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.

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 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.

How to post bail for someone arrested in Pottawattamie County

When an individual is arrested and booked at Pottawattamie County Jail in Council Bluffs, 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 712-890-2260 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 712-890-2260 if needed.
• You can work with a licensed bail bondsman in Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie County, Iowa, visit the Pottawattamie County Jail Bail Information Page.

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

Pottawattamie County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
712-890-2260

• In-person visits are Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 11:45 AM and 3:00 to 3:30 PM. There are no in-person visits on weekends.
• Sign in by 3:30 PM if you want the full visit time. The front office closes at 4:00 PM.
• Visits are 20 minutes, and visitors are seen first come, first served.
• You must be on the inmate's visitor list. Each inmate can have up to two 20-minute visits a week.
• Inmates on some kinds of discipline may not be allowed visitors.
• You can visit only one inmate per day.
• Bring a valid government photo ID, and dress neatly in clothes that are not revealing.
• Call 712-890-2260 before you go to make sure the schedule has not changed.

Pottawattamie County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.  
Register here.




Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.

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

CIDNET Remote Video Visitation

Provider: CIDNET (Encartele Inc.)

CIDNET →

CIDNET Video Visitation allows families to conduct live, face-to-face video visits with incarcerated loved ones from home. Using an internet-connected smartphone, tablet, or personal computer equipped with a webcam, visitors connect directly through housing-unit video stations or handheld tablets without traveling to the facility or waiting in jail visitor lobbies.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Pottawattamie County

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Important: Advance Registration and Visitor Clearance Required

Detention centers do not permit unscheduled or unverified video sessions. Correctional facilities require prospective visitors to submit government-issued photo identification and receive administrative clearance before booking an appointment, an approval process that can take up to 48 hours depending on facility staffing. You should verify your visitor approval status with the facility prior to scheduling. If you do not register well in advance, you will miss your loved one's scheduled visiting window for the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Schedule a Video Visit

• Visit customer.cidnet.net or launch the CIDNET app.
• Register your visitor profile and upload a clear photograph of your government-issued ID and a verification photo.
• Wait for email notification confirming institutional visitor approval.
• Ensure your account has sufficient Data Points to cover the duration of the visit.
• Select Video Visitation, select the detention facility, and pick an available calendar time slot.
• Log into the website or mobile app 10 minutes prior to the start time on a device with a functioning camera, microphone, and stable high-speed internet connection.

What the Inmate Needs to Do

The inmate receives a schedule notification on their housing unit video kiosk or tablet. At the appointed time, they log in with their PIN and sit before the screen. Inmates and visitors must strictly observe jail dress and conduct rules; sessions are monitored by staff and will terminate immediately upon any violation.

Official Provider: CIDNET Customer Portal  |  Encartele Corporate

Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-984-1903

Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Supported Languages: English and Spanish

Other Services Provided by CIDNET

In addition to Remote Video Visitation, CIDNET provides several other communication channels:

• Data Points (Unified Funding): Purchase the central credits that power video visitation, calling, and messaging.
  • Learn more on our website: CIDNET Data Points Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: Buy CIDNET Data
• Inmate Messaging & Digital Mail: Send electronic text messages and digital photo attachments directly to an inmate's terminal.
  • Learn more on our website: CIDNET Messaging Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Messaging Portal
• Phone PINs & Voice Calling: Fund prepaid telephone calling so your loved one can call your mobile device.
  • Learn more on our website: CIDNET Phone Calling Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Voice Calling

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.

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.

Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.

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.
• 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.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.

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

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

For inmates receiving mail in the Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

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 Pottawattamie County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.

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.

Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.

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.

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.

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.

Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.

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
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903

How to send a text or email to an inmate in Pottawattamie County

To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Pottawattamie County follow these instructions:

• Register and create an account with CIDNET.
• 
• Choose a Security PIN and Password.
• After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Iowa, then the Pottawattamie County Jail, then your inmate's name.
• Once you have completed this, the Pottawattamie County Jail will have to give final approval for you to communicate by email with your chosen inmate.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Pottawattamie County, visit our full page guide. 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.

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.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pottawattamie County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-890-2260 for further assistance.

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

Pottawattamie County County Jails

Pottawattamie County Juvenile Facilities

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