Pottawattamie County Jail – Council Bluffs, IA

Pottawattamie County Jail is in Pottawattamie County, Iowa and is the jail for that area. Do you know somebody at Pottawattamie County Jail? This guide tells you info about everything related to Pottawattamie County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate at Pottawattamie County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And much more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you all the info that you need to make getting locked up easier. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask them, and also any tips or comments that could help other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

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

Do you know somebody who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

To see who is in jail at Pottawattamie County Jail you will have to click on their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Pottawattamie County Jail Inmate List has information on persons who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. You can get information for anyone processed or released in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to find the information fast if you’ve got their name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you can check the other Iowa county jails in our Iowa County Jail Guide: Other County Jails in Iowa

A mugshot, also called a intake picture, is a picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one frontal photo and a side photo. Your full name and booking number will be in the mugshot, and they’re stored.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched online, or you can see them at the Pottawattamie County Jail. When viewing online you have to put in the inmate’s name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Want to have your mugshot taken down from the Pottawattamie County Jail website? This is difficult, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, if you are locked up, your main thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail is determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and until that date you won’t be permitted to go out of town.

Usually, prisoners can earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. You will either have to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you might get to sleep in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You or someone you know will have to post 10% of the amount that was set before you can get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, whoever paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but in some cases, it’s very simple to do. First of all, find out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you won’t be able to use a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t take a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will be released into your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. They will generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and usually with a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman will in these cases require that they use assets as collateral for the bond.

To find a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

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• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Get Out on Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• 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 the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• First, have to answer some questions, like what is your full legal name, home address, birth date and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask 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 from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will then be allowed to use the telephone in order to contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you will be allowed to wear your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Can you share any tips that might help other people that get arrested to get through the procedure?

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When you finally post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail takes between 10 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get discharged. Also, it will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if the judge needs to determine how much to set your bail at. For a minor charge, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and have a date of your release, plan to be released between 9am and noon.

for your arrest, or if you must start your sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and tell the intake officer that think that there is a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if you do, you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you are not late. Only bring necessary items when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, and the sentencing order.

The inmate need to list each visitor’s name to the jail. Your visitors will be entered into a log of visitors for the inmate. Every visitor is required to provide identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so you should visit the official jail site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are much pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, 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, phone privileges may be limited or totally denied.

The Pottawattamie County Jail phone number is: 712-890-2250

All inmate mail must be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You must not use any other method of mail or package delivery. You have to print the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a box or package, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates is opened and examined by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be sent back if it can’t be delivered.

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

Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

The mail policy at Pottawattamie County Jail changes often, so we suggest that you double check the the Pottawattamie County Jail website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been arrested, you have particular rights, one of these is the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so you would be wise to have a friend or relative find an attorney for you. You might be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate the complicated court system in your county. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on how to find a lawyer, go to: How to Find a Lawyer

If you can’t afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender’s Office is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual attorneys, admitted to the State Bar and are fully licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Court records are public records. Court records include a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents that have been filed. You are able to access court records using the Pottawattamie County website, or by going to the Pottawattamie County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the jury’s verdict. All court records associated with your case are held at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees from your court case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Pottawattamie County magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing first court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about your background and information about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Bear in mind that you can ask to receive a copy of the report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to correct the mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, which include community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). 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 immediately, or you could get a date that you are required to surrender and report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, you should go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the court records on the Pottawattamie County jail website or you can call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Pottawattamie County jail, either by phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are public record and these records are accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders are listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view these offenders online, but you should know that you can’t get the street address, but only the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file containing a docket and any of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You can access the court records via the internet, or at the Pottawattamie County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of someone’s criminal past. These databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to the Pottawattamie County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes, which can include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, usually won’t be able to find out if that person has had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving histories, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you call the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments might make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

The FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Pottawattamie County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in Pottawattamie County Jail is no fun, in time you will get used to the routine that is set for you. Expect a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will 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 Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie 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 process for sending funds to jail inmates is always changing, so we suggest that you check the site before you send any funds.


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 Pottawattamie County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie 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.

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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:

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

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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 Pottawattamie County Jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited someone at this jail?

If so, then please leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your experience because other people will know what to expect.

Things you can write in the review:

• Conditions in Pottawattamie County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Click here to write your review of Pottawattamie County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? How was day to day life at Pottawattamie County Jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you need to send a message to someone from jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message

Links and Resources

Main Pottawattamie County Jail Website
Pottawattamie County Jail Inmate Search Link
Pottawattamie County Jail Mugshots
Pottawattamie County Jail Bail Amount Link

Pottawattamie County Jail Visitation
Pottawattamie County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Pottawattamie County Jail
Pottawattamie County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Pottawattamie County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Pottawattamie County Jail
Jobs at Pottawattamie County Jail


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