West Virginia Southern Regional Jail mugshots are official booking photographs taken when individuals are processed into the facility. These images appear in public inmate rosters along with charges, bond details, and court dates. The jail, located in Beaver, West Virginia, serves multiple counties and operates under strict state oversight. Mugshots and related records are accessible through authorized online portals managed by the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority. Access is governed by state law, ensuring transparency while protecting privacy rights. The system updates daily, reflecting new bookings, releases, and legal changes. This page provides verified methods to view mugshots, understand inmate status, and navigate related services like visitation, bail, and mail.
How to View West Virginia Southern Regional Jail Mugshots Online
Official mugshots from the Southern Regional Jail are available through the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority’s Offender Information System (OIS). Users can search by entering at least the first three letters of an inmate’s last name. Results show the mugshot, full name, booking number, current housing unit, charges, bond amount, and scheduled court appearances. The database refreshes nightly at 2:00 a.m. EST, ensuring near-real-time accuracy. All data comes directly from the West Virginia Department of Corrections and is considered public record under state law. The OIS portal is the only state-run system that provides verified mugshots linked to active inmate records.
Active Inmate Roster by Sentencing County or Institution
The Southern Regional Jail houses inmates from several West Virginia counties, including Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming. The OIS Daily Roster lists all currently held individuals, sorted by booking date starting from June 12, 2024. Each entry includes the inmate’s county of conviction, facility assignment, and next court date. This roster helps families, attorneys, and researchers track detention timelines and jurisdictional details. The list is updated every 24 hours and reflects transfers, releases, or new bookings. It does not include federal inmates or those held in county jails outside the regional system. For the most accurate information, users should verify details directly with the jail administration.
Arrest Records and Real-Time Booking Data for SRJ
Third-party platforms like Arre.st compile real-time arrest data from the Southern Regional Jail, syncing every 15 minutes with the West Virginia Uniform Crime Reporting System. These records include the suspect’s name, arrest date, booking number, and specific charges such as WV 18-12-2 (assault) or WV 18-14-4 (theft). While not an official state source, Arre.st is widely used by legal professionals and bail bondsmen for quick reference. Entries like Sonya Stevenson’s March 3, 2024 booking for controlled substance possession appear within minutes of processing. Users can filter by name, charge severity, or arresting officer. However, for legal actions, always confirm details through the OIS portal or jail staff.
Searching the OIS Offender Database: Step-by-Step
To use the OIS Offender Search, go to the official West Virginia government website and enter at least three letters of the inmate’s last name. The system will display matching records with identification numbers, housing locations, release dates, and pending court hearings. A disclaimer reminds users that information changes rapidly due to transfers, plea deals, or judicial rulings. The data is refreshed nightly, so same-day updates may not appear until the next cycle. Always contact the jail at (304) 256-6726 to confirm current status before making travel or legal decisions. The portal does not support partial first-name searches or nickname queries.
Southern Regional Jail Inmate Lookup: Mugshots, Charges & Bond Info
The Southern Regional Jail offers a public inmate search tool that returns high-resolution mugshots, detailed charge lists, bond amounts, and court schedules. Each charge links to the corresponding West Virginia Code section, such as WV 18-14-1 for burglary, along with maximum penalties. Bond options include cash, surety through licensed agencies, or electronic deposits processed within one business day. The roster is organized by booking date, allowing users to follow an inmate’s journey from arrest through adjudication. This service is free and available 24/7, but images may be temporarily unavailable during system maintenance. Always verify sensitive details with jail personnel.
Visitation, Bail, and Mail Procedures at Southern Regional Jail
Visitation at the Southern Regional Jail runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a 30-minute limit per visitor. Valid photo ID is required, and all visitors must pass a background check via the West Virginia State Police portal before entry. Bail can be posted in cash, through a certified bail-bond agency, or online via the jail’s electronic deposit system. Funds clear within one business day. Inmate mail must include the sender’s return address and be sent to 1200 Airport Road, Beaver, WV 25813. All incoming items are screened for contraband. For questions, call (304) 256-6726 or fax legal documents to (304) 256-6739.
Legal Oversight and Sexual Abuse Reporting Policy
The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority enforces a zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse under Code § 10-8-32. Any inmate report of assault or harassment must be forwarded to the facility administrator within 24 hours. The administrator then contacts the central victim-services unit at (304) 558-2110, which coordinates with the West Virginia State Police. Failure to report promptly can lead to staff disciplinary action, as noted in the 2022 compliance audit. This protocol ensures rapid response and protects vulnerable inmates. Reports can be made anonymously, and retaliation against complainants is prohibited by law.
Recent Criminal Cases Involving Southern Regional Jail Staff
In August 2022, six Southern Regional Jail employees were indicted for their roles in the death of inmate Timothy Harper. Charges included second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and official misconduct. Surveillance footage showed Harper was placed in an unmonitored cell block, violating 2018 safety protocols. All six were arrested on August 15, 2022, and faced trial in Raleigh County. Separately, in November 2023, six more former guards were charged in the beating death of pretrial defendant Quantez Burks. Evidence included disabled cameras and forensic proof of blunt-force trauma. These cases triggered federal involvement and ongoing reforms.
