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
There are two inmate search functions. One is the search of inmate profiles set up by our members. The second are the locators by the jurisdiction. To use them, you will need to know the state they are in and the jurisdiction where they were prosecuted. If you give us some more information we will help you find him.
Read moreThe facility itself is usually the clearest indicator. Federal inmates are housed in Bureau of Prisons facilities, which have designations like FCI, USP, FPC, or FMC in their names and are run by the federal government. State inmates are housed in state-operated facilities, and the names typically reference the state system, such as a Department of Corrections reception center or correctional institution. Chino, formally known as the California Institution for Men or the California Rehabilitation Center depending on the
Read moreYou can begin your [search here](http://www.inmateaid.com/inmate-search). Click on the state and then narrow down your choices to the facility type or name listed.
Read moreWe do not have a name to research. if you would like to find and create an inmate profile, we would be happy to do it for you. Please send us the inmate's name, their ID number, and the facility where they are incarcerated and we'll notify you when it's ready. If you need information on someone's whereabouts, we recommend using the Background Search button to get accurate information.
Read moreIf you do not know your inmate's release date you can still complete the profile update. Simply enter a placeholder date such as 00-00-0000 in the release date field to move past the requirement. You can update it with the correct date later once you have that information. How to find the actual release date For federal inmates the Bureau of Prisons publishes projected release dates in their free online locator at bop.gov/inmateloc. Search by your inmate's name
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