Find Inmate Population in Schoharie County

Schoharie County inmate population records are kept by the Sheriff's Office, which runs the correctional facility in Howes Cave. This is a relatively new jail that opened in September 2020 after the previous facility in the village of Schoharie was devastated by Hurricane Irene in 2011. For nearly a decade, Schoharie County inmates were housed at the Albany County Correctional Facility while the new jail was being planned and built. The current facility uses a direct supervision model and has a maximum capacity of 69 inmates. You can look up inmates by calling the sheriff or using VINELink.

Schoharie County Correctional Facility and Inmate Population

The Schoharie County Correctional Facility in Howes Cave is the county's new jail. The old facility in the village of Schoharie was destroyed by flooding during Hurricane Irene in 2011. For years afterward, the county had to board its inmates at the Albany County Correctional Facility. That arrangement lasted until September 2020 when the new jail finally opened. The facility has a maximum capacity of 69 inmates, making it one of the smallest county jails in the state.

The jail uses a direct supervision model. Staff includes a Jail Administrator, Sergeants, and Corrections Deputies. Civilian staff provide food service, medical care, dental care, mental health services, and educational programming. The facility must meet minimum standards set by the NYS Commission of Correction under Correction Law Article 3. The Sheriff serves as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the county and oversees the jail along with criminal law enforcement, emergency communications, court security, and civil law enforcement.

The Sheriff's Office has been around since 1795. Its mission is to safeguard life, property, and improve the community. The office takes a community-based approach to policing across this rural county in the Catskill foothills.

Visitation and Mail at the Schoharie County Jail

Visitation rules and regulations are posted online. A Visitation Waiver Form is required for minors under 18 who visit without a parent or guardian. All mail sent to inmates goes to the facility's post office box. Every piece of incoming mail gets inspected for contraband. Privileged mail from attorneys and courts is inspected in the presence of the inmate to protect confidentiality.

Bail can be posted in person at the facility or through AllPaid. The Pay Location Code for Schoharie County is 1861. You can also reach AllPaid by calling 1-877-EZBAIL5. The facility follows a PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Zero Tolerance Policy. This means any report of sexual abuse or harassment is taken seriously and investigated right away.

The screenshot below shows the Schoharie County Correctional Facility page with visitation rules and jail information.

Visitors must follow all posted rules. The facility can deny entry to anyone who does not comply.

How to Search Schoharie County Inmate Population Records

Contact the sheriff's office to check on someone in custody. Staff can confirm if a person is being held at the jail. With only 69 beds, the facility has a small inmate population compared to larger counties. You need the person's full name. A date of birth helps narrow the search.

VINELink covers Schoharie County. Search by name to check custody status. You can also register for alerts about a specific inmate. Notifications come by phone, email, or text when the person is released, moved, or escapes. The service is free and available 24 hours a day.

For state prisoners, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup covers anyone currently or formerly held in a New York State correctional facility. Search by name and birth year, or by Department Identification Number. People with sealed records under CPL §160.50 will not show up. The system runs around the clock with a short break near midnight.

Records Access and FOIL in Schoharie County

Inmate records are available through the Freedom of Information Law. Send a written FOIL request to the sheriff's office. The county has five business days to respond. Copy fees are 25 cents per page. If denied, you can appeal. The Schoharie County Clerk maintains court and land records separately from jail records.

The OCA Criminal History Record Search covers all 62 counties at $95 per search. Under Correction Law §9, DOCCS removes certain non-violent offender information from its website three years after the person finishes their sentence. The Committee on Open Government helps with FOIL questions. Phone: 518-474-2518.

The page below shows the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office overview and its community-based approach to law enforcement.

The sheriff's office has served the county since 1795. It handles both law enforcement and jail operations.

State Resources for Schoharie County Inmate Population

The NYS Commission of Correction publishes quarterly statistics that include Schoharie County jail data. Monthly reports track average daily census figures. The Commission investigates deaths in custody and reviews complaints about jail conditions. All county jails must meet the Commission's minimum standards.

DOCCS manages the state prison system from its main office at 1220 Washington Avenue in Albany. FOIL requests can go by mail or email to foil@doccs.ny.gov. For crime victims, VINELink provides free alerts. The toll-free number is 1-866-277-7477.

Communities in Schoharie County

Schoharie County includes the village of Schoharie (the county seat), Cobleskill, Howes Cave, Middleburgh, and several other rural towns and villages. People arrested anywhere in the county go to the correctional facility in Howes Cave. No communities in this county have separate city pages on this site.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Schoharie County. Check the arrest location to find which county jail holds someone.