Best Way to Search Inmates Online – Free and Official
Waller County uses a great public portal for jail records. This is the main and most reliable place.
Waller County Public Access Portal (Start Here)
- Direct link: https://portal-txwaller.tylertech.cloud/PublicAccess/default.aspx
- On the page, click Jail Records (you’ll also see options for Criminal Case Records and Court Calendar)
- Search by name, booking number, or other details
- You’ll see current inmates, charges, booking info, bond amounts, and more
It’s fully public – no sign-up or login needed. This is the official way for recent arrests and the current jail roster. Updates happen regularly.
Quick Custody Status with VINELink
Many Texas counties, including Waller, support this free statewide tool:
- Website: https://www.vinelink.com → Select Texas → Search by name or ID
- Phone: 1-877-894-8463 (877-TX4-VINE) – works 24/7
You can get free alerts by email or phone for release or transfer updates.
Waller County Sheriff Mobile App
For easy access on your phone:
- Download the free Waller County Sheriff TX app (from Google Play or Apple App Store)
- It has inmate info, alerts, and other features directly from the Sheriff’s Office
Contact the Jail or Sheriff Directly – Great for Urgent Help
If someone was just arrested or info isn’t online yet, call – staff can check fast.
- Main Sheriff’s Office / Jail Phone: (979) 826-8282
- Fax: (979) 826-7781
- Email: sheriff@wallercounty.us (for general questions)
Physical and Mailing Address (for bonds, mail, visits): Waller County Sheriff’s Office / Jail 100 Sheriff R. Glenn Smith Drive Hempstead, TX 77445
Official Sheriff’s Website: https://www.wallercountytexassheriff.org/ Main County Site: https://www.co.waller.tx.us/
Have the person’s full legal name and date of birth ready – it makes things quicker.
How to Check Court Cases and Charges After Arrest
Use the same free portal:
- Go to https://portal-txwaller.tylertech.cloud/PublicAccess/default.aspx
- Click Criminal Case Records
- Search by name or case number
You’ll find charges, court dates, filings, and case status.
Bond Information – How to Get Someone Released
If the portal shows a bond amount:
- Pay at the Sheriff’s Office (cash, surety, or property bond)
- Or use a licensed bondsman in Hempstead or Houston area
- Call (979) 826-8282 for bond details
Sending Mail, Money, or Visiting Inmates
Families ask me this a lot:
- Mail Rules: Send letters to the jail address above. Include the inmate’s full name and ID (from portal). Usually plain letters only.
- Add Money: Ask jail staff for current options (often kiosk or online like Access Corrections)
- Visitation: Call (979) 826-8282 for rules and schedule. Many visits are video or on-site – book ahead.
My Practical Tips from Helping Many Families
- Always start with the Public Access Portal – Jail Records – it’s the most accurate and complete
- New arrests can take a few hours to show, so call if it’s urgent
- Use full legal name and date of birth – especially important with common names
- Avoid third-party or paid websites – they’re usually old or charge for free public info
- If it’s a longer sentence, the person may move to state prison → search at https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov
I put this guide together with real care because I know how hard these moments are. Everything comes straight from Waller County official sources.