Federal Investigations and Civil Rights Violations
In December 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed federal charges against eight former Southern Regional Jail employees. The indictment cited violations of 18 U.S.C. § 2422 (protection of sexual assault victims) and § 1512 (obstruction of justice). The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division worked with the FBI and State Police to gather evidence, including tampered video and intercepted communications. Defendants allegedly facilitated assaults or concealed crimes from investigators. Penalties range from 10 years to life under supervised release. These cases highlight increased federal scrutiny of jail conditions and staff conduct across West Virginia.
WVJails.info: Historical Mugshot Archive
WVJails.info launched in 2016 as the first centralized portal for West Virginia inmate photographs. It aggregates data from over 30 state and county facilities, hosting more than 250,000 mugshots as of March 2025. Each record includes name, date of birth, booking timestamp, and charging agency. The site also offers court disposition archives linked to the West Virginia Judicial System. While not an official government source, it serves as a research tool for background checks and historical tracking. Users should verify current status through OIS, as WVJails.info may lag behind real-time changes.
Location, Contact, and Directions to Southern Regional Jail
The Southern Regional Jail is located at 1200 Airport Road, Beaver, WV 25813, in Raleigh County. It sits approximately 75 miles southeast of Charleston, accessible via I-64 East and I-77 South. A $4.00 toll applies at the Beckley toll plaza. The facility provides visitor parking and requires advance background checks for all guests. Contact numbers include (304) 256-6726 for general inquiries and (304) 256-6738 for non-contact visitation scheduling. Fax transmissions are accepted at (304) 256-6739. The jail operates under the West Virginia Department of Corrections and follows strict state and federal regulations.
Related Public Record Resources
For broader searches, users can explore national inmate databases or state-specific portals in other jurisdictions. These include Indio Inmate Search for California records, Wisconsin Divorce Records for marital status verification, and Switchboard Con for contact lookups. Additionally, “How Can I Find Out Why Someone Was Arrested” provides guidance on accessing arrest narratives. While not directly related to West Virginia, these tools support comprehensive background investigations. Always use official sources when making legal or personal decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Regional Jail Mugshots
Many people ask how to find recent mugshots, whether images are public record, and how to verify inmate status. Others inquire about visitation rules, bail procedures, and legal rights. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions based on current West Virginia law and jail policies.
How do I find a specific inmate’s mugshot from the Southern Regional Jail?
Use the official OIS Offender Search portal run by the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority. Enter at least three letters of the inmate’s last name. The results will show the mugshot, charges, bond amount, and court dates. The system updates nightly, so recent bookings may not appear immediately. For urgent needs, call the jail at (304) 256-6726. Third-party sites like Arre.st or WVJails.info may have older or unverified data. Always confirm critical details with jail staff before taking action.
Are Southern Regional Jail mugshots considered public record in West Virginia?
Yes, under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-1, booking photographs and inmate information are public records unless sealed by court order. The OIS portal legally discloses mugshots, names, charges, and release dates. However, certain details like medical records or ongoing investigation notes are protected. Federal privacy laws do not apply to state jail records. Anyone can access this information without justification, but misuse for harassment or discrimination is illegal.
Can I visit an inmate at the Southern Regional Jail, and what are the rules?
Yes, visitation is allowed Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each visit lasts 30 minutes, and visitors must present valid photo ID. All guests must complete a background check through the West Virginia State Police before entry. Minors under 18 require adult supervision. No physical contact is permitted during non-contact visits. Food, gifts, or electronics are prohibited. Schedule visits in advance by calling (304) 256-6738. Late arrivals may be denied entry.
How is bail posted at the Southern Regional Jail, and how long does it take?
Bail can be paid in cash, through a licensed bail-bond agency, or via the jail’s electronic deposit system. Cash payments must be made in person at the facility. Bond agencies are listed on the West Virginia Department of Commerce website. Electronic deposits process within one business day. Once posted, the inmate is typically released within hours, depending on paperwork and shift schedules. Contact the jail at (304) 256-6726 for current bail amounts and accepted payment methods.
What happened in the Timothy Harper and Quantez Burks cases at Southern Regional Jail?
In 2022, inmate Timothy Harper died after being assaulted by staff. Six employees were indicted for murder and misconduct. Surveillance showed protocol violations, including placing Harper in an unmonitored cell. In a separate incident, Quantez Burks, a pretrial defendant, died from blunt-force trauma. Six more former guards were charged in 2023 for beating him in a blind spot. Federal prosecutors later charged eight staff members with civil rights violations and obstruction. These cases led to increased oversight and policy reforms across West Virginia jails.
Is there a fee to view mugshots or inmate records online?
No, the OIS Offender Search and Daily Roster are free to use. The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority does not charge for accessing public inmate data. Third-party sites like WVJails.info or Arre.st also offer free searches but may display ads or require registration. Never pay for basic mugshot access through unofficial channels. If a site demands payment, it is likely a scam or selling unrelated services.
How often are mugshots and inmate records updated at Southern Regional Jail?
The OIS database refreshes every night at 2:00 a.m. EST. New bookings, releases, and court updates appear after this cycle. Third-party platforms may update more frequently—Arre.st syncs every 15 minutes—but rely on the same state source. During holidays or system maintenance, delays can occur. For real-time status, call the jail directly. Always verify information before making travel or legal decisions.
Official Website: https://dcr.wv.gov/facilities/Pages/prisons-and-jails/srjcf.aspx
Phone: (304) 256-6726
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Address: 1200 Airport Road, Beaver, WV 25813