How to Use the Federal Inmate Locator

Arwood

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posted on 15 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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The Federal Inmate Locator is a database service provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons that can be accessed from the Internet. It allows users to look up any federal inmates who were incarcerated from 1982 to the present. It also shows some records for people who were in custody with the Federal Bureau of Prisons but did not serve due to dismissal of charges or for other reasons. It’s easy to learn how to use the Federal Inmate Locator, since all that needs to be done is to enter identifying information about the person you are searching for. However, the information must be accurate to produce a result.

Steps

Gather any information about the person you are trying to find. Using an identification number, such as a Register Number, results in a better chance of finding a match. Identification numbers can be found on records and written correspondence. If using the name option, make sure you have the first and last name with the correct spellings.

Open your Internet browser. Enter the Internet URL http://www.bop.gov/ to get to the Bureau of Prisons website.

Look for “Inmate Locator” and click it.

Get more information about the service and detailed instructions for how to use the Federal inmate Locator by clicking the “More Information” link at the top right of the screen.

Use the “Search by ID Number” box if you have an identification number for the inmate you are searching for. Select the drop down box next to “Type of Number” in the box entitled "Choose the proper type of ID number." The options are Register Number, DCDC Number, FBI Number and INS Number.

Navigate to the “Search by Name” box if you do not have an identification number. You must enter a first and last name. Names must be spelled correctly; there are no Boolean or advanced options. Use the race and sex pull down menus to input information that will filter the search results. Enter the person’s age in the Age" box.

Click the “Search” button at the bottom of the screen. A new page will display results that match your search criteria. Information includes name, Register Number, age, race and sex of the inmate and the release date. The link for the correctional facility is available to find inmates who are in custody. Use that link to get facility contact and visiting information.