Ford County Jail – Dodge City, KS

Ford County Jail is in Ford County and is the main jail for this region. Do you know someone locked up in Ford County Jail? This page tells you information about everything you might need to know about Ford County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. How to view Ford County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you information you need to make getting locked up a little less stressful. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any feedback or comments that would be a benefit to others will be appreciated.

Do you know someone 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 out where they are?

To look up who is in jail at Ford County Jail you have to visit their web site and do an inmate search.

The Ford County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on people who have been arrested, which includes status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can find info about anybody arrested and booked or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can locate their arrest information more quickly if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member is in another county jail you should look here: List of all county jails in Kansas

A mugshot, also known as a booking photo, is a picture that the jail takes when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one full face and a side picture. Your full name and intake number will be in the mugshot, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Ford County Jail inmates can be viewed on the Ford County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Ford County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to input the first and last name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Want to get your mugshot taken down from the Ford County Jail site? This can be tricky, as the mugshot is a public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that the record of your arrest 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 a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the various mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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If you’re locked up, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, your bail amount is decided by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

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

In most cases, prisoners will earn time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. You will be required to stay the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you might be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to the courts in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will need to pay 10% of the amount that was determined in order for you to get out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will lose that bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you must call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, it’s really easy. To start with, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman may ask to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To contact a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Ford County Jail

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

Speak Your Mind

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

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The intake process takes you through the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first step is that you must answer some questions, like your full name, 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.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will let you use the telephone in order to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Can you share any secrets that might help other people that get arrested to get through jail intake?

Click here to share your story

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged from jail can take anywhere from 10 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster you can pay your bail, the sooner you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged might depend on whether you have a cash bond or if the judge has to figure out how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the release date, plan to be discharged that morning.

If the police have a, or if you must start a jail sentence, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and let them know that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if you do, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring allowed items when you go to jail, such as your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s names will be put in a log of visitors as an Authorized visit. All visitors will have to provide identification. Anyone showing up late or that is not on the visitation list will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies can change, so you should visit the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get cut back or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Ford County Jail phone number is: 620-227-4501

All inmate mail must be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. Clearly write or type the name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and reviewed by the jail staff, and will get returned to the sender if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Ford County Jail is:

Ford County Jail
11311 E. Comanche
Dodge City, KS 67801

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Ford County Jail
11311 E. Comanche
Dodge City, KS 67801

The inmate mail policy at Ford County Jail changes often, so it would be best to review the official Ford County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you get arrested, you have certain rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure you get a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call. You may be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The sooner you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better.

For more detailed information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. The Public Defender Office has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics and social case workers. Public Defenders are licensed lawyers who are admitted to the Kansas State Bar Association and are fully licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records are comprised of a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents in the case. You, and anyone else, can access your court case records with the Ford County website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your case are maintained at Ford County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with 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 been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the person that will preside over your case. Magistrate judges do different functions, such as setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the judge will take into account when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim. Be sure to remember that you can ask to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be locked up immediately, or you could get a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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

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

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

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

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants on the website or call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Ford County jail, by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

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

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access this information on the website, but you should know that you can’t find the precise address, just the block of the address that they registered.

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

Every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These online databases are connected so you can track criminal histories from another state. Go to county courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

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

During a criminal records search, you generally will not be able to see if that person has had:

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

To find driving records, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your feedback could make it easier for others.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Ford County, the Ford County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Ford County Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in the Ford County jail is no fun, soon you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm to wake up at about 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. Following breakfast you will be required to work 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 changes, so check the official website before you send funds to an inmate there.


Commissary

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

Inmate Medications

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

Meals

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

Pods / The Yard

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

Gangs

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


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Ford County Jail

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

Click here to comment


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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 been an inmate in Ford County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited a prisoner in this jail?

If you have, then please write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so others can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a Review of Ford 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? How did the guards treat you? What was it like in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to tell your story about Ford County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to people incarcerated at Ford County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Ford County Jail Website
Ford County Jail Inmate Search
Ford County Jail Mugshots
Ford County Jail Bail Link

Ford County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Ford County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Ford County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Ford County Warrant Inquiry
Ford County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Ford County Jail
Ford County Jail Jobs


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