Cattaraugus County Jail inmates are housed at a secure detention center located at 301 Court Street in Little Valley, New York. This facility opened in 1995 and holds up to 148 people at once. It is run by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and staffed by about 60 workers, including correctional officers, medical staff, and office employees. The jail holds both people who have been sentenced and those waiting for trial. Men and women are kept in separate units. Inmates may be charged with minor crimes like traffic tickets or serious offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, car theft, arson, or other violent crimes. In the latest year, the jail had 2,785 new admissions, and 12% of those involved one of these serious crimes.
How to Search for Cattaraugus County Jail Inmates
Anyone can look up current inmates using the official online roster, which is updated every night. The list shows names, booking numbers, charges, bond amounts, housing units, and visitation times. You can also call the jail directly at 716-938-9194 during business hours (8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday). When calling, you must give the inmate’s full name or booking number. Staff will check your identity before sharing any details. If you don’t have the booking number, they can find the person using their name and date of birth. For written requests, such as mugshots or official records, mail a completed form to the Media Relations unit at 301 Court Street, Little Valley, NY 14755. Include a return address so they can send back any documents.
Demographics and Stay Length for Inmates
Recent data shows that most inmates at Cattaraugus County Jail stay between 30 and 60 days. How long someone stays depends on their charges, court progress, and whether they are serving a short sentence or waiting to move to a state prison. Of all inmates, 58% are male and 42% are female. The average age is 34 years old. Racially, the population is 88% White, 7% African American, 3% Hispanic, and 2% other. These numbers help families understand what to expect when a loved one is in custody.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visits must be scheduled in advance and follow strict rules. Each inmate is assigned a housing unit (like “Unit B-3”), and visits only happen during set windows for that unit. To plan a visit, call 716-938-9194 and ask for the inmate’s housing assignment. Visitors must bring valid photo ID and follow dress code rules—no revealing clothing, hats, or electronics. Only two adults may visit at once, and children under 17 must be with a parent or guardian. All visits are monitored and may be recorded.
Bond and Release Information
When someone is booked, the court may set a bond amount. This is money paid to get out of jail while waiting for trial. The bond amount appears on the online roster and can be confirmed by phone. If the inmate posts bond, they are released unless held for other reasons (like a hold from another agency). Release dates are estimates and can change based on court decisions. The jail does not control court schedules, so families should check regularly for updates.
Medical and Mental Health Services
The jail provides basic medical care to all inmates. Nurses are on duty during the day, and a doctor visits weekly. Inmates can request medical help at any time. Mental health support is available through counselors and referrals to outside services if needed. Prescription medications are given according to a doctor’s orders. Emergency cases are sent to local hospitals. All care follows New York State health guidelines for correctional facilities.
Mail and Communication Policies
Inmates can send and receive mail. All letters are opened and checked for safety, but content is not read unless there is a security concern. Send mail to: [Inmate’s Full Name], Cattaraugus County Jail, 301 Court Street, Little Valley, NY 14755. Do not include cash, stamps, or photos. Email is not allowed, but families can use approved phone services. Inmates have access to phones in their units and can make collect calls or use prepaid accounts. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and may be monitored.
Commissary and Personal Items
Inmates can buy snacks, hygiene products, and stationery from the jail commissary. Money can be added to an inmate’s account online, by phone, or via money order sent by mail. Only approved items may be purchased—no electronics, glass, or sharp objects. Personal clothing is not allowed except for religious garments approved by staff. All belongings are stored securely and returned upon release.
Legal Rights and Access to Courts
All inmates have the right to contact a lawyer. The jail provides access to legal materials and allows confidential meetings with attorneys. Inmates can file grievances if they have complaints about treatment, food, medical care, or other issues. Forms are available from staff, and all complaints are reviewed by supervisors. If problems continue, inmates can contact the New York State Commission of Correction.
