Polk County Jail – Des Moines, IA

Polk County Jail is located in Polk County and is the primary correctional facility for that county. Do you know somebody in Polk County Jail? This page will tell you all about everything you might want to know about Polk County Jailsuch as the following: Find out who’s in jail at Polk County Jail? Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much, much more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you info you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail easier. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any feedback or comments that would help other people in the same situation would be welcome.

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

Do you know a family member or friend who has been arrested and you need to locate them?

In order to see who is in jail at Polk County Jail you have to visit their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Polk County Jail Inmate Search is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including status, bail amount, and times you can visit. You can also get information on anybody booked or released in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You will be able to find their inmate information more quickly if you enter the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one may be at another jail you will want to look here: Iowa County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also called a booking photograph, is a photograph that the police take when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and a side-view photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the pictures, and they are stored.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed on the Polk County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Polk County Jail. When viewing online you have to enter the inmate’s first and last name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken off of the Polk County Jail website? This will be difficult, since the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, once you are arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to go to your court date, and you are required not to leave town.

Usually, a prisoner at Polk County Jail can earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to return to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to get out of jail until your trial. Your bail amount is dictated by the crime you are charged with. You or someone you know will have to pay 10 percent of the total amount set so you can get discharged from jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money will not get their money back.

You need to call the Polk County Jail. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount on the Polk County Jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, its simple to do if you have the money. To start with, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you will not be able to use a bondsman. Cash only – they will not accept a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases charge a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will usually ask to use assets as collateral.

You can find a bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Speak Your Mind

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

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The intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you will answer some simple questions, like what is your full legal name, street address, date of birth and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will then be allowed to use the telephone in order to talk to a family member, friend, 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, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any things that could help others to get through jail intake?

Click here to share your story

When you finally post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged takes between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will get let go. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether you have a cash bond amount or if the magistrate has to determine how much to set your bail at. For minor offenses, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a release date, expect to be released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must report to start a sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail, and tell an officer that you think they might have a warrant 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 so, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you are not late. Just bring necessary items when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order from court.

The inmate need to provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitors will be entered in the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies change often, so we suggest that you visit the official jail site before you go.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are typically more expensive than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Polk County Jail phone number is: (515) 323-5400

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of mail delivery. You must write the name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the envelope. Do not send a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail is opened and examined and read by staff, and the mail will get returned if deemed inappropriate.

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

Polk County Jail
1985 Ne 51St Place
Des Moines, IA 50313

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Polk County Jail
1985 Ne 51St Place
Des Moines, IA 50313

The Polk County Jail mail policy changes often, so be sure to review the official Polk County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, the first of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or family member locate a lawyer when you talk to them. You may be asking yourself ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you find your way through the court system. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better.

For more detailed information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click here: How to Find a Lawyer in Polk County

If you cannot afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, forensics experts as well as social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers, admitted to the Iowa State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law in Iowa.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court records are public records. Court records are comprised of a case file containing a docket and every documents that have been filed in the case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case via the online service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Polk County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence relating to your case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges and fees from your case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your court case. Magistrates do different functions, such as deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the defendant’s background and information about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim. Be sure to remember you can ask to receive your own copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, which include community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you could get a date that you must report to jail to serve your term.

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Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should query the Polk County jail website, and search by:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should 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 Polk County jail website or you are able to call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and their arrest date, contact the Polk County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or look online. An arrest is public record and these records are accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, such as warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view this information on the website, but remember that you can’t get the exact address, but rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a case file that contains a court docket and all of the filings and documents filed in your case. You are able to access the court records via the internet, or at the Polk County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These online databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, in most cases won’t find if they had:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you call the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your story might make it easier for others.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Polk County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Polk County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the Polk County jail is no fun, you will soon get accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Expect an alarm to wake up at about 6:00AM, and then roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Polk 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 Polk 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 funds to jail inmates could change, so double check the site before 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 Polk County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Polk 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 Polk 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 tell about all about it


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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 comment

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 spent any time in Polk County Jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner there?

If yes, then you should write your review about it. Write about your experience because others can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Write a review about Polk County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story to tell. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Are you trying to send a message to a friend from jail? Write your message below.

Post a message to someone at Polk County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Polk County Jail Website
Polk County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Polk County Jail Mugshots
Polk County Jail Bail Link

Polk County Jail Visitation Procedures
Polk County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Polk County Jail
Polk County Warrants
Polk County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Polk County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Polk County Jail


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