THIS IS A PRIVATELY OWNED WEBSITE THAT IS NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

To find inmate records in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, you have several options. Online, you can begin by visiting the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office website, which may offer a searchable jail roster or recent arrest list. The Iowa Department of Corrections also provides a statewide offender search tool that includes inmates from Cerro Gordo County. For official or more detailed records, you can contact the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office directly by visiting their office at 17262 Lark Avenue, Mason City, IA, or by calling (641) 421-3000. Additionally, public records requests can be made in person or through written applications addressed to the Sheriff’s Office. If you need court records related to an inmate’s case, the Cerro Gordo County Clerk of Court’s office, located in the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse at 220 North Washington Avenue, Mason City, can help. Always check the specific office hours and identification requirements before visiting local offices.

How to Find an Inmate in Cerro Gordo County, IA

Inmate records for Cerro Gordo County, IA are accessible online, but the right search tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local jail, a state prison, or under federal custody. Use the table below to identify the appropriate resource based on where the inmate may be housed.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Cerro Gordo County Sheriff/JailLocal jail inmates in Cerro Gordo CountyOnline: Sheriff Inmate Roster,
Phone: (641) 421-3004,
In person: 17262 Lark Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
Up-to-date custody status, booking details, charges for locally held inmates.
Iowa DOC Inmate LocatorInmates in Iowa state prisonsOnline: Iowa DOC Offender SearchSearch by name or ID for state prison inmates.
VINE Inmate SearchCustody status for Iowa inmatesOnline: Iowa VINE,
Phone: (888) 868-4631
Victim notification and custody status for local, state jails and prisons in Iowa.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal inmates nationwideOnline: BOP Inmate LocatorNo federal prison located in Iowa; Iowa federal offenders are usually held at facilities in neighboring states.
In-Person Records RequestJail and recent arrest recordsCerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office,
17262 Lark Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
Bring valid ID; call (641) 421-3004 for hours and procedures.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Cerro Gordo County

After arrest in Cerro Gordo County, individuals are transported to the jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, a medical screening, and are assigned housing. The booking process typically takes about 4–8 hours from intake to placement in a holding cell.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficOperating while intoxicated, driving with revoked licenseHigh8–24 hours, longer if unable to post bond
Drug OffensesPossession of controlled substances, paraphernaliaHigh24–72 hours, pending court appearance/bond
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple assault, domestic abuseModerate24–72 hours, no-contact orders may extend
Property CrimesTheft, burglary, criminal mischiefModerate24 hours–1 week, depending on severity and bond set
Failure to AppearMissed court datesHighUntil next court date or bond is paid
Outstanding WarrantsProbation/parole violations, unpaid finesModerateUntil court resolution or warrant cleared
Felony (Pre-Trial)Aggravated assault, felony drug chargesModerateUntil court disposition or bond; sentenced inmates transferred to state facility

Visitation Rules at Cerro Gordo County Jail

Before visiting an inmate at Cerro Gordo County Jail, please verify the most current visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
Monday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmOn-siteConfirm with facility
Tuesday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmOn-siteConfirm with facility
Wednesday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmOn-siteConfirm with facility
Thursday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmOn-siteConfirm with facility
Friday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmOn-siteConfirm with facility
Saturday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmOn-siteConfirm with facility
Sunday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmOn-siteConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo identification required.
Dress CodeModest, non-revealing clothing; no offensive images or text.
Prohibited ItemsNo bags, phones, cameras, or contraband allowed.
Visitor Approval ProcessMust be on inmate’s approved visitor list.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsMust be scheduled in advance; subject to separate rules.

How to Contact an Inmate at Cerro Gordo County Jail

Inmates at Cerro Gordo County Jail can be contacted via phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging; all communications are subject to monitoring and recording. Below are the approved ways to reach an inmate, including the required mailing address format.

