The Pottawattamie County Jail is a 288 bed jail in the city of Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 712-890-2260, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
Phone: 712-890-2260
Physical Address:
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Mailing Address (personal mail):
INMATE'S NAME
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
INMATE'S NAME
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Pottawattamie County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 712-890-2260 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's criminal court case and docket schedule online for Pottawattamie County and any other county in Iowa.
Pottawattamie County Jail Inmate Search
The Pottawattamie County Jail maintains an average of 288 offenders in custody on any given day. The Pottawattamie County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Pottawattamie County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 6,240 offenders.
The following charts of Pottawattamie County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the Pottawattamie County Corrections Department, the state of Iowa Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Pottawattamie County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Pottawattamie County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.
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The Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa has a capacity of 288 beds.
The address and contact number for the Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa are as follows:
Address: 1400 Big Lake Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51501.
Phone numbers:
Jail -712-890-2250
Sheriff -712-890-2200
Booking -712-890-2260.
For non-emergencies, you can also call the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office at 712-328-5737.
A video courtroom for arraignments and hearings is located within the jail.
Registered nurses are on duty seventeen (17) hours per day, seven days a week. The jail contracts with an outside vendor to provide food, laundry, and commissary services.
The Pottawattamie County Jail has varying visitation hours depending on factors such as the day of the week, where the inmate is housed, the inmate's sex, and whether or not it is a holiday. Each inmate is allowed two 20-minute visits per week. If you have specific concerns about an inmate's well-being, you may want to contact the jail directly or seek legal assistance. The Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa is unique because the prior jail was a rotary jail, also known as a squirrel cage jail. It was built in 1885 and is one of only three remaining rotary jails in the United States. The jail has three floors of 18 revolving, circular, or lazy Susan jail cells. It was in use until 1969 and is now a museum. The current Pottawattamie County Jail is a separate facility that operates a 288 bed direct supervision jail.
Mail can be received every day and is processed and passed to the inmates quickly, however the jail also uses a digital service to help avoid contraband entering the facility. Friends and family of inmates in the Pottawattamie County Jail can arrange to visit inmates by video, both at the jail and remotely from home. They can also send them money and buy them commissary online, and set up a phone account that allows the inmates to call them during the day and evening seven days a week.
All the information on these inmate services can be found in the sections below. If you still have questions, you can phone the jail 24 hours a day by calling 712-890-2260.
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Pottawattamie County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 712-890-2260.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Pottawattamie County Jail Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Pottawattamie County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Pottawattamie County and other Iowa and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Pottawattamie County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Pottawattamie County Jail? What is the Schedule?
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
712-890-2260
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 712-890-2260 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | NO ON-SITE VISITS |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 11:40AM 3:00PM - 3:40PM 8:00PM - 10:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 11:40AM 3:00PM - 3:40PM 8:00PM - 10:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 11:40AM 3:00PM - 3:40PM 8:00PM - 10:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 11:40AM 3:00PM - 3:40PM 8:00PM - 10:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 11:40AM 3:00PM - 3:40PM 8:00PM - 10:00PM |
| SATURDAY | NO ON-SITE VISITS |
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
712-890-2260
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| MONDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
Pottawattamie County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Pottawattamie County Jail?
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
712-890-2260
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| MONDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Pottawattamie County Jail?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Pottawattamie County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Pottawattamie County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Pottawattamie County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Pottawattamie County Jail?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Pottawattamie County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Pottawattamie County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Pottawattamie County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
INMATE'S NAME
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
INMATE'S NAME
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
The Pottawattamie County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Pottawattamie County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
INMATE'S NAME
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
For inmates receiving mail in the Pottawattamie County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Pottawattamie County Jail:
INMATE'S NAME
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Pottawattamie County Jail, and what can I purchase?
NOTE: Pottawattamie County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
For best results use google chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Pottawattamie County Jail follow these steps:
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Pottawattamie County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Pottawattamie County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Pottawattamie County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Pottawattamie County follow these instructions:
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Pottawattamie County, visit our full page guide.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Pottawattamie County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:
Here's how it works:
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in Pottawattamie County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Pottawattamie County?
This facility, known as "Pottawattamie County Jail" is also known as Pottawattamie County Jail , Pottawattamie County Jail , Iowa, Pottawattamie.
