Start With the Sheriff’s Current Inmate Listing, Then Verify the Court, Hold or Release Separately
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office operates the jail in St. Helens and publishes both a Current Inmate Listing and an Inmate Census. Use the current listing to check custody and booking information; use the census when the housing pod matters for visitation.
This Page Covers Columbia County, Oregon
Several states have a Columbia County. A correct name found in the wrong state can still lead to a false custody assumption, wrong payment or wasted trip.
| Clue | Likely jurisdiction | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| St. Helens, Scappoose, Rainier, Vernonia or Clatskanie | Columbia County, Oregon | Use the Sheriff sources on this page. |
| Portage | Columbia County, Wisconsin | Use Wisconsin jail-booking and VINE resources. |
| Lake City | Columbia County, Florida | Use the Florida Sheriff detention source. |
| Magnolia | Columbia County, Arkansas | Use the Arkansas Sheriff detention source. |
Use the Source That Actually Owns the Answer
The inmate list, housing census, court record, inmate account and Oregon state custody search answer different questions.
Current court case
Use Oregon Judicial Department case/calendar resources and Columbia County Circuit Court.
Circuit CourtOregon DOC custody
Use Oregon Offender Search after a state-prison transfer or DOC sentence.
Oregon Offender SearchFederal prison
Use BOP only when federal imprisonment is the relevant custody system.
Federal Inmate LocatorHow to Search the Columbia County Jail Roster
Open the Sheriff’s Current Listing
Start with Columbia County Sheriff rather than a copied roster, social-media post, paid people-search page or saved screenshot.
Search the Legal Name Carefully
Start with the surname. Try a full legal name, middle name, former surname, maiden surname, hyphenated form or reasonable alternate spelling when necessary.
Compare the Whole Roster Entry
Review booking date, charge wording, bail, scheduled-release information and agency/hold information when displayed. Do not accept a name-only match.
Use the Census When You Need the Pod
The Inmate Census provides housing information that matters because Columbia County visitation is organized by pod and, in some units, by cell.
Refresh Before Taking Action
Recheck custody before paying, travelling, visiting, sending funds, sending mail, arranging property pickup or relying on a scheduled-release field.
What Common Columbia County Roster Fields Mean
| Roster field | Useful for | Does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| Inmate name | The booking name associated with the custody record. | That a same-name person is definitely your intended match. |
| Book date | The jail booking timeline. | The exact alleged-offense or court-filing time. |
| Charge | A booking allegation, warrant, hold or custody reason. | Conviction, guilt, dismissal or final filed charge. |
| Bail | A starting point for release verification. | That payment is presently accepted or clears all holds. |
| Scheduled release | A projected or recorded release-related date when present. | Exact physical release or pickup time. |
| USM / agency hold | Showing another authority may be involved. | That Columbia County alone controls release. |
| Pod | Finding the applicable visiting schedule. | That the housing assignment will not change. |
What to Do When Someone Is Not Listed
| Problem | Possible explanation | Next action | Official verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recent arrest | Booking or public-data processing may still be underway. | Do not assume a fixed posting delay. | Call 503-366-4630. |
| Name does not match | Another legal or former surname may be used. | Try reasonable name variants. | Current Inmate Listing. |
| Released | A released person may disappear from a current-custody report. | Use court records or request the appropriate jail/Sheriff record. | Circuit Court / Sheriff. |
| Another county | The arrest or warrant may belong to a different Oregon county. | Confirm the arresting agency before searching randomly. | Jail / court / arresting agency. |
| Oregon DOC | The person may have transferred into state custody. | Use Oregon Offender Search. | Oregon DOC. |
| Federal matter | A U.S. Marshals or other federal hold may be involved. | Identify the federal agency and use the appropriate federal record. | Jail / federal agency / BOP where applicable. |
U.S. Marshals and Other Agency Holds Can Change the Release Path
Columbia County publicly states that the jail provides bed space for federal prisoners, including people connected with the U.S. Marshals Service.
Physical custodian
Columbia County Jail may physically house the person.
Controlling authority
A federal court, U.S. Marshals Service, parole/probation authority or another agency may control part of the release decision.
