Pottawattamie County Jail

Pottawattamie County Jail Information

The Pottawattamie County Jail is a 288 bed jail in the city of Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

Phone: 712-890-2260

Physical Address:
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate'a first and last name
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Pottawattamie County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Pottawattamie 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 712-890-2260 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's criminal court case and docket schedule online for Pottawattamie County and any other county in Iowa.

Pottawattamie County Jail Inmate Search

The Pottawattamie County Jail maintains an average of 288 offenders in custody on any given day. The Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 6,240 offenders.

The following charts of Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie 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, and a database of most wanted criminals for Pottawattamie County, neighboring counties and the state of Iowa.

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

Pottawattamie County Inmate Race & Ethnicity - 9/30/2023

Race Inmates % Total
White 200 83.68%
Black 7 2.93%
Hispanic or Latino 29 12.13%
American Indian/Native Alaskan 1 0.42%
Asian 1 0.42%
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 1 0.42%
Other 0 0.00%
Total 239 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Pottawattamie County Inmate Criminal Charges - 9/30/2023

(many inmates have multiple charges)

Charge Inmates % Total
Felony (3rd Degree) 48 20.08%
Felony (2rd Degree) 45 18.83%
Felony (1st Degree) 0 0.00%
State Jail Felony 16 6.69%
Felony (Uncategorized) 61 25.52%
Misdemeanor (Class A) 69 28.87%
Misdemeanor (Class C) 0 0.00%
Holds 0 0.00%
Uncategorized 0 0.00%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Pottawattamie County Inmate Sex - 9/30/2023

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 214 89.54%
Female 25 10.46%
Total 239 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Pottawattamie County Inmate Age - 9/30/2023

Age Inmates % Total
Under 18 3 1.26%
18-20 12 5.02%
21-24 20 8.37%
25-30 42 17.57%
31-35 41 17.15%
36-40 43 17.99%
41-45 35 14.64%
46-50 15 6.28%
51-55 13 5.44%
56-60 9 3.77%
61-65 3 1.26%
66-75 2 0.84%
76-85 1 0.42%
Total 239 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.
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About the Pottawattamie County Jail
The Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa has a capacity of 288 beds. The address and contact number for the Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa are as follows. Address: 1400 Big Lake Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51501. Phone number: 712-890-2250, 712-890-2200, 712-890-2211, 712-890-2260. For non-emergencies, you can also call the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office at 712-328-5737. The Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa has varying visitation hours depending on factors such as the day of the week, where the inmate is housed, the inmate's sex, and whether or not it is a holiday. Each inmate is allowed one or two visits per week, ranging from 15 minutes to one hour in length. The jail can be reached 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 712-890-2260. There is no specific information available on inmate issues and conditions at the Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa. However, the jail's website provides information on visitation, mail, and phone calls for inmates . Additionally, the Iowa Department of Corrections provides a list of resources for inmates and their families, including information on health care, education, and reentry programs . If you have specific concerns about an inmate's well-being, you may want to contact the jail directly or seek legal assistance. The Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa is unique because it is a rotary jail, also known as a squirrel cage jail. It was built in 1885 and is one of only three remaining rotary jails in the United States. The jail has three floors of 18 revolving, circular, or lazy Susan jail cells. It was in use until 1969 and is now a museum. The current Pottawattamie County Jail is a separate facility that operates a 288 bed direct supervision jail.
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Directions / Map to the Pottawattamie County Jail
Inmate Visitation

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

Pottawattamie County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for 'At the Jail' Visitation with Inmates.



For best results use Google Chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on Inmate Video Visitation:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to visit.
  • Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
  • Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.

    Video Visitation must be done from a computer using Google Chrome and an updated Adobe Flash player. Before starting this process you must make sure that your Adobe Flash player is fully updated and that you are using Google Chrome. First... Set up Flash, then restart your computer and then go to Google Chrome on your desktop or laptop computer and log on to Inmate Canteen.
    Steps Inmate canteen Visitation:
    1. Go to www.inmatecanteen.com on a computer (not supported on mobile devices i.e. tablets, cell phones, etc)
    2. Log in, select your inmate, and select the Video Visit an Inmate option.
    3. You will be required to fill out a form, submit a driver's license picture and a picture of your face. Once submitted, Pottawattamie County Jail will either approve or deny it.
    4. Once approved you will be all set to video visit!
    NOTES: Make sure you are allowing flash player to run in google chrome by selecting the lock icon to left of the browser. Flash Player needs to be set to “allow”. Then you can refresh the page and it should be good to go. If flash player is being blocked you will not be able to take a picture or see any video during the visitation. When you click on the video visitation link on the website, please visit the Audition Room to test your equipment. To find the Audition Room, please click on 'Video Visit an Inmate' and it will be located on the top of your screen. Here you can test and verify that your webcam and microphone are working. We highly recommend a hard line for video visiting, unstable internet can result in poor visit qualities.

