Covington County MS Jail Docket offers public access to current inmate records, booking details, and jail operations for the detention center located at 1107 Main Street in Collins, Mississippi. The facility, established in 1992, serves as the primary county jail for Covington County and houses up to 150 adult male inmates with sentences of 24 months or less. A separate unit accommodates a limited number of female detainees. Security levels range from minimum to medium custody, based on criminal history, offense type, and behavior. Daily operations—including intake, classification, medical services, and release—are managed by Sheriff Darrell M. Perkins and his staff. The jail’s online roster updates every 15 minutes, allowing real-time searches by name, booking number, or date of birth. This ensures families, legal representatives, and researchers have timely access to accurate custody status, housing location, charges, and projected release dates.
How to Search the Covington County MS Jail Docket
Anyone can search the Covington County MS Jail Docket using the official online roster, which refreshes every quarter-hour. To begin, visit the jail’s designated lookup portal and enter at least one of the following: the inmate’s full legal name, booking number, or date of birth. The system displays key details such as current housing unit, custody level, charge summary, bond amount (if applicable), and estimated release date. Results also indicate if an inmate has been transferred to a state prison or placed under protective custody. For best results, double-check spelling and consider alternate name formats—such as middle initials or hyphenated surnames—especially if the initial search returns no matches. The docket is designed for public transparency and supports legal, familial, and media inquiries.
Facility Details: Location, Capacity, and Security
The Covington County Jail sits on a two-acre site adjacent to the county courthouse in Collins, MS. Its physical address is 1107 Main Street, Collins, MS 39428, and it operates under the direct supervision of the Covington County Sheriff’s Office. The facility opened in 1992 and was built to meet state standards for short-term detention. It holds up to 150 adult male inmates, with a smaller segregated unit for female detainees. Security classifications are assigned based on risk assessment, including prior offenses, current charge severity, and institutional behavior. Minimum-custody inmates may have more privileges, while medium-custody individuals face stricter supervision. On-site medical care is provided through a contract with the regional health department, ensuring basic health needs are met during incarceration.
Sheriff’s Office: Leadership and Responsibilities
Sheriff Darrell M. Perkins leads the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees all jail operations. His duties include managing daily inmate intake and release, maintaining the official jail docket, submitting annual budgets to the Board of Supervisors, and ensuring compliance with Mississippi Department of Corrections reporting standards. The sheriff’s office is housed in the same building as the jail and can be reached at 601-765-8281. Fax communications go to 601-765-3200. The department also coordinates with state and federal agencies on investigations involving drug trafficking, vehicle theft, and other cross-jurisdictional crimes. Public resources on the sheriff’s website include crime statistics, community outreach programs, and downloadable forms for civil complaints.
Inmate Communication: Visitation, Mail, and Phone Rules
Visitation at Covington County Jail occurs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each session allows up to ten visitors, all of whom must present valid government-issued photo ID and pass a background screening. No appointments are required, but late arrivals may be denied entry. For written correspondence, mail must be addressed to the inmate’s full legal name followed by “Covington County Jail, PO Box 545, Collins, MS 39428.” The facility does not accept “c/o” designations. All letters are inspected for contraband. Approved packages are limited to sealed books in clear plastic and prepaid postage stamps. Inmates can receive phone calls through a monitored system, but outgoing calls are collect or prepaid only. Email messaging may be available via third-party vendors linked to the jail’s commissary system.
Commissary, Funds, and Financial Services
Inmates at Covington County Jail can purchase approved items—such as snacks, hygiene products, and stationery—through the commissary system. Funds are deposited via an authorized third-party vendor that accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash payments at kiosks located in the jail lobby or nearby public locations. Deposits are typically processed within 24 hours and appear in the inmate’s account balance. Family members can also send money orders through the mail, made payable to the inmate’s full name and including the booking number. The commissary operates on a weekly cycle, with orders placed in advance. Balances carry over during incarceration but are forfeited upon release unless claimed within 30 days.
Mugshots, Media Requests, and Public Records
Mugshot archives are maintained by the jail’s administrative office and updated with each new booking. Media inquiries and photograph requests must go through the Media Relations unit at 601-765-4216 during regular business hours. Requests should include the inmate’s full name, booking date, and purpose of use. Approved images are provided in digital format and may be used for news reporting or legal documentation. The jail does not release mugshots to private individuals without a valid reason, such as court proceedings or law enforcement cooperation. All public records, including booking logs and release summaries, are subject to Mississippi’s Public Records Act and may be requested in writing.
Statewide Inmate Search: MDOC Integration
The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) maintains a centralized inmate database that includes county jails like Covington County. This portal allows users to search by last name, first name, or MDOC ID number. Results show current location, sentence length, parole eligibility, and participation in rehabilitation programs such as GED classes or vocational training. The MDOC site also provides disciplinary records in downloadable PDF format, updated monthly. While Covington County Jail handles local bookings and short-term sentences, inmates serving longer terms are transferred to state facilities. The MDOC system helps track these transitions and ensures continuity of records.
Third-Party Inmate Lookup Services
Several independent websites aggregate official jail data and offer free inmate searches for Covington County. These platforms compile rosters with booking dates, charge descriptions, bond amounts, and custody status. Users can filter results by gender, age, or offense type. Each entry links to a detailed profile with court case numbers, hearing schedules, and attorney contacts. While convenient, third-party sites may lag behind real-time updates. For the most accurate information, always verify details through the official jail roster or contact the sheriff’s office directly. These services are useful for background checks, legal research, or locating recently arrested individuals.
