DeKalb County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In DeKalb County?
Inmate records in DeKalb County are official government documents maintained by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office that chronicle an individual's incarceration history within the county's correctional system. These comprehensive records document the entire custody lifecycle from initial booking through release. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, these records constitute public information with certain privacy restrictions.
Inmate records differ substantially from court records in both content and maintenance responsibility. While the DeKalb County Court System maintains case files documenting legal proceedings, charges, and judicial decisions, the Sheriff's Office independently maintains custody records focused on an individual's physical detention status and management within the correctional facility.
The creation of inmate records follows a standardized protocol:
- Initial record generation occurs during booking/intake processing
- Documentation includes demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details
- Records are continuously updated throughout incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and program participation
- Final disposition information is added upon release or transfer
- Records are archived according to Indiana's records retention schedule
The Indiana Department of Correction defines inmate records as "information collected and maintained by a correctional facility regarding a person who is or has been committed to the custody of the facility" under Indiana Administrative Code 210 IAC 1-6-2.
Are Inmate Records Public In DeKalb County?
Inmate records in DeKalb County are generally considered public information under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), with specific limitations to protect certain sensitive information. The Indiana legislature has established that the public has a right to access government records, including basic inmate information, while balancing privacy and security concerns.
According to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5, the following inmate information is publicly accessible:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Date of birth
- Current charges and case numbers
- Bond/bail amounts
- Projected release dates
- Current housing facility location
However, certain information is explicitly exempted from public disclosure under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Juvenile records (unless waived to adult court)
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Victim information
- Records related to ongoing investigations
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides real-time access to basic custody information in compliance with state transparency laws.
What's Included Inmate Records in DeKalb County
Inmate records in DeKalb County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Distinguishing physical characteristics (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer information
- Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Housing assignment within facility
- Classification level
- Disciplinary incidents and sanctions
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor/felony designation)
- Statute citations for alleged violations
- Case numbers
- Warrant information (if applicable)
- Arresting agency
- Prior booking history within DeKalb County
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
- Bond conditions
- Court-ordered holds or detainers
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Attorney information
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court disposition of charges
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Credit time calculations
- Projected release date
- Parole/probation eligibility dates
- Good time/earned credit status
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Post-release supervision requirements
DeKalb County Prison System
The DeKalb County correctional system operates under the authority of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the detention and custody of individuals arrested within county jurisdiction. The system consists of the DeKalb County Jail, which serves as the central detention facility for both pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year.
It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system. The DeKalb County Jail houses individuals who:
- Are awaiting trial or court proceedings
- Have been sentenced to incarceration for misdemeanors (typically less than one year)
- Are temporarily held pending transfer to state facilities
- Are being detained on probation/parole violations
- Are held on behalf of other jurisdictions
Individuals sentenced to felony offenses with terms exceeding one year are typically transferred to the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) state prison system after sentencing. The county jail serves as the initial point of intake for all arrests within DeKalb County before determination of long-term placement.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office administers all jail operations, including inmate supervision, facility maintenance, and record-keeping:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
215 East 8th Street
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 925-3365
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In DeKalb County
DeKalb County maintains a consolidated correctional system centered around the main county jail facility. The county does not operate multiple detention centers, instead housing all detainees within different security classifications at the central facility. The DeKalb County correctional system includes:
DeKalb County Jail
215 East 8th Street
Auburn, IN 46706
(260) 925-3365
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
The DeKalb County Jail facility includes:
-
Main Detention Center: This secure facility houses the majority of inmates in custody, with varying security classifications from minimum to maximum security. The facility includes:
- General population housing units
- Administrative segregation units
- Medical observation cells
- Intake/booking area
- Visitation areas
- Program spaces
-
Work Release Center: A separate section within the jail complex that houses qualified low-risk inmates who are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day while returning to custody during non-working hours. This program operates under the authority granted by Indiana Code § 11-12-5.
-
Community Corrections: While not a physical detention facility, DeKalb County Community Corrections provides alternative sentencing options including:
- Home detention with electronic monitoring
- Day reporting programs
- Community service supervision
- Substance abuse monitoring
The DeKalb County Jail has a rated capacity of approximately 105 inmates, though actual population may fluctuate based on arrest rates and court processing timelines.
