Polk County Jail – Mena, AR

Polk County Jail is located in Polk County, Arkansas and is the main jail for that county. Know someone at Polk County Jail? This page gives you all about anything you might need to know about Polk County Jail: Find out who’s in jail at Polk County Jail? How to view Polk County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also their friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to give info that you’ll need to make getting locked up easier. If you have a question, feel free to ask them, and any tips or comments that could help other people in the same situation will be welcome.

Do you have a family member or friend that has gone to jail and need to contact them?

Has someone who’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

In order to look up who is in jail at Polk County Jail you will have to visit their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Polk County Jail Inmate List has information on people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. Also, you are able to find the same information for anyone processed or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You’ll be able to locate the information faster if you’ve got their full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you should look here: Arkansas Jails

A mugshot, also called a intake photograph, is the photo taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a side picture. Your full name and intake number will be on the photos, and they will be stored.

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

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Polk County Jail site? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Naturally, once you’re in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount will be decided either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and you won’t be permitted to leave town.

In most cases, prisoners will earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to go back to jail every day after work, or you could be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to be released from jail until your court date. Your bail amount all depends on how serious your crime is. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts ten percent of the total that was set in order for you to bail out of jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the Polk County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, its easy if you have the money. First, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you won’t be able to get a bail bondsman. Cash only – they won’t take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. They will generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases with 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 may require that they use assets as collateral.

To find a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Polk County Jail

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

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

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The jail intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer a number of questions, like what is your legal name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will get to make a telephone call so you can call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to wear your own clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please tell us what happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us things that will help other people that get arrested to get through jail processing?

Click here to leave a comment

When you post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged may take anywhere from 30 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will get let go. It also depends on whether or not you’ve been given a bond amount or if the judge needs to decide on how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the date of your release, you should expect to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail intake area, and let them know that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you aren’t late. Only bring approved items when you go, like your driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, and a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will go into a log of visitors as an approved visitor. Every visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures change often, so it would be wise to visit the official site before you visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are usually more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: (479) 394-2511

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail delivery. You should print the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Do not mail a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and inspected by the jail officers, and the mail will be returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

The mailing address for Polk County Jail is:

Polk County Jail
507 Church Avenue
Mena, AR 71953

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Polk County Jail
507 Church Avenue
Mena, AR 71953

The Polk County Jail mail policy changes, so it would be best to visit the official Polk County Jail site before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you have rights, one of these is your right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you talk to them. You might be asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and help you through the complicated legal system in your county. The sooner you get an attorney working on your charges, the better.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, click here: Find an Attorney

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office has access to investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law in Arkansas.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

All court records are public records. They contain a court case file containing a docket and all motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed. You, and anyone else, can access court records using the Polk County website, or at the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Polk County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All court records associated with your case are held at Polk County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the charges and fees associated with your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Polk County magistrate is the person that rules on your case in court. Magistrates do different tasks, which include deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over first court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate will take into account when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Don’t forget you can ask to get a copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you get the chance to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you may be locked up immediately, or you could be given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if some you know is in jail, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you will have to access the jail’s website, and search by:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the Polk County jail website or call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or check online. Records of arrests are public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Polk County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders are registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view sex offenders on the website, but you should know that you will not be able to get the exact address, just the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a court case file that includes a docket sheet and any of the documents and filings filed in the court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of people’s criminal background. These online databases are all connected so you can track criminal convictions from other states. Go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually won’t find if someone has had any:

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

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

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you call the Polk County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments may make it easier for others.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Polk County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Polk County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Polk County Jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will settle into the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm to wake up each morning at 6:00am, and then 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 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 procedure to send money to someone in jail changes, so it would be best to check the official Polk County Jail 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 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.

Tell Your Story


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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.

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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 spent any time in Polk County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited a prisoner in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write down what you experienced so others can find out what to expect.

Things you might want to include in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Speak Your Mind

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to 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 Policy Link
Polk County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Polk County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Polk County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Polk County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Polk County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Polk County Jail


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