Jail Resources Logo

Guide to Des Moines Jail, Iowa

Overview of Des Moines Jail

The Des Moines Jail, located in the capital city of Iowa, serves as a local detention facility primarily for temporarily holding inmates awaiting trial or processing. It's managed by the Des Moines Police Department and is designed to ensure public safety by securely detaining individuals charged with various offenses within city limits.

Contact Information

Address: Des Moines Jail, 25 East 1st Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone Number: (515) 283-4811

Website: Des Moines Police Department

Locating an Inmate

To locate an inmate at the Des Moines Jail, you can contact the jail directly via phone or visit the police department's website for the most recent inmate roster.

Visitation Information

Visitation hours at the Des Moines Jail are strictly regulated to maintain security. Family members are encouraged to contact the jail directly for the latest visitation schedules and rules.

Sending Money to Inmates

Family and friends can send money to inmates at Des Moines Jail through postal money orders. For more details on the procedure, contact the jail’s administrative office.

Phone Calls and Video Visitation Options

Inmates at Des Moines Jail are allowed to make outgoing phone calls through a system managed by a third-party vendor. Video visitation can also be arranged by contacting the facility.

Inmate Services and Programs

Des Moines Jail offers various programs aimed at rehabilitation and preparing inmates for reintegration into society, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse programs, and religious services.

Security and Management

The jail employs a range of modern security measures and is overseen by the Des Moines Police Department, ensuring strict adherence to law enforcement standards.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates at the Des Moines Jail are entitled to legal representation and are allowed visits under regulations stipulated by the facility’s administration.

Booking and Release Process

The booking process includes recording the inmate's information, fingerprinting, and photographing. Release procedures are scheduled as per court orders or upon completion of the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send online messages to an inmate at Des Moines Jail?

No, Des Moines Jail does not currently support sending online messages to inmates. Communication can be done through approved mail and telecommunication.

What items can I bring to an inmate during visitation?

Visitors are generally not allowed to bring items to inmates directly. All items must be approved and go through the security screening process.

Leave a Review

If you are a current or former inmate, employee, family member or a friend of someone who is in prison, please share your feedback so others can get better understanding how the institution works. The survey is completely anonymous and your personal information will never be shared or publicly shown.

How to lookup someone in prison or jail

Steps to follow for finding
an Inmate

Step 1


Visit Jail Website

Visit the Des Moines Jail inmate search website

Step 2


Enter inmate id and personal information

Enter the inmate personal informations in the required fields

Step 3


Enter inmate id and personal information

Click on the 'Submit' button

General Stats for Iowa

Iowa Total Number of Inmates

13,549

Iowa Total No. of Inmates

Number of people under Probation Supervision

24,839

Number of people under Probation Supervision

Prison population rate

267

Prison population rate: 100,000 residents

Parole Population

7,261

Parole Population

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

1,521

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

Sex

Sex

%

Total

Male

91.77

7,827

Female

8.23

702

Youth

Type

%

Total

Committed

56.46

249

Detained

36.05

159

Diverted

0.68

3

Prisons and Jails in Iowa