Hancock County Jail – Garner, IA

Hancock County Jail is located in Hancock County, Iowa and is the correctional facility for the region. Know somebody in jail at Hancock County Jail? This site will tell you information about anything you might need to know about Hancock County Jail,like: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information. And lots more.

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give info that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail less stressful. If you have a question, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or tips that would be a benefit to others is appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is incarcerated and want to locate them?

Has someone who has been arrested and you want to find them?

To search who’s in jail at Hancock County Jail you should navigate to their website and use the inmate search.

The Hancock County Jail Inmate Search has information on persons who are in jail, which includes current status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. You can also find info for anybody processed or released in the past 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information faster if you have the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member might be in another county jail you should look here: Iowa County Jails Directory

A mugshot, or jail processing photo, is a photograph that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one and a profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will appear on the mugshot, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found on the website, or you can see them in person at the Hancock County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to enter the prisoner’s legal name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Want to have your mugshot removed from the Hancock County Jail site? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, if you’re arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail is determined either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until that date you are not allowed to go out of town.

In most cases, prisoners at Hancock County Jail will be given time off for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. You will be required to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your court date. Your bail amount is determined by the crime you are charged with. Someone will have to pay 10% of the amount that was determined so you are able to be released from jail. If you don’t go to your court date, the person that paid your bail will lose that bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the Hancock County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Hancock County Jail site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, it is simple to do if you have the money. To start with, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t use a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t accept a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman will in these cases require that they use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To talk to a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Hancock County Jail

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

Speak Your Mind

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• Released For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Released On House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The jail intake procedure takes you through the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you will answer some simple questions, like your legal name, home address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will get to use the phone so you can talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Do you know any secrets that might help other people make it through the process?

Click here to tell your story

When you post bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process will take between 15 minutes to all day. So, the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get out of jail. Also, it might depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if a judge still needs to determine how much to set your bail at. For a minor charge, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a release date, you should plan to be released in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you need to report to start a sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail intake area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant out for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if there is one, you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you aren’t late. Only bring required items when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the official sentencing order.

To have visitors, you need to provide each visitor’s name to the jail in advance. This information will be put into a log of visitors for the requesting inmate. Each visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies can change, so it would be wise to double-check the official jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or forbidden completely.

The Hancock County Jail phone number is: 641-923-2621

All inmate mail is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of delivery. You have to write the name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail is opened and read and inspected by the staff, and will be returned if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Hancock County Jail is:

Hancock County Jail
875 State Street
Garner, IA 50438

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hancock County Jail
875 State Street
Garner, IA 50438

The mail policy at Hancock County Jail changes frequently, so we suggest that you visit the site when you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to get a friend or relative to locate a lawyer for you. You might be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate the legal system in your county. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

For more information about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, click here: How to Find an Attorney in Hancock County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, forensics experts as well as social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers that are members of the Iowa State Bar and are licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Hancock County court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records contain a court case file containing a docket sheet and all documents filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access court records via the online service, or at the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records relating to your case are kept at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court costs and court fees are all costs from your case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Hancock County court magistrate acts as the judge that will preside on your case in court. They do different functions, like setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will consider when determining the sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Keep in mind that you can ask to have your own copy of this report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date that you are required to surrender and report to jail to serve your term.

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Do you need to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should query the jail’s website, and search by:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the website or you are able to call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are public record and these records are freely available.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information on the website, but keep in mind that you will not be able to find the street address, just the address block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a court case file that contains a docket and all of the documents filed in your case. You are able to access court records on the internet, or at the Hancock County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of someone’s criminal background. These state databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from any other state. Go to the Hancock County Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any of the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you will not see if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this information, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story could help other people.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Hancock County, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Hancock County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in the Hancock County jail is no fun, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine. You will get an alarm to wake up every morning at 6am, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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 procedure to send money to jail inmates can change, so you should check the the Hancock County Jail website when you send funds to an inmate.


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 Hancock County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Hancock 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 Hancock County Jail

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must 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.

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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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims 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 your story

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 locked up in this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

If yes, then please write a review about it. Write about your experience because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? What about the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to get in touch with a friend from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to people still locked up at Hancock County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Hancock County Jail Website
Hancock County Jail Inmate Search
View Hancock County Jail Mugshots
Hancock County Jail Bail Amount Link

Hancock County Jail Visitation
Hancock County Jail Jail Mail Link
Find an inmate at Hancock County Jail
Hancock County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Hancock County Jail Arrest Lookup
Hancock County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Hancock County Jail


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