Kentucky Inmate Search

Kentucky Inmate Search is a public online database that allows users to search for information about incarcerated individuals in the state. The Kentucky Department of Corrections (KDOC) maintains and regularly updates this database to provide accurate and current information.

The importance of the inmate search in Kentucky lies in its ability to provide information to the public about individuals incarcerated in the state. This information includes the inmate's name, KDOC number, age, gender, race, and the facility currently houses the inmate. It may also provide information about the inmate's conviction, sentence length, and expected release date.

The information the state inmate search provides can be helpful in several ways. For example, family members and friends of an inmate can use this tool to find out where their loved one is being held and when they may be released.

Law enforcement officers can also use the system to track the whereabouts of specific individuals, and public members can use it to research criminal activity in their area.

However, the inmate search system in the state has limitations. The information provided is only for the KDOC correctional facilities. It may not include all individuals incarcerated in other types of correctional facilities in the state, such as county jails and federal prisons.

Additionally, some information may be missing or incomplete due to several factors, such as delays in data entry or lack of information. Lastly, the system may experience technical difficulties or downtime, which can impact the ability of users to access the information they need.

What Are Kentucky Inmate Records?

Kentucky Inmate Records are documents containing comprehensive information about incarcerated individuals. Anyone can obtain these records through a formal request process, as they are considered public records.

Obtaining an inmate record in Kentucky can provide more information about the inmate than doing the Kentucky Inmate Search. Inmate records in Kentucky may include the following information:

Personal information, such as the inmate's name, birth date, gender, race, any known aliases, and other identifying information
Arrest and booking information, including the reason for arrest, date and time of arrest, location of arrest, and the agency that made the arrest
Court information, such as the charges against the inmate, court dates, and the outcome of the case
Sentencing information, including the length of the sentence, release date, and the facility that houses the inmate
Release information, including the inmate's parole or release date and any conditions of release
The inmate's criminal history

The information contained in Kentucky inmate records is made publicly accessible through the Kentucky Open Records Act (KORA). This law allows members of the public to request access to certain public records, including inmate records, to promote transparency and accountability in government.

Individuals must submit a formal request to the appropriate agency or department to obtain an inmate record in Kentucky. In most cases, this will be the KDOC. Make the request in writing and include as much information as possible about the inmate, such as their full name and any identifying numbers or codes.

The agency or department will review the request once they receive it and provide the requested information as allowed under the KORA. Depending on complexity and information availability, the request may incur fees and take time to process.

What Are Kentucky Prison and Jail Records?

Kentucky Prison and Jail Records are statistical records of correctional facilities in Kentucky that provide quantitative data about the prison and jail population in the state, including demographic information about the inmates and their crimes.

Analysts can utilize these records to study patterns and trends within the state's criminal justice system, such as fluctuations in crime rates or the effects of policy decisions on the prison population.

Based on some Kentucky Prison and Jail Records, the state is home to 41,000 individuals, with approximately 26,000 serving time in state prisons and 13,000 being held in local jails. Federal prisons in Kentucky house 3,500 inmates, while a few individuals are in juvenile detention centers.

It is noteworthy that 60% of the prison population in Kentucky is serving time for drug-related offenses. Property crimes accounted for 34% of inmates, while violent crimes comprised approximately 4.25% of the incarcerated population. Sex offenses resulted in only 0.50% of the prison population.

The high percentage of drug-related offenses suggests a potential need for more effective drug treatment and rehabilitation programs in the state. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of sex offenders in Kentucky's prison population may indicate a successful implementation of preventative measures or a focus on rehabilitating these crimes.

What Are the Types of Prisons and Jails in Kentucky?

Kentucky's prisons and jails vary in size, security level, and purpose, from small local jails to large state prisons. Each of these facilities serves a specific function in the criminal justice system.

Understanding the different types of correctional facilities in Kentucky is essential for individuals seeking information about inmates or the workings of the state's criminal justice system.

Here's an overview of the types of prisons and jails in Kentucky:

Kentucky State Prisons

Kentucky state prisons are correctional facilities operated by the KDOC to incarcerate convicted individuals sentenced to serve time in prison as punishment for their crimes. These facilities house inmates convicted of various crimes, including violent, drug, and property crimes.

The KDOC has both high-security and low-security prisons. The security measures in each prison depend on the type of inmates they have. In addition, Kentucky operates several specialized prisons, such as those for female inmates and those with substance abuse issues.

Kentucky state prisons aim to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. These facilities have various programs and services, such as educational and vocational training, counseling, and substance abuse treatment.

As of 2023, there are 14 state prisons in Kentucky. To access these facilities' contact information and other details, navigate to the "Facilities" page on the KDOC website. Select "Adult Institutions" from the side menu and click the particular state prison to view its contact and other relevant information.

