Find Iowa Inmate Records

Iowa inmate records are a compilation of relevant information concerning persons serving an incarceration sentence within the State of Iowa. They contain information such as offenders' names, age, race, gender, offense history, and other details regarding an inmate's incarceration activities.

The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) operates correctional facilities in Iowa. Upon booking into an Iowa correctional facility, the IDOC collates and maintains inmate information. Inmate records concerning offenders held at county-operated jails can typically be obtained from the Sheriff's department within the county's jurisdiction.

Are Incarceration Records Public Information in Iowa?

Yes, incarceration records are public information in Iowa. In compliance with the state's open records law, the custodians of incarceration records must provide options for eligible persons to inspect or copy such records. However, confidential records such as medical information on inmates are inaccessible to the general public.

In addition to state and county portals, public records are sometimes hosted by private third-party providers that make information available online. Such websites typically advertise broader search capabilities that extend beyond specific jurisdictions, offering a streamlined experience when looking for multiple records simultaneously. However, to access this information, requesters are usually asked to identify details such as the subject's name and the location relevant to the record. Juvenile information is generally excluded due to privacy protections. It is also important to note that these third-party platforms are not official government resources, which means the availability and accuracy of data can vary greatly.

What Information is Contained in an Iowa Inmate Record?

Iowa inmate records typically contain personal information regarding incarcerated persons and some details about their offense. Such information includes:

• Full name
• Offender number
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• Location
• Offense history
• Tentative Discharge Date
• Supervision Discharge Date
• Commitment Date
• County of Commitment
• Probation details

Where do I Look Up an Inmate in Iowa?

The following options are available to look up incarcerated offenders' information in Iowa:

• Iowa Department of Corrections website: The IDOC website provides an online platform on which interested individuals can obtain inmate information. The IDOC Offender Search tool is available on the website to find information on offenders held in correctional facilities located within the state.
• Third-party websites: Some inmate information is available on databases managed by third-party websites. Interested individuals can look up inmates on such websites.
• Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office manages records of individuals detained in jails within its jurisdiction. The records department makes inmate records available to eligible persons so they can look up offenders or copy desired information.
• County websites: County-run jails usually provide resources on their websites that querying parties can use to look up inmates in jail facilities.

How Do I Conduct an Inmate Search in Iowa?

Interested persons using the IDOC Offender Search tool to find inmates in Iowa can fill the search boxes with the appropriate information to retrieve results. However, querying parties should note that the information they can obtain on the search tool is limited.

Interested individuals can also visit the websites of county-run correctional facilities to check pages that offer access to inmate information. The local law enforcement agency may also provide an inmate locator tool for querying parties to conduct an inmate search.

Online inmate search platforms such as the IDOC offender search tool usually require users to provide some information about inmates to facilitate the search. These details are filled in the query boxes. Typically, the information required includes an offender's full name, date of birth, gender, offender number, offense committed, and the county of commitment.

Querying parties can also request physical copies of inmate information from their custodian. Individuals can visit the custodian's office to request inmate information in person or prepare a written request and send it to the custodian's office. However, charges may apply for the copying of desired records.

How Can I Find an Inmate for Free in Iowa?

Querying parties may use the Iowa Department of Corrections Offender Search tool to look up an inmate for free in Iowa. Some counties and local law enforcement agencies may also provide resources like inmate locators that members of the public can utilize to find inmates held in their jail facility. Scott County's website offers an Inmate Listing page on which interested persons can find information on incarcerated inmates at no cost.

How to Find Old Inmate Records in Iowa

Querying parties can use the Offender Search tool to find inmate records of individuals who have finished serving a prison sentence in an Iowa correctional facility. Users of the search tool can find information on offenders discharged from a correctional facility within the state's jurisdiction. Interested persons can also request old inmate records from their local law enforcement agency office in person or via U.S mail.

Inmate Release Date Lookup In Iowa

The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) maintains a centralized database that includes information on incarcerated inmates. The Iowa Corrections Offender Search Tool provides custody status, sentencing history, parole eligibility, and anticipated release dates. Searches may be conducted by name or offender number.

Individuals seeking assistance beyond the online database can submit requests to the Iowa Department of Corrections or call (515) 725-5701. Release dates may be adjusted by parole board determinations, earned time credits, or administrative decisions. Records involving juvenile offenders are not accessible to the public.

How do I Conduct a Federal Prison Inmate Search?

Users can use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator tool to conduct an inmate search and obtain information regarding offenders detained in federal prisons.

The inmate locator provides information on federal inmates incarcerated between 1982 and the present. Persons seeking federal inmate records pre–1982 can visit the National Archives website to make such requests.

Interested persons can search the inmate locator using the inmate's BOP register number or their full name, age, race, and gender. The information available on the inmate locator includes the name, location, release date, offender number, age, ethnicity, and gender. Persons who encounter issues looking up an inmate can visit the BOP contact page. Written inquiries can be addressed to the BOP location:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Attn: Inmate Locator
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20534

How Long Does It Take for An Inmate's Information to Be Published in Iowa Inmate Locator?

Typically, inmate information on the Iowa inmate locator is available within 24 hours after the records have been documented on the correctional facility's database. County-run jails that provide an inmate listing on their website also update it daily so interested parties can access records of newly incarcerated offenders.

Why Is An Inmate Not Showing Up In Search?

If an inmate does not appear in the Iowa DOC database, it may be because they are housed in a county jail or detention center, as the state system only tracks individuals in prison custody. Juvenile offenders are handled separately by the Iowa Department of Human Services and are excluded from the public search. Inmates recently admitted, transferred, or released may also not appear until the database is updated. Technical issues or court-ordered restrictions may further prevent visibility. Parties may contact the IDOC or the relevant county sheriff's office to confirm inmate status.