Aberdeen City Jail Roster gives you instant, reliable access to current inmate information across Grays Harbor County’s detention system. Every entry includes the person’s full name, unique ID number, arresting agency, and exact booking time—like Chadwick Dean Barbishe (ID A51251), booked by Aberdeen Police on December 9, 2021 at 13:41:53. The roster updates every hour with new arrests, transfers, and releases, so families, lawyers, and the public get accurate, time-stamped data straight from the county’s central booking database. You’ll also find detailed logs for bookings (date, time, charge, bail), releases (departure time, reason, destination), and staff roles that keep the facility running safely.
How the Aberdeen City Jail Roster Works
The Aberdeen City Jail Roster is more than just a list—it’s a live record of who’s in custody, why they’re there, and when they might leave. Each profile shows the inmate’s full legal name, a permanent identification number used across all county systems, which police department made the arrest, and the precise moment they entered jail. For example, Matthew Travis Cates (ID 171015) was booked at 3:00 PM on December 7, 2021, and released less than 24 hours later after a bail hearing. This level of detail helps courts track cases, families locate loved ones, and researchers analyze local crime trends. The system pulls data directly from Grays Harbor County’s secure booking network, ensuring no delays or manual errors.
Key Data Points in Every Roster Entry
- Full Name: Legal name as recorded during booking
- Unique ID Number: Permanent identifier (e.g., A51251) used in all court and jail records
- Arresting Agency: Which law enforcement body brought the person in (Aberdeen PD, Sheriff’s Office, etc.)
- Booking Timestamp: Exact date and time of intake (down to the second)
- Charge Description: Brief summary of alleged offense (misdemeanor, felony, traffic violation)
- Bail Amount: Set by judge or standard schedule; shows if posted
- Protective Custody Status: Indicates if inmate is isolated for safety
Live Booking Records: What Happens When Someone Is Arrested
When a person is taken into custody in Aberdeen, their information appears on the roster within minutes. The booking process starts at the Aberdeen Police Department headquarters or the jail itself at 210 East Market Street. Officers verify identity, run background checks, photograph the individual, and log all personal items. Then, the system creates a digital record with the exact time of booking—like Jason Tanner Christensen, who entered at 2:13 PM on December 10, 2021. This log includes the arresting officer’s badge number, court case ID, and whether the person requested a lawyer. All data syncs hourly to the public roster, so you always see the most recent status.
Why Booking Times Matter
Exact booking times help determine legal rights, such as when someone must see a judge (usually within 48 hours). They also show how quickly cases move through the system. Short stays—like Matthew Cates’ 23-hour detention—often mean bail was posted fast or charges were dropped. Longer holds may indicate pending trials or transfers to state prison. Families use these timestamps to plan visits or legal actions, while journalists track patterns in local law enforcement activity.
Release Logs: Tracking Who Leaves and Why
The release section of the Aberdeen City Jail Roster shows when inmates leave, how they exited, and where they went. For instance, Jason Tanner Christensen finished his 90-day sentence for a traffic violation and walked out at 3:03 PM on December 10, 2021. Each release record lists the departure time, reason (bail paid, sentence served, court order), destination address (home, another facility, or hospital), and the supervising officer’s signature. If personal belongings were returned, that’s noted too. This transparency helps prevent errors and ensures accountability.
Common Release Reasons in Aberdeen
| Release Type | Description | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Bail Paid | Defendant posts bond set by judge | Same day or within 24 hours |
| Sentence Completed | Inmate finishes jail term | Varies (days to months) |
| Court Order | Judge dismisses charges or orders release | Immediate upon ruling |
| Transfer | Moved to state prison, mental health facility, or federal custody | Scheduled in advance |
Facility Overview: Capacity, Services & Daily Operations
The Aberdeen City Jail sits at 210 East Market Street in downtown Aberdeen, WA 98520. It holds up to 120 people in single and double cells, with separate units for men, women, and those needing protective custody. The facility runs 24/7 with a structured staff hierarchy: one lieutenant oversees operations, one sergeant manages shifts, a confinement administrator handles housing assignments, five movement directors coordinate transports, and fourteen detention officers conduct headcounts, searches, and intake. Medical care includes triage by a part-time nurse, and inmates can buy snacks from the commissary or read from a library of over 500 books.
Visitation Rules and Safety Procedures
Visits happen every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Each session lasts 20 minutes, and only two visitors are allowed per inmate at a time. Everyone must pass through a metal detector and answer a brief screening question. Refusing the search means you can’t enter. Inmates can decline visits, and all approved meetings are logged with the visitor’s name, relationship, and date. These rules follow Washington State Department of Corrections standards and are reviewed quarterly by an independent oversight committee to ensure fairness and safety.
Staff Roles That Keep the Jail Secure
Running a jail takes a team. The lieutenant coordinates with the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office and approves high-risk moves. The sergeant sets shift schedules and ensures staff follow state correctional guidelines. The confinement administrator decides who goes where—based on behavior, health, and risk level—and keeps disciplinary records. Movement directors escort inmates to court, medical appointments, or other facilities. Detention officers do the daily work: processing new arrivals, counting heads three times a day, and searching cells for contraband. This clear chain of command keeps operations smooth and reduces errors.
How to Search the Aberdeen City Jail Roster
You can view the latest Aberdeen City Jail Roster online through official county portals. The main source is Grays Harbor Law Enforcement Alliance (GHLEA), which hosts real-time rosters for Aberdeen and Hoquiam. Just visit their site and look for “Jail Rosters.” You’ll see tabs for current inmates, recent bookings, and recent releases. Each page shows names, IDs, agencies, and timestamps. Some third-party sites like JailExchange also pull this data nightly, adding mugshots and court dates. Always check the last update time—official sources refresh hourly, while others may lag by a day.
