Arrests and Booking
From Arrest to Court in Buena Vista County
Anyone arrested inside Buena Vista County, Storm Lake included, is processed at the sheriff's building, 411 Expansion Blvd, Storm Lake, IA 50588. The outline combines Iowa law with the rules the sheriff publishes; staff at 712-732-2452 can give one person's status.
- Booking under the given name. The sheriff notes that people are listed by the name they provide at booking, so a roster entry may not reflect a person's true identity until it is verified.
- Fingerprinting on Expansion Boulevard. Under Iowa Code section 690.2, fingerprint cards go to the state for each felony arrest and each serious or aggravated misdemeanor arrest.
- Outgoing calls only. Buena Vista County inmates dial out collect or on a card sold inside the jail, and section 804.20 entitles a new arrestee to a reasonable call to relatives or a lawyer.
- Health care and its cost. Elston's policy treats every sick inmate whatever their bank balance, then bills most medical and counseling charges to the jail account, where fresh deposits pay down the debt.
- First appearance in Storm Lake. Under Iowa Code section 804.21, the arresting side must bring the person to a magistrate promptly, with no needless wait.
- Court-ordered programs. In-home detention and work release are available only if a court orders them and the sheriff approves, with costs arranged in advance at the inmate's expense.
Someone leaves the Expansion Boulevard jail by posting bail, on a judge's release order, or when the case concludes; see the Buena Vista County bail page for the posting steps.
Buena Vista County Booking Questions
What phone number does the sheriff list for the Storm Lake jail?
Will Storm Lake jailers put my call through to a person booked last night?
Who pays for an inmate's medical care in Buena Vista County?
Where is the ankle monitor application?
What phone number does the sheriff list for the Storm Lake jail?
The Jail division page prints 712-732-2452 for the lockup itself, while the sheriff's administrative desk uses 712-749-2530.
Will Storm Lake jailers put my call through to a person booked last night?
No. Elston's jail never connects outside callers to inmates; the person must place the call from inside.
Who pays for an inmate's medical care in Buena Vista County?
Care is provided either way, but the sheriff says most costs are deducted from the inmate account as they build up.
Where is the ankle monitor application?
The sheriff posts an Electronic Monitoring Application on the Jail page; in-home detention still needs a court order and the sheriff's approval.
