Elkhart County Public Records /Elkhart County Inmate Search

Elkhart County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Elkhart County?

Inmate records in Elkhart County are official government documents maintained by the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document individuals who are in custody. These records contain comprehensive information about persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained in county correctional facilities. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5, these records are systematically maintained as part of the county's responsibility to document all individuals within its custodial care.

Inmate records differ substantially from court records. While court records document legal proceedings, case filings, and judicial decisions maintained by the Elkhart County courts, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and supervision of individuals within the correctional system. The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first processed into the Elkhart County correctional system. The record is continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information. Upon release, the record is closed but maintained according to Indiana's record retention requirements.

The Elkhart County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records for individuals housed in county facilities, while the Indiana Department of Correction maintains records for those transferred to state facilities.

Are Inmate Records Public In Elkhart County?

Inmate records in Elkhart County are generally considered public information under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. According to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, all records maintained by public agencies are presumptively open for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.

For correctional facilities in Elkhart County, certain inmate information is readily available to the public, including:

Current inmate roster
Booking and arrest records
Charges filed
Mugshots
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

However, Indiana law does provide specific exemptions to protect certain sensitive information. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b), records containing personal medical information, security details, and certain investigative records may be withheld from public disclosure. Additionally, information that would pose a security risk to the facility or individuals if released may be redacted or withheld.

The Elkhart County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides public access to basic information about currently incarcerated individuals, in compliance with state transparency laws while balancing privacy and security concerns.

What's Included Inmate Records in Elkhart County

Inmate records in Elkhart County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories. The following details are typically included in these official records:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Assigned inmate identification number
Fingerprints and biometric data

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking
Arresting agency
Booking officer
Current custody status
Housing assignment within facility
Classification level
Disciplinary records during incarceration
Visitation logs

Charge Information:

Current charges
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Offense dates
Criminal history (prior bookings)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions
Court-ordered holds

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Attorney information
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/earned credit calculations
Parole eligibility date
Probation terms

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
Release conditions
Post-release supervision requirements

This information is maintained in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-8-5, which governs record-keeping requirements for correctional facilities throughout the state.

Elkhart County Prison System

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

The county jail serves multiple functions within the local criminal justice system, including:

Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
Incarceration for misdemeanor convictions (sentences up to one year)
Temporary housing for individuals awaiting transfer to Indiana Department of Correction facilities
Work release programs for qualifying inmates

It is important to distinguish between the county jail and state prisons. The Elkhart County Jail houses individuals with shorter sentences and those awaiting trial, while state prisons operated by the Indiana Department of Correction house individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences. When an individual is sentenced to more than one year of incarceration, they are typically transferred from county custody to a state facility.

The primary authority responsible for the operation of the county correctional system is:

Elkhart County Sheriff's Office
26861 County Road 26
Elkhart, IN 46517
574-891-2100
Elkhart County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Elkhart County

Elkhart County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the county's correctional system:

Elkhart County Correctional Facility (Main Jail)
26861 County Road 26
Elkhart, IN 46517
574-891-2100
Elkhart County Sheriff's Office

This is the primary detention facility in Elkhart County, housing both male and female inmates. The facility accommodates pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of less than one year. The main jail includes various security classifications from minimum to maximum security.

Elkhart County Work Release Center
201 N. Cottage Avenue
Goshen, IN 46528
574-535-6720
Elkhart County Community Corrections

This facility houses low-risk offenders who are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day and return in the evening. The work release program allows qualifying inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences, facilitating their eventual reintegration into society.

Elkhart County Juvenile Detention Center
1820 County Road 6
Elkhart, IN 46514
574-296-2600
Elkhart County Juvenile Detention

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 18 who are awaiting court proceedings or serving short sentences. The juvenile facility operates separately from adult facilities and provides educational and rehabilitative programming specifically designed for younger offenders.

Elkhart County Community Corrections
201 N. Cottage Avenue
Goshen, IN 46528
574-534-2210
Elkhart County Community Corrections

This program oversees alternative sentencing options including home detention, electronic monitoring, day reporting, and community service. While not a physical detention facility in the traditional sense, it serves as an important component of the county's correctional system for managing low-risk offenders.