Questions to ask before paying or planning pickup
- Is another agency hold active?
- Which court controls that hold?
- Can Columbia County accept bail for it?
- Would payment make the person release-eligible?
- Is transport to another facility expected?
Check Columbia County Circuit Court Separately
Columbia County Circuit Court is Oregon’s 19th Judicial District. Use the court for hearing schedules, filed case information, copies and certified records.
St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-2327
Front counter:
Mon–Thu: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Fri: 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Court calendars
Columbia County says daily court calendars are published each afternoon and can ordinarily be searched by attorney, case number, judge, person and date range.
Remote hearings
Your hearing notice controls whether you appear in person, by WebEx or by telephone. Columbia County states that recording, photographing or rebroadcasting a proceeding is prohibited without prior approval.
When exhibits or witness lists are required for a remote hearing, the court says they generally must be received by 4:00 p.m. two court days before the hearing.
Bail, Scheduled Release and Actual Release Are Different
- Confirm the complete booked name.
- Confirm the person remains in Columbia County custody.
- Confirm which court controls the bail amount.
- Ask whether a U.S. Marshals, parole, probation, warrant or other hold exists.
- Confirm the current accepted payment route.
- Ask whether payment would make the person release-eligible.
- Keep the payment receipt or confirmation.
Never send money through an unsolicited text, email or sponsored search result claiming that a payment guarantees immediate release.
Columbia County Jail Visits Are Organized by Housing Pod
Public visits are scheduled by the adult in custody. The inmate contacts prospective visitors and maintains the approved visitor list. Check the Inmate Census first because the applicable window depends on the housing pod and sometimes the cell.
Core visitor rules
- Limited public visiting is generally available once per week as time and space allow.
- Visitors age 18 or older must be on the approved visitor list.
- People under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- The approved list is limited to five people.
- The inmate needs the visitor’s first, middle and last name, date of birth and relationship.
- Visits begin on the hour and half hour.
- Visitors are encouraged to arrive 10–15 minutes early.
- People in disciplinary segregation, pre-classification or without an assigned housing unit are not allowed ordinary public visits.
- People serving a sentence of 72 hours or less are not allowed ordinary public visits.
Current published pod windows
| Day | Pod / unit | Published time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | A-Pod | 8:30–9:30 a.m. |
| Sunday | G-Pod | 9:30–11:30 a.m. |
| Sunday | K-Pod | 7:30–9:30 a.m. |
| Monday | CT 1–6 | 8:30–10:30 a.m. |
| Monday | CL 1–6 | 2:00–4:00 p.m. |
| Monday | BT-3 / BL-4 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. / 8:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | DL 1–6 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. |
| Tuesday | BT-4 / BL-2 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. / 8:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | DT 1–6 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. |
| Wednesday | BT-1 / BL-1 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. / 8:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | F-Pod | 9:00–11:00 a.m. |
| Thursday | BL-3 | 8:00–9:00 a.m. |
| Friday | BT-2 | 8:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | J-Pod | 7:30–9:30 a.m. |
| Saturday | E-Pod | 9:30–11:30 a.m. |
| Saturday | I-Pod | 2:00–4:00 p.m. |
Inmate Money and Commissary
Columbia County lists Access Corrections for inmate account deposits. Family and friends may also use the kiosk in the Sheriff’s Office front office.
- Online deposits: Access Corrections.
- Telephone deposits: 866-345-1884.
- Front-office kiosk deposits are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Visa and MasterCard are accepted at supported deposit channels.
- Cash and money orders by mail are not accepted for inmate accounts.
How Columbia County Inmate Mail Works
Addressing requirements
- Use the inmate’s booking name.
- Booking number is encouraged but currently not required by the published policy.
- Incoming mail must show the sender’s name and return address.
- Confirm the current delivery address with the jail before sending important or time-sensitive mail.
Publications
Books, magazines, newsletters and newspapers may be allowed when mailed directly from the publisher, book club or bookstore and when the item complies with jail policy.
Common prohibited categories
- Threats, blackmail, extortion or criminal-planning material.
- Escape plans or material violating jail rules.
- Gang-related material.
- Sexually explicit or inflammatory content prohibited by policy.