Jail Records and Docket Transparency
Covington County Jail records are publicly accessible and include daily docket entries, booking logs, and release reports. These documents list inmate names, charges, arresting agencies, judicial districts, and bond conditions. Records are updated each evening to reflect new arrests, transfers, and releases. Attorneys, bail bondsmen, and family members can request printable PDFs for legal or personal use. The docket serves as an official log of all individuals processed through the facility and supports accountability in the criminal justice system. Requests for bulk records or historical data may require a formal application under state law.
Visiting Hours, Rules, and Preparation
To visit an inmate at Covington County Jail, arrive between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Bring a valid photo ID—such as a driver’s license or passport—and be prepared for a brief background check. Dress modestly; avoid clothing with gang symbols, offensive language, or excessive skin exposure. No cell phones, bags, or electronic devices are allowed inside. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Each inmate may receive up to ten visitors per session, but space is limited, so early arrival is recommended. Latecomers risk being turned away. Always confirm visitation policies before traveling, as rules can change due to security concerns or health protocols.
Mail Guidelines and Package Restrictions
All mail sent to inmates must include the recipient’s full legal name and the correct mailing address: Covington County Jail, PO Box 545, Collins, MS 39428. Do not use “c/o” or nicknames. Letters should be written in English and free of coded language. Photos are allowed but limited to 4×6 inches and no more than five per envelope. Packages are restricted to approved items only—typically books (sealed in clear plastic), magazines (no staples), and prepaid stamps. Food, clothing, electronics, and personal items are prohibited. All mail is inspected upon arrival. Inmates receive notification when correspondence is delivered. Return addresses are required; anonymous mail will be discarded.
Emergency Contacts and Support Services
For urgent inmate-related matters, call 601-765-4216 during business hours. This line connects to the administrative office responsible for records, visitation, and media requests. After hours, contact the main sheriff’s office at 601-765-8281. In case of medical emergencies involving an inmate, the jail’s contracted healthcare provider responds immediately. Family members can also reach out to local reentry programs or counseling services that partner with the jail to support post-release transitions. These organizations offer job placement assistance, substance abuse treatment referrals, and housing resources.
Nearby Jails and Regional Facilities
If an individual is not found in the Covington County MS Jail Docket, they may be held in a neighboring county or state facility. Nearby options include Jefferson Davis County Jail, Simpson County Detention Center, and Rankin County Jail. Each has its own visitation rules, mailing addresses, and lookup tools. The Jail Exchange portal provides a directory of all Mississippi county jails with maps, contact numbers, and policy summaries. This is especially helpful for families spread across regions or legal teams handling multi-county cases.
Legal Rights and Inmate Protections
Inmates at Covington County Jail retain certain rights under Mississippi law, including access to medical care, legal materials, and religious services. They may file grievances regarding treatment, housing, or disciplinary actions. The jail must provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities and ensure protection from harassment or abuse. Legal mail is exempt from inspection and must be clearly marked. Inmates can request meetings with their attorneys, and court appearances are coordinated through the sheriff’s office. These protections uphold constitutional standards and promote fair treatment during detention.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Covington County MS Jail Docket
Many people have questions about how the docket works, what information is available, and how to contact inmates. Below are detailed answers to common concerns based on official policies and public records.
How often is the Covington County MS Jail Docket updated?
The docket updates every 15 minutes to reflect new bookings, releases, and status changes. This frequent refresh ensures that families, lawyers, and researchers have access to the most current information. The system pulls data directly from the jail’s internal database, minimizing delays. However, third-party websites may not sync as quickly, so always verify critical details through the official source.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment?
Yes, visitation at Covington County Jail does not require an appointment. Visitors may arrive anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. However, each session allows only ten visitors per inmate, and late arrivals may be denied entry due to capacity limits. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared for a background screening. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What happens if I send mail with the wrong address?
Mail addressed incorrectly—such as using “c/o” or a nickname—will likely be returned or discarded. Always use the inmate’s full legal name and the exact mailing address: Covington County Jail, PO Box 545, Collins, MS 39428. Include your return address. All correspondence is inspected for contraband, so avoid prohibited items like food, electronics, or unsealed books.
How do I deposit money into an inmate’s account?
Funds can be added via credit card, debit card, or cash at authorized kiosks or through the jail’s third-party vendor online portal. Deposits typically post within 24 hours. Money orders sent by mail must be made payable to the inmate’s full name and include the booking number. Commissary purchases are limited to approved items like snacks, hygiene products, and stationery.
Are mugshots publicly available?
Mugshots are available to media outlets and legal professionals upon request through the Media Relations unit at 601-765-4216. Private individuals may obtain them only for legitimate purposes, such as court cases or law enforcement cooperation. All requests are reviewed during business hours, and images are provided in digital format.
What if an inmate is transferred to another facility?
If an inmate is moved to a state prison or another county jail, the Covington County docket will note the transfer. Use the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search to locate them in the state system. The MDOC portal shows current location, sentence details, and parole eligibility.
Can I call an inmate directly?
No, inmates cannot receive incoming calls. They may make outgoing collect or prepaid calls through a monitored system. Family members can set up accounts with approved vendors to receive calls. Email messaging may be available depending on the inmate’s custody level and behavior.
Official Website: https://www.covingtoncountyms.gov/government/sheriff Phone: 601-765-8281 Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Mailing Address: PO Box 545, Collins, MS 39428 Physical Address: 1107 Main Street, Collins, MS 39428