contact the Ellis County Jail, located at 300 S. Jackson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165, or call their main line at (972) 825-4931 for assistance with inmate records requests. For official records or more detailed historical information, you can also inquire at the Ellis County Clerk’s Office at the county courthouse. Be sure to have as much identifying information as possible (such as full name and birth date) to expedite your search.
How to Find an Inmate in Ellis County, TX
Inmate records for Ellis County, TX, are accessible online or in person, with the appropriate search tool depending on whether the individual is held in a local jail, a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility, or in federal custody. Use the following resources to locate inmates based on their jurisdiction:
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellis County Jail/Sheriff’s Office | Local jail inmates | Ellis County Jail Roster 300 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, TX 75165 (972) 825-4931 | Lists current local detainees; updated frequently; call for information not online. |
| Texas DOC (TDCJ) Inmate Locator | State prison inmates (TDCJ facilities) | TDCJ Inmate Search | Covers offenders sentenced to state prison; not for county jail inmates. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status of offenders statewide | VINE Texas | Provides custody status and notifications; requires registration for notifications. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates (prison, halfway houses) | BOP Inmate Locator | Texas has several federal prisons, e.g., FCI Seagoville, FCI Texarkana; federal pretrial offenders may be held in local jails. |
| In-Person Records Request | Current local inmates | Visit Sheriff’s Office, 300 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, TX 75165 (972) 825-4931 | In-person assistance during office hours; valid government ID required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Ellis County
After arrest in Ellis County, individuals are transported to the jail for a multi-step booking process that typically includes fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and housing assignment. The whole process generally takes between 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DWI, driving without license, reckless driving | High | 8–24 hours or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of marijuana, meth, paraphernalia | High | 12–48 hours or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, family violence | Moderate | 24–72 hours, subject to magistration and bond |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, vandalism | Moderate | 24–72 hours or until bond; longer for felony charges |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Moderate | Until appearance before magistrate or bond is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Unpaid fines, probation violations | High | 12–72 hours or until bond/obligation is satisfied |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, serious drug offenses | Low | Until trial or bond; if sentenced, transfer to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Ellis County Jail
Before visiting an inmate at Ellis County Jail, always verify the current visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID. |
| Dress Code | Modest, non-revealing clothing is required; no offensive prints. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, bags, weapons, or outside food/drink allowed. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate’s visitor list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Arranged separately; contact jail for scheduling. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Ellis County Jail
Inmates at Ellis County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all forms of communication subject to monitoring for security purposes.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
[Ellis County Jail]
[300 S. Jackson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165]
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outgoing calls using the [Provider] phone system. | Friends and family may need to set up a prepaid account. | Calls are recorded; inmates cannot receive incoming calls. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters addressed as specified to the jail’s mailing address. | No setup needed; postage is required. | No contraband, polaroids, or explicit material; all mail is inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive electronic messages via the [Provider] app or website. | Create an account with [Provider]; purchase message credits. | Messages are screened; inappropriate content is prohibited. |
| Video Calls | Schedule remote video visits using [Provider]'s platform. | Register and schedule online; payment required. | All visits are recorded; dress code and conduct rules apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Ellis County
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles oversees parole decisions and eligibility for state-sentenced offenders, guiding the transition from incarceration to community supervision. Individuals in Ellis County can access reentry support and resources through a combination of state-run and community-based programs.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles | Decides on inmate parole eligibility, release, and special conditions. | State-sentenced offenders | TDCJ Parole Division (512) 406-5452 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Earned time credits for good behavior and program participation may shorten sentences. | Inmates incarcerated in Texas state facilities | TDCJ Good Conduct Time |
| Parole Supervision (Ellis County) | Ongoing supervision and support for parolees to ensure compliance and successful reentry. | Parolees residing in Ellis County | Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Waxahachie District Parole Office 301 Highway 77 N, Suite 111, Waxahachie, TX 75165 (972) 923-0337 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists parolees in securing transitional or long-term stable housing. | Recent parolees, those at risk of homelessness | TDCJ Reentry and Integration Division |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, placement, and workforce training for returning citizens. | Individuals reentering the workforce | Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (972) 937-8114 |
| Benefits Restoration | Help with reinstatement of Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release. | Eligible returning citizens | Texas Health and Human Services (737) 867-7700 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system provides custody status updates and alerts. | Crime victims, concerned families | Texas VINE (877) 894-8463 |
Ellis Incarceration Statistics
Ellis County has an incarceration and crime profile similar to other semi-rural Texas counties, with property crimes outpacing violent crimes. The county does not operate a dedicated jail; inmates are housed at the Wayne McCollum Detention Center, the regional facility serving Ellis County.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 290 | 187 | 9% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Assault | 210 | 136 | 6.5% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Robbery | 55 | 35 | 1.7% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 5 | 3 | 0.2% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 2,400 | 1,545 | 74% | → Stable |
| — Theft / Larceny | 1,610 | 1,037 | 50% | → Stable |
| — Burglary | 560 | 360 | 17% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 230 | 148 | 7% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 310 | 200 | 10% | ↓ Decreasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 210 | 135 | 6.5% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 170 | 109 | 5% | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 77% Male, 23% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 18%, 25-34: 29%, 35-44: 26%, 45+: 27% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 41%, Black: 32%, Hispanic: 25%, Other: 2% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Burglary, Assault | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 4.6 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 20% (3-year) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Ellis County?
As of the latest estimate, Ellis County currently holds approximately 250 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders who require longer incarceration terms may be transferred to a state facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 140 | 56% | $65 | 80% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 60 | 24% | $68 | 85% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 35 | 14% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 10 | 4% | $72 | 50% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 5 | 2% | $190 | 20% |
| Total | 250 | 100% | — | — |
Ellis County Facility Directory
Ellis County operates two correctional facilities: one county jail and one youth facility, each serving distinct populations within the area.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellis County Jail | County Jail | 300 S Jackson St, Waxahachie, TX | 204 | 180 | Medium |
| Wayne McCollum Detention Center | Youth Facility | 700 S I-35 E, Waxahachie, TX | 40 | 25 | Medium |
Ellis County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid
- Re-entry Programs
- Community Support & Family Resources
- Legal Rights