- Controlled substances or suspicious foreign substances.
- Mail written in or suspected to contain code.
- Communication prohibited by a court order.
- Improper credit, collect-on-delivery or deferred-billing purchases.
Inmate Calls and Privileged Attorney Numbers
Securus provides the inmate telephone service used by Columbia County Jail. Account help is available at 800-844-6591.
Ordinary inmate calls
Assume routine jail telephone calls can be recorded or monitored unless the communication has been specifically approved for privileged handling.
Attorney privileged-access request
The Sheriff provides a specific attorney request form for exempting approved attorney or defense-team telephone numbers from recording. The Sheriff warns that it may take up to five days for approved numbers to be entered into the phone system.
How Inmate Property Release Works
Columbia County says inmate property is released by appointment only.
- The inmate submits a request identifying the person who will collect the property.
- The request includes that person’s relationship to the inmate and a working phone number.
- The recipient waits until the release arrangement is confirmed.
- The recipient brings a valid driver license or state identification card.
Book and Release Is Not the Same as Ordinary Jail Release
Columbia County describes Book and Release as a specifically authorized process used when an officer, deputy or court directs a person to complete jail booking procedures and then return to the community.
What to bring
- Court paperwork authorizing Book and Release.
- Government-issued identification.
- Completed Book and Release form.
Current published time
Monday, except holidays, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Processing is first come, first served.
The Sheriff says this process usually takes an hour or less, but failure to bring the required documents can delay processing or prevent the process from being completed.
Sheriff Reports vs. Circuit Court Records
Sheriff / incident records
For an incident report or Sheriff-held record, contact Columbia County Sheriff’s Office rather than using the jail roster as a records archive.
St. Helens, OR 97051
Reception / Records: 503-366-4611
Non-emergency dispatch: 503-397-1521
The Sheriff’s current fee page lists a $10 fee for an incident-report copy, subject to availability and restrictions associated with the criminal investigation.
Circuit Court documents
Most non-confidential Columbia County court records may be requested in person or through the court’s Records Request Form. Most requests are currently completed within 10 business days, although older paper files and complex requests can take longer.
| Copy type | Current published base charge |
|---|---|
| Regular copy | $3 per case request + $0.25/page |
| Certified copy | $5 + $0.25/page |
| Exemplified copy | $10 + $0.25/page |
| Electronic hearing recording | $10 per request |
Use VISOR for Supported Custody and Release Notifications
Columbia County now directs users to VISOR — Victim Information System in Oregon. The Sheriff says VISOR monitors people in Oregon county jails, Oregon DOC and Oregon Youth Authority and can provide supported notifications involving events such as release, transfer, escape and hearings.
- Search the correct person carefully.
- Register a supported notification method.
- Keep contact information current.
- Do not depend on one automated alert for an urgent safety decision.
- Confirm time-sensitive custody changes with the responsible agency.
Victim Services assistance: 888-749-8080.
Oregon DOC, Federal Custody and Other Counties
Oregon Department of Corrections
Use Oregon Offender Search when a person has transferred from county jail into Oregon state correctional custody or when DOC jurisdiction is the relevant question.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Use BOP for federal prison custody. A U.S. Marshals hold at Columbia County Jail does not automatically mean the person is already serving a sentence in a BOP institution.
Another Oregon county
Search another county only when the arresting agency, court record, warrant or documented transfer points there.
Washington County, Oregon
Use when custody or court information points toward Hillsboro or Washington County.
Washington County Jail Roster GuideDouglas County, Oregon
Use only when a verified arrest, transfer or court route points toward Douglas County.
Douglas County Jail Roster GuideColumbia County Jail, Sheriff and Court Contacts
| Office | Contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia County Jail | 503-366-4630 | Custody, bail, release, visits, mail, account and property questions. |
| Sheriff Reception / Records | 503-366-4611 | General Sheriff and records routing. |
| Non-emergency dispatch | 503-397-1521 | Non-emergency law-enforcement dispatch. |
| Columbia County Circuit Court | 503-397-2327 | Hearings, court records, remote-hearing and case questions. |
| Access Corrections | 866-345-1884 | Inmate account deposits. |
| Securus | 800-844-6591 | Inmate telephone-account assistance. |
St. Helens, OR 97051
St. Helens, OR 97051
Use Columbia County Booking Information Responsibly
- An arrest, booking, charge or roster entry is not proof of guilt.