Who's in Prison In Elkhart County

The Elkhart County correctional facilities house diverse populations of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically includes:

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

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
Persons serving multiple consecutive misdemeanor sentences
Weekend or intermittent sentence servers (those permitted to serve time on weekends only)

Short-term Felony Offenders:

Individuals convicted of low-level felonies serving sentences under one year
Persons awaiting transfer to state facilities after felony convictions
Probation violators serving short sanctions

Specialized Populations:

Work release participants
Individuals in substance abuse treatment programs
Mental health treatment participants
Veterans in specialized housing units

Temporary Holds:

Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions (federal, other counties)
Immigration detainees awaiting processing
Parole violators awaiting hearings
Individuals in transit to other facilities

According to data from the Indiana Department of Correction, the Elkhart County Jail typically operates near capacity, with an average daily population reflecting the county's demographics while showing disproportionate representation of certain groups consistent with national incarceration trends.

The length of stay varies significantly based on case status, with pre-trial detainees sometimes remaining in custody for extended periods while their cases proceed through the court system. Sentenced inmates typically serve their full terms minus good-time credit earned through program participation and good behavior, as prescribed by Indiana law.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Elkhart County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Elkhart County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple search options to accommodate different needs:

Online Inmate Lookup:

Visit the Indiana County Jail Public Portal
Select "Elkhart" from the county dropdown menu
Enter the inmate's information (last name is required; first name and date of birth are recommended for more precise results)
Review the search results, which include current inmates and their basic information
For more detailed information, note the inmate ID number for reference when contacting the facility

In-Person Records Request:

Visit the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
Complete a public records request form, available at the front desk
Provide identification and specify the information being requested
Pay any applicable fees for copies of records (currently $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page)

Written Records Request:

Submit a written request to: Elkhart County Sheriff's Office Records Division
26861 County Road 26
Elkhart, IN 46517
Include the inmate's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate dates of incarceration
Provide your contact information and specify the records being requested
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response

Telephone Inquiry:

Call the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information Line at 574-891-2100
Provide the operator with the inmate's full name and date of birth
Note that basic information only is available by phone; detailed records require written requests

All records requests are processed in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, which allows agencies up to seven business days to respond to requests. Certain information may be redacted pursuant to statutory exemptions.

How To Find an Inmate in Elkhart County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Elkhart County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate information:

Indiana County Jail Public Portal:

Access the Indiana County Jail Public Portal
Select "Elkhart" from the county dropdown menu
Enter the inmate's last name (first name and date of birth optional but recommended)
Review the results, which include current custody status, charges, and booking date
This service is available 24/7 and provides real-time information on current inmates

Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search:

For inmates who may have been transferred to state facilities, visit the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search
Enter the individual's name or Department of Correction number
Review the results to determine current location and status
This database includes all individuals in state custody, including those transferred from Elkhart County

Indiana SAVIN (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification):

Visit the Indiana SAVIN Offender Search
Enter the offender's information
Register for free notifications regarding changes in the inmate's custody status
This service provides automated updates when an inmate is released, transferred, or escapes

Telephone Information Line:

Call the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office at 574-891-2100
Request inmate information from the operator
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
Basic information including confirmation of incarceration, charges, and bond amounts is available by phone

Courthouse Records Terminal:

Visit the Elkhart County Courthouse during regular business hours
Use the public access terminals in the Clerk's Office
Search for criminal cases that may indicate incarceration status
This method provides court case information rather than direct jail records

These free resources provide basic information about an inmate's status. For more detailed records, formal requests may be necessary, which could involve nominal fees for document reproduction.

