Allen County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Allen County?
Inmate records in Allen County are official government documents maintained by the Allen County Sheriff's Department and correctional facilities that document the custody, supervision, and care of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b)(8), inmate records are defined as "information concerning a person who has been arrested or otherwise detained by a law enforcement agency." These records are distinct from court records, which are maintained separately by the Allen County Courts. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to a case, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and supervision of the individual.
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking process, when an individual is first processed into the Allen County Jail. During this intake procedure, correctional staff collect and document:
- Biographical information
- Photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprints
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening information
- Security classification assessments
Throughout an individual's period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect:
- Housing assignments
- Disciplinary actions
- Visitation logs
- Medical treatments
- Program participation
- Court appearances
Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information, including release date, time, and conditions of release such as probation or parole requirements. The Allen County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules.
Are Inmate Records Public In Allen County?
Inmate records in Allen County are partially accessible to the public under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (IC § 5-14-3). This statute establishes that government records, including those related to incarcerated individuals, are generally available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
The Indiana Department of Correction and county jails must maintain certain inmate information as public record. According to IC § 11-8-5-2, the following inmate information is considered public:
- Full name and date of birth
- Current custody status and location
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Current offense and sentence information
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
However, certain components of inmate records remain confidential under state law. These protected elements include:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary reports
- Personal identification numbers (Social Security, driver's license)
- Victim information
- Security threat group (gang) affiliation documentation
- Internal classification assessments
The Allen County Sheriff's Department provides public access to basic inmate information through their online inmate lookup system. This database allows members of the public to search for currently incarcerated individuals by name or booking date, and provides information on charges, bond amounts, and court dates.
For more comprehensive inmate record information not available online, interested parties may submit a formal public records request to the Allen County Sheriff's Department in accordance with the procedures established under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act.
What's Included Inmate Records in Allen County
Inmate records in Allen County contain a comprehensive collection of information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system from arrest through release. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Last known address
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level
- Disciplinary incidents and sanctions
- Participation in jail programs or work assignments
- Visitation records
- Telephone call logs
- Commissary account information
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Incident reports
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
- Bonding company information, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Attorney information
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Credit time calculations
- Good time/earned credit calculations
- Projected release date
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer, etc.)
- Conditions of release
- Supervising agency post-release (if applicable)
The Allen County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in compliance with Indiana state law and departmental policies. While certain elements of these records are available to the public through the online inmate lookup system, other components remain confidential in accordance with state privacy statutes.
Allen County Prison System
The Allen County correctional system operates under a tiered structure that distinguishes between local detention facilities and state prisons. The Allen County Sheriff's Department administers the county jail system, which primarily houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions.
The Allen County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county, processing approximately 12,000 bookings annually. This facility houses individuals who:
- Are awaiting arraignment or trial
- Have been sentenced to serve less than one year of incarceration
- Are awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Are being held on probation or parole violations
- Are detained on behalf of other jurisdictions
Individuals sentenced to more than one year of incarceration for felony convictions are transferred from Allen County Jail to facilities operated by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC). These state prisons house inmates serving longer sentences and provide more extensive rehabilitation programming.
The Allen County Sheriff's Department maintains jurisdiction over the county jail system and is responsible for:
- Intake and booking procedures
- Inmate classification and housing assignments
- Security and supervision
- Medical and mental health services
- Food service and commissary operations
- Visitation coordination
- Transportation to court appearances
Allen County Sheriff's Department
715 S. Calhoun Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7535
Allen County Sheriff's Department
The Sheriff's Department operates under the authority of the elected Sheriff of Allen County and works in coordination with the Allen County Courts, the Allen County Prosecutor's Office, and various law enforcement agencies throughout the county.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Allen County
Allen County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific function within the county's criminal justice system:
Allen County Jail
715 S. Calhoun Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7341
Allen County Sheriff's Department
The Allen County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county. This maximum-security facility houses both male and female inmates across various classification levels. The jail has a capacity of approximately 741 beds and provides:
- Intake and booking services
- Pre-trial detention
- Short-term incarceration (sentences under one year)
- Medical and mental health services
- Educational programming
- Religious services
- Work release screening
Allen County Work Release Center
201 W. Superior Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7210
The Work Release Center provides an alternative to full incarceration for qualifying low-risk offenders. This minimum-security facility allows inmates to:
- Maintain employment in the community
- Return to the facility during non-working hours
- Participate in treatment programs
- Pay restitution and program fees
- Maintain family connections while serving their sentence
Allen County Community Corrections
201 W. Superior Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7252
Community Corrections administers alternative sentencing programs including:
- Electronic monitoring/home detention
- Day reporting
- Community service
- Substance abuse treatment coordination
- Cognitive behavioral therapy programs
Allen County Juvenile Center
2929 Wells Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
(260) 449-8072
This facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 18 who are awaiting adjudication or serving dispositions ordered by the Allen County Juvenile Court. The center provides:
- Secure detention
- Educational services
- Counseling
- Recreation
- Family visitation
These facilities operate in coordination with state-level institutions administered by the Indiana Department of Correction, which houses Allen County residents sentenced to terms exceeding one year.
