Shelby County Jail

Q: Does Shelby County have bail?

Does Shelby County have bail? Yes, Shelby 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.

Q: What kind of bonds are accepted in Shelby County?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Shelby 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.

Q: Who can set bail in Shelby County?

Who can set bail in Shelby 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.

Q: When is bail set in Shelby County Iowa?

When is bail set in Shelby 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.

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

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail? To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 712-755-2501. 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. Shelby County Jail Booking Roster

Q: What happens during booking in Shelby County?

What happens during booking in Shelby 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 Shelby 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.

Q: What is the booking process like at the Shelby County Jail?

What is the booking process like at the Shelby 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 Shelby 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.

Q: What kind of questions are asked during booking?

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 Shelby 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 712-755-2501 during business hours.

Q: How long does the Shelby County Jail booking process take?

How long does the Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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.

Question 1

How Do You Find Someone in the Shelby County Jail?

Answer

To search for an inmate in the Shelby 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 712-755-2501 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's criminal court case and docket schedule online for Shelby County and any other county in Iowa.

Shelby County Jail Inmate Search

The Shelby County Jail maintains an average of 14 offenders in custody on any given day. The Shelby 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 Shelby County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 760 offenders.

The following charts of Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 less

Question 2

About the Shelby County Jail

Answer

The 14-bed Shelby County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Shelby 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 712-755-2501, 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 Shelby 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:

Shelby County Jail
1104 9th Street
Harlan, IA 51537

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:

Shelby County Jail
1104 9th Street
Harlan, IA 51537

Jail (Main): 712-755-2501

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 3

Recent Bookings & Arrests

Answer

The booking procedure at Shelby County Jail

After an arrest, individuals are taken to Shelby County Jail for the booking process, where their identity is confirmed, charges are reviewed, and decisions are made about whether they will be released on bail or detained.

The arrested individual should remain silent during booking, as anything said could be used against them. It’s important to wait for legal representation before answering questions.

The booking process at Shelby County Jail includes the following steps:

Personal identification confirmation.
Mugshots for record-keeping.
Answering health-related questions and inquiries about criminal history.
DNA collection may be required.
Conducting a thorough body search.
Securing personal belongings.
Providing a phone call.

The booking process can take anywhere from one hour to 48 hours. For questions about an arrestee’s bond or bail, contact the facility at 712-755-2501.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 4

Directions / Map to the Shelby County Jail

Answer

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 5

Inmate Bail and Bonding

Answer

How to handle bail after an arrest in Shelby County

If someone has been booked at Shelby County Jail in Harlan, their next steps may include:

1. Release without posting bail, provided they agree to attend court.
2. Detainment until their trial.
3. Posting bail or bond to secure release. For the exact amount, call 712-755-2501.

There are a variety of payment methods available for bail.

Bail payments can be made with cash, credit, or money orders.
Assistance is available from licensed bail bond companies in Shelby County.
Property within Shelby County may also be used to cover the bail amount.

For a full guide to the bail process in Shelby County, Iowa, visit the Shelby County Jail Bail Information Page.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 6

Inmate Visitation

Answer

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

Shelby County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

1104 9th Street
Harlan, IA 51537
712-755-2501

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 712-755-2501 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 712-755-2501 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

Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-755-2501 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 7

Remote Video Visitation

Answer

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

Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-755-2501 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 8

Inmate Money Accounts

Answer

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-755-2501 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 9

Inmate Phone Contact

Answer

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

How Do Inmates in Shelby County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To set up your Shelby County inmate to make 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-755-2501 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 10

Mailing an Inmate

Answer

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

Shelby County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Shelby 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 Shelby 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:
Shelby County Jail
1104 9th Street
Harlan, IA 51537

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Shelby County Jail
1104 9th Street
Harlan, IA 51537

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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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:
Shelby County Jail
1104 9th Street
Harlan, IA 51537

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

For inmates receiving mail in the Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail:
Shelby County Jail
1104 9th Street
Harlan, IA 51537

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 Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-755-2501 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 11

Inmate Commissary

Answer

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-755-2501 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 12

Texting and Emailing an Inmate

Answer

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

Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail Send and Receive Texts and Emails?

To set up your Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-755-2501 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 13

Inmate Tablets

Answer

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

Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-755-2501 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 14

Are there photos of the Shelby County Jail? What does it look like?

Answer

View photos of the Shelby County Jail ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 15

Other Jails in Shelby County

Answer

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

Shelby County County Jails

Shelby County Jail

Shelby County Juvenile Facilities

Southwest Iowa Juvenile Detention Center

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Question 16

Other Jails Nearby

Answer

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

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Shelby County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Shelby County

Shelby County Jail Information

The booking procedure at Shelby County Jail

How to handle bail after an arrest in Shelby County

Shelby County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

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

How Do Inmates in Shelby County Jail Make Phone Calls?

Shelby County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

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

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

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

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

Search for an Inmate in Shelby County

Shelby County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Shelby County

Shelby County Jail Information

The booking procedure at Shelby County Jail

How to handle bail after an arrest in Shelby County

Shelby County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

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

How Do Inmates in Shelby County Jail Make Phone Calls?

Shelby County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

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

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

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

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

Search for an Inmate in Shelby County

Inmate SearchShelby County & City of Harlan

Inmate SearchState of Iowa and Federal Lockups

Shelby County JailContact Information