DeKalb County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in DeKalb County in 2026
DeKalbCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in DeKalb County, including booking data, custody status, charges, and bond details. Members of the public may find records pertaining to current detainees, recently released individuals, and historically booked persons. Available record categories may include booking photographs, charge descriptions, court dates, bond amounts, and facility assignments. Information presented reflects data sourced from official government systems and is subject to update delays or omissions.
Inmate records in DeKalb County may be searched through official government resources, including the county Sheriff's Office online portal, state Department of Corrections databases, federal inmate locators, public access terminals at government offices, and clerk of courts systems. The following methods outline the available channels for conducting an inmate search.
Online Search Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that allows members of the public to locate individuals currently held at the DeKalb County Jail in Auburn, Indiana. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal is accessible at no cost and does not require user registration.
To conduct a search, members of the public should:
- Navigate to the official inmate search page on the Sheriff's Office website
- Select a search type, which may include search by full name, booking number, or booking date range
- Enter the applicable search criteria into the designated fields
- Submit the query and review the list of results returned
- Select an individual record to view detailed booking information
Information displayed in search results may include:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location and housing assignment
- Booking date and time
- Expected or projected release date (where available)
The inmate roster is updated on a continuous basis, though recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system. A mobile-optimized version of the site is accessible through standard web browsers on mobile devices.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
Individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to a term exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to a state correctional facility operated by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC). The Indiana Department of Correction offender search allows members of the public to locate state prisoners by name or offender number.
State DOC records include conviction charges, sentence length, projected release date, parole eligibility, and current facility assignment. The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county jail houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short sentences, while state prison houses post-conviction offenders serving longer terms. Transfer from county to state custody following sentencing occurs within a period determined by the Indiana Department of Correction's intake process.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
When an individual is charged with a federal offense and taken into federal custody, that person will not appear in county or state databases. The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search tool for locating individuals held in federal facilities. This resource is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal law, such as drug trafficking across state lines, federal firearms violations, or immigration-related charges. The locator returns information on current facility, projected release date, and register number.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the DeKalb County Jail directly by telephone to inquire about an inmate's custody status. The jail's main line is (260) 925-3060. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available to assist staff in locating the correct record. Phone inquiries are handled during regular business hours, and automated information may not be available outside of staffed hours.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may appear in person at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office to request inmate information. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, booking information, and scheduled court dates during regular business hours.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
215 E. 9th Street
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-3060
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be submitted by mail to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at the address listed above. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and the specific information being sought. Processing times vary based on request volume.
Search Tips:
- Use the subject's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when a common name is involved
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmate rosters and recently released records
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred to state or federal custody may not appear in county records
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; search the Indiana Department of Correction offender database
- The individual may be in federal custody; search the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released since the last database update
- The individual may be held in a neighboring jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Members of the public may contact the jail directly at (260) 925-3060 for assistance
Are Inmate Records Public in DeKalb County?
Inmate records maintained by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3. Under current law, records relating to the arrest, booking, and custody of individuals held in county jail are presumptively open to public inspection. The State of Indiana affirms that "any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency," subject to enumerated exceptions.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population data
- Booking date, time, and location
- Charges filed at the time of booking
- Bond type and bond amount
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date (where available)
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
- Government transparency and accountability require that the public have access to information about individuals held in public custody
- Public safety interests are served by the availability of booking and charge information
- Families and legal representatives rely on public records to locate detained individuals
- Legal proceedings, including bail hearings and court appearances, depend on accessible custody information
- The bail bond industry requires timely access to booking and bond data
Privacy Considerations:
Indiana law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, is protected from disclosure under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, which enumerates categories of records that public agencies are not required to disclose. The impact of public booking records on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged, though under current law, the presumption favors disclosure for records related to arrest and custody.
What Is Inmate Records in DeKalb County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by law enforcement and correctional agencies to document the arrest, booking, custody, and release of individuals held in a detention facility. These records serve as the official account of an individual's interaction with the county jail system and are used for administrative, legal, and public safety purposes.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is the official custodian of inmate records for individuals held at the DeKalb County Jail. The Indiana Department of Correction maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities, while the Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's personal information, charges, and bond status
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's housing assignment, classification, and status while in detention
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings and custody periods within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the date, time, and manner of an individual's release from custody, including bond posting, sentence completion, or transfer
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of one year or less. State prison records pertain to individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences exceeding one year. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses and held in Bureau of Prisons facilities.
What's Included in Inmate Records in DeKalb County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number assigned at intake
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph taken at intake
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility name and location
- Housing unit or cell block designation (may be limited for security reasons)
- Date and time of booking
- Expected or projected release date (if available)
- Actual release date (recorded after release)
- Current custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges as filed at booking
- Statutory charge descriptions and offense codes
- Case numbers assigned by the court
- Court jurisdiction and division
- Date of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Warrant information, if applicable
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Bond status: posted, pending, or forfeited
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing times
- Court location and division
- Hearing type (initial hearing, arraignment, trial, etc.)
