LaPorte Public Records /LaPorte County Inmate Search

LaPorte County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In LaPorte County?

Inmate records in LaPorte County are official government documents maintained by the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document the custody, supervision, and management of individuals incarcerated within the county's detention facilities. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks an individual from initial booking through release or transfer.

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, inmate records are distinct from court records. While court records document judicial proceedings and are maintained by the LaPorte County Clerk's Office, inmate records specifically document an individual's custody status and are maintained by correctional authorities. This distinction is important for members of the public seeking specific information about incarcerated individuals.

The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:

Initial creation occurs during booking/intake processing
Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
Documentation includes all movements, disciplinary actions, and program participation
Records are finalized upon release, transfer, or other disposition

The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements and departmental policies. The records serve multiple purposes including security management, population tracking, and providing information to authorized parties including law enforcement agencies, courts, and members of the public as permitted by law.

Are Inmate Records Public In LaPorte County?

Inmate records in LaPorte County are partially public under Indiana law. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) establishes that government records, including certain inmate information, are generally accessible to the public with specific exceptions.

According to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5, law enforcement agencies must maintain daily logs or records that list suspected crimes, accidents, or complaints. This includes information about arrests and individuals received into lock-up facilities. However, Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b) provides exceptions for certain investigatory records and information that might compromise security or rehabilitation efforts.

The following inmate information is typically available to the public in LaPorte County:

Current inmate roster (who is currently in custody)
Basic booking information and intake date
Charges filed against the inmate
Mugshots (subject to certain restrictions)
Bond/bail amounts
Scheduled court dates
Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
Current housing facility

Information that is generally not publicly accessible includes:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary records
Personal identifying information beyond basic demographics
Victim information
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Information that would compromise facility security

The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office maintains discretion regarding the release of certain information based on security considerations and applicable privacy laws.

What's Included Inmate Records in LaPorte County

LaPorte County inmate records contain comprehensive information organized into several categories. These records are maintained in accordance with Indiana state recordkeeping requirements and local policies.

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Booking number and other identifiers
Last known address (may be partially redacted in public versions)

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, held for other jurisdiction)
Housing assignment within facility
Classification level
Scheduled release date (if applicable)
Previous incarceration history within the county

Charge Information:

Current charges (felony or misdemeanor designation)
Statute numbers for charged offenses
Case numbers associated with charges
Warrant information (if applicable)
Probation/parole violation information (if applicable)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
Bond conditions
Bond hearing information

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (Circuit, Superior, City)
Judge assigned to case
Next scheduled court appearance
Court case numbers
Attorney of record (if appointed or retained)

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges
Sentence length and terms
Credit time calculations
Probation terms (if applicable)
Special conditions imposed by court
Parole eligibility date (for certain sentences)

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions

These records are maintained in electronic and physical formats by the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office and are updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration.

LaPorte County Prison System

The LaPorte County correctional system operates under the authority of the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the detention and custody of individuals arrested within the county jurisdiction. The system is designed to accommodate pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to one year as prescribed by Indiana law.

It is important to distinguish between county detention facilities and state prisons. The LaPorte County Jail houses individuals who are awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences, or serving short felony sentences (typically under one year). Those sentenced to longer terms for felony convictions are transferred to the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) state prison system after sentencing.

The LaPorte County correctional system operates within the framework of Indiana state correctional standards and is subject to regular inspections and compliance reviews. The system includes facilities for various security classifications and provides basic services including medical care, commissary, and limited programming.

For information regarding the LaPorte County correctional system, members of the public may contact:

LaPorte County Sheriff's Office
809 State Street, Suite 202A
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-7700
LaPorte County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In LaPorte County

LaPorte County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various security needs and inmate populations. Each facility operates under the authority of the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office but serves distinct functions within the county's correctional system.

LaPorte County Jail
809 State Street
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-7700
LaPorte County Jail

The main detention facility serves as the primary holding facility for individuals arrested in LaPorte County. This medium to maximum security facility houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of up to one year. The facility provides various services including medical care, commissary, visitation, and limited programming.

LaPorte County Work Release Center
500 Monroe Street
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
LaPorte County Community Corrections

This minimum-security facility houses non-violent offenders who qualify for work release programs. Inmates at this facility are permitted to leave for employment during scheduled hours and return to custody during non-working hours. The program aims to maintain employment and community ties while serving a sentence.

LaPorte County Juvenile Detention Center
515 Michigan Avenue
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
LaPorte County Juvenile Services

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 18 who are awaiting adjudication or serving terms as ordered by the juvenile court. The facility provides educational services and age-appropriate programming separate from the adult population in accordance with state and federal regulations.

