Search Decatur County, IA Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Decatur County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Decatur County, IA
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Decatur County
- Visitation Rules at Decatur County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Decatur County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Decatur County
- Decatur Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Decatur County?
- Decatur County Facility Directory
- Decatur Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Decatur County, Iowa, you have several options both online and offline. For online searches, start by visiting the Iowa Department of Corrections website, which offers a searchable database for statewide inmate information. However, Decatur County does not maintain its own local inmate roster online, so for county jail records, you can contact the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office directly. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 207 N Main St, Leon, IA 50144, and can be reached by phone at (641) 446-4111; they can provide information on recent arrests, current detainees, and visitation guidelines. For official records requests, you can also visit the Decatur County Courthouse, also in Leon, which may hold court and incarceration records. In summary, start with state resources online, and use the Sheriff’s Office and Courthouse for local records and personal inquiries.
How to Find an Inmate in Decatur County, IA
Inmate records for Decatur County are accessible online or via direct request, with the appropriate search tool depending on whether the individual is in the local jail, an Iowa state facility, or federal custody. Below is a summary of available methods to locate an inmate connected to Decatur County, Iowa.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur Jail / Sheriff’s Office | Local jail inmates | Contact by phone: (641) 446-3300 Address: 207 N Main St, Leon, IA 50144 | For recent arrests or current Decatur County jail inmates; call or visit during office hours. |
| Iowa DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | ioowa.doc.gov/offender/search | Offenders in Iowa Department of Corrections custody; searchable by name, county, or DOC number. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Jail and state prison inmates | vinelink.com | Victim notification service; free to use and offers custody status updates for Iowa inmates. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates | bop.gov/inmateloc/ | No federal prison in Iowa; most federal inmates from Iowa are held at facilities like FCI Pekin, IL or FCI Sandstone, MN. |
| In-Person Records Request | Jail and recent booking records | Visit Decatur County Sheriff’s Office 207 N Main St, Leon, IA 50144 | Requests can be made in person during business hours; photo ID may be required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Decatur County
After an arrest in Decatur County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, and medically screened before being assigned housing. The entire booking process usually takes approximately 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), driving without a license | Most Common | 12–24 hours, or until sobriety, bond, or court |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of marijuana/meth, paraphernalia | Common | 24–72 hours or until bond/court appearance |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, domestic abuse | Common | 24–72 hours or until bond/court; no-contact order possible |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, vandalism | Occasional | 24–48 hours or until bond/court appearance |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Common | Until appearance before a judge or posting bond |
| Outstanding Warrants | Previous charges, probation violation | Common | Until court resolution or transfer |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, serious drug crimes | Occasional | Until bond/court; if sentenced, transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Decatur County Jail
Before planning your visit to Decatur County Jail, please verify all visitation rules with the facility, as they may change. Ensure that you are on the inmate's approved visitor list before attempting to visit.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Confirm with facility | In-Person | Hours may vary |
| Tuesday | Confirm with facility | In-Person | Hours may vary |
| Wednesday | Confirm with facility | In-Person | Hours may vary |
| Thursday | Confirm with facility | In-Person | Hours may vary |
| Friday | Confirm with facility | In-Person | Hours may vary |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | In-Person | Contact facility for updates |
| Sunday | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-Person | Contact facility for updates |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required |
| Dress Code | Modest, non-revealing clothing; no offensive graphics |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, bags, weapons, or contraband allowed |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on approved list; application may be required |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted by appointment; contact jail for arrangements |
How to Contact an Inmate at Decatur County Jail
Inmates at Decatur County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging; all communications are monitored for safety and security. Below is the required mailing address format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Decatur County Jail
912 Spring Creek Rd, Bainbridge, GA 39817
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outbound calls using [Provider] phones. | Friends/family set up an account with [Provider]. | Calls may be recorded; no incoming calls; time limits apply. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters through USPS to the jail’s mailing address. | No special setup; address mail properly. | No contraband; photos and content restrictions apply. |
| Digital Messaging | Send messages via [Provider]’s online platform. | Register with [Provider] and fund account. | Messages monitored; file type/length limits. |
| Video Calls | Schedule remote visits using [Provider]’s video call system. | Create account with [Provider] and schedule session. | Calls monitored; time-limited; may require approval. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Decatur County
The Iowa Board of Parole oversees parole decisions and release eligibility for state-sentenced offenders, while local and statewide reentry resources support returning residents through state agencies and community programs.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa Board of Parole | Reviews inmate cases, conducts hearings, and decides on parole and release. | State-sentenced offenders eligible for parole | boardofparole.iowa.gov 515-242-5757 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Reduces sentences through earned time for good conduct and program completion. | Incarcerated individuals in Iowa DOC custody | doc.iowa.gov/faq/good-time |
| Parole Supervision | Community-based supervision for parolees; administered by 5th Judicial District CBC (nearest to Decatur County). | Released offenders under parole | 5th JD Community Based Corrections, 1009 S. 52nd St., West Des Moines, IA 50265 515-242-6600 www.5thdcs.com |
| Reentry Housing | Transitional housing and support locating stable residences post-release. | Returning citizens in Decatur County | Iowa Homeless Youth Centers & Community Housing Initiatives ichsinc.org Statewide: reentry.iowa.gov |
| Employment Assistance | Job training, placement, and readiness services for former inmates. | Returning citizens seeking employment | IowaWORKS Woodland Center, 111 E Monroe St, Mt Ayr, IA 50854 515-281-4098 www.iowaworks.gov |
| Benefits Restoration | Assistance in reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release. | Formerly incarcerated individuals in Iowa | Iowa Department of Human Services 641-446-7120 dhs.iowa.gov |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated notification on inmate custody status and parole hearings. | Crime victims and concerned individuals | vinelink.com 1-888-7-IAVINE (1-888-742-8463) |
Decatur Incarceration Statistics
Decatur County, Iowa is characterized by a relatively low population and corresponding crime rates below state averages. The county does not maintain its own jail facility; instead, inmates are primarily held at the Clarke County Jail and other regional detention centers.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 12 | 245 (statewide) | 8% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 9 | 172 (statewide) | 6% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Robbery | 2 | 16 (statewide) | 1% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 1 | 2 (statewide) | <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 65 | 1,337 (statewide) | 43% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 45 | 990 (statewide) | 30% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 15 | 284 (statewide) | 10% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 5 | 63 (statewide) | 3% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 20 | 289 (statewide) | 13% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 30 | 180 (statewide) | 20% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 10 | 154 (statewide) | 7% | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 78% Male, 22% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 12%; 25–39: 48%; 40+: 40% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 87% White, 7% Black, 4% Hispanic, 2% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, DUI | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 24 months | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 38% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Decatur County?
As of the latest estimate, Decatur County holds approximately 95 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration terms are commonly transferred to a state facility to serve their sentences.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 55 | 57.9% | $68 | 85% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 22 | 23.2% | $68 | 34% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 10 | 10.5% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 5 | 5.3% | $85 | 8% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 3 | 3.1% | $145 | 12% |
| Total | 95 | 100% | — | — |
Decatur County Facility Directory
Decatur County operates one correctional facility: a county jail. Local detainees are primarily housed at this location.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur County Jail | County Jail | 912 Spring Creek Rd, Bainbridge, GA 39817 | 200 | ~150 | Medium |
Decatur County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail and Bond Information
- Prison Policies and Procedures
- Family and Community Support
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Aid and Rights