Tips for Accurate Searches
- Use the full legal name (middle names help narrow results)
- Try different spellings if unsure (e.g., “Smith” vs. “Smyth”)
- Check both Aberdeen and Hoquiam rosters—some arrests are processed county-wide
- Call the jail directly at 360-533-8765 if online records seem outdated
Legal Rights and Public Access
Washington State law guarantees public access to jail rosters as part of open government. Anyone can view the Aberdeen City Jail Roster without registering or paying fees. However, certain details—like Social Security numbers or medical conditions—are redacted to protect privacy. Inmates have the right to request corrections if their info is wrong, and families can sign up for release notifications through county services. Attorneys use the roster to track clients’ status and prepare for hearings. This transparency builds trust between the justice system and the community.
Common Misconceptions About Jail Rosters
Many people think the roster shows only convicted criminals—but most entries are for people awaiting trial. Others believe once someone is booked, they stay until sentencing—but many are released on bail within hours. Some assume all Aberdeen arrests appear instantly—but data syncs hourly, so there’s a slight delay. And while the roster includes charges, it doesn’t prove guilt; everyone is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court. Knowing these facts helps users interpret the data correctly.
Data Accuracy and Update Frequency
The Aberdeen City Jail Roster updates every hour, pulling directly from the county’s central booking database. This minimizes errors compared to manual entry systems. Still, rare delays can happen during system maintenance or high-volume periods (like weekends). If you spot outdated info, contact the jail or GHLEA. Most third-party sites update less frequently—some only once per day—so always verify critical details with official sources.
Privacy Protections and Redactions
While the roster is public, sensitive details are hidden to comply with state and federal laws. You won’t see full birthdates, home addresses, or health records. Minors’ names are never published. Protective custody status is shown, but not the reason (e.g., gang affiliation or witness protection). These rules balance transparency with safety and privacy.
How Other Cities Compare
Aberdeen’s roster system mirrors nearby Hoquiam’s, both managed under Grays Harbor County. But unlike larger cities (like Seattle), Aberdeen doesn’t have a separate county jail—so all local arrests go through this facility. Maryland and Idaho also have towns named Aberdeen, but their jails operate independently with different rules and websites. Always confirm you’re viewing Washington State’s Aberdeen, not another state.
Contact Information and Official Resources
For questions about the Aberdeen City Jail Roster, call the facility at 360-533-8765 or visit in person at 210 East Market Street, Aberdeen, WA 98520. Official roster pages are hosted by Grays Harbor Law Enforcement Alliance. Visitation occurs Sundays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Staff are available weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for record requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to find specific inmates, why names disappear quickly, or what charges mean. Below are clear answers based on current Aberdeen jail policies and Washington State law.
How often is the Aberdeen City Jail Roster updated?
The Aberdeen City Jail Roster refreshes every hour using live data from Grays Harbor County’s booking system. This means new arrests, releases, and transfers appear within 60 minutes. During busy periods—like Friday nights—updates may take slightly longer due to volume, but the system prioritizes accuracy over speed. Third-party sites like JailExchange update less frequently (usually once per day), so always check official sources for real-time status. If you don’t see a recent arrest, wait an hour and refresh, or call the jail directly.
Can I visit someone listed on the roster?
Yes, but only during scheduled hours: Sundays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Each visit lasts 20 minutes, and you must pass a metal detector screening. Inmates can refuse visits, and officers may deny entry if you refuse the search. Bring valid ID and arrive early—slots fill quickly. Note that not all inmates are eligible for visitation (e.g., those in protective custody or under medical observation). Check the roster for “visitation status” or call ahead to confirm.
Why does an inmate’s name disappear from the roster?
Names vanish when someone is released, transferred, or their record is sealed. Common reasons include bail being posted, charges dropped, completion of a short sentence, or movement to state prison. The roster only shows current inmates—not past bookings. If a name disappears suddenly, it usually means the person left custody. For historical records, contact the Grays Harbor County Clerk’s office, which keeps archived booking logs for up to seven years.
Is the Aberdeen City Jail Roster the same as Hoquiam’s?
No, but they’re linked. Aberdeen and Hoquiam each maintain separate rosters under the Grays Harbor County system. However, some arrests—especially those involving county deputies—may appear on both lists depending on where booking occurred. Always search both rosters if you can’t find a name in one. The GHLEA website hosts both datasets side by side for easy comparison.
What do the charge codes mean?
Charge codes are shorthand used by law enforcement to describe alleged offenses. For example, “DUI” means driving under influence, “DWLS” is driving with a suspended license, and “PC” indicates probation violation. The roster doesn’t explain these codes in detail, but you can find definitions on the Washington State Courts website or by calling the Aberdeen Police non-emergency line. Remember: charges are accusations, not convictions.
How accurate is the bail amount listed?
Bail amounts are set by judges and reflect standard schedules or individual rulings. The roster shows the current posted or required amount, but this can change if a judge modifies it during a hearing. If bail seems unusually high or low, it may be due to prior offenses, flight risk, or severity of charges. Always verify with the court clerk before posting bond.
Can I get notified when someone is released?
Yes. Grays Harbor County offers a free release notification service through its sheriff’s office website. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and ID number to sign up. Notifications arrive via email or text within minutes of release. This service is especially helpful for families coordinating pickup or attorneys preparing post-release plans.