LaPorte County Community Corrections
500 Monroe Street
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
LaPorte County Community Corrections

While not a traditional detention facility, this department oversees alternative sentencing programs including home detention, electronic monitoring, day reporting, and community service. These programs provide alternatives to incarceration for qualifying offenders.

Each facility operates according to specific security protocols and admission criteria as established by the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office and in compliance with Indiana state standards for correctional facilities.

Who's in Prison In LaPorte County

The LaPorte County Jail population consists of several distinct categories of individuals, each with different legal statuses and reasons for incarceration. Understanding these categories provides context for those seeking inmate information.

Pre-trial detainees constitute a significant portion of the jail population. These individuals have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. They remain in custody because:

They have not posted the required bail or bond
They have been denied bail due to public safety concerns
They are awaiting arraignment or other court proceedings
They have chosen to remain in custody pending trial

Sentenced inmates serving misdemeanor convictions typically include:

Individuals serving sentences of less than one year
Those convicted of Class A, B, or C misdemeanors under Indiana law
Persons serving time for probation violations on misdemeanor cases
Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences as ordered by the court

Sentenced inmates serving short felony terms may include:

Persons serving Level 6 felony sentences (lowest level felony in Indiana)
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Those serving the final portion of a state sentence prior to release

Other categories of inmates include:

Individuals held on out-of-county warrants awaiting transfer
Federal detainees held under contract with federal agencies
Immigration detainees held under contract with federal immigration authorities
Persons held in contempt of court
Individuals temporarily returned from state prison for court appearances

According to Indiana Department of Correction statistics, the average daily population of the LaPorte County Jail fluctuates between 250-350 inmates, though this number varies based on seasonal factors, court schedules, and law enforcement activity. The facility operates under capacity guidelines established by state regulations and monitored by the Indiana Department of Correction.

How To Search for Inmate Records In LaPorte County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in LaPorte County may utilize several methods to access this information. The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate data and provides multiple channels for public access.

The most efficient method for searching inmate records is through the online inmate lookup system:

Visit the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Jail Division" section
Select the "Inmate Lookup" function
Enter search criteria (at minimum, last name is required)
Additional search parameters may include first name, date of birth, or booking number
Review the results, which typically include current inmates only
Note that historical records may not be available through the online system

For those unable to access the online system, telephone inquiries are accepted:

Contact the LaPorte County Jail at (219) 326-7700 ext. 2221
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Be prepared to verify the spelling of the name
Staff can confirm if an individual is currently in custody
Limited information may be provided over the phone in accordance with privacy regulations

In-person requests can be made at:

LaPorte County Sheriff's Office
809 State Street, Suite 202A
LaPorte, IN 46350
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)

For formal written requests under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act:

Submit a written request to the Records Division
Clearly identify the specific information being requested
Provide contact information for response
Allow up to seven business days for processing as permitted by Indiana Code
Be prepared to pay applicable copying fees ($0.10 per page for standard documents)

For historical records or more detailed information not available through standard channels, submit a formal public records request to:

LaPorte County Sheriff's Office Records Division
809 State Street, Suite 202A
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-7700

Requests must comply with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, and certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and security considerations.

How To Find an Inmate in LaPorte County for Free?

LaPorte County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently incarcerated within the county jail system. These resources are available to the general public without fees or subscription requirements.

The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup tool accessible through their official website. To utilize this resource:

Access the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
Enter the inmate's last name (minimum requirement)
For more precise results, include first name or date of birth if known
The system will display current custody status, charges, and bond information
No registration or payment is required to access this basic information

For those without internet access, the following free alternatives are available:

Telephone Inquiry:

Call the LaPorte County Jail at (219) 326-7700 ext. 2221
Provide the full name of the person you are attempting to locate
Jail staff can confirm if the individual is currently in custody
Basic information such as charges and bond amounts may be provided
Call during administrative hours (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday)

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office during business hours
Request inmate location information at the front desk
Provide identification and state your relationship to the inmate
Basic custody information will be provided at no charge

Court Records Search:

Visit the LaPorte County Clerk's Office at the courthouse
Request assistance with the public access terminal
Search by the individual's name to locate case information
Court records will indicate if the person is in custody
This method is particularly useful for finding court dates

LaPorte County Clerk's Office
813 Lincolnway
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808

For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Indiana Department of Correction offender search provides a free statewide database of all persons in state prison facilities.

