How to Search for Someone in Prison

Gather the information you need to track down a prisoner.

Finding someone in prison is not as difficult as it may seem. The Freedom of Information Act means that prison records are open for the public to view at any time. To make it even easier, there are several databases accessible in a variety of ways to help you track down someone behind bars.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A computer
• A telephone

Searching for Someone in Prison

1. Determine whether the person you are looking for is in a county jail, a state prison or in a federal prison. While having this information is not absolutely critical, it will save you a lot of time and make your search much easier. You should also know what state the person was incarcerated in for the easiest search.

2. Begin your search on the Internet (see Resources). This is probably the easiest way to locate a prisoner.

3. Write to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and request the information. Do this via postal mail or though email (the email and street address are listed on the website, see Resources).

4. Consider searching a prisoner message board, if you are unable to locate the person by using the above search methods. These message boards have places where you can post about finding a specific prisoner. Many of these boards charge a fee, but your chances of success are good if someone recognizes the name you are looking for.

5. Use a search site that costs money if it is possible that the person you are searching for has been paroled or released. Many of these search sites offer a money-back guarantee and they can almost always help you locate the person you are looking for.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have the correct spelling or are not sure how to spell the person's name, try searching for the name a few different ways. For instance, Johnston versus Johnson.

• As a last resort, hire a private investigator. PIs find people for a living and have access to many more resources than the average person.

• Doublecheck any website you use to search for prisoners. Some of these websites charge a fee and this information should be free. All of the resources listed are FREE resources.

• Many websites try to find you pen pals or some other way to communicate with prisoners. Be careful about giving your information to these sites.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Prison Search: Prison Inmate Search by State
• Federal Bureau of Prisons: Inmate Locator
• :county Jail Search: Find Someone in a County Jail