- A $0 bail field does not automatically mean free release.
- A scheduled-release field is not a guaranteed pickup time.
- A U.S. Marshals or outside-agency hold may change who controls release.
- An old screenshot is not proof of current custody.
- A court case can exist without present jail custody.
- Use court records for later case outcomes.
- Do not use public jail information for stalking, threats, harassment or public shaming.
Columbia County Jail Roster FAQs
Which Columbia County does this page cover?
This guide covers Columbia County, Oregon and the Columbia County Jail in St. Helens. It does not cover Columbia County in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin or another state.
Where is the official Columbia County Oregon inmate roster?
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office provides a Current Inmate Listing. The separate Inmate Census can be useful for finding the housing pod needed for visitation planning.
Does a roster charge mean the person was convicted?
No. A jail charge or booking entry is not a conviction. Use Oregon court records for filed charges, pleas, dismissals, sentencing and final case outcomes.
Why might someone be missing from the current inmate list?
Booking may still be processing, a different legal surname may be used, the person may have been released or transferred, another county may have custody, or state/federal custody may now apply.
Why does the housing pod matter?
Columbia County’s public visitation schedule is organized by housing pod, and some B-Pod and C-Pod times are cell-specific. Check the Inmate Census and have the inmate confirm the visit date.
How often can an inmate receive a public visit?
The current Sheriff visitation page says limited public visiting occurs one time per week as time and space allow. The inmate schedules the visit and maintains the approved visitor list.
How do I put money on an inmate account?
Use Access Corrections, call 866-345-1884 or use the approved kiosk in the Sheriff’s Office front office. The county states that cash and money orders sent through the mail are not accepted.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Use the inmate’s booking name, include a booking number when available and provide the sender’s name and return address. Confirm the current mailing destination before sending important correspondence.
What is Columbia County Book and Release?
It is a specifically authorized booking procedure in which the person completes identification, photograph and fingerprint processing and is then released back to the community. It currently operates Monday except holidays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and requires authorization paperwork, ID and the county form.
Where should I search after a transfer to Oregon DOC?
Use Oregon Offender Search when the person has entered state correctional custody. Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator only when federal imprisonment is the relevant custody system.
Final Columbia County Verification Checklist
- Confirm the jurisdiction is Columbia County, Oregon.
- Use the Sheriff’s current inmate source.
- Compare more than the person’s name.
- Use the Inmate Census when the pod matters.
- Do not treat a booking or charge as conviction.
- Identify any federal, parole, probation or outside-agency hold.
- Verify the current bail amount and payment method before paying.
- Do not treat scheduled release as guaranteed physical release.
- Use Circuit Court for hearings and legal case outcomes.
- Use the current September 2026 visitation schedule rather than an old third-party schedule.
- Keep inmate account deposits separate from bail.
- Use the booking name for mail and confirm the delivery address.
- Arrange property pickup before travelling.
- Bring all three required Book and Release items when that process applies.
- Use VISOR for supported Oregon custody notifications.
- Use Oregon DOC or BOP only when the custody path supports it.
Official Sources Used for This Columbia County Guide
- Columbia County Sheriff — Columbia County Jail
- Current Inmate Listing
- Inmate Census
- Inmate Visitation
- Inmate Services
- Inmate Mail Policy
- Inmate Phone Services
- Attorney Privileged Phone Access
- Bookings & Releases
- Victim Rights and VISOR Information
- Columbia County Sheriff Contact Information
- Columbia County Circuit Court
- Columbia County Circuit Court Records
- Columbia County Court Calendars
- Columbia County Remote Hearings
- Oregon DOC Offender Search
- Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
Independent publisher notice: Jail-Roster.org is an independent informational publisher. It does not operate or represent Columbia County Jail, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Judicial Department, Oregon DOC, VISOR, Access Corrections, Securus, the U.S. Marshals Service or the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Current official records and instructions control whenever custody status, visit schedules, fees, providers, court availability or procedures change.