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
VINELink.com is the fastest starting point for locating a lost inmate number. Search by name and state to retrieve current custody information including facility and inmate ID. The Iowa Department of Corrections offender search at doc.iowa.gov is also a reliable resource for Fort Dodge.
Read morethere are no juvenile inmate locators. juvenile offender's are protected by the privacy act for minors - the information is not public.
Read moreNot easy to locate "former inmates". You can start with the facility where they were last incarcerated to see if they have a forwarding address, halfway house, etc.
Read moreYes to all of the above. Inmate ID means they have been in jail, whether they have been released might not be available. You may write him from here and he can respond through if he chooses to. If he has your phone number, he can call you as long as he has money on his books or you accept a collect call. Collect calls are about $15 each. If you are intending to speak often, we would recommend you
Read moreYou can try vinelink.com for the inmate ID number. If the letters do not have the ID, the mail room staff by rule could reject the mail. It depends on whose working at the time, some are nice and let it go, others not so... and play it by the book
Read moreVinelink only has the inmate's location and sometimes their inmate id number. To find out the charges, you will have to contact the Clerk of the Court where the charges were filed. You can access the entire file including court documents, trial transcripts and media if available. There is a fee they charge to reproduce the information for you but this is where the lawyers go to get their information.
Read moreWhat is his name and the state or facility where he is incarcerated, we will try and locate the number for you?
Read moreThe US Marshal Service has never lost a person in WITSEC, that is becasue no one ever finds out where they have placed them. Which also means that you are not going to be able to find them either.
Read moreThe InmateAid Inmate Profiles are created by the Member/Users of the site. If you need help getting this set up correctly, please send us your inmate's name and other information and we'll notify you when it's ready to use.
Read moreMaybe becasue you do not have a link to the [Georgia DOC Inmate Locator](http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/GDC/OffenderQuery/jsp/OffQryForm.jsp)
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