DeKalb County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in DeKalb County in 2026
DeKalbINRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to inmate records in DeKalb County, Indiana. Members of the public may access booking records, custody status, charge information, bond details, and court-related data through official government sources and public access tools. The resources listed below reflect currently available channels for locating individuals held at the county jail or transferred to state or federal custody. Record availability may vary depending on the facility, the stage of legal proceedings, and applicable privacy protections.
Records may be searched through the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office inmate roster, the Indiana Department of Correction's online database, the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator, the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal, public access terminals at the courthouse, and direct inquiry with jail staff.
Online Search Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate search roster that allows members of the public to locate individuals currently held at the DeKalb County Jail in Auburn, Indiana.
To conduct a search, members of the public should:
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office inmate search page
- Select a search type, which may include search by name or booking number
- Enter the available search criteria, such as the individual's last name or first and last name combined
- Review the list of results returned by the system
- Select a specific record to view detailed booking information
The inmate search portal displays the following categories of information where available:
- Full legal name and booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond amount and bond type
- Facility location and housing status
- Booking date and expected release date (when available)
The roster is updated on a regular basis; however, recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system. The Sheriff's Office does not currently offer a dedicated mobile application for inmate searches, though the website is accessible via mobile browser.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to a state correctional facility operated by the Indiana Department of Correction. The Indiana Incarcerated Database Search allows members of the public to search for individuals currently incarcerated within the state prison system.
Searches may be conducted by last name alone or by both first and last name. The database returns information including the individual's facility assignment, sentence details, projected release date, and offense history. This resource is distinct from the county jail roster and reflects only those individuals in state custody. The transfer from county jail to a state facility following sentencing may take several days to several weeks, during which time the individual may not appear in the state database.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with federal offenses and held in federal custody are not reflected in county or state databases. The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a free search tool for locating individuals currently or previously incarcerated in a federal facility. This resource is appropriate when the underlying charges involve federal law, when the individual was arrested by a federal agency, or when prior searches of county and state databases have returned no results.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office directly at (260) 925-3455 to inquire about an individual's custody status. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available to assist staff in locating the correct record. Inquiries are handled during regular business hours.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office in person to request inmate information. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can confirm current custody status, booking information, and scheduled court dates.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
215 E. Ninth Street
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-3455
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate records or booking information may be submitted by mail to the Sheriff's Office at the address listed above. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, approximate booking date if known, and the requestor's return mailing address. Processing times vary depending on the nature and volume of requests received.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, or alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to distinguish between individuals with similar names
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; search the Indiana Incarcerated Database
- The individual may be in federal custody; search the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- 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
- Contact the jail directly at (260) 925-3455 for confirmation
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, which establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies. Pursuant to this statute, booking information, custody status, charges, and bond details are accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose or formal legal interest.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts and bond type
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date, where available
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld in whole or in part)
- Visitor contact lists
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records, which are governed by separate statutory protections
- Witness protection participants
- Specific security classifications and housing assignments
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public disclosure of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Transparency in the operation of correctional facilities promotes accountability in law enforcement. Public safety is supported when community members can verify the custody status of individuals charged with offenses. Family members and legal representatives rely on booking information to locate detained individuals. The bail bond industry requires access to bond amounts and custody status to perform its licensed functions. Court proceedings depend on accurate and accessible records of custody and charges.
Privacy Considerations:
Indiana law recognizes that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against the privacy interests of individuals in custody. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, certain categories of information are exempt from mandatory disclosure, including medical records, personnel files, and information whose release would endanger an individual's safety. The release of booking photographs and personal identifiers may carry consequences for employment and family relationships, and agencies exercise discretion in applying applicable exemptions.
What Is Inmate Records in DeKalb County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, legal status, and administrative classification of individuals held in a detention facility. These records are generated at the point of booking and updated throughout the period of custody to reflect changes in legal status, housing assignment, and release.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office serves as 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. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records include the following:
- Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including the date, time, arresting agency, charges, and personal identifying information collected at the time of arrest.
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during the period of detention, including housing assignments, classification level, and any transfers between facilities.
- Incarceration history encompasses the complete record of an individual's prior and current periods of custody within a given jurisdiction.
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody, whether by bond, court order, completion of sentence, or transfer.
County jail records at the DeKalb County Jail reflect individuals held pre-trial, those serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to a state facility. State prison records maintained by the Indiana Department of Correction reflect individuals serving sentences of more than one year following conviction. Federal prison records reflect individuals convicted of federal offenses and sentenced to federal custody.