Recent Crime Statistics for Cattaraugus County
In the most recent year, Cattaraugus County reported 1,161 violent crimes, which equals a rate of 374.1 per 100,000 residents. The county also had 3,790 total arrests, with 202 people held in local jail and 166 pretrial cases per 100,000 residents aged 15 to 64. These numbers come from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and are updated annually. Most crimes are non-violent, but serious offenses do occur and are tracked closely by law enforcement.
How the Jail Compares to State Standards
Cattaraugus County Jail meets New York State requirements for safety, health, and operations. It is inspected yearly by the State Commission of Correction. The facility follows strict rules for staffing, inmate supervision, fire safety, and medical care. It also participates in state programs for substance abuse treatment and reentry planning. While smaller than urban jails, it provides the same level of oversight and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cattaraugus County Jail Inmates
Many people have questions about how the jail works, how to find an inmate, and what rights inmates have. Below are answers to the most common questions based on official policies and recent data.
How often is the inmate roster updated?
The online inmate roster is updated every night around midnight. It includes all new bookings from the previous 24 hours and removes anyone who has been released. This ensures families and lawyers have the most current information. The roster shows names, booking numbers, charges, bond amounts, housing units, and visitation windows. If you don’t see a name, they may have been released or transferred. Call 716-938-9194 to confirm.
Can I visit an inmate without a booking number?
Yes, you can visit without a booking number. When you call to schedule, give the inmate’s full name and date of birth. Staff will locate their record and tell you the housing unit and visitation time. You must still follow all visitation rules, including ID checks and dress codes. Walk-in visits are not allowed—appointments are required.
What happens if an inmate needs medication?
If an inmate needs prescription medicine, they must tell intake staff when booked. The jail nurse reviews all medications and contacts a doctor if needed. Approved prescriptions are filled and given on a schedule. Over-the-counter drugs like pain relievers are available through commissary. Inmates cannot keep personal medications unless approved by medical staff.
How do I send money to an inmate?
You can add money to an inmate’s account three ways: online through the sheriff’s office portal, by calling the jail’s payment line, or by mailing a money order to the jail address. Cash is not accepted by mail. Funds appear in the account within 24 hours and can be used for commissary purchases. There may be small fees for online or phone payments.
Are mugshots public record?
Yes, mugshots are public records in New York unless sealed by a court. You can request them by mail to the Media Relations unit. Include the inmate’s name, a completed request form, and a return address. Mugshots are also posted on the official roster. Some third-party sites republish them, but only the county site has the most accurate and up-to-date photos.
What if an inmate is transferred to state prison?
If an inmate is sentenced to state time, they are usually transferred within 30 days. The jail will update their status to “transferred” on the roster. Families will not be notified directly—check the roster or call the jail. Once moved, contact the New York State Department of Corrections for location and visitation details.
Can inmates make phone calls?
Yes, inmates can make phone calls from their housing units. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and may be monitored. They can call collect or use a prepaid account funded by family. Not all numbers can be called—blocked numbers include 900 lines, international numbers, and some cell phones. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls.
Contact Information and Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always use official sources. The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office manages the jail and provides public access to records. You can reach them at 716-938-9194 during business hours. The main jail address is 301 Court Street, Little Valley, NY 14755. For records requests, mail to the Media Relations unit at the same address. The official website includes the inmate roster, visitation rules, and contact forms. Do not rely on third-party sites for critical information—they may be outdated or incorrect.
Related Services and Support
Families and friends may need additional help during an inmate’s stay. Local organizations offer support with counseling, legal aid, and reentry planning. The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office also runs community outreach programs to reduce recidivism. For background checks or phone lookups, use verified government portals. Avoid unverified websites that charge high fees for basic public records.
Final Notes on Accuracy and Transparency
All data on this page comes from official reports, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Numbers are current as of the latest annual report. Policies may change, so always verify details by calling the jail or checking the official website. This information is provided to help the public stay informed and connected during difficult times.