- Attorney of record, where available
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length imposed by the court
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, if applicable
- Good time or earned credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within DeKalb County
- Historical charges from prior custody periods
- Prior custody dates and release information
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level (minimum, medium, or maximum)
- Special housing designations
- Work assignment information (where available)
- Program participation records
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health evaluations or treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Telephone call logs
- Specific cell assignments retained for security purposes
DeKalb County Prison System
Overview of the County Corrections System:
The DeKalb County Jail is operated by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within DeKalb County, Indiana. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and felony offenders awaiting transfer to state custody. The jail operates under the authority of the elected Sheriff and is subject to oversight by the Indiana Department of Correction pursuant to Indiana Code § 11-12-4.
Administration:
The DeKalb County Sheriff oversees all jail operations, including staffing, classification, and inmate services. Administrative inquiries may be directed to the Sheriff's Office at the address listed below.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
215 E. 9th Street
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-3060
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The DeKalb County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences of one year or less, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to Indiana Department of Correction facilities. The facility operates a classification system that assigns inmates to appropriate housing based on charge severity, criminal history, and behavioral assessment.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided by contracted health services staff
- Mental health screening and referral services
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programming, including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy access
- Library and reading material access
- Recreation and physical activity opportunities
Legal Services:
- Law library access for self-represented individuals
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
The DeKalb County Jail coordinates pre-release planning services to assist individuals preparing for release, including referrals to community-based substance abuse treatment, housing assistance programs, and employment services.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Indiana Department of Correction conducts periodic inspections of county jails pursuant to state law. Grievance procedures are available to inmates through the facility's administrative process. Members of the public with concerns regarding jail operations may contact the Sheriff's Office directly.
Types of Correctional Facilities in DeKalb County
DeKalb County Jail
DeKalb County Jail
215 E. 9th Street
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-3060
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
The DeKalb County Jail is the sole county-operated detention facility in DeKalb County, Indiana. The facility serves the following populations:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting arraignment, hearing, or trial
- Individuals sentenced to misdemeanor terms of one year or less
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to Indiana Department of Correction facilities
- Individuals held on detainers or warrants from other jurisdictions
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The DeKalb County Jail administers a home detention program for eligible individuals as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on charge type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Participants are monitored through electronic ankle monitoring devices. Inquiries regarding eligibility and enrollment should be directed to the Sheriff's Office at (260) 925-3060.
Work Release
A work release program may be available for sentenced individuals who meet eligibility criteria established by the court and the Sheriff's Office. Participants reside at the jail or an approved location and are permitted to maintain employment during designated hours. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in DeKalb County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Indiana Department of Correction. The IDOC operates multiple facilities throughout Indiana, and placement is determined by classification, sentence length, and available capacity. The Indiana Women's Prison and Pendleton Correctional Facility are among the state facilities that may receive transfers from DeKalb County.
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with federal offenses in the Northern District of Indiana may be held at federal facilities outside DeKalb County. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains jurisdiction over all federally sentenced inmates. The nearest federal detention facility serving the Northern District of Indiana is the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| DeKalb County Jail | 215 E. 9th Street, Auburn, IN 46706 | (260) 925-3060 |
| Indiana DOC (Central Office) | 302 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 | (317) 232-5711 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons (General) | 320 First St. NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in DeKalb County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office inmate search is a completely free resource that requires no registration or account creation. Members of the public may search for current inmates by name or booking number and access the following information at no cost:
- Current inmate roster
- Booking date and charges
- Bond type and amount
- Facility location
- Booking photograph
The roster is updated on a continuous basis, with new bookings appearing within several hours of intake processing.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Indiana Department of Correction offender search provides free access to records for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in Indiana state facilities. Historical incarceration information, including prior commitments and release dates, is available through this resource.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free search tool for locating individuals held in federal custody. The locator returns current facility, projected release date, and federal register number.
4. Court Records Search
Members of the public may search DeKalb County court records through the Indiana Courts public access portal to verify custody status through associated case filings. Court records may reflect upcoming hearing dates, bond conditions, and case dispositions.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call the DeKalb County Jail at (260) 925-3060 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff can confirm custody status, booking date, and scheduled court dates during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at 215 E. 9th Street, Auburn, IN 46706, during regular business hours to request inmate information. No fee is charged for basic information requests. Public access terminals may be available for self-service searches.
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:
Services that are provided at no cost include online inmate search, current custody status inquiries, basic booking information, phone inquiries for general information, and in-person information requests.
Services that carry associated costs include sending funds to an inmate's account, video visitation through contracted vendors, telephone calls placed by inmates through the jail's contracted phone system, commissary orders, and certified copies of booking records obtained through formal public records requests.
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for inmate location services. Basic inmate search information is available at no cost through official government websites. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a verified government domain. Paid services are not necessary to locate an individual held in DeKalb County custody.