Palo Alto County Jail
Palo Alto County Jail
Phone: 712-852-3535. The 24-bed Palo Alto County Jail answers inmate information calls 24 hours a day.
This jail books and houses people arrested in the county for misdemeanors and felonies. After booking and processing, an inmate may be bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until their trial is resolved.
The inmate search tool lets you see who is currently in custody.
Less than one year: the sentence is served here. More than one year: the inmate is transferred to the Iowa State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page covers visitation, inmate funds, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablets, bail bonds, and commissary.
Save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number. Not online? Call Palo Alto County Jail at 712-852-3535.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Palo Alto 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 712-852-3535 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's criminal court case and docket schedule online for Palo Alto County and any other county in Iowa.
Palo Alto County Jail Inmate Search
The Palo Alto County Jail maintains an average of 24 offenders in custody on any given day. The Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 1,080 offenders.
Iowa is one of the few states in the country where individual counties can charge an inmate a Room and Board Fee for county inmates who have been sentenced and are serving their time. Counties in this state could charge anywhere from $25-80 per day. Some of the counties who currently charge are Carroll, Black Hawk, Lyon, Worth and Des Moines Counties. Ask your inmate's lawyer if this is something you should be concerned with. Keep in mind that it has a lot to do with the charges the accused could be found guilty of as well. Ultimately, the judge will decide whether to demand this fee or not.
The following charts of Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe 24-bed Palo Alto County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Palo Alto 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 712-852-3535, 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 Palo Alto 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:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Palo Alto County Jail
2002 10th Street
Emmetsburg, IA. 50536
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:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Palo Alto County Jail
2002 10th Street
Emmetsburg, IA. 50536
The Palo Alto County Sheriff currently charges $50.00 per day for room and board.
- Jail (Main): 712-852-3535
- Sheriff: 712-852-3535
How is booking conducted at Palo Alto County Jail?
After an arrest, individuals are transported to Palo Alto County Jail for the booking process. This procedure ensures the person’s identity, assesses charges, and determines if they will be released, eligible for bail, or detained until court.
Remaining silent during this process is vital. Anything said could be used as evidence, so it’s wise to wait for an attorney before speaking about the arrest.
Here’s a breakdown of the booking steps at Palo Alto County Jail:
- Verifying identification information.
- Capturing mugshots for record-keeping.
- Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
- Possible DNA collection.
- Physical search for contraband or weapons.
- Securing personal belongings.
- Granting a free phone call.
For questions about an arrestee’s bond, call the facility at 712-852-3535.
How to post bail for someone arrested in Palo Alto County
When an individual is arrested and booked at Palo Alto County Jail in Emmetsburg, the outcomes include:
1. Release without bail, under the condition they appear for their court date.
2. Remain in custody until the court appearance.
3. Post a bail or bond for release. Contact 712-852-3535 for specific bail amounts.
Bail payments can be made in different ways.
- Cash bonds must be paid in full, either at the jail's bonding window or with the clerk of court, and are accepted as cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also process cards through a lobby kiosk or online vendor for a fee, so bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and phone the jail at 712-852-3535 if needed.
- You can work with a licensed bail bondsman in Palo Alto County.
- Many courts allow a property bond, letting an owner put up land or a home after proving clear title and equity of at least the bond (often double) through a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, with approval from the court that set bail.
For further information on posting bail in Palo Alto County, Iowa, visit the Palo Alto County Jail Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Palo Alto County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Palo Alto County Jail ON-SITE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
2002 10th Street
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
712-852-3535
- You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
- The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 712-852-3535 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
- Visitors must have a government issued photo ID
- Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE IS 8:00AM - 4:00PM DAILY - ALWAYS CALL 712-852-3535 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!
Palo Alto 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.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Palo Alto County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-852-3535 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Palo Alto County Jail?
Video session rates for Palo Alto County Jail are listed when you schedule through Reliance, so check the total before confirming. For a disputed video charge, contact Reliance first, then the jail if needed.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Palo Alto County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-852-3535 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Palo Alto County Jail?
Depositing Money in an Inmate's Commissary Account at Palo Alto County Jail
Whatever cash the inmate has on their person when booked into the facility will automatically deposited and credited to their account. When released any money left in the account will be returned to them in the form of a check from the Sheriff's Department or the Palo Alto County Jail Trust Account. There may be circumstances where the inmate can give permission to have his money released to a family member or friend.
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
- Bring money to the jail in person.
- Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a self-serve kiosk in the lobby that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
- Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person.
- Never send cash. Always send a Money Order or Cashier's Check from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.
- Make the Money Order out to the inmate and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
Mail to:
2002 10th Street
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Failure to do this properly will delay your inmate getting their account credited and may require you to have to resubmit a second money order.
Call 712-852-3535 to ask any questions about this.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Palo Alto County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-852-3535 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Palo Alto County Jail?
Per-minute call rates for Palo Alto County Jail are shown in the Reliance account before any call is paid for, and Reliance customer service at 1-800-896-3201 answers billing questions about a charge.
How Do Inmates in Palo Alto County Jail Make Phone Calls?
To set up your Palo Alto County inmate to make phone calls to you and others, follow these instructions:
- Register and set up a new account with RELIANCE Telephone, or log in if you already have an account.
- Review your communication options and choose a plan.
- Select Palo Alto County Jail, then select your inmate who you will be funding.
For all the information you need in order to receive phone calls from your Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-852-3535 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Palo Alto County Jail, and what can I send them?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Palo Alto County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-852-3535 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-852-3535 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Palo Alto County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Palo Alto 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.
How Do Inmates in Palo Alto County Jail Send and Receive Texts and Emails?
To set up your Palo Alto County inmate to make to send and receive texts and emails to you and others, follow these instructions:
- Register and set up a new account with RELIANCE Telephone, or log in if you already have an account.
- Review your communication options and choose the option for sending secure messages.
- Select Palo Alto County Jail, then select your inmate who you will be funding.
For all the information you need in order to send and receive texts and emails from your Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-852-3535 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Palo Alto County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Palo Alto 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.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Palo Alto County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-852-3535 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County County Jails
Palo Alto County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Palo Alto County?
The Palo Alto County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Palo Alto County: Emmetsburg and Pocahontas.