How To Visit an Inmate In LaPorte County

Visitation with inmates at the LaPorte County Jail follows specific protocols established by the Sheriff's Office to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visitors must comply with these regulations to be permitted entry.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit visitor request forms during their first week of incarceration
Each inmate is permitted up to 5 approved visitors
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate
Pre-registration is required at least 24 hours before the intended visit
Visitors with criminal histories may be denied based on security assessment

Visit Schedule:

Non-contact visits are conducted Wednesday through Sunday
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Evening sessions (Wed/Thurs only): 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Inmates are permitted two visits per week
Schedule is subject to modification during holidays or emergency situations

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Visitor registration confirmation
Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
Medications needed during visit time (must be declared)
Baby supplies if accompanied by infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tools or items that could be used as weapons
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
Recording devices
Food or beverages
Tobacco products or vaping devices
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, mini skirts)
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections
Shoes must be worn at all times
No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions may be granted)

Visit Types:

Standard visits are non-contact through glass partitions with telephone communication
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) occur in designated interview rooms
Special visits may be arranged for out-of-state visitors with advance approval
Video visitation is available through the jail's contracted service provider

Visit Restrictions:

Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visit
Providing false information on visitor applications will result in visitation privileges being revoked
Visitors with active warrants may be subject to arrest
Violation of any jail rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges

Visitation policies are established pursuant to Indiana Code § 11-11-5 regarding correctional facility operations and security protocols.

How To Send Money to a LaPorte County Inmate

LaPorte County provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.

Online Deposits:

Visit the JailATM website
Create an account or log in as a guest
Select "LaPorte County Jail" from the facility list
Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
Follow the prompts to complete the transaction
Funds are typically available within 24 hours
Service fees apply (typically 5-8% of deposit amount)
Maximum online deposit: $300 per transaction

Lobby Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the LaPorte County Jail lobby during business hours
Locate the automated kiosk machine
Follow on-screen instructions
Enter inmate information and deposit amount
Insert cash or credit/debit card
Retain receipt for your records
Funds are typically available within 1-4 hours
Lower service fees than online deposits
Maximum kiosk deposit: $300 per transaction

Mail-In Money Orders:

Purchase a money order from an approved vendor (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
Make payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
Do not send personal checks or cash
Include sender's full name and return address
Mail to:

LaPorte County Jail Inmate Accounts
809 State Street
LaPorte, IN 46350

Funds are typically available within 5-7 business days
No service fees from the jail (money order purchase fees may apply)
Maximum money order amount: $500

Amount Limits and Restrictions:

Maximum weekly deposit limit: $500 per inmate regardless of source
Maximum account balance: $1,000
Deposits exceeding limits may be returned or held until release
Funds from unidentifiable sources will be returned

Prohibited Uses of Funds:

Direct payment for bail or bond
Payment of court fees or fines (separate process required)
Purchase of prohibited items
Transfer to other inmates' accounts

Approved Uses of Funds:

Commissary purchases (food, hygiene items, writing materials)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Approved educational materials
Remaining funds are returned upon release or can be applied to outstanding jail fees

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-11-3-6 regarding inmate funds and property. Suspicious transactions may be investigated for potential illegal activity.

How To Send Jail Mail In LaPorte County

Correspondence with inmates at the LaPorte County Jail must follow specific guidelines to ensure delivery and maintain facility security. All mail is subject to inspection and must comply with established protocols.

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate's booking number (if known)
- Facility name and address:

LaPorte County Jail
809 State Street
LaPorte, IN 46350

Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on the envelope
Mail without a return address will not be delivered
Use standard white envelopes only (maximum size 9"x12")
Handwritten or typed addresses only
No drawings, stickers, or additional markings on envelopes
No perfumed or scented mail
No greeting cards larger than 5"x7"
No padded envelopes or packages

Permitted Mail Items:

Personal letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Plain white paper or standard notebook paper
Black or blue ink only
Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope)
- Must be 4"x6" or smaller
- No Polaroid photos
- No explicit or suggestive content
- No gang symbols or hand signs
Money orders (see money sending guidelines)
Legal documents (subject to inspection but not read)
Religious materials (subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Cash, personal checks, or currency
Stamps or envelopes
Blank paper, cards, or stationery
Colored paper or construction paper
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Stickers or labels
Glitter, glue, tape, or correction fluid
Lipstick marks or other bodily fluids
Newspaper or magazine clippings
Hardcover books or spiral-bound materials
Photos depicting nudity, gang symbols, weapons, or drug use
Laminated items or plastic-coated papers
Food items or candy
Clothing or fabric items

Legal Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must come directly from a licensed attorney, legal aid service, or court
Will be opened in the inmate's presence
Contents will be inspected for contraband but not read
Attorney must include bar number on correspondence

Publications and Books:

Must be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
Paperback books only (no hardcovers)
Subject to content review for security concerns
Maximum of 3 books per mailing
Religious texts are permitted subject to security review

E-Messages (if available):

Available through the jail's contracted service provider
Fees apply per message
Subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
Typically delivered more quickly than postal mail

All mail procedures are established in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-11-3-2 regarding inmate correspondence and the facility's operational directives. Violation of mail rules may result in rejection of correspondence and possible suspension of mail privileges.

Lookup Inmate Records in LaPorte County

Other Categories in Indiana

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records