Kentucky Inmate Search

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Databases Updated on Apr 14, 2025

What is Kentucky Inmate Search?

Kentucky inmate search refers to the process of obtaining credible information about individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities across the state.

Inmate searches may be conducted through several methods. The primary method for searching is by contacting the Kentucky Department of Corrections (KYDOC), which is responsible for granting public access to inmate information through online platforms or physical documents. To contact the department, interested persons may either call the department or fill out the department's contact form and provide essential details about the inmate in question.

Are Inmate Search Records Open to the Public in Kentucky?

Yes, under the Kentucky Open Records Act, the general public is permitted to access and review Kentucky jail records and obtain credible information about inmates through any of the access methods provided by the KYDOC. However, there may be restrictions on the details that can be shared.

Personal information such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, medical records, phone numbers, and sensitive case details may not be disclosed in an inmate search. Additionally, the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections has the authority to deny a Kentucky inmate search if releasing the information is deemed a threat to the inmate, the correctional institution, its staff, or the public.

How To Perform Kentucky Inmate Lookup

The Kentucky Department of Corrections (KYDOC) operates an online inmate search portal called the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup (KOOL). Anyone who wishes to access inmate information may conduct a search using the portal and must provide parameters such as the inmate's name, jail number, State Identification Number (SID), race, and gender.

Any search conducted on the portal will return a broad list of inmates matching the provided details. However, further details such as the inmate's birthdate, sentencing information, and offense history can be used to refine and narrow the search. Once the desired inmate is located on the portal, additional information about the inmate, including mugshots, facility details, incarceration information, and transfer records, may be accessed.

How To Search for an Inmate in Kentucky

To search for an inmate in Kentucky, do the following:

  • Open the Kentucky Department of Corrections (KYDOC) offender search portal and enter the inmate's KYDOC number. If this number is unknown, other identifying details such as the inmate's first, middle, and last name, age, gender, race, county of supervision, and offender type can be entered
  • Click the "Search Data" tab and scheme through the long list of matching inmates' results provided
  • Review and refine the list until information about the inmate of interest is located

An alternative method for conducting a Kentucky jail inmate search is by email. Individuals can email the KYDOC with details of the inmate, such as the KYDOC number, name, birthdate, age, gender, and race. Additional details, such as the inmate's offense and county of conviction, can also be included in the email to expedite the search.

Another option is to contact the Kentucky Department of Corrections by phone at (502) 564-4360. As phone inquiries are typically concluded within a short period, they are only advised if the inmate's KYDOC number, name, age, and offense history can be provided on demand. Regardless of the search method used, requesters must ensure that the information provided is accurate and free of errors to avoid a failed search.

How To Conduct a Free Inmate Search in Kentucky

Interested parties can conduct a Kentucky inmate search free of charge using reliable third-party websites such as RecordsFinder. These websites provide users with access to inmate information using search parameters similar to those of the official Kentucky offender search portal. Basic inmate lookups are typically free; however, more detailed searches may require a small fee.

How To Find a Federal Inmate in Kentucky

To perform a federal inmate search in Kentucky, individuals can use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator. This online tool allows users to search for and obtain information about federal inmates by entering search parameters such as the inmate's full name or BOP number. To refine the search, additional details such as the inmate's gender, race, and age may also be included.

Below are the federal correctional facilities in Kentucky:

  • FCI Ashland
  • FCI Ashland Camp
  • USP Big Sandy
  • USP Big Sandy Camp
  • FMC Lexington
  • FMC Lexington Camp
  • FCI Manchester
  • FCI Manchester Camp
  • USP McCreary
  • USP McCreary Camp

What Can You Find with State of Kentucky Inmate Search

While conducting a Kentucky inmate search, you may obtain the following information about the inmate:

  • Full name
  • Aliases
  • Physical description(height, weight, race)
  • Inmate Identification Number (DOC/PID Number)
  • Institution of incarceration
  • Custody Status
  • Parole Eligibility Date
  • Projected Release Date
  • Offense Information
  • Risk Assessment Rating

Jail and Inmate Search in Kentucky

As of 2022, the Kentucky correctional system houses at least 40,000 inmates, with approximately 19,000 incarcerated in state prisons and 22,000 held in county and city jails. Additionally, around 64,000 individuals are currently under supervision, including those on probation or parole, and at least 590 youths are incarcerated.