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 location
- Housing unit or cell block designation (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date, if available
- Actual release date following discharge
- Custody status, including in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers assigned by the court
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information, if applicable
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, or no bond
- Bond status, including posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information, in some instances
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, if applicable
- Good time credits applied
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level, such as minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs or designations
- Work assignments and program participation, where publicly available
What's 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
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments withheld for security purposes
DeKalb County Prison System
The DeKalb County Jail is operated by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The facility serves as the primary detention center for the county, housing pre-trial detainees, individuals sentenced to short terms for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to a state correctional facility.
Administration:
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office administers the jail and oversees all aspects of facility operations, inmate services, and records management. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office website provides current administrative contact information and access to public records request procedures.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
215 E. Ninth Street
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-3455
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The DeKalb County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and individuals held on felony charges pending transfer to a state facility. The facility operates a classification system to assign inmates to appropriate housing based on the nature of their charges, criminal history, and behavioral assessment.
Inmate Services:
The facility provides access to medical care, mental health services, religious programming, and educational opportunities. Substance abuse programming and reentry planning services are available to eligible inmates. Legal services coordination, including access to the public defender's office and attorney visitation, are provided in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Indiana Department of Correction provides oversight of county jail operations pursuant to state standards. Members of the public may submit public records requests to the Sheriff's Office through the records requests portal, which provides information on applicable fees and submission procedures.
Types of Correctional Facilities in DeKalb County
DeKalb County Jail
The DeKalb County Jail is the primary correctional facility serving DeKalb County, Indiana. The facility is operated by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and is located in Auburn, Indiana.
DeKalb County Jail
215 E. Ninth Street
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-3455
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to a state correctional facility. The jail operates under the supervision of the elected Sheriff and is subject to state inspection and oversight standards.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The DeKalb County Jail may offer home detention or electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about this program should contact the Sheriff's Office directly at (260) 925-3455.
Work Release
Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the court and the Sheriff's Office. Inquiries regarding work release availability should be directed to the Sheriff's Office.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Indiana Department of Correction. The Indiana Department of Correction operates multiple facilities throughout the state. Members of the public may search for individuals in state custody through the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search. State facilities are distinct from the county jail and are not operated by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.
Indiana Department of Correction
302 W. Washington Street, Room E334
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-5711
Indiana Department of Correction
Federal Detention Facilities
There are no federal detention facilities physically located within DeKalb County. Individuals charged with federal offenses may be held at federal facilities in other jurisdictions. Members of the public may locate federally held individuals through the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator. Federal custody is entirely separate from county and state correctional systems and is governed by federal law rather than Indiana statutes.
How To Find an Inmate in DeKalb County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in DeKalb County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration, subscription, or payment is required to access basic inmate information through the channels described below.
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office provides a free inmate search tool that requires no registration and is accessible to any member of the public. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges, bond details, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated regularly, though recent bookings may require several hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Indiana Incarcerated Database Search is a free resource provided by the Indiana Department of Correction for locating individuals in state custody. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have previously served time in state facilities.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides free access to information about individuals currently or previously held in federal custody. No account or payment is required.
4. Court Records Search
Members of the public may verify an individual's custody status and view upcoming court dates through MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search, the official online portal of the Indiana Office of Judicial Administration. Court records may reflect charges, case numbers, and scheduled hearings that correspond to an active period of custody. Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9, court records are presumptively open to public inspection.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (260) 925-3455 to request basic inmate information from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at no charge. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. Phone inquiries are handled during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at 215 E. Ninth Street, Auburn, IN 46706, during business hours to request inmate information at no cost. Staff assistance is available at the front desk, and no fee is charged for basic information inquiries.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no charge:
- Online inmate search through the Sheriff's Office roster
- Current custody status and basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests at the Sheriff's Office
- Court records search through MyCase
The following services may involve fees:
- Sending money to an inmate through the jail's designated vendor
- Video visitation services
- Phone calls placed by an inmate to outside numbers
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Certified copies of booking records or official documents
- Comprehensive background check reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public should be aware that numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official government sources. Basic inmate location, custody status, and booking information are available free of charge through the official DeKalb County Sheriff's Office website and the resources listed above. Members of the public should verify that any website they use carries an official .gov domain before submitting personal or payment information.