Kentucky Reentry Service Centers

Kentucky reentry service centers provide transitional services and support to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. These centers help formerly incarcerated individuals, such as those parolees and probationers, successfully reintegrate into their communities and reduce recidivism rates.

The reentry service centers offer various services, including case management, job readiness training, educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and housing assistance.

These services aim to help individuals overcome the barriers they may face after being released from prison and provide them with the tools and resources necessary to transition into society.

The KDOC operates several reentry service centers across the state, typically near urban areas with high recidivism rates.

As of 2023, there are 21 reentry service centers in Kentucky. For the complete list of these facilities and their contact details, visit the "Facilities" page on the KDOC website. Select "Reentry Service Centers" from the side menu and click the particular facility to view its contact and other relevant information.

Kentucky Recovery Centers

Kentucky recovery centers operated by the KDOC are facilities designed to help individuals struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. These centers offer various services to help individuals overcome addiction, including detoxification, counseling, and therapy.

Kentucky recovery centers may also offer a range of specialized programs tailored to specific populations, such as women, veterans, or individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.

Recovery centers in Kentucky aim to provide a secure and supportive environment where individuals can concentrate on their recovery and acquire the skills necessary for long-term sobriety.

The KDOC has several recovery centers throughout the state, each offering a unique set of services and treatment options.

As of 2023, there are 14 recovery centers in Kentucky. To obtain the complete list of these facilities and their contact details, visit the KDOC website's "Facilities" page, select "Recovery Kentucky" from the side menu, and click on the specific facility to view its relevant information, such as its contact details.

Kentucky County Jails

Kentucky county jails are generally operated by county governments that hold individuals arrested and awaiting trial or sentencing. These facilities also house individuals sentenced to one year or less.

In addition to providing secure housing, Kentucky county jails offer services to support inmates' physical and mental health needs, such as medical care, counseling, and educational programs. Depending on the specific jail, inmates may also have access to religious services, exercise facilities, and other amenities.

For individuals seeking to access current information on local jails in each Kentucky county, visit the "Facilities" page on the KDOC website. Select "Local Facilities" from the side menu and click the available links.

Alternatively, one can contact the Division of Local Facilities of the KDOC to obtain an updated list of county jails in Kentucky, together with their contact details.

Kentucky Federal Prisons

Kentucky federal prisons are facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) and located within the state. These prisons are part of the federal prison system and house individuals convicted of federal crimes, such as drug trafficking, immigration violations, and white-collar crimes.

As of 2023, there are five federal prisons in Kentucky, and these are the following:

Kentucky Juvenile Detention Centers

Kentucky juvenile detention centers are facilities designed to hold and care for minors accused or convicted of a crime in the state. The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) operates these facilities and assumes responsibility for providing a safe and secure environment for young people charged with delinquent behavior.

In addition to providing secure housing, these centers offer various services, including education, counseling, and medical care.

As of 2023, there are eight juvenile detention centers in Kentucky. For the complete list and relevant information about these detention centers, visit the "Detention Centers" page on the DJJ website.

Apart from the primary eight juvenile detention centers, the DJJ also operates six youth development centers throughout the state. These facilities provide long-term care for youth adjudicated of severe offenses requiring intensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Head over to the "Youth Development Centers" page on the DJJ website to access contact details and other relevant information about these facilities.

How To Perform Inmate Search in Kentucky

One must follow a few simple steps to perform a Kentucky Inmate Search. The first step is to visit the KDOC website. Upon arriving at the homepage, select the "About" tab from the main menu.

The next step is to use the sidebar menu to select "KY Offender Online Lookup" and then choose "KOOL" from the sub-menu and click the "Kentucky Offender Online Lookup System." This action will direct the user to the search form, where they can search for offenders using their name or other criteria.

To use more specific search criteria, click the "Advanced Options" button to access additional search fields such as KDOC number, criminal details, location, age, race, and gender.

Once filled in the desired fields, click "Search Data." Then, the website will display the results in a table showing the offender's name, location, KDOC number, and offense. The user can simply click on their name to obtain further information about a particular offender.

If the inmate is in a Kentucky county jail, some Kentucky counties offer online resources to aid the public in locating inmates within their jurisdiction. For example, the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government hosts an Online Inmate Search enabling searches by name, inmate number, gender, and age.

To locate an inmate incarcerated in a federal prison, visit the FBOP website and navigate the inmate locator page. Once there, provide the inmate's name or FBOP register number to retrieve comprehensive information about the federal inmate.

Lastly, one can use the VINE system to perform an inmate search in juvenile detention centers in Kentucky. The system can provide information about the offender's custody status and location by calling 1-800-511-1670 or visiting VineLink and entering the offender's name or ID number.

VineLink can also provide information about inmates from county jails and state prisons.

