How to Find a Prior Inmate
To find a prior inmate, first use a little common sense. You'll need to figure out why a person was incarcerated. It will help you know where to start. Understand the conditions of the inmate's release. Know if a prior inmate needs to self-identify. If so, he'll have to submit his address and personal information with local or federal authorities.
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Things You'll Need
- Internet, wireless, and telephone access
- Transportation
- PC or laptop
- Pen, paper, and notebook or pad
Instructions
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Understand the person. It is a good idea to learn how a prior inmate landed in lockup. Most investigators first find out about a convict's crimes. Talk with family members, loved ones or any other trusted person in a prior inmate's life. Divorce yourself from judging a prior inmate before you learn a little about some history.
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Find the prison where a prior inmate did time. You can find prior inmates more easily if you first know where and when a convict was released. Contact an area parole board if you are unsure. Consider whether the inmate was in a minimum- or maximum-security facility. According to the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons, there are more than 1,500 prisons in the U.S. To find a prior inmate, divide your search by states.
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Interview parole officers and employers. Prior inmates often have to pay restitution to the state. This means they will have to establish residence, secure employment, and pay money weekly or biweekly. Most people have legal, verifiable employment, so there will be a paper trail for you to follow. Some information about a prior inmate may be privileged. If you can, get permission to get personal data from family members.
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Learn about area assistance, educational and rehabilitation programs. Many inmates attend various types of meetings or classes upon release. Some go to counselors, vocational schools, and even have to submit routine urinalyses, for example. To find a prior inmate who is missing, speak with a local county clerk or welfare office. Get addresses, emails, and other pertinent information about the prior inmate. Information submitted by a public official is generally fair game for anyone who has the nerve to ask. Often, officials must submit answers to any public inquiry. This is especially relevant if a prior inmate is a fugitive and danger to a community. The worst thing an official can do is say, "no," so it never hurts to ask.
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Tips & Warnings
Violent offenders often have to register in a community of residence within a certain amount of time, usually from seven to 30 days. Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation or U.S. Marshal's Office if the prior inmate you are looking for is a parole violator or fugitive.
Family members of a prior inmate can often become emotional. Parole officers and employers can be quite tight-lipped if threatened. Keep your cool and avoid trying to coerce people to provide information.
