How to Find Someone in Federal Prison

Looking for the location of someone is often as simple as looking through the phone book, yet when that person is in prison it may be more difficult. Many prisons have a website with inmate information that may include their crimes as well.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection Computer

Instructions

1. Go to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website (see Resources). It allows visitors to search for inmates by ID number or name.

2. Look on the left hand side of the screen. You will see a blue box entitled "BOP Quick Links." Click on "Inmate Locator."

3. Determine your method of search. The first box, a pink color, allows you to search by ID number. The second box, blue, allows you to search by first, last and middle name.

4. Fill out either form by inserting the ID number or entering the person's first or last name. You may also enter race, gender or age to optimize the search. Click "Submit."

5. Scroll through the names to see if the person you are looking for is in federal prison. From this point you may select to do a new search, or read the FAQ. The list shows anyone by that name who has been in federal prison from 1982 to present.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to visit the website of the prison for more information.

• Many people have the same names, so double check the birthday to make sure you have found the correct person.

Resources

• Federal Bureau of Prisons