Dubuque Public Records /Dubuque County Inmate Search

Dubuque County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Dubuque County?

Inmate records in Dubuque County are official government documents maintained by the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records document an individual's entire custody history from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the judicial system.

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 904.601, inmate records are defined as "records kept by the department regarding offenders and former offenders." The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody. During this process, the following information is collected:

Biographical and demographic information
Photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
Charge information
Custody classification
Medical screening results

These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to document housing assignments, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other significant events. Upon release, the records are finalized with discharge information but remain in the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office database as historical records.

It is important to note that inmate records differ from court records in several key aspects:

Court records focus on case proceedings, legal filings, and judicial decisions
Inmate records focus on custody status, facility placement, and institutional behavior
Court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court
Inmate records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office or Department of Corrections

The Dubuque County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of local inmate records, while the Iowa Department of Corrections maintains records for inmates in state correctional facilities.

Are Inmate Records Public In Dubuque County?

Yes, certain inmate records in Dubuque County are considered public information and are accessible to members of the general public. The accessibility of these records is governed by the Iowa Open Records Law, specifically Iowa Code Chapter 22, which establishes the public's right to access government records with certain exceptions.

Additionally, Iowa Code § 904.601(1) explicitly states that "offender records are public records and may be disseminated by the department in accordance with this section." This provision specifically addresses the public nature of offender records maintained by correctional authorities.

The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:

Current inmate roster (listing of individuals currently in custody)
Full name and age of the inmate
Booking date and time
Charges filed (but not dismissed)
Mugshot photographs
Bond/bail amounts
Scheduled court dates
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

However, certain categories of information within inmate records are exempt from public disclosure to protect privacy, safety, and security interests. Information that is typically not publicly available includes:

Social Security numbers
Detailed medical information
Mental health records
Juvenile records (unless the juvenile was waived to adult court)
Information that would compromise institutional security
Victim information

The Dubuque County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides public access to basic inmate information through their Jail Information Portal.

What's Included Inmate Records in Dubuque County

Inmate records in Dubuque County contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records are maintained in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code 201-50.22, which establishes standards for jail record keeping. The following categories of information are typically included:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or known nicknames
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and physical description
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
State ID number and/or FBI number

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Booking officer
Custody classification
Housing assignment
Scheduled release date (if applicable)
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
Disciplinary records
Visitation logs

Charge Information:

Current charges
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge status (pending, convicted, dismissed)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, etc.)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, not posted)
Bond conditions
Bail hearing information

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Attorney information
Upcoming court dates
Court orders

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date
Good time/earned time calculations
Probation/parole conditions

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release conditions
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained electronically in the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office jail management system and are updated regularly to reflect changes in an inmate's status or circumstances.

Dubuque County Prison System

The Dubuque County correctional system operates under a tiered structure that distinguishes between local and state facilities. The Dubuque County Jail serves as the primary local detention facility, housing pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year. This facility operates under the direct authority of the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office.

For individuals convicted of more serious offenses with sentences exceeding one year, custody transfers from the county level to the Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC), which operates nine state prisons throughout Iowa. This distinction between county and state facilities is established under Iowa Code § 356.1, which defines the purpose and authority of county jails.

The Dubuque County Jail primarily houses:

Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically less than one year)
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Federal detainees (through agreements with federal agencies)
Individuals held on immigration detainers

The facility is operated and maintained by the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office:

Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 589-4406
Dubuque County Sheriff

The Sheriff's Office is responsible for all aspects of jail operations, including inmate supervision, facility security, inmate transportation, and record keeping. The jail operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with professional corrections staff working in shifts to ensure continuous supervision.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Dubuque County

Dubuque County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the county's correctional system.

Dubuque County Jail
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 589-4437
Dubuque County Jail

The main detention facility in Dubuque County houses both male and female inmates across various security classifications. This facility accommodates pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of less than one year. The jail provides basic medical services, educational programs, and religious services. Visitation is available according to a structured schedule based on housing unit assignments.

Dubuque County Work Release Center
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 589-4437
Dubuque County Sheriff

This minimum-security facility houses inmates who qualify for work release programs. Eligible inmates may leave the facility to work at approved employment sites during the day and return to custody during non-working hours. This program facilitates reintegration into the community and allows inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences.

Dubuque County Juvenile Detention Center
2000 Radford Road
Dubuque, IA 52002
(563) 583-3765
Dubuque County Juvenile Detention

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders who are awaiting court proceedings or serving short-term detention sentences. The center provides educational services, counseling, and age-appropriate programming. Juvenile records are subject to different confidentiality standards than adult records under Iowa law.

While these facilities represent the county-level detention options, it's important to note that individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are typically transferred to state correctional facilities operated by the Iowa Department of Corrections, as prescribed by Iowa Code § 901.7.

Who's in Prison In Dubuque County

The Dubuque County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The jail population generally falls into several distinct categories as defined by their legal status and the nature of their confinement.

