NORFOLK-- The Norfolk Sheriff's Office has debuted a new website, which includes a new "Inmate Lookup" tool.
You can find incarceration information and mug shots for all inmates currently housed in the Norfolk City Jail in this searchable database.
"This allows anyone to find out if a friend or family member is in jail, their charges, bond information, next court date, and potential release date. It's also a great tool for Bondsmen and Attorneys to see information regarding their clients," Norfolk Sheriff's Office Information Technology Director Tim Baker said.
The technology update also allows other Law Enforcement agencies to quickly find information on an inmate. Previously, officers relied on calling the jail, and asking for a printed roster for new inmates.
In 2012, Sheriff Bob McCabe assembled a new IT unit led by Director Tim Baker. Since that time the team has overseen the transfer of IT operations from the City of Norfolk to the Sheriff's office which resulted in a savings of $500,000.
"I've talked about having a new website with an inmate look up tool for at least 12 years. Now that we have our own standalone server system we are able to make these types of technological advances," Sheriff Bob McCabe said.
Currently, the IT unit is working to implement wireless throughout the entire Norfolk City Jail to support a future wireless handheld project. The change will allow deputies to take jail counts electronically and snap pictures to document problems instantly, saving them time to focus on public safety.
