Des Moines County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Des Moines County?
Inmate records in Des Moines County are official documents created and maintained by the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office and its correctional facilities to document the custody, status, and history of individuals held in local detention. These records are distinct from court records: while the Iowa District Court maintains case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, the jail and sheriff's office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the Des Moines County Jail. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record bond conditions, and photograph the individual. Records are updated continuously throughout incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, court appearances, and sentence calculations. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to public access under Iowa law.
Under Iowa Code § 22.1, a "public record" includes any document, book, or other information maintained by a government body, which encompasses custody records held by county sheriff's offices. The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of all local inmate records.
Are Inmate Records Public In Des Moines County?
Inmate records maintained by the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office are generally public records under Iowa law. Iowa Code § 22.2 establishes that every person has the right to examine and copy public records, and custodians of such records are required to make them available upon request. Additionally, offender records held by the Iowa Department of Corrections are expressly designated as public information pursuant to Iowa Code § 904.601(1), which governs the disclosure of correctional records statewide.
The following categories of information are currently accessible to members of the public:
- Current inmate roster — names and booking dates of individuals presently held in the Des Moines County Jail
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and intake
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the current custody period
- Mugshots — photographs taken at the time of booking
- Bond and bail amounts — conditions set by the court for pretrial release
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held
Certain information may be withheld where disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger a person's safety, or is otherwise restricted by court order or statute.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Des Moines County
Inmate records in Des Moines County contain multiple categories of information compiled from booking through release. The following breakdown reflects the standard data elements maintained by the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender, race, and physical description (height, weight, hair and eye color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Current housing unit or cell assignment
- Custody status (pretrial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges (statute cited)
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or simple misdemeanor)
- Offense date
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Case number(s)
- Next scheduled court date
- Presiding court (Iowa District Court for Des Moines County)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Good-time or earned-time credits applied
- Projected release date
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond posted, sentence served, transfer, court order)
- Supervision conditions upon release, if any
Des Moines County Prison System
Des Moines County operates a local jail system administered by the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the pretrial detention of individuals awaiting court proceedings and the incarceration of persons serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor and lesser felony offenses. This structure is distinct from the Iowa state prison system, which is administered by the Iowa Department of Corrections and houses individuals convicted of felonies carrying sentences exceeding one year.
The county jail functions as the primary point of intake for all arrests made within Des Moines County, including those made by municipal police departments, the sheriff's office, and state law enforcement agencies operating within the county. The Sheriff's Office also manages civil process, court security, and transport of inmates to and from state facilities.
Des Moines County Sheriff's Office 513 N. Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601 (319) 753-4511 Des Moines County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Des Moines County
The Des Moines County correctional system currently operates the following facility:
Des Moines County Jail The Des Moines County Jail is the sole county-operated detention facility and is located within the Sheriff's Office complex in Burlington, Iowa. It houses pretrial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and persons held on state or federal detainers pending transfer. The facility is staffed around the clock by sworn and civilian correctional personnel under the authority of the Des Moines County Sheriff.
Des Moines County Sheriff's Office — Jail Division 513 N. Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601 (319) 753-4511 Des Moines County Jail
Individuals serving longer sentences following conviction on felony charges are transferred to facilities operated by the Iowa Department of Corrections. The state system includes multiple institutions across Iowa, and placement is determined by the Department based on security classification and program availability.
Iowa Department of Corrections 510 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 725-5701 Iowa Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In Des Moines County
The Des Moines County Jail holds several categories of individuals at any given time. Members of the public seeking to understand who may be incarcerated locally should be aware of the following classifications:
- Pretrial detainees — persons arrested and charged with a criminal offense who have not yet been convicted and are unable to post bond or have been denied bail
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of simple or serious misdemeanors and serving sentences of up to one year in the county jail
- Sentenced felons (short-term) — persons convicted of aggravated misdemeanors or certain felonies whose sentences are served locally rather than in a state facility
- Federal and state holds — individuals held on behalf of another jurisdiction, including U.S. Marshals detainees or persons awaiting transfer to a state correctional institution
- Civil commitments and court-ordered holds — persons held pursuant to a court order unrelated to a criminal conviction, such as contempt of court
How To Search for Inmate Records In Des Moines County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Des Moines County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Step 1 — Contact the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office directly. The Jail Division at the Sheriff's Office can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody, provide booking information, and advise on the process for obtaining copies of records. The public counter is accessible during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
Des Moines County Sheriff's Office 513 N. Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601 (319) 753-4511 Des Moines County Sheriff's Office
Step 2 — Use the Iowa Department of Corrections offender search tool. For individuals who may have been transferred to a state facility, members of the public may use the DOC offender search portal to locate current state inmates and those in community-based correctional programs.
