Polk County Jail

To search for an inmate in the Polk 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 515-323-5400 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's criminal court case and docket schedule online for Polk County and any other county in Iowa.

Polk County Jail Inmate Search

The Polk County Jail maintains an average of 1500 offenders in custody on any given day. The Polk 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 Polk County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 30,660 offenders.

The following charts of Polk 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 Polk 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 Polk 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 Polk 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.

For a collection of over 20 additional graphs and charts of the demographic and criminal arrest information of the inmates in Polk County and Iowa state prisons, click the button below.
Polk County INMATE DEMOGRAPHICS

If a cash bond (or bail) has been set, you may pay the amount in full at the Polk County Clerk of Court office.

500 Mulberry Street
Room 212
Des Moines, IA  50309
Phone: 515-286-3772

Checks are not acceptable for bond.

• If the judge ordered that a surety bond may be posted, you may use a bonding company. Search online for a licensed bond agent for Polk County.
• You would enter into an agreement with the bonding company, which would post a bond for a fee.
• If the judge ordered that 10% may be posted, you may pay 10% of the bond amount to the clerk of court office.
• You may be able to use a credit card to pay online.  Check with the Clerk of Court first on this.
• If you post bond for someone else, this is public information, and you will be listed as a payor on the other person’s case, so you may want to use a bonding company unless you are absolutely sure that the person will show up in court.

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

Polk County Jail Inmate Video Visitation

1985 NE 51st Place
Des Moines, IA 50313
515-323-5400

• First, you need to register with iWebVisit online.
  
• Once you do that you can choose a date and time to visit your inmate, and whether it will be at the jail (video visit only) or remotely from your home.
• You can schedule either 20 minute, 30 minute, or 60 minute visits.
• Inmates may receive one (1) FREE twenty (20) minute On-site Lobby Visitation per week, and one (1) FREE thirty (30) minute Remote Visitation per week.
• On-site visits are always free.  
• Paid personal visits are $8.00 for every 30 minutes. Paid attorney visits are $25.00 for 30 minutes.
• Inmates are allowed up to two remote visits per day.
• Each adult must visit separately, unless the visitors are parents or grandparents, then you may visit together as one visit.
• Children seventeen years of age and younger may visit if accompanied by their parent.
• The week runs Sunday through Thursday.  
• There are NO On-Site Public Visits in the Lobby of the Jail on Fridays & Saturdays.  
• You must check in at least 30 minutes before the statrt of the last visit.
• Scheduling:
  - All off-site visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance.
  - You may schedule a remote visit up to 3 weeks in advance.
  - Attorneys have the ability to schedule a remote visit with 1 hour notice.

ON SITE VISITATION HOURS

OFF SITE REMOTE VISITATION HOURS

Polk County Jail uses iWebVisit for Inmate Video Visitation. 

• All visits are by appointment and first-come, first-serve.
• If you are using a desktop or laptop computer, the iWebVisit platform can be used with all operating systems.
• If you are using a tablet computer or mobile cellular device, the iWebVisit platform works with the Android operating system.
• The iWebVisit system may NOT support the iPhone or iPad, however an Apple MAC Book laptop is supported. The app for iPhones/iPads is coming soon so please check back regularly on their website or in the App Store.

NOTE: For the best quality video experience, please ensure that you have the latest updates available for both your operating system and Google Chrome Browser.
How much does iWebVisit Cost?
The cost for a 15-20 minute visit varies.
It can be as low as $3.00 in some facilities, or as high as $8.00. Prices may change with no notice.
Check the pricing for Polk County Jail here.
How do I pay for iWebVisit?
You can pay for an iWebVisit with a major credit or debit card.
You can also use a pre-paid money card, as long as you register it with your personal information prior to using it on this platform.
How does iWebVisit video visitation work?
1. Create a free account.
2. “Choose A Facility” and then select the facility you want to visit with. Whatever facility you choose will become your “Default” facility each time you log in.
3. Click “Schedule a Visit” and enter the inmate name and inmate number. Select either “Visit Now” or “Schedule Visit Later” and choose an available date and time.
After your visit payment is processed, you may begin visiting at your scheduled time. 
Tutorial - Visual Instructions here.
The next time you return, just sign in to your account and you are ready to schedule new visits.
Can I use iWebVisit from the jail lobby if I don’t have a computer?
No. You can only use these video visitation services from your own computer or device.
How does the Inmate Know I am Logged in and Ready to Visit?
Visits are first come, first serve and an appointment must be made by you.
Your inmate will be notified of the date of your video visit once you secure a time.
How do you get refunds?
Go here for refunds.
How often can you visit?
The number of times you can visit each week is a policy determined by this jail, typically twice a week, although visitation frequency is subject to change based on security circumstances . 
Who do you contact if you are having any problems?
iWebVisit support is available 7 Days a week during normal visitation hours: (5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. EST)
LIVE CHAT: You can use LIVE CHAT on iWebVisits Website. The Chat Box is at the bottom right corner of your screen.
EMAIL: You can email any questions you may have to: [email protected]
TELEPHONE: 775-434-8748. During peak times, you may need to get a call back.
What are the Rules for using iWebVisit at Polk County Jail
All Remote Visitation sessions are reserved in advance, prepaid, and non-refundable.
All visitors are responsible for having working equipment and a strong internet connection. 
Unsuccessful visits due to your own equipment, browser, and internet issues cannot be credited.
If a visit is cancelled for any reason at least 24 hours in advance of the visit, you will automatically receive a prepaid code for future use. This code will be sent to your email.
If a visit is not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance you will NOT receive a prepaid code for future use.
After a visit is scheduled, the time of the visit cannot be changed.
If you miss a visit for any reason, no waiver code can be provided as the visit session was held for you whether you attended or not.
If you schedule a “Same-Day” visit and cancel or miss it for any reason, no waiver code can be provided as the visit session was held for you whether you attended or not.
If you are an attorney or clergy and want to schedule a ‘confidential visit’, you need to email pictures of your state-issued identification (and bar card for lawyers) to be granted confidential status. Please follow these directions.
**If you experience any technical difficulties with your device, please contact iWebVisit at 775-434-8748 before, or during your visit. If you are using your mobile device for the visit, click on “hang up” and call them while your visit is happening.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Polk County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-323-5400 for further assistance.