Who's in Prison In Allen County
The Allen County correctional facilities house a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting arraignment
- Defendants who have been charged but not yet convicted
- Persons who have been denied bail or cannot afford to post bond
- Individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
According to data from the Indiana Department of Correction, pre-trial detainees constitute approximately 60-65% of the Allen County Jail population at any given time.
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals convicted of Class A, B, or C misdemeanors
- Persons serving sentences of less than one year
- Weekend or intermittent sentence servers
- Those awaiting transfer to work release or community corrections programs
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Individuals convicted of Level 6 felonies who are serving their sentences locally
- Persons serving the final portion of their sentence before release
Probation/Parole Violators:
- Individuals who have violated terms of community supervision
- Persons awaiting revocation hearings
- Those serving sanctions for technical violations
Special Populations:
- Individuals with mental health needs
- Veterans
- Pregnant inmates
- Elderly inmates
- Juveniles charged as adults
The demographic composition of the Allen County Jail population generally reflects:
- Approximately 80% male and 20% female inmates
- Racial and ethnic diversity representative of the broader community
- Age ranges from 18 to senior citizens, with the majority between 20-40 years old
- Varying educational backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses
The Allen County Sheriff's Department provides regular population reports to the Allen County Council and Commissioners, detailing facility capacity, current population counts, and demographic breakdowns. These reports assist in resource allocation and program development to address the specific needs of the incarcerated population.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Allen County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Allen County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Allen County Sheriff's Department maintains current inmate data and provides multiple search options:
Online Inmate Lookup System:
- Visit the Allen County Sheriff's Department website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter search criteria (last name, first name, or booking date)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
- Housing location
- Booking date
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Allen County Sheriff's Department Records Division
- 715 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification
- Specify the information being requested
- Pay applicable copying fees ($0.10 per page for standard documents)
Written Records Request:
- Submit a written request to:
- Allen County Sheriff's Department
- Attn: Records Division
- 715 S. Calhoun Street
- Fort Wayne, IN 46802
- Include in your request:
- Your full name and contact information
- The specific records being requested
- The inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Your relationship to the inmate (if applicable)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
For individuals seeking records of inmates who have been transferred to state custody, the Indiana Department of Correction Offender Locator provides an online search tool. This database contains information on all individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities or under IDOC supervision.
Pursuant to Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, the Sheriff's Department must respond to records requests within seven business days. Some records may require redaction of confidential information before release, which may extend processing time.
How To Find an Inmate in Allen County for Free?
Allen County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county jail system or state correctional facilities. These free resources are accessible to the general public:
Allen County Sheriff's Department Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Allen County Sheriff's Department website
- Select the "Inmate Search" function
- Search using any of the following criteria:
- Last name (required)
- First name (optional, improves search accuracy)
- Booking date range (optional)
- Review search results, which display:
- Current inmates matching search criteria
- Booking photos
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Next court dates
This online system is updated regularly and provides real-time information on individuals currently housed in the Allen County Jail.
Indiana Department of Correction Offender Locator:
- Visit the Indiana Offender Locator website
- Enter search criteria:
- Last name (required)
- First name (optional)
- DOC number (if known)
- Review results showing:
- Current facility assignment
- Earliest possible release date
- Physical characteristics
- Offense information
This database includes individuals who have been transferred from Allen County to state prison facilities.
Allen County Courts Case Search:
- Access the Allen County Courts website
- Navigate to "Search Court Cases"
- Enter the individual's name
- Review case information, which may include:
- Current case status
- Upcoming court dates
- Bond information
- Custody status notations
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Allen County Jail directly at (260) 449-7341
- Provide the full name and date of birth (if known) of the person you are trying to locate
- Request basic custody information, which jail staff can confirm:
- Whether the person is currently in custody
- General visiting information
- Bond amount
These free resources provide basic custody information to assist family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties in locating individuals within the Allen County correctional system.
