July 28, 2025
When someone is arrested in Houston, Texas, time-sensitive decisions must be made to protect their rights and determine eligibility for release. The first step is knowing how to locate the individual in custody.
Whether the arrest was made by the Houston Police Department (HPD), Harris County Sheriff’s Office, or another law enforcement agency, Texas law allows the public to access certain jail and inmate records.
Get legal assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney serving Houston to strongly defend the rights and freedom of your loved one.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Someone in Jail in Houston
Step 1: Search the Harris County Sheriff’s Inmate Lookup Tool
The most direct way to find someone in custody in Houston is by using the Harris County Jail Inmate Search Portal.
- Website: https://harriscountyso.org/JailInfo/InmateInfo
- Search fields:
- Last Name and First Name
- SPN (System Person Number) if known
- Date of Birth (optional but helpful)
What You’ll See:
- Full name and SPN
- Booking number
- Jail location
- Current charges and bond information
- Court location and dates
- Housing unit or cell block
This database is updated regularly and includes real-time inmate status, making it one of the most reliable sources of arrest data in Houston.
Step 2: Call the Harris County Jail Information Line
If you encounter issues with the online database or cannot locate someone using their name alone, you may call the inmate information line.
- Phone: (713) 755-5300
- Hours: 24/7, including weekends and holidays
If the individual has recently been arrested, it may take several hours for booking records to update, especially during weekends or holidays.
Step 3: Determine If the Person Is in an HPD Holding Facility
If the arrest happened within Houston city limits, and you cannot find the individual in the Harris County system, it’s possible they’re temporarily held at an HPD Jail Facility.
HPD Central Jail:
- Address: 61 Riesner Street, Houston, TX 77002
- Phone: (713) 247-5400
Other HPD Substations with Holding Cells:
- North Command Station
- South Central Station
- Westside Command Station
These facilities don’t maintain public inmate search portals, so phone calls may be necessary to determine if someone is currently in holding.
Step 4: Use the Texas VINE System for Victim Notifications
Texas offers a Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system for those seeking notifications regarding an offender’s custody status.
- Website: https://vinelink.com
- Choose Texas from the state map
- Search by full name or inmate ID
- Optional: Sign up for automated alerts (email, SMS, phone)
This system is generally used by victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, but any member of the public can use it to track jail status.
Interpreting the Information You Find
Booking and Arrest Details
Once located, the jail profile will show:
- Arresting agency
- Date and time of booking
- Offense classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge description and penal code reference
- Bail/bond amount (if set)
If “No Bond” is listed, the defendant may be:
- Held on a felony charge requiring a hearing
- Ineligible for bond due to a probation or parole violation
- Subject to a magistrate’s review before bond is set
Bail and Release Options
Depending on the charge, several options may be available for release:
- Cash Bond: Full amount paid directly to the jail
- Surety Bond: Paid through a licensed bail bondsman (typically 10% of the bond)
- Personal Recognizance Bond: Released without payment, based on the judge’s discretion
- Pretrial Release Program: Administered by Harris County Pretrial Services
You can contact Harris County Pretrial Services at (713) 755-8985 for bond eligibility information.
Visiting Someone in Jail in Houston, TX
Once the inmate is fully processed into the jail system, visitation is allowed under certain conditions.
Harris County Jail Visitation
- In-Person Visitation: Currently limited and by appointment only
- Video Visitation: Available via Securus Technologies (https://securustech.net)
Requirements:
- Valid government-issued ID
- Registration through the Securus portal
- Proper dress code adherence
- No outstanding warrants for the visitor
Visitation policies may change due to safety protocols, facility capacity, or disciplinary restrictions.
What If the Person Is Transferred or Detained by Another Agency?
In some cases, a person arrested in Houston may be transferred out of the local jail system, particularly if:
- They have federal charges and have been moved to FDC Houston
- They’re under an ICE detainer for immigration enforcement
- They’re extradited to another county or state for a pending warrant
If you suspect this has occurred, you can contact:
- U.S. Marshals Service (for federal holds)
- ICE Detainee Locator: https://locator.ice.gov
Get Strong Legal Representation from Our Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys
If someone you care about has been arrested in Houston or Harris County, Napier Law Firm is ready to represent you. Led by Super Lawyers-rated criminal defense attorney George Napier, a former Montgomery County Chief Prosecutor, our team has handled hundreds of criminal cases across Texas, with over 200 dismissals and a track record of success in DWI, drug, and felony defense.
To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at (713) 470-4097 or contact us online.