Porter County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Porter County?

Inmate records in Porter County are official government documents maintained by the Porter County Sheriff's Office that track and document individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that begins at the moment of booking and continues throughout an individual's period of incarceration until their release.

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b)(8), inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While the Porter County courts maintain case files related to criminal proceedings, the Porter County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records that document the physical whereabouts and status of individuals in detention.

The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:

• Initial records are generated during the booking and intake process
• Information is continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
• Records document housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and program participation
• Upon release, records are closed but maintained according to state retention schedules

The Indiana Access to Public Records Act defines the parameters for maintaining and accessing these records, with specific provisions for correctional facilities to balance public access with security concerns and privacy rights.

Are Inmate Records Public In Porter County?

Inmate records in Porter County are generally considered public records under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), with certain limitations and exceptions. According to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, public agencies must make records available for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute.

For correctional facilities in Porter County, the following inmate information is typically available to the public:

• Current inmate roster showing individuals currently in custody
• Basic booking information including name, date of birth, and physical description
• Charges filed against the individual
• Mugshot photographs
• Bond/bail amounts when applicable
• Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
• Current housing facility location

However, certain information is explicitly exempted from public disclosure under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b), including:

• Medical and mental health records
• Personal security information that might jeopardize facility safety
• Records that would interfere with ongoing investigations
• Information that could create a risk to an individual's safety

The Porter County Jail maintains these records in accordance with state law and makes non-exempt information available through established procedures for public access.

What's Included Inmate Records in Porter County

Inmate records maintained by the Porter County correctional system contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:

Basic Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
• Fingerprints and booking photograph (mugshot)
• State identification number and/or booking number

Custody Information:

• Date and time of booking/intake
• Arresting agency and officer
• Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
• Housing assignment within the facility
• Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
• Disciplinary records while in custody

Charge Information:

• Current charges with statute citations
• Case numbers associated with charges
• Arresting circumstances
• Prior criminal history (if applicable)
• Warrant information (if applicable)

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
• Bond amount
• Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
• Bond conditions imposed by court

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Judge assigned to case
• Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
• Scheduled court appearances
• Court orders related to custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

• Conviction details
• Sentence length and terms
• Credit time calculations
• Projected release date
• Parole or probation eligibility dates
• Good time/earned credit information

Release Information:

• Scheduled release date and time
• Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
• Post-release supervision requirements
• Conditions of release

These records are maintained in compliance with Indiana Department of Correction standards and local policies established by the Porter County Sheriff's Office.

Porter County Prison System

The Porter County correctional system operates under a tiered structure that distinguishes between local detention facilities and state prisons. The primary correctional facility in Porter County is the county jail, which is operated by the Porter County Sheriff's Office and primarily houses individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year.

Under Indiana law, individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are typically transferred to state prison facilities operated by the Indiana Department of Correction. This distinction is important for understanding the scope and function of Porter County's correctional operations.

The Porter County jail system serves multiple functions:

• Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
• Incarceration for misdemeanor convictions (sentences up to one year)
• Temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities
• Work release programs for eligible inmates
• Housing for individuals who have violated probation or parole

The primary agency responsible for operating the county's detention facilities is:

Porter County Sheriff's Office
2755 State Road 49
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 477-3000
Porter County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains jurisdiction over the jail facilities and is responsible for inmate supervision, facility security, and coordination with the courts and other law enforcement agencies throughout Porter County.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Porter County

Porter County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations:

Porter County Jail
2755 State Road 49
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 477-3000
Porter County Jail

The main detention facility serves as the primary holding facility for individuals arrested in Porter County. This facility houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of less than one year. The jail maintains separate housing units for:

• Male general population
• Female general population
• Maximum security inmates
• Special needs inmates
• Medical observation

Porter County Work Release Center
157 Franklin Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 465-3491

This minimum-security facility houses non-violent offenders who are permitted to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. Participants typically:

• Leave the facility for approved employment during scheduled hours
• Return to custody during non-working hours
• Pay program fees from their earnings
• Participate in required treatment or educational programs

Porter County Community Corrections
2755 State Road 49
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 477-3130

This program provides alternative sentencing options including:

• Home detention with electronic monitoring
• Day reporting programs
• Community service supervision
• Substance abuse monitoring

While not physically located in Porter County, individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to state facilities operated by the Indiana Department of Correction, which maintains various security-level prisons throughout the state.