How To Visit an Inmate In Allen County
The Allen County Sheriff's Department has established comprehensive visitation procedures to facilitate contact between inmates and their approved visitors. All visits must comply with facility regulations designed to maintain security and safety:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit up to 8 names for their visitation list
- Changes to visitation lists are processed on the 1st and 15th of each month
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/legal guardian
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation hours: Wednesday through Sunday
- Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Evening sessions (Wed/Thurs only): 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Maximum visit duration: 30 minutes
- Inmates are permitted two visits per week
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled visitation time to complete processing.
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Birth certificates for minor visitors
- Vehicle information (make, model, license plate) for parking registration
- Locker key deposit ($5.00, returned after visit)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products or lighters
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
- Medications (unless medically necessary with prior approval)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections attire
- Shoes must be worn at all times
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- Non-contact visits (standard): Conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication
- Video visitation: Available for remote visits through the jail's contracted service provider
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy): Conducted in designated interview rooms
- Special visits: May be approved by jail administration for exceptional circumstances
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Persons with felony convictions must receive advance approval
- Individuals on probation or parole must provide written permission from their supervising officer
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 11-11-5-4, the Sheriff's Department maintains the authority to deny, suspend, or restrict visitation privileges when necessary for security or safety concerns.
How To Send Money to a Allen County Inmate
Allen County provides multiple secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Allen County Sheriff's Department's contracted payment processor website
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Allen County Jail" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Enter payment amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Save confirmation receipt
Online deposits are typically posted to inmate accounts within 24 hours.
Lobby Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Allen County Jail lobby
- 715 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
- Available 24 hours daily
- Use the self-service kiosk
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Obtain printed receipt
Kiosk deposits are generally posted to inmate accounts within 1-2 hours.
Mail-In Money Orders:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Allen County Jail"
- Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
- Mail to:
- Allen County Jail
- Inmate Accounts
- 715 S. Calhoun Street
- Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Mail-in deposits typically post within 3-5 business days after receipt.
Deposit Limits and Fees:
- Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
- Online transaction fee: $2.50 per transaction
- Kiosk transaction fee: $2.00 per transaction
- Money order processing: No fee
Prohibited Uses of Funds: Inmate funds cannot be used for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Court fees or fines
- Restitution payments
- Telephone account deposits (separate system)
- Purchases from outside vendors
- Transfers to other inmates
Approved Uses of Funds: Inmates may use commissary funds for:
- Hygiene products
- Snacks and beverages
- Writing materials
- Stamps and envelopes
- Approved clothing items
- Over-the-counter medications
- Phone cards
Upon release, any remaining balance in an inmate's account will be returned via debit card. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 11-11-4-1, the Sheriff's Department must maintain accurate accounting of all inmate funds and provide regular account statements to inmates.
How To Send Jail Mail In Allen County
The Allen County Sheriff's Department has established specific procedures for sending mail to individuals incarcerated in the Allen County Jail. All correspondence must adhere to these guidelines to ensure delivery:
Addressing Requirements:
- Address envelopes as follows:
- Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known)
- Allen County Jail
- 715 S. Calhoun Street
- Fort Wayne, IN 46802
- Include complete return address with sender's full name
- Use standard white or manila envelopes only
- Write clearly using blue or black ink
Permitted Mail Items:
- Personal letters (limit 5 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
- Money orders (must be made payable to the inmate)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
- Religious materials (subject to security review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Stickers or labels
- Crayon or marker writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Polaroid photographs
- Laminated items
- Cardboard or hardcover materials
- Plastic or metal objects
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Materials depicting violence or weapons
- Correspondence containing threats or criminal activity
Mail Processing Procedures:
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
- Mail is typically distributed to inmates within 24-48 hours of receipt
- Prohibited items are returned to sender or placed in the inmate's property
- Mail containing contraband may be confiscated as evidence
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Publications and Books:
- Books must be sent directly from the publisher or authorized retailer
- Soft-cover books only (no hardcover books accepted)
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review for security concerns
- Religious texts are permitted subject to security review
E-Messages: The Allen County Jail also offers a secure electronic messaging system through their contracted service provider. Family and friends can:
- Create an account on the approved messaging platform
- Purchase message credits
- Send text-only messages to inmates
- Receive responses from inmates (fees apply)
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 11-11-3-2, inmates retain the right to send and receive mail, subject to reasonable restrictions necessary for facility security and public safety. The Sheriff's Department maintains the authority to inspect all non-privileged mail and restrict correspondence that presents security concerns.
Lookup Inmate Records in Allen County
Allen County Sheriff's Department Inmate Search
Indiana Department of Correction Offender Locator
Allen County Courts Case Search