Who's in Prison In DeKalb County
The DeKalb County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted constitute a significant portion of the jail population. These detainees are held because:
- They have been denied bail due to public safety concerns
- They are unable to post the set bail amount
- They are awaiting initial hearings or arraignments
- They have been remanded to custody by a judge during court proceedings
Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of less than one year. Common misdemeanor convictions include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Simple assault
- Petty theft
- Disorderly conduct
- Minor drug possession
Short-term Felony Offenders: Some individuals convicted of low-level felonies may serve their entire sentence in the county jail rather than being transferred to state prison, particularly if:
- The sentence is relatively short (typically under one year)
- The jail has available capacity
- The individual qualifies for local work release or other programs
Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated terms of their community supervision may be held in the county jail while awaiting hearings or serving sanctions.
Temporary Holds: The jail may temporarily house individuals who are:
- Awaiting transfer to state prison after sentencing
- Being held for other counties or jurisdictions
- Serving weekend sentences as part of alternative sentencing arrangements
According to data from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, the average daily population of the DeKalb County Jail typically ranges between 80-100 inmates, with demographic patterns generally reflecting arrest patterns within the county.
How To Search for Inmate Records In DeKalb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate information in DeKalb County may utilize several methods to access these records. The Sheriff's Office maintains current systems that provide public access to basic custody information in accordance with Indiana public records laws.
Online Inmate Lookup System:
- Navigate to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office official website
- Locate and select the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the required search criteria (at least one is typically required):
- Inmate's full legal name (last name, first name)
- Date of birth
- Booking number (if known)
- Review the search results, which typically display:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Next court date (if applicable)
- Housing location (general information only)
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours:
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Excluding county holidays
- Complete a public records request form at the front desk
- Provide specific information about the inmate record being requested
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay any applicable copying fees (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
Written Record Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
215 East 8th Street
Auburn, IN 46706 - Include in your request:
- Your full legal name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Purpose of request (optional)
- Preferred format of records (paper copies, digital files)
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing as required under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3
Telephone Inquiries: Basic custody status information may be obtained by calling the DeKalb County Jail at (260) 925-3365. Staff can confirm if an individual is currently in custody but may not provide detailed record information over the phone.
How To Find an Inmate in DeKalb County for Free?
DeKalb County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently held in the county jail system. These free resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties verify custody status and obtain basic information.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Online Inmate Lookup: The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal:
- Access the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates" section
- Enter search parameters (last name is typically required, first name recommended)
- Review results showing current inmates matching search criteria
- Access basic information including:
- Confirmation of custody status
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (when available)
Jail Information Line: The DeKalb County Jail maintains a dedicated information line that provides basic custody verification:
- Call (260) 925-3365 during regular business hours
- Request inmate verification from the jail staff
- Provide the full legal name and date of birth of the person you're inquiring about
- Receive confirmation of custody status and basic information
In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office lobby during regular business hours to inquire about an inmate's custody status:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office at 215 East 8th Street, Auburn, IN 46706
- Speak with the front desk staff or jail information officer
- Provide the name of the person you're inquiring about
- Receive basic custody information at no charge
Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:
- Visit the Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search
- Enter the individual's information in the search fields
- Review results to determine if the person has been transferred to state custody
All these methods provide basic custody verification at no cost to the requester in accordance with Indiana public records laws. More detailed information may require formal records requests and associated fees.