How to Have Remote Video Visits with an Inmate in Pottawattamie County

To register and sign up for a remote visitation account with Inmate Canteen to communicate with your Pottawattamie County Jail inmate, follow the instructions below:

  • Register and create an account with your Pottawattamie County inmate using Inmate Canteen.
  • Inmate Canteen has excellent quality video visits between your home device and a video terminal in the inmate's housing area at Pottawattamie County Jail.
  • You can also send and receive secure messages and use them to make and receive phone calls with your Pottawattamie County inmate.
  • This is a fee based service.

Instructions for Inmate Video Visitation:
- Register or Log in to your account
- Select Pottawattamie County Jail and the inmate you wish to visit.
- Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
- Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding visiting with an inmate (both at the jail and remotely) in Pottawattamie County, visit our full page guide

NOTE: All video visits are recorded and stored. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that some video visits providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.

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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 Pottawattamie County Jail?

Pottawattamie County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for Remote Video Visitation with Inmates.

For best results use Google Chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on Inmate Video Visitation:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to visit.
  • Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
  • Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.

    Video Visitation must be done from a computer using Google Chrome and an updated Adobe Flash player. Before starting this process you must make sure that your Adobe Flash player is fully updated and that you are using Google Chrome. First... Set up Flash, then restart your computer and then go to Google Chrome on your desktop or laptop computer and log on to Inmate Canteen.
    Steps Inmate canteen Visitation:
    1. Go to www.inmatecanteen.com on a computer (not supported on mobile devices i.e. tablets, cell phones, etc)
    2. Log in, select your inmate, and select the Video Visit an Inmate option.
    3. You will be required to fill out a form, submit a driver's license picture and a picture of your face. Once submitted, Pottawattamie County Jail will either approve or deny it.
    4. Once approved you will be all set to video visit!
    NOTES: Make sure you are allowing flash player to run in google chrome by selecting the lock icon to left of the browser. Flash Player needs to be set to “allow”. Then you can refresh the page and it should be good to go. If flash player is being blocked you will not be able to take a picture or see any video during the visitation. When you click on the video visitation link on the website, please visit the Audition Room to test your equipment. To find the Audition Room, please click on 'Video Visit an Inmate' and it will be located on the top of your screen. Here you can test and verify that your webcam and microphone are working. We highly recommend a hard line for video visiting, unstable internet can result in poor visit qualities.
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Inmate Money Accounts

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

Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Pottawattamie County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.

1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Pottawattamie County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Pottawattamie County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
  • Select Iowa, then Pottawattamie County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
  • Maximum spend is $125.00.
  • NOTE: Pottawattamie County Jail may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally. 

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Pottawattamie County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Pottawattamie County.

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Inmate Phone Contact

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

How Do Inmates in Pottawattamie County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Pottawattamie County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Pottawattamie County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen.
  • Register online, or log in if you already have an account with them. (Note: Chrome works best with this website)
  • Services for Pottawattamie County inmates and their families and friends include Collect Calling, PIN Debits or Purchasing Calling Cards.

Instructions on Purchasing Calling Cards or setting up to receive calls from an inmate:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select Iowa, then Pottawattamie County Jail, then the inmate you wish to purchase a phone card or calling time for.
  • Select the "Purchase Phone Card for an Inmate" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase the phone card for your inmate in Pottawattamie County.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Pottawattamie County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

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Inmate Commissary

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

Pottawattamie County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for Online Commissary Purchases for an Inmate.
NOTE: Pottawattamie County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.


For best results use google chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Items" option
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

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

Pottawattamie County Jail uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family.  
Register here.



Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Pottawattamie County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Pottawattamie County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Inmate Canteen to create an account or log in if you already have one.
  • Select Iowa, then select Pottawattamie County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Add money to your account.
  • Verify your email.
  • Send message.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your Pottawattamie County inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Pottawattamie County Jail, the costs, rules, policies and more check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Pottawattamie County.


 

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Inmate Tablets

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

Pottawattamie County Jail may now offer CIDNET Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

CIDNET is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

  • Register here
  • Pay for the subscription.
  • You get charged the 1st of each month. 
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.
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Other Jails in Pottawattamie County

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

Pottawattamie County County Jails
Pottawattamie County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

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

Pottawattamie Harrison Shelby Cass Mills Montgomery Sarpy Douglas Washington
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Most Wanted Fugitives

Do you have a list of Arrest Warrants, and the Most Wanted Criminals in Pottawattamie County, the state of Iowa and the United States?

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