Mailing address format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Cerro Gordo County Jail
17262 Lark Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates can make outgoing calls via [Provider].Set up an account with [Provider].Calls are monitored; inmates cannot receive incoming calls.
Physical MailSend letters using the address format above.No setup needed for sender.No contraband, stickers, or Polaroids; all mail is inspected.
Digital MessagingText-like messages sent through [Provider]'s online system.Create an account with [Provider].Messages are monitored; attachments may be restricted.
Video CallsSchedule remote video visits through [Provider].Register and schedule via [Provider].Visits subject to approval; monitored and may be time limited.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Cerro Gordo County

The Iowa Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, determining eligibility and release conditions. Offenders preparing to return to Cerro Gordo County can access local and statewide resources for supervision, housing, employment, benefits, and community reintegration.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Iowa Board of ParoleReviews parole applications and sets conditions for release of eligible inmates.State-sentenced offendershttps://bop.iowa.gov
515-242-5757
Good Time / Sentence ReductionProvides sentence credit for good behavior and participation in programs, potentially reducing incarceration time.Eligible inmatesIowa Department of Corrections https://doc.iowa.gov/offender-search
Parole Supervision (6th District Office – Mason City)Supervises parolees post-release in Cerro Gordo County, offering reporting, support, and accountability.Parolees in Cerro Gordo600 S. Pierce Ave., Mason City, IA 50401
641-424-0131
Reentry HousingConnects returning citizens to transitional and affordable housing, including state and community-based programs.Recently released offendersIowa Dept. of Corrections Reentry Services https://doc.iowa.gov/reentry
Employment AssistanceJob readiness and placement services for individuals with criminal records, including IowaWORKS Mason City.Justice-involved individualsIowaWORKS Center, 600 S. Pierce Ave., Mason City, IA
641-422-1523
Benefits RestorationHelps restore or apply for public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.) after release.Returning citizensIowa DHS https://dhs.iowa.gov/local-office
641-424-8641 (Mason City)
VINE Victim NotificationNotifies victims about changes in inmate custody status (release, transfer, etc.), accessible online and by phone.Crime victimshttps://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/16000
1-888-7-IAVINE

Cerro Gordo Incarceration Statistics

Cerro Gordo County experiences crime and incarceration rates largely in line with statewide Iowa trends, with property crime representing a significant portion of reported incidents. The county does not operate its own dedicated jail; instead, inmates are held at the North Iowa Correctional Facility (regional facility).

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)79 (statewide)253 (statewide)17% (statewide)→ Stable
— Assault65 (statewide)208 (statewide)14% (statewide)→ Stable
— Robbery10 (statewide)32 (statewide)2% (statewide)↑ Increasing
— Homicide4 (statewide)13 (statewide)<1% (statewide)→ Stable
Property Crime (total)295 (statewide)947 (statewide)63% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny210 (statewide)675 (statewide)45% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Burglary65 (statewide)208 (statewide)14% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Vehicle Theft20 (statewide)64 (statewide)4% (statewide)→ Stable
Drug Offenses48 (statewide)154 (statewide)10% (statewide)↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic35 (statewide)112 (statewide)7% (statewide)→ Stable
Domestic Violence17 (statewide)55 (statewide)4% (statewide)→ Stable

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender82% Male, 18% FemaleStatewide average used
Age Groups18–24: 15%, 25–34: 32%, 35–44: 29%, 45+: 24%Statewide average used
Race / EthnicityWhite: 78%, Black: 14%, Hispanic: 6%, Other: 2%Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug, Property, AssaultStatewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length2.7 yearsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate38%Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Cerro Gordo County?

Cerro Gordo County currently holds an estimated 120 inmates in local custody, though those sentenced to longer incarceration terms may be transferred to a state facility. The breakdown below shows the distribution of inmates by facility type, population, and related statistics.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)7058%$8593%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)2017%$8527%
Transferred to State Facility1512%N/AN/A
Federal Holds108%$9513%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/AN/A
Total120100%

Cerro Gordo County Facility Directory

Cerro Gordo County operates one main correctional facility: the Cerro Gordo County Jail, which serves as the county jail for adult incarceration. There are no local youth, work release, or specialty facilities in the county.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Cerro Gordo County JailCounty Jail17262 Lark Ave, Mason City69~60Medium/Maximum

Cerro Gordo County Prisons and Jails

1 Jails Found
Cerro Gordo County Jail
17262 Lark Avenue, Mason City, IA, 50401
641-421-3004
641-421-3135