Inmate Locator Tools: How to Find Prisoners Online?

Do you need information on an inmate? If so, the Internet offers a host of valuable and accurate information. Unfortunately, many people have an incarcerated friend or relative. To contact an inmate, knowing their exact location is critical. If a state has more than one correctional facility, it can be difficult to pinpoint an inmate's location. Furthermore, some inmates are transferred to different locations. With an online inmate search, you can learn about an inmate's whereabouts within minutes. State and national inmate registries provide useful information. Simply complete a few search fields, and submit your online request.

State Department of Corrections: The Department of Correction's online website provides information about adult prisoners, probation, parolees, etc. If looking for an inmate held within a state's prison system, begin your search with the Department of Corrections. Take advantage of online locator tools. On the Department's homepage, look for links such as "Offender Information," or "Locator Tool." To find a prison inmate, enter the person's first and last name in the search fields. Enter the prisoner's unique identification number if applicable. The Department of Corrections will search all prison records to find a match. Inmate reports include information such as physical description, criminal history, sentencing details, and location.

Friends Behind the Walls: Some persons enjoy establishing pen pal relationships with prison inmates. Friends Behind the Walls is an online service that connects inmates with outside pals. This website is also useful for obtaining prison inmate details. To begin a search, visit http://www.friendsbeyondthewall.com/main/inmate_locator.html. The site permits two search options. Requestors may conduct a nationwide inmate search using a Federal inmate locator tool. If an inmate's location is known, requestors may conduct a statewide search. Select a state from the section titled, "Inmate Database Search." Request a search by entering the offender's first and last name.

Federal Bureau of Prisons: If unsure of a prison inmate's location, a Federal search is beneficial. The State Department of Corrections only maintains a record of inmates held within the state. For this matter, it is wise to take advantage of nationwide Federal searches. To begin a Federal search, visit http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp. Search for an inmate by name or identification number. The first and last name fields are required. To find an accurate record, enter as much known information as possible. Include inmate's sex, gender, and age. Because prisoners may share a common name, search results may provide multiple matches. Carefully browse each record to find your inmate. Once the correct record is located, inmate details will include identification number, age, sex, sentence date, release date, location, conviction history, criminal history, etc. This website is helpful because it provides details on all prison inmates from 1982 - present. Upon an inmate's release from prison, the Federal Bureau of Prison retains a searchable prison record.