Pre-trial Detainees: The largest segment of the jail population consists of individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are held in custody because:

They have not posted the required bail amount
They were denied bail due to public safety concerns
They are awaiting their initial court appearance
They have been deemed a flight risk by the court

Sentenced Inmates: Individuals who have been convicted of crimes and are serving sentences of less than one year remain in the county jail rather than being transferred to state prison facilities. These inmates have typically been convicted of:

Simple misdemeanors (maximum 30 days)
Serious misdemeanors (maximum 1 year)
Aggravated misdemeanors (maximum 2 years, though those with longer sentences may be transferred to state facilities)

Probation/Parole Violators: The jail also houses individuals who were previously sentenced but have violated the terms of their probation or parole. These individuals may be held pending:

A revocation hearing
Reinstatement of their original sentence
Modification of their supervision terms

Temporary Holds: Some individuals are held temporarily for administrative reasons, including:

Awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
Serving as witnesses in pending cases
Immigration detainees awaiting processing by federal authorities
Individuals awaiting competency evaluations

According to data from the Iowa Department of Corrections, the demographic composition of the Dubuque County Jail population generally reflects broader incarceration patterns in Iowa, with males comprising approximately 85-90% of the jail population. The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and seasonal factors.

The jail classification system assigns housing based on factors including:

Security risk level
Criminal history
Current charges
Behavioral considerations
Special needs (medical, mental health, etc.)
Gender

This classification system ensures appropriate housing assignments and helps maintain facility security while addressing individual inmate needs.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Dubuque County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Dubuque County have several methods available to access this information. The county maintains multiple platforms to facilitate public access to inmate data in accordance with Iowa's public records laws.

Online Inmate Lookup: The most efficient method for locating current inmate information is through the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office online inmate inquiry system:

Visit the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center P2C portal
Select "Inmate Inquiry" from the available options
Enter search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number if known)
Review the results, which typically include:
- Full name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Mugshot (if available)
- Housing location
- Expected release date (for sentenced inmates)

Iowa Statewide Offender Database: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody or whose records are not found in the county system:

Access the Iowa Offender Search portal
Enter the individual's name or ID number
Review the results, which provide custody status and location information
Note that this system includes all offenders under Iowa Department of Corrections supervision, including those on probation or parole

In-Person Requests: For more detailed information or historical records not available online:

Visit the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
Complete a public records request form
Provide identifying information about the inmate
Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Allow processing time as specified by staff (typically 3-5 business days)

Written Requests: For those unable to visit in person:

Submit a written request to:

Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Include the following information:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate dates of incarceration
- Specific information requested
- Your contact information
- Purpose of request (optional)
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Include payment for any applicable fees (contact the office for current fee schedule)

All requests are processed in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 22, which governs public records access. Certain information may be redacted to protect privacy or security interests as permitted by law.

How To Find an Inmate in Dubuque County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Dubuque County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. These free search options provide basic custody information to family members, friends, legal representatives, and other interested parties.

Dubuque County Sheriff's Online Inmate Lookup: The most direct method for finding current inmates at no cost:

Navigate to the Dubuque County Jail website
Click on the "Inmate Inquiry" link
Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
No registration or payment is required to access basic inmate information
Results display current inmates only and include:
- Name and age
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond amount
- Next court date (if scheduled)
- Housing location (general information)

Iowa Statewide Resources: For inmates who may have been transferred to state facilities:

Use the Iowa Offender Search portal maintained by the Iowa Department of Corrections
Enter the individual's name
Review results showing current location and custody status
This database includes all individuals under state correctional supervision

Telephone Inquiry: For those without internet access:

Contact the Dubuque County Jail directly at (563) 589-4437
Provide the name of the person you are trying to locate
Staff can confirm if an individual is currently in custody
Basic information such as charges and bond amounts may be provided
Call during administrative hours (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday) for best results

VINELink Notification System: Iowa participates in the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system:

Visit IowaVINE or call 1-888-742-8463
Register for free
Search for the inmate by name
Receive custody status information
Optional: Sign up for automated notifications about changes in custody status

These free resources provide basic information about an inmate's custody status. For more detailed records or historical information, a formal records request may be necessary, which could involve nominal fees for document retrieval and copying as permitted under Iowa Code § 22.3.

How To Visit an Inmate In Dubuque County

Visiting an inmate at the Dubuque County Jail requires adherence to established protocols designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important personal connections. The Dubuque County Sheriff's Office has implemented specific procedures for all visitors.

