Where to Find Indiana Inmate Records

Inmate records in Indiana are catalogs that detail the data, holding facility, visits, and status of a convicted individual. Inmate files begin the minute an arrest takes place. It officially starts with local enforcement authorities writing up a rap sheet and then passing those records to other agencies that take possession of the prisoner. Inmate records in Indiana are the sole responsibility of the Indiana department of corrections (IDOC) and the sheriff’s department in each county.

Are Incarceration Records Public Information in Indiana?

Yes, Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) declares that files generated by government-owned agencies are public records except the court says otherwise. According to the Indiana public records act, agencies have to provide a duly updated record to members of the public who request the documents.

Records that are considered public may be accessible from some third-party websites. These websites often make searching simpler, as they are not limited by geographic location, and search engines on these sites may help when starting a search for a specific or multiple records. To begin using such a search engine on a third-party or government website, interested parties usually must provide:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state that person resides in or was accused in.

Third-party sites are independent from government sources, and are not sponsored by these government agencies. Because of this, record availability on third-party sites may vary.

What Information is Contained in an Indiana Inmate Record?

Details included in an inmate record in Indiana include:

• The name and aliases of the inmate
• Information on the inmate’s crime
• Personal information, such as date of birth, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and marital status
• Identification information, including mugshots, fingerprints, DNA samples, facial recognition, and other biometrics
• The date and time of incarceration
• The address, security level, and detention facility where the inmate is held
• Past conviction and sentences
• Bail and bond

Where do I Look Up an Inmate in Indiana?

Interested persons can search for inmates in Indiana online through the Indiana Offender Database Search, managed by the Indiana Department of Correction and the Inmate Lookup. Parties can search by the offender’s name or number. Mailing options are available, and interested persons will make a written request stating the inmate’s necessary information as identifiers. Send the application by mail to:

302 W. Washington Street,

Rm E–334

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Alternatively, interested persons can visit the local county jail or correctional facilities to lookup inmates.

How Do I Conduct an Inmate Search in Indiana?

The Indiana Offender Database Search is the portal to search for Indiana inmates online. On the webpage, requestors are to provide the last name or both the first and last name of the offender and the convict’s number. Searching by the offender’s number helps narrow down results and eliminates a longer process. The offender’s mugshots, showing the face and side, will be displayed to aid recognition, coupled with bookings and other related photographs.

As another option, interested individuals can send an email to COAOffenderRecordRequest@idoc.in.gov to inquire about incarcerated persons in Indiana or make a call to the Records Division on (317) 232–5765 to obtain physical copies.

Inquirers can also visit county jails to obtain physical information on all inmates, incarceration dates, and crime. However, the requestor must know the location of the inmate before the search.

How Can I Find an Inmate for Free in Indiana?

In Indiana, inmate records are available to the general public for free by contacting the Indiana Department of Corrections in person or online through the Indiana Offender Database Search. Also, most county/city correctional facilities provide information on inmates serving sentences without charges. Information reviewable include the inmate’s full name, inmate number, date of birth, gender, race, and current holding facility. To search Indiana inmates in person:

• Contact the Indiana Department of Corrections at:

302 West Washington Street

IGCS, Room E334

Indianapolis, IN 46204

• Request the inmate information by name or DOC number
• Enter any supplementary information required
• Review inmate records and available mug shots
• Find inmate records and inmate location

Indiana has statewide automated victim information and notification (SAVIN) through which residents receive alerts about offenders. The service is available round the clock, and it is free. Persons can access SAVIN on 1–866–891–0330 as well. Indiana citizens are encouraged to register to get real-time information about convicts.

How to Find Old Inmate Records in Indiana

The National Archives Records Administration (NARA) maintains incarceration files of old inmates in Indiana, after ten years of release. As such, users seeking information on old convicts are encouraged to direct NARA inquiries to confirm availability. The party should provide the following details:

• Inmate’s full name (including middle name and initials)
• Date of birth or approximate age at the time of imprisonment
• Race
• Approximate dates in prison

How do I Find Inmate Death Records in Indiana?

Indiana Department of Correction transfers records of dead or released convicts to the Indiana State Archives after ten years. Obtaining records at the Indiana Archives and Records Administration is by appointment only. Interested persons can book an appointment by sending an email to arc@iara.in.gov or calling (317) 591–5222.

How do I Conduct a Federal Prison Inmate Search?

The inmate locator tool, provided by the Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP), helps interested persons to locate federal inmates. On the locator tool, requestors are to provide either:

• Full name, age, race, and sex (optional) to identify the particular inmate.
• Or the inmate number:
  • Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Register
  • D.C. Department of Corrections (DCDC)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) (for inmates who violated immigration laws)

Following the First Step Act, courts review sentences to address pending time changes due to inmates’ good conduct. Hence, dates revealed may not be up-to-date, and interested persons can continue to check back to see if there are any changes.

How Long Does it Take For An Inmate’s Information to Be Published in Indiana Inmate Locator?

The Indiana Department of Correction makes a conscious effort to ensure the offender database is up to date. It takes an average of between 2 to 6 weeks for inmate information to be published in the Indiana Offender Database. Sometimes, the database is updated every 24 hours.