Finding Your Loved One: How to Use GDC's Offender Locator Tools

GDC’s official “Find an Offender” tool is the main lookup system for family and friends who need to confirm where someone is housed. When you enter the information you have, the results can show the person’s charges, their facility location, and a release date - details that can help you figure out the next step, like which facility’s rules to follow for contact.

• ✓ Name
• ✓ Description
• ✓ GDC ID number
• ✓ Case number

Once you get a match, focus on the fields that help you make real-world decisions. The charges section can confirm you’ve found the right person (especially if the name is common). The facility location tells you where they’re currently housed, which matters for everything from visitation rules to mail processing. You’ll also see a release date listed, which can help you understand the expected timeline - just remember that what you see in the tool is the place to start when you’re planning, not a substitute for following the facility’s current procedures.

1. Recheck the spelling and name format - Try alternate spellings, a nickname vs. legal name, or switching the order you enter first and last name.
2. Use another search option - The tool allows searches by name, description, GDC ID number, or case number, so you’re not limited to one approach.
3. Try the GDC ID number if you have it - An ID number is usually the cleanest way to narrow down results when names are similar.
4. Try the case number if that’s what you have - If paperwork lists a case number, entering it can help you locate the correct record.
5. Use the description field to broaden the search - If you’re unsure of spelling or the exact name, searching by description can help you get closer to the right match.