How to Search for Someone in the Penitentiary

Finding the location of someone in prison is usually as easy as going online.

Finding location information about a prison inmate in federal or state prisons is relatively easy. The federal roster of inmates going back to 1982 is available online. All but two states have their information online. Typically, the prisoner's full name will be enough to get the information you want. It will be beneficial, though, to provide more information to make sure you have the right prisoner.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Correct last name spelling

Instructions

1. Search the Federal Bureau of Prisons' site for inmates convicted of federal crimes and housed in federal prisons. "Inmate Locator" is listed on the left side of the home page under "Tools." A register number for the inmate is the fastest way to get the information, but the correct spelling of the first and last names should be enough.

2. Write a letter for information about federal prisoners incarcerated prior to 1982. Mail your request to: Federal Bureau of Prisons, Office of Communications and Archives, Attn: Historic Inmate Locator Request, 320 First St., N.W. Washington, DC 20534. The inmate's full name (including a middle name or initial), date of birth or approximate age at the time of incarceration, race, and approximate dates in prison are all required information.

3. Look for "inmate locator," "inmate information" or "offender search" on state Department of Corrections sites or by going to VINELink.com. Most states consider the online search capability a public service. Some require as little as a last name, but the more detailed information you can provide the better able you will be to get an exact match. The federal prison site does not have information about state prisoners.

4. All but two states offer inmate location service on their individual Department of Corrections sites, or at https://VINELink.com. In Maine, send an e-mail to [e-mail]. In South Dakota, call [phone] or [phone].

Tips & Warnings

• Search by using as much information as you can to narrow the results.

• Verify the information. On the federal site and on some state sites the information includes former inmates, so be careful that you have found the correct inmate.

References

• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• VINELink.com: State Prisoner Information Source