St. Joseph County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In St. Joseph County?
Inmate records in St. Joseph County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office that document individuals who are in custody. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 11-8-5-2, these records constitute official documentation of an individual's incarceration history within the county detention system. Inmate records are distinct from court records, as court systems maintain case files pertaining to legal proceedings, while correctional facilities maintain custody records documenting an individual's detention status and conditions.
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody. During this initial phase, personal identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge information are collected and entered into the county's record-keeping system. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information. Upon release, the inmate record is updated to reflect the discharge date and conditions, though the record itself remains in the system as required by Indiana's record retention schedules.
The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records for individuals housed in county detention facilities. These records serve multiple purposes, including:
- Ensuring proper identification and tracking of individuals in custody
- Documenting compliance with court orders regarding detention
- Maintaining security and safety within correctional facilities
- Facilitating appropriate classification and housing assignments
- Providing information to authorized agencies and individuals as permitted by law
Are Inmate Records Public In St. Joseph County?
Inmate records in St. Joseph County are generally considered public records under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), specifically pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3. However, certain portions of these records may be exempt from disclosure or subject to redaction to protect privacy interests and security concerns.
The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information including full name and date of birth
- Charges filed and associated case numbers
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates (for sentenced individuals)
- Current housing facility
Certain information contained within inmate records is exempt from public disclosure under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, including:
- Medical and mental health information
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records related to ongoing investigations
Members of the public seeking access to inmate records in St. Joseph County may utilize the online inmate lookup system provided by the Sheriff's Office or submit a formal public records request. Law enforcement agencies, court officials, and legal representatives may have access to more comprehensive inmate record information through established protocols and information-sharing agreements.
What's Included Inmate Records in St. Joseph County
Inmate records maintained by St. Joseph County correctional facilities contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's custody status. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Mugshot photographs
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- Last known address
- Gender
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Booking number and inmate identification number
- Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level
- Disciplinary records during incarceration
- Visitation records
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Warrant information
- Case numbers associated with charges
- Arresting agency
- Jurisdiction of charges
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned to case
- Next scheduled court appearance
- Court case numbers
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/earned credit time calculations
- Parole or probation eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Release conditions
This information is maintained in accordance with Indiana Department of Correction standards and St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office policies. Access to specific components of these records may be restricted based on privacy laws and security considerations as outlined in the Indiana Access to Public Records Act.
St. Joseph County Prison System
The St. Joseph County correctional system operates under a multi-tiered structure that includes local detention facilities for pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year. The system functions as part of Indiana's broader correctional framework, with clear distinctions between county-level detention and state-level incarceration.
St. Joseph County operates local jail facilities primarily for:
- Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
- Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
- Individuals convicted of low-level felonies serving shorter sentences
- Temporary housing of state prisoners awaiting transfer
- Detention of individuals who have violated probation or parole
It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons. County jails in St. Joseph County are operated by the Sheriff's Office and primarily house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences. In contrast, state prisons are operated by the Indiana Department of Correction and house individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences, typically exceeding one year.
The primary authority responsible for jail operations in St. Joseph County is:
St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office
401 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9611
St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains responsibility for the safety, security, and operations of the county jail facilities, including inmate supervision, facility maintenance, and record-keeping. The office works in coordination with the St. Joseph County courts and other criminal justice agencies to manage the inmate population and ensure compliance with state standards for detention facilities.
Types of Correctional Facilities In St. Joseph County
St. Joseph County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's detention system:
St. Joseph County Jail
401 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9611
St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office
The main county jail facility serves as the primary detention center for adult offenders in St. Joseph County. This facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities. The jail provides various services including medical care, commissary, visitation, and limited programming.
St. Joseph County Juvenile Justice Center
1000 S. Michigan Street
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-5347
St. Joseph County Juvenile Justice Center
This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders who are detained pending court proceedings or serving dispositions ordered by the juvenile court. The center provides educational services, counseling, and rehabilitation programs specifically designed for youth.
St. Joseph County Community Corrections
227 W. Jefferson Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9551
St. Joseph County Community Corrections
The Community Corrections facility administers alternative sentencing programs including work release, home detention, and electronic monitoring. This facility focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration while maintaining supervision of non-violent offenders.