Visit Rules and Procedures: Visitation at the Dubuque County Jail operates under strict guidelines:

All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
Visitors must pass through security screening before each visit
Visitors with active warrants or criminal cases pending will be denied entry

Visit Schedule: The Inmate Visitation schedule is organized by housing unit:

On-site visits occur Wednesday through Sunday
Morning sessions: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Evening sessions: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Wednesday and Friday only)
No visits on Mondays, Tuesdays, or county holidays
Each inmate is allowed two 25-minute on-site visits per week

What to Bring: Visitors should arrive prepared with:

Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
Visitor registration form (completed prior to visit)
Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicles or lockers)
Medical necessities (with prior approval)

What NOT to Bring: The following items are prohibited:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20 (for vending machines)
Medications (except those medically necessary with prior approval)

Dress Code: Visitors must adhere to the following dress requirements:

No revealing clothing (shorts must extend below fingertips when arms are at sides)
No tank tops, halter tops, or clothing exposing midriff
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related attire or colors
Shoes and shirts required at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)

Visit Types: The facility offers two primary visitation options:

On-site visits:
- Conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication
- Limited to two approved visitors per session
- Maximum duration of 25 minutes
Remote video visits:
- Available through the jail's approved video visitation provider
- Must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
- 15-minute duration
- Fees apply for remote video visits

Visit Restrictions: Visitation privileges may be restricted or suspended under certain circumstances:

Inmate disciplinary status
Facility lockdown or emergency situations
Visitor misconduct during previous visits
Court-ordered restrictions
Violation of visitation rules

All visitation procedures are subject to change based on facility needs and security considerations. Visitors are advised to verify current policies by calling (563) 589-4437 before planning a visit.

How To Send Money to a Dubuque County Inmate

Individuals in custody at the Dubuque County Jail require funds for commissary purchases and other approved expenses. The Dubuque County Sheriff's Office provides several secure methods for depositing money into an inmate's account.

Online Deposits: The most convenient method for sending funds:

Visit the jail's approved online payment processor website
Create an account or log in
Select "Dubuque County Jail" as the facility
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Specify the deposit amount
Complete payment using credit card, debit card, or electronic check
Service fees apply (typically 5-8% of the transaction amount)
Funds are usually available in the inmate's account within 24 hours

Lobby Kiosk: For those who prefer to make deposits in person:

Visit the Dubuque County Jail lobby during regular hours (8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily)
Use the self-service kiosk located in the public lobby
Follow on-screen instructions to complete the deposit
Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted
A receipt is provided for all transactions
Lower service fees than online deposits (typically 3-5%)
Funds are available in the inmate's account within 1-2 hours

Mail Money Orders: For those who prefer traditional methods:

Purchase a money order from an approved provider (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
Mail to:

Dubuque County Jail
Inmate Accounts
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Include the sender's full name and return address
No service fees from the jail (though money order purchase may incur fees)
Processing time is typically 3-5 business days

Amount Limits: The following restrictions apply to inmate accounts:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
Maximum account balance: $1,000.00

Fees: Transaction fees vary by deposit method:

Online deposits: 5-8% of transaction amount
Lobby kiosk: 3-5% of transaction amount
Money orders: No jail processing fee

Prohibited Items: The following payment forms are not accepted:

Cash sent through mail
Personal checks
Cashier's checks
Traveler's checks
Third-party checks
Foreign currency

Approved Uses of Funds: Inmates may use account funds for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Phone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Release money

Restricted Uses: Funds may not be used for:

Bail or bond payments
Fines or court costs (separate payment process required)
Transfers to other inmates
Outside purchases

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code 201-50.15, which governs inmate accounts in county jails.

How To Send Jail Mail In Dubuque County

Corresponding with inmates at the Dubuque County Jail requires adherence to specific guidelines established to maintain security while facilitating communication. All mail is subject to inspection and must comply with facility regulations.

General Mailing Instructions: When sending mail to an inmate:

Address envelopes or packages as follows:

Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
Dubuque County Jail
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Include your complete return address on all correspondence
Use standard white envelopes (maximum size 9" x 12")
Write clearly using blue or black ink only
Mail is processed Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)
Delivery to inmates typically occurs within 24-48 hours after receipt

Acceptable Mail Items: The following items are permitted:

Personal letters (limited to 5 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Up to 5 photographs per envelope (maximum size 4" x 6", no Polaroids)
Money orders (following procedures outlined in the money transmission section)
Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
Religious materials (subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items: The following items will be rejected:

Packages or padded envelopes
Plastic or metal items of any kind
Stickers, labels, or tape
Crayon, marker, colored pencil, or glitter
Perfumed or scented items
Cards larger than 5" x 7"
Polaroid photographs
Nude or sexually explicit images
Gang-related content
Material depicting violence or weapons
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Food items or candy
Blank paper, envelopes, or writing materials

Legal Mail: Correspondence from attorneys, courts, or legal agencies receives special handling:

Mark envelopes clearly as "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Include attorney bar number when applicable
Legal mail is opened in the inmate's presence
Contents are inspected for contraband but not read by staff
Legal mail is not subject to the 5-page limit

Publications: Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor:

Must be shipped directly from publisher, Amazon, or approved bookstore
Hardcover books are not accepted
Maximum of 3 books or magazines per week
Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Religious texts are generally permitted but subject to security review

E-Messages: The facility offers a digital messaging system:

Create an account on the jail's approved messaging platform
Purchase message credits
Compose and send messages to the inmate
Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours
Character limits apply
Fees are charged per message
All electronic communications are monitored

All mail procedures are enforced in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code 201-50.19, which establishes standards for inmate mail in county jails. Violation of mail rules may result in rejection of correspondence and possible suspension of mail privileges.