Plymouth County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Plymouth County in 2026
PlymouthRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Plymouth County, Iowa. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, bond details, and facility assignments through this resource. The following record categories are available for search: current inmate rosters, booking photographs, court dates, arresting agency information, and sentence data. Information presented reflects what is available through official government sources and may not reflect real-time changes in custody status.
Records may be searched through official government resources, the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Search Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster accessible to the public through its official website. Members of the public may access the search page at the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office website, select a search type by name, booking number, or date, enter the applicable search criteria, and view results. Selecting an individual record displays detailed information.
Information displayed in search results includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location within the county
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
The inmate roster is updated on a daily basis. Members of the public are advised that recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections. The state's offender search tool allows members of the public to locate individuals currently incarcerated in Iowa state prisons or participating in community-based correctional programs.
To conduct a search, members of the public enter the individual's last name, first name, or offender identification number. Results display current facility assignment, sentence information, projected release date, and supervision status. The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county facilities house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short sentences, while state facilities house post-conviction inmates serving longer terms. Transfer from county to state custody occurs within days to weeks following sentencing.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with federal offenses are held in federal custody and do not appear in county or state databases. The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a free search tool for locating individuals in federal custody. This resource is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal law, such as drug trafficking across state lines, immigration violations, or federal fraud charges. Information available includes facility name, release date, and register number.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office directly at (712) 546-8191 for inmate information. Staff are available to provide basic custody status, booking date, and charge information. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In-Person Inquiry:
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
215 4th Avenue SE
Le Mars, Iowa 51031
Phone: (712) 546-8191
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should present a valid government-issued photo identification. Staff at the front desk are able to provide current custody status, booking information, and charge details during regular business hours.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office at 215 4th Avenue SE, Le Mars, Iowa 51031. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies based on request volume.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames and maiden names
- Include date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred to state or federal custody may not appear in county records
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to state prison; members of the public should consult the Iowa Department of Corrections offender search
- The individual may be in federal custody; the Bureau of Prisons locator should be consulted
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in an adjacent jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Members of the public may contact the jail directly at (712) 546-8191
Are Inmate Records Public in Plymouth County?
Inmate records maintained by Plymouth County are subject to public disclosure under Iowa's open records law. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.2, every person has the right to examine and copy public records maintained by government bodies, including law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities. The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, as the custodian of county jail records, makes current inmate information available to the public through its online roster and in-person inquiry process.
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
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when 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
- Visitor contact lists
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell or housing unit assignments for security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several governmental and civic functions. Government transparency requires that the public be able to verify who is held in custody and under what authority. Public safety considerations support the disclosure of charge information and custody status. Families and legal representatives rely on inmate records to locate individuals following arrest. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to booking and bond information to fulfill its legal obligations.
Privacy Considerations:
Iowa law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, is protected from disclosure under Iowa Code § 22.7, which enumerates categories of records that are confidential. The impact of public inmate records on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged, though the legal framework under current law prioritizes transparency for records related to custody and criminal charges.
What Is Inmate Records in Plymouth County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention. The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office creates and maintains these records for individuals held at the county jail, while the Iowa Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities.
As noted by the Iowa Department of Corrections, "Offender records are public information pursuant to Section 904.601(1) Iowa Code," which establishes the statutory basis for public access to correctional records in Iowa.
The following distinctions apply to inmate record types:
- Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including personal identification information, charges, and bond details
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during detention, including housing assignment, classification, and program participation
- Incarceration history encompasses all prior bookings and periods of custody within the county or state system
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody
The official custodian of county jail records is the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office. State prison records are maintained by the Iowa Department of Corrections. Federal prison records are maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial, those serving sentences of one year or less, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody. State prison records pertain to individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of federal crimes.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Plymouth County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (subject to security restrictions)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following release)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information (when applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing types
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (when applicable)
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Plymouth County
- Previous charges
- Historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments (in some cases)
- Program participation
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Plymouth County Prison System
Overview of the County Corrections System:
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office operates the county jail and is responsible for the custody and care of individuals held within Plymouth County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody. The Sheriff's Office is also responsible for court security and the transport of inmates to court appearances.
Administration:
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
215 4th Avenue SE
Le Mars, Iowa 51031
Phone: (712) 546-8191
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Plymouth County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals sentenced to terms of one year or less, and individuals awaiting transfer to Iowa Department of Corrections facilities. The classification system assigns inmates to appropriate security levels based on the nature of charges, criminal history, and behavioral assessments.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted medical providers
- Mental health services and referrals
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programming, including GED preparation
- Religious services
- Library access
- Recreation
Legal Services:
- Law library access for inmates
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office coordinates with community organizations to provide pre-release planning, referrals to housing assistance, job placement support, and continuation of substance abuse treatment following release.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing conducts periodic inspections of county jail facilities. Inmates may submit grievances through the facility's internal grievance process. The Iowa Department of Corrections provides resources for inmates and families navigating the corrections system.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Plymouth County
Plymouth County Jail
Plymouth County Jail
215 4th Avenue SE
Le Mars, Iowa 51031
Phone: (712) 546-8191
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
The Plymouth County Jail is the primary detention facility serving Plymouth County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody. The jail operates under the authority of the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office and is subject to state inspection and oversight.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention/Electronic Monitoring
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office administers electronic monitoring and home detention programs for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about this program may contact the Sheriff's Office at (712) 546-8191.
Work Release
Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving their sentence. Eligibility is subject to court approval and Sheriff's Office assessment.
State Prison Facilities
Plymouth County does not currently have a state prison facility located within its boundaries. Individuals transferred from Plymouth County Jail to state custody are housed at Iowa Department of Corrections facilities statewide. Members of the public may locate state inmates through the Iowa offender search maintained by the Iowa Department of Corrections.
Federal Detention Facilities
Plymouth County does not have a federal detention facility within its boundaries. Individuals in federal custody from Plymouth County are held at federal facilities designated by the Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides location information for federally held individuals.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Plymouth County Jail | 215 4th Avenue SE, Le Mars, IA 51031 | (712) 546-8191 |
| Iowa DOC (State) | 510 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319 | (515) 725-5701 |
| Federal BOP (Federal) | Online locator only | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Plymouth County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office provides a free, publicly accessible inmate roster through its official website. No registration is required. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bond details, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated daily, and recent bookings may take several hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Iowa Department of Corrections inmate and family services page provides free access to the state offender search tool. Historical information on prior incarcerations is available for individuals who have been in state custody.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator is a free resource for locating individuals in federal custody. No account or payment is required.
4. Court Records Search
The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains online access to court case records, which may be used to verify custody status and view upcoming court dates. Court records are publicly accessible at no charge for basic case information.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (712) 546-8191 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free In-Person Search:
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
215 4th Avenue SE
Le Mars, Iowa 51031
Phone: (712) 546-8191
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
Public access terminals are available at the Sheriff's Office during business hours. Staff assistance is available at no charge for basic inmate information inquiries.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no charge:
- Online inmate search
- Current custody status
- Basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests
The following services involve fees:
- Sending money to an inmate through approved deposit services
- Video visitation (fees set by service provider)
- Phone calls initiated by inmates (fees set by telecommunications provider)
- Commissary orders
- Background checks or detailed compiled reports
- Certified copies of booking records
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for inmate location services. Basic inmate search information is available at no cost through official government websites. Members of the public should verify that they are accessing an official .gov website before providing personal or payment information. The Iowa.gov inmate search guide provides direction on locating individuals through official, no-cost resources.