Who's in Prison In Porter County

The Porter County jail population consists of several distinct categories of individuals who are held in custody for various reasons as prescribed by Indiana law:

Pre-trial Detainees:

• Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
• Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
• Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
• Individuals held on warrants from other jurisdictions

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

• Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses (Class A, B, or C)
• Individuals serving sentences of less than one year
• Those convicted of minor offenses such as:
  • Driving while intoxicated (first or second offense)
  • Petty theft
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Minor drug possession

Short-term Felony Offenders:

• Individuals convicted of Level 6 felonies serving local sentences
• Persons serving the final portion of a state sentence in county facilities

Probation/Parole Violators:

• Individuals who have violated terms of community supervision
• Those awaiting hearings for alleged violations
• Persons serving sanctions for confirmed violations

Temporary Holds:

• Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
• Persons held for court appearances from other facilities
• Those in transit between jurisdictions

According to Indiana Code § 35-38-3-3, individuals sentenced for felonies classified as Level 5 or higher are committed to the Indiana Department of Correction rather than county facilities, except in specific circumstances authorized by the courts.

The demographic composition of the Porter County jail population generally reflects patterns seen in the criminal justice system statewide, with variations based on local factors and law enforcement priorities.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Porter County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Porter County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple search options to accommodate different needs and preferences:

Online Inmate Lookup:

1. Visit the Porter County Sheriff's Office official website
2. Navigate to the "Jail" or "Inmate Information" section
3. Access the inmate lookup tool
4. Enter search criteria (last name is required; first name is optional)
5. Review results showing current inmates only
6. Note that information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and bond information

In-Person Records Request:

1. Visit the Porter County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours:
   • Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
   • Excluding county holidays
2. Complete a public records request form at the front desk
3. Provide specific information about the inmate you are seeking
4. Present valid government-issued photo identification
5. Pay applicable fees for copies if requested

Written Records Request:

1. Submit a formal written request to: Porter County Sheriff's Office Records Division 2755 State Road 49 Valparaiso, IN 46383
2. Include the following information:
   • Your full name and contact information
   • Specific records being requested
   • Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
   • Approximate dates of incarceration (if known)
3. Allow 7-10 business days for processing as required by Indiana's Access to Public Records Act

State-Level Searches: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:

1. Access the Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search
2. Enter the individual's name or DOC number
3. Review results showing current status and location within the state system

When requesting records, be aware that certain information may be redacted pursuant to exemptions under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, including personal identifying information, medical records, and security-sensitive details.

How To Find an Inmate in Porter County for Free?

Porter County residents and other interested parties can locate inmates currently held in county custody without incurring fees through several publicly available resources:

Porter County Jail Inmate Roster:

1. Access the Porter County Sheriff's Office website
2. Navigate to the "Jail" section
3. Select the "Current Inmates" or "Inmate Roster" option
4. Browse the alphabetical listing or use the search function
5. Information typically updates every 24 hours

Telephone Inquiry:

1. Call the Porter County Jail information line at (219) 477-3114
2. Provide the full name of the person you are inquiring about
3. Be prepared to provide additional identifying information if requested
4. Note that basic custody status information is available by phone, but detailed records require formal requests

Court Records Search:

1. Visit the Porter County Courts website
2. Access the public case search function
3. Enter the individual's name to locate active cases
4. Review case information for custody status indicators
5. Note that court records may indicate if a person is in custody but won't provide detailed jail information

Indiana Department of Correction Lookup: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:

1. Visit the Indiana Offender Locator website
2. Enter the individual's name in the search fields
3. Review results to determine if the person is in state custody
4. Access basic information including current facility and earliest possible release date

When using these free resources, users should be aware of certain limitations:

• Information may be delayed by 24-48 hours
• Recently arrested individuals may not appear immediately in databases
• Some demographic details may be limited for privacy and security reasons
• Released inmates are typically removed from active rosters within 24 hours

These free search options provide basic custody information but do not include comprehensive inmate records, which may require formal requests and applicable fees.

How To Visit an Inmate In Porter County

Visitation with inmates at the Porter County Jail is governed by specific policies established to maintain facility security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visitors must comply with these regulations:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

• All visits must be scheduled in advance
• Visitors must arrive 15 minutes before scheduled visit time
• All visitors age 18 and older must present valid government-issued photo identification
• Visitors under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• Maximum of two visitors permitted per visitation session
• All visitors must successfully pass security screening

Visit Schedule:

• Non-contact visits are available 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
• Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Special visits require advance approval from jail administration

What to Bring:

• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
• Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
• Attorney credentials (for legal visits)
• Pre-approved religious materials (for clergy visits)

What NOT to Bring:

• Weapons of any kind
• Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches)
• Cameras or 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 required
• No revealing clothing (shorts, tank tops, low-cut shirts)
• No clothing with offensive language or images
• No gang-related colors or symbols
• No law enforcement or security-type uniforms
• Shoes and shirts required at all times
• No hats or head coverings (except religious items)

Visit Types:

• Non-contact visits (through glass partition)
• Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
• Video visitation options available for certain inmates
• Special visits for family emergencies (with approval)

Visit Restrictions:

• Persons with active warrants will be subject to arrest
• Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
• Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
• Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visit
• Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry

These regulations are established pursuant to Indiana Code § 11-11-5-4, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation policies. For the most current information or to schedule a visit, contact the Porter County Jail directly.