How To Contact an Inmate in Kentucky

When someone has a loved one incarcerated in a KDOC facility, they may wonder how to stay in touch with them. Fortunately, there are two ways to contact an inmate in Kentucky: mail or phone calls.

First, it is essential to know that all incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by the facility staff. It ensures that no contraband, such as drugs or weapons, is being sent or received.

When addressing the envelope, it is crucial to include the inmate's full name, KDOC number, and the facility address that houses the inmate, verified through the Kentucky Inmate Search system.

When writing the letter, remember that the facility staff will read it before delivering it to the inmate. Therefore, avoiding discussing illegal activities or anything deemed inappropriate is essential. Photos and drawings are generally allowed, but it is best to check with the facility beforehand to ensure there are no restrictions.

Another way to contact an inmate in Kentucky is by receiving a collect call from the inmate, as incoming calls are not allowed. The authorities limit the inmate's phone privileges to only making outgoing collect calls. Therefore, individuals must provide their phone number to the inmate and wait for them to make the call.

Remember that authorities record and monitor calls between inmates and people outside, except for those between attorneys and clients.

In case of emergencies, such as the death of an immediate family member, one can contact the institution. To report an emergency at the KDOC facilities, dial 606-337-7065 and select 0 for the operator.

One should contact the respective agency or facility to confirm the correct and specific communication options in county jails, federal prisons, or juvenile detention centers. These facilities may offer communication options different from those provided by KDOC facilities.

How To Visit an Inmate in Kentucky

Visiting an inmate in Kentucky can be daunting, especially for those who have never done it before. However, understanding the KDOC visiting requirements and rules that one must follow can make the experience less intimidating.

To begin with, anyone who wishes to visit an inmate in Kentucky must be on the inmate's approved visitation list. To be on this list, prospective visitors must provide valid identification and fill out an application form. Additionally, they must pass a background investigation.

Once approved, they can request a visit and must adhere to the visiting rules. Visitors must dress appropriately and not bring any items not allowed, such as weapons or drugs. Proper picture identification is also necessary for all visitors who are 18 years old and above.

In addition, visitors must pass through a metal detector and have their belongings searched before entering the facility.

KDOC facilities allow inmates to have one visit per week, which is limited to four visitors. Review this 2023 Visitation Calendar to determine the inmate's approved visitation day, as visiting days and hours are only on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Visitors must not give the inmate unpermitted items, such as money, during the visit. Visitors must also remain seated during the visit, and physical contact between the visitor and the inmate is not permitted. Furthermore, visitors must follow the facility's rules regarding behavior during the visit.

Violating the visiting rules and regulations may result in termination, suspension, or loss of visiting privileges.

The general instructions above are only for KDOC facilities. Individuals who wish to visit an inmate outside the KDOC facilities must contact the appropriate agency or the inmate's housing facility. They can also refer to the facility's website for current visitation rules, protocols, and schedules.

How To Send Money to an Inmate in Kentucky

The KDOC provides five methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account, and these are as follows:

Through a Lobby Kiosk

Over 800 self-service payment kiosks allow eligible individuals to send money to a KDOC inmate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Depending on the location, senders can make payments with a cash, debit, or credit card.

Through Online

Aside from a lobby kiosk, interested parties can deposit funds into an inmate's account via the Access Corrections website or download its free mobile app.

Through a Retail Store

Alternatively, the person may visit any location that accepts and distributes cash for inmates via the Cash Pay Today system. In this system, the sender must register an account to make a deposit.

To find the nearest payment locations, one can use this tool.

Through an Agent

By contacting the toll-free number (866) 345-1884 and communicating with an agent, parties can also transmit funds to incarcerated individuals in Kentucky.

Through a Money Order

Those without a debit or credit card can still deposit funds into an inmate's account using a money order. Senders can use this method by completing a money order deposit form and mailing it along with the money order to the address specified on the form.

The processing period for funds sent via money order is 48 hours, whereas funds deposited via other platforms are posted in real-time. Note that senders must have the inmate's first and last name and KDOC number verified through the Kentucky Inmate Search system.

The methods for sending money to an inmate in KDOC facilities generally remain the same for other correctional facility types in Kentucky. One can send money online, by mailing a money order, or with a kiosk. The only difference is that other facilities have different service providers sending money to an inmate.

For example, Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government contracted Touch Pay for interested parties wanting to send money online to the inmates in their local jails.

Counties in Kentucky

List of Content

What Are Kentucky Inmate Records?
What Are Kentucky Prison and Jail Records?
1. What Are the Types of Prisons and Jails in Kentucky?
How To Perform Inmate Search in Kentucky
How To Contact an Inmate in Kentucky
How To Visit an Inmate in Kentucky
How To Send Money to an Inmate in Kentucky