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
The inmate ID numbers are issued at the time of the arrest. That number follows them as long as they are locked up
Read moreYou would have to know what state and what county he was arrested in. Then you can narrow down your search. Try vinelink.com to start.
Read morethis is not enough info to help you. there are literally thousands of inmates with the last name "Lopez", first name "M"... and you also need to narrow down to the state they caught their charges in. Try vinelink.com to search around.
Read moreit's updated weekly but some of the prisons and jails are not as fast to update their releases and transfers. Email us the inmate's name and the new location and we will update it for you.
Read moreThe federal inmate locator does not have the inmate's location if it is not one of their facilities. The bop.gov website lists all federal inmates, but if they are NOT IN BOP CUSTODY, it means that they are in a county or city jail awaiting a court appearance. Try vinelink.com, they have a very good inmate locator
Read morethere are 2.4 million people in prison or jail... should we guess who this is? or guess which state?
Read moreIf someone convicted of a sexual offense does not appear on the sex offender registry, there are a few possible explanations and several steps you can take. Contact the prosecutor or lead attorney on the case. The district attorney's office that handled the conviction has the most direct access to information about why someone may not be appearing on the registry. Notify them specifically that this person does not appear to be registered. In many states, failure to register
Read moreYou can contact the Clerk of the Court to get the transcripts of the case and the sentencing where they were adjudicated
Read moreIf you are referring to the CDCR vernacular, the term D1A is for inmates that are classified as Developmentally Disabled. There are three custody levels and here is how they rank - DD1 D1A DD2 DD3. Once an inmate is designated D1A, the basic support services are provided to them.
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