DuComb Center
4133 S. Michigan Street
South Bend, IN 46614
(574) 236-2121
DuComb Center
This residential facility operates as part of the Community Corrections program, providing structured living arrangements for qualifying offenders. The center focuses on substance abuse treatment, life skills development, and employment assistance while maintaining security and supervision.
Each of these facilities operates under specific security protocols and admission criteria based on the nature of offenses, risk assessment, and court orders. The facilities work in coordination with the St. Joseph County Superior Court and other criminal justice agencies to manage the inmate population effectively.
Who's in Prison In St. Joseph County
The St. Joseph County jail facilities house 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 but not yet convicted
- Persons who have not posted bail or were denied bail
- Those awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
- Individuals held on warrants from other jurisdictions
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
- Individuals serving consecutive misdemeanor sentences
- Those convicted of lower-level offenses such as:
- Driving under the influence
- Petty theft
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespassing
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Individuals convicted of certain low-level felonies serving shorter sentences
- Persons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Those serving the final portion of a state sentence prior to release
Probation/Parole Violators:
- Individuals who have violated terms of probation or parole
- Persons awaiting revocation hearings
- Those serving sanctions for technical violations
Specialized Populations:
- Individuals in substance abuse treatment programs
- Mental health treatment participants
- Work release program participants
- Weekend sentence servers (individuals permitted to serve time on weekends only)
According to data from the Indiana Department of Correction, the demographic composition of the St. Joseph County jail population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with variations in age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing practices.
The length of stay varies significantly based on case status, with pre-trial detainees potentially remaining in custody for periods ranging from days to months depending on case complexity and court schedules. Sentenced inmates typically serve defined terms based on judicial orders, with potential reductions for good behavior and program participation as permitted under Indiana law.
How To Search for Inmate Records In St. Joseph County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in St. Joseph County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that allow for efficient searching of inmate status and basic custody information:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the required search criteria (typically last name and first name)
- Review the results, which generally include:
- Full name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Mugshot (if available)
In-Person Records Request:
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Visit the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours:
St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office Records Division
401 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9611
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM -
Complete a public records request form
-
Provide identification and specify the information being requested
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Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
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Allow processing time as required by Indiana public records law
Written Records Request:
-
Prepare a written request including:
- Full name of the inmate (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate dates of incarceration (if known)
- Specific information requested
- Your contact information
-
Mail the request to:
St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office Records Division
401 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601 -
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
-
Allow 7-10 business days for processing as permitted under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9
Court Records Search:
- Visit the St. Joseph County Courts website
- Access the online case search function
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review case information, which may include custody status
For more comprehensive information, including criminal history records, interested parties may need to submit fingerprint-based requests through the Indiana State Police or Federal Bureau of Investigation, subject to applicable fees and identification requirements.
How To Find an Inmate in St. Joseph County for Free?
St. Joseph County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county jail system. These resources are accessible to the general public and require minimal information to conduct a search:
County Jail Inmate Lookup System:
- Access the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal
- Enter the inmate's last name (first name optional but recommended for common surnames)
- Review the results list for matching records
- Select the specific inmate record to view detailed custody information
This free online system typically provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if scheduled)
- Expected release date (for sentenced inmates)
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the St. Joseph County Jail at (574) 235-9611
- Request inmate information from the custody staff
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
- Receive basic custody status information
Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:
- Visit the Indiana Department of Correction Offender Locator
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review results to determine current location and status
Vinelink System:
- Access the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system
- Select Indiana from the state dropdown menu
- Enter the inmate's name
- Review custody information and register for notifications if desired
When searching for an inmate, having the following information available will improve search accuracy:
- Full legal name (including middle name if known)
- Any known aliases or maiden names
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest or incarceration
These free resources provide basic custody information but may not include comprehensive details about criminal charges, court proceedings, or case disposition. For more detailed information, interested parties may need to consult court records through the St. Joseph County Courts system.
