Finding a loved one in the system is stressful. Honestly, it’s usually a frantic scramble of phone calls and web pages that look like they haven’t been updated since 2004. If you are looking for someone in Kaufman County, you’re likely trying to navigate the kaufman jail inmate search while your stomach is in knots.
The good news? Kaufman County is actually pretty transparent compared to some other Texas jurisdictions. The bad news? If you don’t know exactly where to click, you’ll end up on a third-party site trying to sell you a "background check" for $30 when the information is actually free.
How the Kaufman Jail Inmate Search Actually Works
Let’s be real. You want a name, a charge, and a bond amount. Most people start by Googling and end up frustrated. In Kaufman County, the records are handled by the Sheriff’s Office.
To get the most accurate, up-to-the-minute data, you have to go straight to the source. The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online database of Current Inmates. This list is updated frequently, but there is always a lag. If someone was handcuffed ten minutes ago, they won't be in the system yet. They have to be processed, fingerprinted, and "booked in" first. This can take anywhere from two to six hours depending on how busy the intake deputies are.
Using the Online Portal
When you get to the portal, you’ll usually see a list of names. It’s not always a "search box" style interface; sometimes it’s a rolling roster.
You’ll need:
- The person’s full legal name (nicknames won't work).
- Their date of birth (helpful if they have a common name like Smith or Rodriguez).
- Patience. The site can be slow during peak hours.
If the name isn't showing up, don't panic. It might mean they are still in the "holding" phase or they’ve been transferred. Or, in some cases, they might have already bonded out before the web roster refreshed.
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Why You Can’t Find Them (The "Holding" Gap)
There is a weird "limbo" in the Texas legal system.
When a person is arrested by a city police department—like Forney PD or Terrell PD—they might be held at the city jail briefly before being moved to the Kaufman County Detention Center. If you run a kaufman jail inmate search during this window, the county won't have them yet. You’d actually need to call the specific city police department that made the arrest.
Once they arrive at 1900 East US-175 in Kaufman, they are officially in the county’s hands.
What the SO# Means
On the search results, you’ll see an SO#. This is their local identification number. Keep this. Write it down. Put it in your phone notes. You will need this number for everything—sending mail, putting money on their commissary, or setting up phone calls. Without the SO#, the jail staff might not even talk to you.
Bond, Money, and Phone Calls
Seeing "In Custody" is one thing. Getting them out is another.
The search portal usually lists the Bond Amount. If it says "No Bond," it usually means they haven't seen a magistrate (judge) yet. In Texas, this usually happens within 24 to 48 hours. If it says "Hold," it means another county or the state (TDCJ) has a claim on them, and they aren't going anywhere even if you pay the Kaufman bond.
Putting Money on the Books
You’ve found them. Now they’re calling you collect.
Kaufman County uses specific vendors for inmate services. For commissary, they often use Tiger Deposits. For phone calls, they use NCIC Inmate Communications.
- Phone Calls: Rates are usually around $0.21 per minute for domestic calls.
- Mail: You can’t just send a scented letter. It has to be addressed to:
Inmate Name & SO#, P.O. Box 849, Kaufman, TX 75142. - Physical Address: The jail itself is located at 1900 E. US-175, Kaufman, TX 75142.
Common Misconceptions About Kaufman Records
"If it’s public record, why can’t I see the police report?"
This is a big one. The kaufman jail inmate search shows you the fact of the arrest and the charge. It does not give you the full narrative of what the officer wrote in the report. Those reports are generally protected while a case is "active" or "pending."
If you want deeper records, you have to go through the Kaufman County Clerk for misdemeanors or the District Clerk for felonies. There is a fee for this. Usually, it's about $1.00 per page for plain copies. If you need a "Certification of Facts" (a formal search without the copies), it's usually around $5.00.
The Reality of Visitation
Don't just show up. You will be turned away.
Kaufman County is pretty strict about their schedule. Inmates usually get two 25-minute visits per week.
- Men in A Pod and C Pod: Usually Sundays for kids.
- Women and Men in B Pod: Usually Saturdays for kids.
- IDs: You must have a valid government-issued photo ID. No exceptions.
Also, watch the dress code. If you wear something too revealing or "provocative," the guards will send you home. It's not a fashion show; it’s a high-security facility.
Actionable Steps to Take Right Now
If you are looking for someone right now, do these things in this exact order:
- Check the Official Roster: Go to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office website and look for the "Current Inmates" or "Inmate Search" link.
- Call the Jail Directly: If the online search is failing, dial 972-932-4337. This is the main line. Be polite. The person answering the phone is likely dealing with ten other things.
- Confirm the SO#: Once you find them, get that SO number immediately.
- Contact a Bondsman: If a bond is set, you can either pay the full amount to the court (cash bond) or pay a percentage (usually 10%) to a bail bond company.
- Set up an NCIC Account: Do this before they call you so you don't miss the first "free" call or get cut off.
The system is slow, but it is predictable. Most people get in trouble because they try to rush the process or get angry with the clerks. Stay calm, get the SO#, and verify the bond status before you start spending money.