Use this website for informational purposes only.
The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC)’s “seeks to make significant strides to implement evidence-based practices system-wide that are proven to reduce victimization, reduce recidivism and enhance community safety.” (https://doc.iowa.gov/)
If you are looking for an inmate in Iowa, the Department of Corrections is the first place to search. The IDOC offers several inmate search options for you to investigate and find the inmate you are looking for.
The contact information for the Iowa Department of Corrections is as follows:
510 E 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 725-5701
The Iowa Department of Corrections manages and operates all the state prison in Iowa. On the Iowa DOC inmate lookup, you can search for an inmate by first and last name, birthdate, or offender number.
On the Iowa DOC website, you can not only find inmates serving time in Iowa, but you can also find out information about visitation and communication with an inmate.
Find an Inmate Search Engine
The Federal Bureau of Prison’s Find an Inmate search engine is a website you can use to search for Iowa inmates. This website, which originated in 1982, contains records of all inmates who have been incarcerated from that date to present. You can also do a release search for inmates who have already been released.
To find an inmate, you can either search by the inmate’s name or the inmate’s number (You will need the inmate’s DCDC number, FBI number, INS number, or BOP register number in order to find him or her).
However, do note that this search gives results for inmates sent to federal prisons only. Inmates convicted of violating Federal laws (laws of the United States) are sent to Federal prisons.
Inmate Records Online Search
Through this search, you can find criminal records, inmates, mugshots and contact information for inmates through law enforcement agencies and government courthouses.
To use this resource, you need to search the inmate’s first and last name, and click on “Iowa.” Once the search is complete, you will need to set up a free account to see the full report.
VINELink
VINELink is the online portal to VINE which is America’s leading victim notification network. This company allows you to search for inmates in Iowa. All you need to do is create a free account in order to use VINELink’s services. In addition to the website, you can also contact VINELink by calling toll-free 1-800-247-9763.
VINELink provides the most current and reliable information regarding inmate custody status changes and criminal case information, and has recently added new user-friendly features that will benefit the community of the loved ones of inmates and concerned citizens.
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, The VINE service offers information by phone, email, and text message where available.
Search Specific Jails in Iowa
Another way you can search for an inmate in Iowa is to search specific jails or prisons in Iowa.
Each jail website has a jail roster, so you can find out who’s in jail by searching the jail roster. Go here to search specific jails in Iowa, and from there you can find the inmate you are looking for.
One of the main jails in Iowa is the Iowa State Penitentiary, located in Fort Madison, Iowa. This a maximum-medium level security prison with 435 staff and around 845 inmates on a given day.
Search Prisons by Types
You can also find out who’s in jail in Iowa by performing an inmate search for the type of prison or jail that he is she serving time in:
- City Jail
A city jail is for inmates who are serving short sentences after conviction of a misdemeanor.
- County Jail
A county jail serves inmates who are awaiting trial or those convicted of minor crimes —These inmates usually stay in a county jail for a year or less.
- State prison
A state prison is a prison operated and maintained by a state and used to confine and rehabilitate criminals. Most inmates who are sentenced to prisons are sentenced for a year or more.
When you are looking at a specific jail or prison, go to the inmate search page on the website and search for the inmate, using his or her first and last name. You will usually see the inmate’s name, mugshot, birthdate, charges, and other information.
Bottom Line
The Iowa Department of Corrections provides several resourceful ways to search for inmates in Iowa. If you cannot find the inmate you are looking for on one search, then search another one. Using these search databases, you will soon find exactly who you are looking for.
This site is not owned or operated by any state government agency, read more.
