How to Find the Release Date for a Prisoner

Inmate parole release date information is available through online databases and by mobile app. Most states have their own systems and are also part of a national network, and the federal prison system maintains its own program.

The Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) network pools information from 2,900 agencies in 48 states. It doesn't track information on state prisoners located in South Dakota or Maine. The VINELink system provides up-to-date inmate parole information and changes in status. Registering for the service is free.

Users may track inmate parole status through VINE in three ways:

• Online through VINELink.com.
• Over the free VINELink mobile app.
• By calling 1-866-277-7477 (press Option 2).

VINELink also keeps track of important court dates, case information and changes to protection orders.

Read More: How to Find Inmate Information

The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains the online Inmate Locator Information database. This lists anyone incarcerated since 1982 in a federal facility, including:

• Offenders convicted of felonies.
• Suspects held before trial.
• Material witnesses detained for trial purposes.

System records list the intended release date of a prisoner. This can change over time if the offender gets parole or has his sentence extended. Records indicate where the inmate is currently held or if his sentence is complete. Users need to check back periodically, as there is no way to register for notifications, as of 2020.

When an inmate leaves the prison system, the entry lists a release date. Release dates identified as “unknown” signify a non-determined sentence limit, such as pre-trial holds. Location results listed as “unknown” refer to inmates transferred to non-federal facilities. These include work release programs, home confinement and drug rehabilitation facilities.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) in any state has relevant inmate parole information. Many have their own digital portals where users can log in and search for prisoners by name, number or other identifying factors. Interested parties can find these databases by visiting DOC websites or by searching for “[state] inmate release information” or “[state] inmate locator.” For instance, searching in a web browser for "Washington inmate release information" returns the result for the Washington Inmate Data Search page.

Following are a couple examples of states' policies and inmate information systems.

How to Find an Inmate Parole Release Date in Maine

Maine law protects the privacy of inmates in state custody by limiting access to parole status information to specific people involved in their cases. Only victims of serious crimes can request location and parole notification on the offenders. Once approved, the state informs the victim before the prisoner gets out of jail. This is true for the release at the end of a sentence and also for conditional release and similar programs.

Victims request this information online or through the prosecutor’s office. Maine law protects the privacy of victims by keeping these requests confidential.

How to Receive Parole Status Updates in South Dakota

South Dakota maintains its own Statewide Automated Victim Information & Notification network, South Dakota SAVIN. The state updates the database 24/7 to provide the public with accurate inmate location and release information. Registered users can receive automated updates whenever inmate status changes. Registrants can also track the progress of court cases and relevant orders. Registration is free and confidential.

County courthouses and local law enforcement websites often have similar online databases. People can also contact them directly for updates. County information is usually available through the Clerk of Court's office.