How To Visit an Inmate In DeKalb County
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains specific policies governing inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits must comply with facility regulations established under Indiana Administrative Code 210 IAC 3-1.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial booking process
- Each inmate is permitted up to 5 approved visitors on their list
- Changes to visitation lists are processed on the 1st and 15th of each month
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Evening sessions: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Wednesday only)
- Maximum Security/Administrative Segregation: Tuesday only
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Work Release: Thursday and Sunday
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Each inmate is allowed two 30-minute visits per week
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle information (make, model, license plate) for parking registration
- Locker key deposit ($5 cash, returned after visit)
- Medical necessities (with prior approval)
- Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, two diapers, small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50
- Medications (unless medically necessary and pre-approved)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts, see-through materials)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections attire
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
- No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- Contact Visits: Limited to certain classification levels and special circumstances
- Non-Contact Visits: Standard visitation through glass partition with telephone communication
- Video Visitation: Available for remote visits through approved service provider
- Professional Visits: Separate scheduling for attorneys, clergy, and social services
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors with criminal histories may be denied (case-by-case basis)
- Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Three missed visits without cancellation may result in visitation privileges suspension
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Former employees must wait one year before visiting
How To Send Money to a DeKalb County Inmate
DeKalb County provides multiple secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Access Corrections website
- Create an account or log in to existing account
- Select "DeKalb County Jail" as the facility
- Enter inmate's full name and ID number
- Select deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees apply: $2.95 for deposits up to $20; $3.95 for deposits $20.01-$100; $4.95 for deposits $100.01-$300
- Maximum online deposit: $300 per transaction
Lobby Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the DeKalb County Jail lobby during regular business hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Use the automated kiosk located in the lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete deposit
- Cash, credit, and debit cards accepted
- Service fee: $2.50 per transaction
- Maximum kiosk deposit: $300 per transaction
Mail-In Money Orders:
- Purchase money order from approved provider (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make payable to "DeKalb County Jail" with inmate's full name and ID in memo line
- Complete money order deposit slip (available on Sheriff's website)
- Mail to:
DeKalb County Jail
Inmate Accounts
215 East 8th Street
Auburn, IN 46706 - No service fee for money orders
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
- Maximum money order amount: $300
Amount Limits:
- Maximum deposit per transaction: $300
- Maximum weekly deposit total per inmate: $500
- Maximum account balance permitted: $1,000
Deposit Fees:
- Online: $2.95-$4.95 depending on amount
- Kiosk: $2.50 flat fee
- Money Order: No fee
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash through mail (will be returned to sender)
- Personal checks (will be returned to sender)
- Third-party checks (will be returned to sender)
- Cryptocurrency or digital currency transfers
- Money transfers from unauthorized services
Permitted Uses of Funds: Inmates may use commissary funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls and video visitation fees
- Medical co-pays for non-emergency services
- Haircuts and other personal services
- Educational materials and program fees
Restricted Uses of Funds: Inmates may not use commissary funds for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Court fees or fines (separate payment system)
- Transfers to other inmates
- Outside purchases or bill payments
- Contraband items
How To Send Jail Mail In DeKalb County
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains specific procedures for sending mail to inmates housed in the county jail. All correspondence must comply with facility regulations to ensure security while facilitating important communication with family and community support networks.
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full legal name (no nicknames)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Complete jail address:
DeKalb County Jail
[Inmate Name, ID#]
215 East 8th Street
Auburn, IN 46706
- Return address must include sender's full name and complete mailing address
- All mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
- Mail without proper addressing will be returned to sender
- Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours after receipt and processing
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Up to 5 photographs per envelope (maximum 4"x6", no Polaroids)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
- Religious materials (subject to security review)
- Money orders (following proper procedure)
- Approved periodicals (must come directly from publisher)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Cash, personal checks, or currency
- Stamps or envelopes
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cards larger than 5"x7"
- Polaroid photographs
- Photos depicting gang symbols, nudity, or illegal activity
- Hardcover books
- Items containing glitter, glue, or other adhesives
- Any items creating a security or safety concern
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" on the envelope
- Must come from an attorney, court, or legal agency
- Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
- Subject to inspection for contraband but not read for content
- Legal mail status does not apply to mail from family members or friends, regardless of content
Books and Publications:
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Paperback books only (no hardcover)
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review for security concerns
- Magazines must be new and sent directly from publisher
- No newspapers more than one week old
E-Messages:
- Available through Access Corrections
- Create account and select DeKalb County Jail
- Locate inmate by name or ID number
- Compose message (maximum 2,000 characters)
- Fee: $0.50 per message
- Messages subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
- Typically delivered within 24 hours
All mail procedures comply with Indiana Department of Correction Mail Handling Standards as adapted for county jail operations.