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

Polk County Jail Inmate Video Visitation

1985 NE 51st Place
Des Moines, IA 50313
515-323-5400

• First, you need to register with iWebVisit online.
  
• Once you do that you can choose a date and time to visit your inmate, and whether it will be at the jail (video visit only) or remotely from your home.
• You can schedule either 20 minute, 30 minute, or 60 minute visits.
• Inmates may receive one (1) FREE twenty (20) minute On-site Lobby Visitation per week, and one (1) FREE thirty (30) minute Remote Visitation per week.
• On-site visits are always free.  
• Paid personal visits are $8.00 for every 30 minutes. Paid attorney visits are $25.00 for 30 minutes.
• Inmates are allowed up to two remote visits per day.
• Each adult must visit separately, unless the visitors are parents or grandparents, then you may visit together as one visit.
• Children seventeen years of age and younger may visit if accompanied by their parent.
• The week runs Sunday through Thursday.  
• There are NO On-Site Public Visits in the Lobby of the Jail on Fridays & Saturdays.  
• You must check in at least 30 minutes before the statrt of the last visit.
• Scheduling:
  - All off-site visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance.
  - You may schedule a remote visit up to 3 weeks in advance.
  - Attorneys have the ability to schedule a remote visit with 1 hour notice.

ON SITE VISITATION HOURS

OFF SITE REMOTE VISITATION HOURS

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Polk County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-323-5400 for further assistance.

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

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Polk County Jail, using Access Corrections Secure Deposits

1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.

Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132

Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.

5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.

Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages

Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Email: [email protected]
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Polk County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Polk County Jail follow these steps:

• Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
• 
• Select Iowa, then select Polk County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
• Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Polk County Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Polk County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-323-5400 for further assistance.

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

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Polk County Jail

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Polk County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Polk County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Polk County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-323-5400 for further assistance.

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

Polk County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Polk 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 Polk 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 Complete Name)
Polk County Jail
1985 - NE 51st Place
Des Moines, IA 50313-2517

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
(Inmate's Complete Name)
Polk County Jail
1985 - NE 51st Place
Des Moines, IA 50313-2517

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 Polk 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 Polk 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 Complete Name)
Polk County Jail
1985 - NE 51st Place
Des Moines, IA 50313-2517

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

For inmates receiving mail in the Polk 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 Polk County Jail:
(Inmate's Complete Name)
Polk County Jail
1985 - NE 51st Place
Des Moines, IA 50313-2517

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 Polk County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-323-5400 for further assistance.

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

Polk County Jail contracts with Access Securepak (aka MyCarePak) for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak carries over 1,000 different items in the following categories:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select Iowa.
3. Select Polk County Jail.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at [email protected].
* You can write them at:
    Access Securepak
    10880 Linpage Place
    St. Louis, MO 63132

* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
   Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST, 
   and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.

*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by Polk County Jail staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Polk County Jail's outside vendor for Commissary Items. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.

*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Polk County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Polk County Jail follow these steps:

• Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
• 
• Select Iowa, then select Polk County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
• Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Polk County Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Polk County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-323-5400 for further assistance.

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

Emailing and Texting Messages, Photos & Videograms

Polk County Jail contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.


If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.

Then use the Facility Finder to:
1.  Select Polk County Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

How Messaging Works
Watch this video on how to send a message.
1.  Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.

How Uploading Photos Works
Watch this video on how to upload a photo.
1.  Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).

Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call   866-516-0115

How to Communicate with an Polk County Jail Inmate by Mail and by Email

To mail or email an inmate in Polk County follow these steps:

When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:

• All mail sent to an inmate at the Polk County Jail must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
• All mail must include the facility's address, as well as the inmate's name and assigned number.
• Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and your letter destroyed.
• The Polk County Jail has a zero-tolerance policy regarding mail violations. 
• All the information you need to understand mail and email policies can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.

Emailing Messages & Photos

Facility_name_1} contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
 
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.

Then use the Facility Finder to:
1.  Select Polk County Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

• Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
• After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
• You can also send your Polk County inmate photos and videos.

Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call   866-516-0115

Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.

All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Polk County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Polk County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-323-5400 for further assistance.

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

Polk County Jail allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by 'gettingout'.

The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Polk County Jail, such as:

• Music
• Books
• Games
• Education
• News
• Radio
• Television
• Read mail and messages
• Video visits

-  Free services are already available for use on the device at Polk County Jail.
-  Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
-  Polk County Jail Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What Does a Tablet Cost?

• Tablet devices include some services and the content is free.
• The subscription services require additional funding.
• There may be multiple options such as 7-day or 30-day subscriptions.
• Costs are dependent upon the available services and what the Polk County Jail charges.

To estimate costs for phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page) or call 866-516-0115 for assistance.

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Polk County Jail

To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:

1.  First, Register or Sign In to GettingOut/GTL

2.  Purchase the services you want for your Polk County Jail inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Polk County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-323-5400 for further assistance.

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

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

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024 - non-categorized

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024 - non-categorized

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 4/16/2024