Monroe County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Monroe County

Monroe County Jail Information

Located in Albia, Monroe County, Iowa, the Monroe County Jail is a 16-bed facility. You can call them anytime for inmate information at 641-932-7815.

This facility handles offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies, who are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on their charges, inmates may remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial is completed.

The inmate search tool can be used to view the jail's roster and find out who is in custody.

Offenders sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this jail, while those with longer sentences will be transferred to either the Iowa State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on a range of inmate services, including the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.

It’s a good idea to keep the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for future communication needs. If it’s not available online, call Monroe County Jail at 641-932-7815 for further assistance.

Phone: 641-932-7815

Physical Address:
103 2nd Ave.
Albia, IA 52531

Mailing Address (personal mail):
c/o Monroe County Sheriff
114 19th Ave West
Albia Iowa, 52531

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
c/o Monroe County Sheriff
114 19th Ave West
Albia Iowa, 52531

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Monroe County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Monroe 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 641-932-7815 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's criminal court case and docket schedule online for Monroe County and any other county in Iowa.

Monroe County Jail Inmate Search

The Monroe County Jail maintains an average of 16 offenders in custody on any given day. The Monroe 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 Monroe County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 920 offenders.

The following charts of Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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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About the Monroe County Jail

The 16-bed Monroe County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Monroe County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year. 

It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.

If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 641-932-7815, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.

Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment. 

Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks. 

The Monroe County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills. 

Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided. 

Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit. 

Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program. 

Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page

All personal mail is sent to: 

c/o Monroe County Sheriff
114 19th Ave West
Albia Iowa, 52531

Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.

Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:

c/o Monroe County Sheriff
114 19th Ave West
Albia Iowa, 52531

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

Frequently Asked Questions about Monroe County Jail Recent Bookings & Arrests


How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Monroe County Jail?

What happens during booking in Monroe County?

What is the booking process like at the Monroe County Jail?

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

How long does the Monroe County Jail booking process take?

What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking?


 

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Monroe County Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Monroe County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 641-932-7815.

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.

Monroe County Jail Booking Roster


 

 

What happens during booking in Monroe County?

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 Monroe 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.


 

 

What is the booking process like at the Monroe County Jail?

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 Monroe 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.


 

 

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

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.


 

 

What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking?

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.

If the offender remains in jail for any length of time, the Monroe County Jail will allow a friend or family member to pick up the inmate's property if the offender gives written authorization for a named person to do so.

To find out the days and times for picking up an inmate's property, and what you will need to bring to verify your identity, call the jail at 641-932-7815 during business hours.


 

 

How long does the Monroe County Jail booking process take?

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.


 

 

What happens after an offender is booked into the Monroe County Jail?

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 Monroe 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.

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Directions / Map to the Monroe County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding


Does Monroe County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Monroe County?

Who can set bail in Monroe County?

When is bail set in Monroe County Iowa?


 

 

Does Monroe County have bail?

Yes,  Monroe County recognizes most types of bonds. Bail is a Constitutional right. This means most defendants can qualify for pre-trial release on their own recognizance, cash bail, or a surety bond.


 

 

What kind of bonds are accepted in Monroe County?

Iowa recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Defendants can qualify for pre-trial release on their own recognizance, cash bail, or a surety bond.


 

 

Who can set bail in Monroe County?

Bail for less serious, nonviolent crimes are set according to a predetermined bail schedule and can range from $300-$25,000. For more serious & violent crimes, or when the defendant does not qualify for immediate release, bail must be set by a judge.


 

 

When is bail set in Monroe County Iowa?

For less serious, nonviolent crimes bail is set according to a predetermined bail schedule and this information will be available during processing. For crimes requiring a judge to set bail the defendant will usually be within 24 hours of arrest.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Monroe County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Monroe County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

103 2nd Ave.
Albia, IA 52531
641-932-7815

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 641-932-7815 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 641-932-7815 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM

Monroe County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if devices are available.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones. Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls.  The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monroe County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 641-932-7815 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Monroe County Jail?

Monroe County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if devices are available.

  • Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. 
  • Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
  • Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls. 
  • The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monroe County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 641-932-7815 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Monroe County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monroe County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 641-932-7815 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Monroe County Jail?

How Do Inmates in Monroe County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To set up your Monroe County inmate to make to make phone calls to you and others, follow these instructions:

For all the information you need in order to receive phone calls from your Monroe County inmate, or to assist them in making calls to others, including instructions, fees, cost of calls, payment methods and times that your inmate can use the phone, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when discussing sensitive information about their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monroe County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 641-932-7815 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Monroe County Jail, and what can I send them?

Monroe County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Monroe 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 Monroe 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:
c/o Monroe County Sheriff
114 19th Ave West
Albia Iowa, 52531



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
c/o Monroe County Sheriff
114 19th Ave West
Albia Iowa, 52531



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 Monroe County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & 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 Monroe 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:
c/o Monroe County Sheriff
114 19th Ave West
Albia Iowa, 52531

Monroe County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Monroe 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 Monroe County Jail:
c/o Monroe County Sheriff
114 19th Ave West
Albia Iowa, 52531


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 Monroe County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 641-932-7815 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Monroe County Jail, and what can I purchase?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monroe County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 641-932-7815 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Monroe County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Monroe County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for emailing/texting to inmates.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. 

  • Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
  • Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls.  
  • Cost of texting is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.09 per message sent or received up to 160 characters.

How Do Inmates in Monroe County Jail Send and Receive Texts and Emails?

To set up your Monroe County inmate to make to send and receive texts and emails to you and others, follow these instructions:

For all the information you need in order to send and receive texts and emails from your Monroe County inmate, or to assist them in sending and receiving secure messages to and from others, including instructions, fees, cost of each message, tablet rentals, payment methods and times that your inmate can send messages, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when communicating sensitive information about their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monroe County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 641-932-7815 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Monroe County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Monroe County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if tablets are available.

  • Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. 
  • Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
  • Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls. 
  • The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Monroe County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 641-932-7815 for further assistance.

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Other Jails in Monroe County

What are the other City and County Jails in Monroe County?

Monroe County County Jails
Monroe County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Monroe County?

Monroe Lucas Wayne Appanoose Marion Mahaska Wapello Davis
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Search for an Inmate in Monroe County

This facility, known as "Monroe County Jail" is also known as Monroe County Jail , Monroe County Jail , Iowa, Monroe.