What Booking Looks Like at the Black Hawk County Jail
Booking clerks and deputies of the sheriff's Jail Services Division process every arrest brought to the Waterloo jail. These steps combine Iowa law with the sheriff's published rules; for one person's status, call 319-291-2587.
- Transfer of custody. Jail staff take custody from the arresting officer, verify who the person is, and run checks for outside warrants.
- Prints and photo. Section 690.2 of the Iowa Code makes prints compulsory when the charge is a felony or a serious or aggravated misdemeanor, and staff generally photograph the person too.
- Property. Clothing, cash and personal items are inventoried and stored. Property goes along when someone transfers out for good; after a move to prison, a designated person can pick it up within 5 days of notice, or it is destroyed.
- Medical and safety questions. Intake covers medications, injuries and health needs, so raise any medical concern when you call.
- First contact. Section 804.20 of the Iowa Code entitles the arrested person to phone, or meet with, a relative or lawyer promptly.
- Roster listing. After intake, the name is added to the sheriff's public inmate search.
- Initial appearance. Iowa Code section 804.21 requires a prompt appearance before a magistrate or judge for anyone not released; people appear in their arrest clothing or a jail uniform, since the sheriff takes no court clothes for that hearing.
Booking and daily room-and-board fees apply; see the payment options for Black Hawk County. The Black Hawk County bail page picks up from there.
Black Hawk County Booking Questions
How soon does a new arrest appear on the Black Hawk County roster?
Who brings court clothing for a Black Hawk County inmate?
Can property be released to family while someone is held in Waterloo?
Who handles a jail bill after release from the Black Hawk County Jail?
How soon does a new arrest appear on the Black Hawk County roster?
The Who's In Jail list shows people currently in custody. If a recent arrest is not there yet, call 319-291-2587.
Who brings court clothing for a Black Hawk County inmate?
Only through the defense attorney. Court clothing may be dropped off no earlier than two days before the hearing and no later than 8:30 a.m. on the court date, and none is accepted for initial appearances.
Can property be released to family while someone is held in Waterloo?
If there is a demonstrated need, the inmate can ask the housing sergeant to release property to a named person, who is then contacted to arrange pickup at the sheriff's office.
Who handles a jail bill after release from the Black Hawk County Jail?
The sheriff's office billing line, 319-291-5029, can give the balance, set or change a payment plan, and check for credits during business hours.