How To Send Money to a Porter County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Porter County Jail have several approved methods for sending funds. These funds are deposited into the inmate's commissary account for purchasing approved items and services:

Online Deposits:

• Visit the Porter County Sheriff's Office website
• Navigate to the "Inmate Information" section
• Select the "Commissary Deposits" option
• Follow the prompts to complete the transaction
• Processing fees apply (typically 5-10% of deposit amount)
• Funds are generally available within 24 hours

Kiosk Deposits:

• Visit the Porter County Jail lobby during regular hours:
  • Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Use the automated kiosk located in the public area
• Follow on-screen instructions
• Cash or credit/debit cards accepted
• Receipt provided for all transactions
• Funds typically available within 1-2 hours

Mail-In Money Orders:

• Purchase a money order from an approved provider (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
• Make payable to "Porter County Jail" with inmate's name and ID number in memo line
• Mail to: Porter County Jail Inmate Accounts 2755 State Road 49 Valparaiso, IN 46383
• Personal checks and cash are not accepted by mail
• Processing time is typically 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

• Minimum deposit: $5.00
• Maximum single deposit: $300.00
• Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
• Maximum account balance: $1,000.00

Deposit Fees:

• Online deposits: 5-10% of deposit amount
• Kiosk deposits (cash): $2.00 flat fee
• Kiosk deposits (credit/debit): 3% of deposit amount
• Money orders: No fee charged by jail (provider fees may apply)

Prohibited Items:

• Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
• Personal checks are not accepted
• Third-party checks are not accepted
• Cashier's checks from non-verified sources

Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:

• Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
• Phone calls and video visitation fees
• Medical co-pays for non-emergency services
• Haircuts and other personal services
• Educational materials and program fees

Restricted Uses:

• Funds cannot be transferred between inmates
• Money cannot be used for bail or bond payments
• Commissary items cannot be shared between inmates
• Certain items may be restricted based on inmate classification

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-11-3-6, which governs inmate financial accounts and property.

How To Send Jail Mail In Porter County

Correspondence with inmates housed in the Porter County Jail must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All mail is subject to inspection and must comply with facility regulations:

General Mail Guidelines:

• All incoming mail must include:
  • Inmate's full name and ID number (if known)
  • Porter County Jail
  • 2755 State Road 49
  • Valparaiso, IN 46383
• Sender's full name and return address must appear on the envelope
• Mail without proper return address will not be delivered
• All mail is opened and inspected before delivery to inmates
• Personal mail is limited to standard white envelopes

Approved Mail Items:

• Letters (maximum 5 pages per envelope)
• Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
• Up to 5 photographs per envelope (4x6 maximum size, no Polaroids)
• Money orders (following financial guidelines)
• Legal documents from attorneys or courts
• Religious materials (subject to security review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

• Packages of any kind without prior approval
• Padded or oversized envelopes
• Colored paper or envelopes
• Cards larger than 5x7 inches
• Stickers, labels, or tape
• Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writing
• Perfumed or scented items
• Polaroid photographs
• Sexually explicit materials
• Gang-related content
• Items containing threats or contraband
• Cash or personal checks

Legal Mail:

• Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
• Must come directly from licensed attorney or court
• Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
• Is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
• Attorney must include bar number on correspondence

Publications:

• Books must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
• Magazines must be sent via subscription only
• Soft-cover books only (hardcover books not accepted)
• Content subject to review for security concerns
• Maximum of 3 books or magazines in possession at one time

E-Messages (if available):

• Available through approved vendor system
• Subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
• Fees apply for each message
• Messages printed and delivered with regular mail

All mail procedures comply with Indiana Code § 11-11-3-2, which establishes guidelines for inmate correspondence while balancing security concerns with inmates' rights to maintain communication with family, friends, and legal representatives.

Lookup Inmate Records in Porter County

Porter County Jail Information

Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search

Indiana Department of Correction

Porter County Sheriff's Office

Porter County Courts Information