How To Visit an Inmate In Elkhart County

Visitation with inmates at Elkhart County correctional facilities follows strict protocols to maintain security while facilitating important family connections. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit up to 8 names for their approved visitor list
Changes to visitation lists are processed on the 1st and 15th of each month
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Maximum Security: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Work Release: Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Inmates are allowed two visits per week

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle information (make, model, license plate number)
Locker key deposit ($5.00, returned after visit)
Medical devices with proper documentation (if necessary)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $50.00
Medications (unless medically necessary with prior approval)

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections staff
Shoes and shirts required at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)

Visit Types:

Contact visits: Available for minimum and medium security inmates
Non-contact visits (through glass): Required for maximum security inmates
Professional visits: Available for attorneys, clergy, and social workers
Video visitation: Available at designated terminals within the facility

Visit Restrictions:

Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
Persons with felony convictions require special approval
Individuals on probation or parole must provide written permission from their supervising officer
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the 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, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation policies. For the most current information, visitors should contact the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office at 574-891-2100 prior to planning a visit.

How To Send Money to a Elkhart County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Elkhart County correctional facilities have several secure methods available. The following options are currently authorized:

Lobby Kiosk Deposits:

Available in the main lobby of the Elkhart County Correctional Facility
Accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards
Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Processing fee: $3.00 per transaction
Funds available in inmate accounts within 1 hour
Kiosk available during lobby hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily

Online Deposits:

Visit Access Corrections
Create an account or log in
Select "Indiana" and "Elkhart County Jail"
Enter inmate information and deposit amount
Pay using credit card or debit card
Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum deposit: $300.00 per transaction
Processing fee: $5.95 for deposits up to $100.00; $7.95 for deposits $100.01-$300.00
Funds typically available within 24 hours

Phone Deposits:

Call 1-866-345-1884
Follow automated prompts
Provide inmate information and payment details
Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum deposit: $300.00
Processing fee: $6.95 per transaction
Funds typically available within 24 hours

Money Order by Mail:

Make money order payable to "Elkhart County Jail" with inmate's name and ID number in memo line
Do not send personal checks or cash
Mail to: Elkhart County Jail Inmate Accounts
26861 County Road 26
Elkhart, IN 46517
No processing fee
Funds available within 3-5 business days after receipt
Maximum amount: $500.00 per money order

Amount Limits:

Daily deposit limit: $500.00 per inmate from all sources combined
Weekly deposit limit: $1,000.00 per inmate
Monthly deposit limit: $3,000.00 per inmate

Permitted Uses of Funds:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
Phone calls and video visits
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Educational materials
Release funds

Prohibited Uses of Funds:

Transfer to other inmates
Payment for services from other inmates
Purchase of contraband items
Payment of fines or court costs (separate process required)
Bond payments (separate process required)

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-11-3-6, which governs inmate financial accounts. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and potentially rejected.

How To Send Jail Mail In Elkhart County

Correspondence with inmates housed in Elkhart County correctional facilities must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. The following rules apply to all mail sent to inmates:

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name and ID number
- Sender's full name and complete return address
- Mail without proper identification will be returned to sender
Address mail to: Inmate Full Name, ID# (if known)
Elkhart County Correctional Facility
26861 County Road 26
Elkhart, IN 46517

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Up to 5 photographs per envelope (maximum size 4"x6", no Polaroids)
Money orders (see money sending guidelines)
Legal documents
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps inside the envelope
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented papers
Cash or personal checks
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Contraband or items that pose security risks
Correspondence containing threats or criminal activity

Books and Publications:

Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Soft-cover books only
Maximum of 3 books per mailing
Subject to content review by facility staff
Approved vendors include Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million

Legal Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Privileged"
Must come from a verifiable legal source (attorney, court, legal agency)
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Not subject to content review, only physical inspection for contraband

Mail Processing:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 48 hours of receipt at the facility
Rejected mail will be returned to sender with explanation
Mail may be photocopied and originals destroyed per facility policy

Electronic Messaging:

Available through GTL ConnectNetwork
Requires account creation and inmate's information
Messages limited to 2,000 characters
Fee: $0.25 per message
Subject to same content restrictions as physical mail

These mail regulations are established pursuant to Indiana Code § 11-11-3-2, which authorizes correctional facilities to inspect and regulate inmate mail. For additional information regarding mail policies, contact the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office at 574-891-2100.