Step 3 — Submit a formal public records request. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, any person may submit a written request to the custodian of public records for copies of inmate records. Requests directed to the Sheriff's Office should include the full name of the individual, approximate date of birth, and the specific records sought. Fees for copies are set by the county and are disclosed at the time of the request.
Step 4 — Check Iowa.gov inmate locator resources. The State of Iowa provides a centralized resource for finding an inmate across multiple systems, including county jails, state prisons, and community supervision programs.
How To Find an Inmate in Des Moines County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are available for locating an inmate held in Des Moines County or transferred to a state facility.
- Call the Des Moines County Jail directly at (319) 753-4511. Jail staff can confirm current custody status at no charge during business hours.
- Use the Iowa DOC offender search at doc-search.iowa.gov to search for individuals held in state correctional facilities or enrolled in community-based programs. This database is publicly accessible at no cost.
- Visit the Iowa.gov inmate locator page, which consolidates guidance on how to find an inmate across county, state, and federal systems.
- Visit the Sheriff's Office in person at 513 N. Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601, during regular business hours to request a custody status check at no charge.
No fee is required to confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody or to obtain basic booking information under Iowa's open records framework.
How To Visit an Inmate In Des Moines County
Visitation at the Des Moines County Jail is governed by policies established by the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable rules and procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of check-in. Visitors are subject to screening, which may include metal detection and inspection of personal items. The Sheriff's Office reserves the right to deny visitation to any individual who fails to comply with facility rules or poses a security concern.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are set by the Jail Division and are subject to change. Members of the public should contact the Des Moines County Jail at (319) 753-4511 or visit the jail information page to confirm current visiting hours prior to arrival.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons of any kind
- Controlled substances or alcohol
- Unauthorized food or beverages
- Electronic devices not expressly permitted by facility policy
- Cash or valuables beyond what is permitted by facility rules
Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated symbols or insignia is prohibited. The facility reserves the right to deny entry to any visitor whose attire is deemed inappropriate.
Visit Types The Des Moines County Jail currently offers in-person visitation and video visitation. Video call services and associated rates are detailed on the Des Moines County Jail page.
Visit Restrictions Individuals with active warrants, persons on probation or parole (unless prior approval is obtained), and individuals who have been previously banned from the facility may be denied visitation. Minor children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
How To Send Money to a Des Moines County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Des Moines County Jail through methods authorized by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public should contact the Jail Division at (319) 753-4511 or review the jail services page for current accepted deposit methods, which may include kiosk deposits, online transfers, or money orders submitted in person or by mail.
Amount Limits Specific deposit limits per transaction or per day may apply and are subject to change. The Jail Division can provide current limits upon request.
Fees Third-party service providers used for electronic deposits may charge transaction fees. The county itself does not profit from these fees, but members of the public should confirm applicable charges before initiating a transfer.
What You Cannot Send
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted
- Personal checks are generally not accepted
- Gift cards or prepaid debit cards are not accepted as direct deposits
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used to purchase items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and approved personal items. Trust account funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution directly from the jail account unless specifically authorized by court order.
How To Send Jail Mail In Des Moines County
Members of the public may send written correspondence to inmates held at the Des Moines County Jail by addressing mail to the individual's full legal name and booking number at the facility address:
Des Moines County Jail 513 N. Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601
All incoming mail is subject to inspection by jail staff for contraband and security purposes. The following rules govern outgoing and incoming mail:
- Standard letters and cards are accepted; all envelopes are opened and inspected before delivery to the inmate
- Postcards may be required in some facilities; members of the public should confirm current mail format requirements with the Jail Division
- Books and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer; items sent from private individuals may be rejected
- Photographs may be permitted subject to size and content restrictions; explicit or gang-related imagery is prohibited
- No cash, checks, or money orders may be included in mail envelopes; funds must be submitted through the approved deposit process
- No stickers, glitter, or adhesive materials may be included, as these items may be used to conceal contraband
- Mail that violates facility rules will be returned to the sender or destroyed, and the inmate will be notified
Members of the public are advised to contact the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office at (319) 753-4511 to confirm current mail policies before sending correspondence, as rules are subject to revision at the discretion of the Sheriff.