How To Visit an Inmate In St. Joseph County
Visitation with inmates housed in St. Joseph County correctional facilities is governed by established policies designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. Individuals planning to visit an inmate should familiarize themselves with the following guidelines:
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
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors with outstanding warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry
- Former inmates must receive special approval and may be subject to waiting periods
Visit Schedule:
- Regular visitation hours:
- Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- No visitation on Mondays or during county holidays
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.): Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Visit duration is typically limited to 30 minutes per session
- Inmates are generally permitted two visits per week
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicles or lockers)
- Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
- Baby supplies for infant visitors (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20 (for vending machines where applicable)
- Medications (unless medically necessary and pre-approved)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, mini skirts)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone communication)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
- Special visits (with prior approval for exceptional circumstances)
- Video visitation services (where available)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
- Passing items to inmates is strictly prohibited and may result in criminal charges
- Visitors on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
These regulations are established pursuant to Indiana Code § 11-11-5 governing correctional facility operations and may be modified based on security considerations. Visitors are advised to contact the facility at (574) 235-9611 prior to their planned visit to confirm current policies and schedule availability.
How To Send Money to a St. Joseph County Inmate
St. Joseph County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items such as hygiene products, snacks, and communication services. The following options are currently available:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the approved third-party payment processor website (TouchPay or JailATM)
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's full name and identification number
- Select the deposit amount
- Provide payment information (credit/debit card or electronic check)
- Complete the transaction and retain the confirmation number
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the St. Joseph County Jail lobby during regular business hours
- Locate the payment kiosk
- Follow on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Obtain and retain receipt
Mail-In Money Orders:
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Purchase a money order from an approved provider (U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, MoneyGram)
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Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
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Do not include personal checks or cash
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Mail to:
St. Joseph County Jail Inmate Accounts
401 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601 -
Include sender's full name and return address
Amount Limits and Fees:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Online transaction fees: $2.50-$10.00 (varies by amount and payment method)
- Kiosk transaction fees: $2.00-$8.00 (varies by amount)
- Money order processing: No fee (processing time 3-5 business days)
Prohibited Transactions:
- Personal checks are not accepted
- Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
- Third-party checks are not accepted
- Transfers between inmate accounts are prohibited
- Deposits from other incarcerated individuals are not permitted
Approved Uses of Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone account funding
- Tablet services where available
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
Restricted Uses:
- Bail or bond payments (must be handled separately through court or bail bondsman)
- Payment of court fines or fees
- Transfers to outside accounts
- Purchase of prohibited items
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-11-3-6 governing inmate funds and property. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and potentially rejected. Upon release, any remaining funds in an inmate's account will be returned via debit card or check according to facility procedures.
How To Send Jail Mail In St. Joseph County
Correspondence with inmates housed in St. Joseph County correctional facilities must adhere to specific guidelines established to maintain security and facility operations. The following procedures apply to all mail sent to individuals in custody:
General Mail Guidelines:
- Address all mail clearly with:
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Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
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Inmate ID number (if known)
-
Facility name
-
Facility address:
St. Joseph County Jail
401 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
-
- Include a complete return address with sender's full name
- All mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
- Mail without a return address will not be delivered
- Correspondence is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours after receipt and processing
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters on plain white, lined, or colored paper
- Greeting cards (no musical, oversized, or padded cards)
- Photographs (maximum 4"x6", limit of 5 per envelope)
- Money orders (following financial transaction guidelines)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (subject to review)
- Drawings on plain paper (no crayon or marker)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Perfumed or scented items
- Colored envelopes
- Cards larger than 8"x10"
- Polaroid photographs
- Nude or sexually explicit photographs
- Gang-related content or symbols
- Material depicting violence or weapons
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Food or clothing items
- Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must come from a verifiable attorney, court, or legal agency
- Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
- Should include attorney bar number when applicable
Books and Publications:
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Paperback books only (no hardcover)
- Subject to content review for security concerns
- Limited to three books per mailing
- Magazines must be new and sent directly from publisher
E-Communications (where available):
- Some facilities offer secure email or electronic messaging services
- Requires account creation and inmate approval
- Subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
- May involve per-message fees
All mail procedures are established in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-11-3-2 governing inmate correspondence. Violation of mail rules may result in rejection of the correspondence and potential restrictions on future communications. Attempts to send contraband through mail may result in criminal charges.
Lookup Inmate Records in St. Joseph County
Indiana Incarcerated Database Search
Indiana Department of Correction