Inmate Search — Ask the Inmate
Finding out where someone is incarcerated is often the first and most urgent challenge families face after an arrest or transfer. The Bureau of Prisons maintains a free locator for federal inmates. Every state maintains its own inmate search tool. But knowing which system to search, how to use the locator correctly, and what to do when the search comes up empty requires guidance that most families do not have access to when they need it most. This section covers how to use the BOP inmate locator for federal inmates, how to find state inmates using DOC search tools, what to do when an inmate does not appear in any search system, why someone in transit may be temporarily unfindable, and how InmateAid's free inmate search can help locate a loved one across multiple systems simultaneously. The answers here are written for families searching in real time, often in crisis, who need accurate information fast. See also our sections on Inmate Transfer and General Prison Questions.
Related InmateAid Services
You can always ask us to double-check. We will do an inmate search for you and create your inmate's profile, all you have to do is ask.
Read moresend us a request via email at Aid@InmateAid.com with the inmate's name and other information that you have. We will do our best to help
Read moreWe'll set up the account for you and let you know what it is ready to use - please include their name and ID number - also the facility are they in if you know, and if not what state they're in?
Read moreThe inmate profiles are set up by the member/users of the website. We do not monitor, verify or update the profiles unless requested by the member/user. If you would like us to create an inmate profile we would be happy to do it for you. We need as much information as possible to locate them. Their name, DOB and state are the minimum amount of information we'd need to get the search going. We will set up the profile
Read moreWe do not get any advanced knowledge of any inmate's designation for security reasons. We recommend calling the Navy's judicial department to see if they will tell you where they've assigned him to do his time.
Read moreThe Oak Street facility is a COUNTY JAIL also used by ICE for immigration detainees. The Melaleuca Drive Facility is a STATE PRISON. You have to know which type of offender your inmate is.
Read moreFinding an inmate in county jail is pretty easy on InmateAid. As long as you know the state they caught their charge in, you can go to vinelink.com to begin searching. If you need assistance, you can email us at Aid@InmateAid.com with the offender's name and any other information you have to help us in our search. We will email you our findings.
Read moreYes, you can still send a letter even if the facility listing looks off or is not showing correctly in the directory. SCF Sterling, CO refers to Sterling Correctional Facility, which is located in Sterling, Colorado. Logan County is the county where Sterling is located, so both references are pointing to the same prison. That part is just a geographic labeling issue, not a different facility. Our inmate profiles are created and managed by users, so occasionally
Read moreYou need to know the name of the facility where your inmate is incarcerated. Each has their own set of rules and vendors that facilitate the money transfer and phone service. You can write your inmate a [letter with 4" x 6" glossy photos](https://www.inmateaid.com/letters) or send a [postcard with photos](https://www.inmateaid.com/postcards) on the reverse side, you can send them [magazines](https://www.inmateaid.com/shop/magazines). All you will need to do is [Create an Account](https://www.inmateaid.com/join-the-community) and you're good to go.
Read moreUsing the inmate search feature on every facility page on InmateAid is the very best way to search. If you know the inmate's location, getting thier number should be pretty easy. If you try but cannot locate it, send us an email at aid@inmateaid.com along with the inmate's name, state and location and we will get it for you.
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