Whitley County Jail – Columbia City, IN

Whitley County Jail is in Whitley County, Indiana and is the primary correctional facility for this county. Are you looking for somebody locked up at Whitley County Jail? This guide will tell you about anything you might want to know about Whitley County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give you info that you’ll need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have questions, feel free to ask it, and also any feedback or comments that could be beneficial to others is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is locked up and don’t know how to contact them?

Has a family member or friend who’s been arrested and you need to locate them?

To look up who’s in jail at Whitley County Jail you need to go to their web site and use the inmate search.

The Whitley County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of people who are in jail, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. Also, you are able to get information on anyone arrested and booked or released within the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find their arrest information fast if you’ve got their full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be in a different jail you will want to look here, too: Other Jails in Indiana

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photo, is the picture that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually one full face and a side picture. Your full name and booking number will appear on the pictures, and they are stored.

Mugshots can be found online, or you can go in person to the Whitley County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to input their legal name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Want to have your mugshot removed from the Whitley County Jail website? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, if you are locked up, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, a bail amount will be decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and until that date you can’t leave the county.

In most cases, a prisoner in the Whitley County Jail will be given time off for good behavior if they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to go back to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you have to pay is determined by the crime you’ve been charged with. You or someone you know will have to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was set so you can bail out of jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get the bail money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the jail. If you have all the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, its easy. To start with, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not accept checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be released into your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They usually have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually have a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will in these cases request to use assets as collateral.

To contact a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Whitley County Jail

Have you ever had to use a bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Get Released on House Arrest
• Be Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The intake process is made up of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you must answer some questions, like what is your full legal name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will be allowed to use the phone so you can contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Do you know any things that might help others make it through jail processing?

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When you finally post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take from 10 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will be freed. Also, how fast you get released depends on if you have a cash bond amount or if a magistrate has to determine your bail amount. For a minor charge, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the date of your release, you should plan to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they find one, you will be taken into jail custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring required items when you go, such as a driver’s license or even state issued ID, prescription medication, and a copy of the sentencing order.

Inmates must provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will be entered in the log for the requesting inmate. All visitors have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Visitors showing up late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures change often, so you should review the official site before you go to the jail to visit.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are usually more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules, phone calls may be limited or eliminated altogether.

The Whitley County Jail phone number is: 260-244-6410

All inmate mail has to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of delivery. Clearly print the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail is opened and inspected by the jail staff, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Whitley County Jail, use this address:

Whitley County Jail
101 W Market Street
Columbia City, IN 46725

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Whitley County Jail
101 W Market Street
Columbia City, IN 46725

The Whitley County Jail mail policy changes, so you should visit the site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, one of these being your right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or relative to find a lawyer for you. You might be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the court system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get an attorney working on your situation, the better.

For more information about this, read: How to Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers who are members of the Indiana State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? How did they do?

Whitley County court records are a matter of public record. Court records are comprised of a court case file containing a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence filed during your court case. You, and anyone else, can access your court records using the online service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are maintained at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the costs from your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The magistrate is the person that presides on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, which include setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with your background information and details of the arrestee’s life and history, which the judge will take into account when determining your sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Remember that you can request to have your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service to probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if someone is locked up, or has been an inmate in the past?

You can you will have to query the Whitley County jail website, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Whitley County jail website or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is in the public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, such as warrants. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view these offenders online, but remember that you can’t find the actual address, rather the block they live on.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a court case file that includes a docket and any of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You are able to access court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal history. These online databases are all linked so you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. Go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, you generally will not be able to find out if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving records, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you have to call the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback could help other people.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Whitley County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Whitley County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in the Whitley County jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up each morning at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then have breakfast. Following breakfast you will be required to work in the program that has been assigned to you. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Whitley County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Whitley County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The rules for sending money to inmates at Whitley County Jail is likely to change, so be sure to check the the Whitley County Jail website when you send money to an inmate there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Whitley County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Whitley County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Whitley County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to post a comment


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to tell about all about it

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated at this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at this jail?

If you have, then you should tell us about it. Write down your experience so that others will know what to expect.

Things you could write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story to tell. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What was it like in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did getting locked up affect your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Trying to say wassup to somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to people still locked up at Whitley County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Whitley County Jail Link
Whitley County Jail Inmate Search
View Whitley County Jail Mugshots
Whitley County Jail Bail Amount Link

Whitley County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Whitley County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Whitley County Jail
Whitley County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Whitley County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Whitley County Jail
Whitley County Jail Jobs


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