At 889 per 100,000 residents, Kentucky's incarceration rate surpasses the national average of 614 per 100,000. This high rate is influenced by factors such as sentencing policies and law enforcement practices rather than crime rates alone. About 76% of incarcerated individuals in Kentucky prisons are White, 21% are African-American, 2% are Hispanic, and 1% belong to other racial groups.

Criminal Justice Quick Facts

Kentucky Imprisonment Rate * (per 100,000 population)
437
Prison Population (All facilities/State & Federal jails)
37,290 / 19,305
Probation Population
51,920
Parole Population
12,630
Racial Disparity in Incarceration Rate
Black: White Ratio: 2.9:1
Hispanic: White Ratio: 0.4:1
Juvenile Custody Rate (per 100,000 juveniles)
63
Disenfranchised Population
158,381 (4.66%)
Disenfranchised African Americans
30,095 (11.67%)
Corrections Expenditures (state/local)
$355,009,693

* The incarceration rate in Kentucky considers statistics for the state's prisons, jails, juvenile justice facilities, and immigration detention facilities.

Kentucky Parole Population

As of January 1, 2022, the parole population in Kentucky was 13,310, and at the end of the year, on December 31, 2022, it was 12,630.

Paroles per 100,000 Population (2022)
Nationwide
267
Kentucky
359
Parole Total Population in Kentucky (2022)
Nationwide
698,820
Kentucky
12,630
Parole Entries and Exits (2022)
Entries
7510
Exits
8190
Change in 2022, in Percentage and Number
Percent
5.1
Number
680
Number on Parole per 100,000 U.S. Adult Residents
Decreased by
267

Kentucky Prisons

The Kentucky Department of Corrections has 14 state prisons and 80 jail facilities. These correctional facilities are all represented on the detailed map of all state-managed correctional facilities. As of 2022, the state's correctional system operated on a budget of $335 million and employed 3,282 staff members. The estimated cost per inmate was $35,801 annually. The state's prisons and jails held over 40,000 inmates, with an additional 55,539 individuals under probation and 14,430 under parole.

At the end of 2021, Kentucky's incarceration rate stood at 889 per 100,000 population, while the violent crime rate was 269, and the property crime rate was 1,633.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Kentucky inmate search:

Why Is an Inmate Not Showing Up in Search?

There are several reasons why a Kentucky inmate search may not provide information on a particular inmate. Individuals who have just been arrested may not appear in the search results due to delays in uploading their details to the database. Inmates, especially those in protective custody, may also have their information restricted from public access, making it impossible to find them through a search.

Another reason is if they are held in a non-state facility. In such cases, state-managed inmate lookup websites and some third-party sites may not be able to provide details, especially if the inmate is held in custody in another state. Additionally, inputting incorrect search parameters, such as the wrong KYDOC number or misspelled name, is a common cause of a failed search on the Kentucky inmate lookup portal.

If accurate search details are entered and there is still no information about the inmate, contact the Kentucky Department of Corrections via phone or email for assistance.

How Can I Check If Someone Is in Jail in Kentucky?

To check if someone is held in jail in a Kentucky correctional facility, use any of the following methods:

  • Conduct a search using the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup (KOOL)
  • Contact the local police department or sheriff's office where the person was last seen or arrested
  • Visit the correctional facilities in the state in person to inquire about an individual's incarceration status
  • Reach out to the Kentucky Department of Corrections via phone or their contact form

How Can I Conduct a Kentucky Prison Inmate Search?

To conduct a Kentucky prison inmate search, you can visit the state's correctional facilities in person. Additionally, you may search online through the KYDOC's Inmate Information Search portal, send an inquiry via email, or contact the facility by phone. Reliable third-party websites such as RecordsFinder are also excellent alternatives for conducting Kentucky prison inmate searches.

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