County

FAQ (1)

Civil How Do I...

Can the plaintiff bid more than the "Foreclosure debt?"

The Plaintiff may have additional costs they have incurred between the time they began the foreclosure proceeding and the time of the sale. In that case, they will file with the court an affidavit of advances and when they bring that to our office, we will add that amount to the foreclosure debt for the sale.

The Plaintiff may have additional costs they have incurred between the time they began the foreclosure proceeding and the time of the sale. In that case, they will file with the court an affidavit of advances and when they bring that to our office, we will add that amount to the foreclosure debt for the sale.


If I purchase a property that has a redemption period, do I have to pay for the property within two hours just like the no redemption sales?

Yes, a purchase must be paid for within two hours in bank funds regardless of redemption period.

Yes, a purchase must be paid for within two hours in bank funds regardless of redemption period.


If I purchase a property and there is someone in possession of the property, what do I do to remove them?

If there is no redemption period or the redemption period is over and you have a Sheriff's Deed, you need to go to the clerk of court and apply for a writ of removal using the Plaintiff and Defendant and case number from the foreclosure. Then you need to come to our office and fill out directions for the writ of removal and pay for fees. The deputy from that territory will contact you and set up a time for the removal.

If there is no redemption period or the redemption period is over and you have a Sheriff's Deed, you need to go to the clerk of court and apply for a writ of removal using the Plaintiff and Defendant and case number from the foreclosure. Then you need to come to our office and fill out directions for the writ of removal and pay for fees. The deputy from that territory will contact you and set up a time for the removal.


If my property is purchased at a sale, when do I have to be out?

Whoever purchased the property at the sale is entitled to possession at the time of the sale in the case of no redemption period, or at the end of the redemption period.

Whoever purchased the property at the sale is entitled to possession at the time of the sale in the case of no redemption period, or at the end of the redemption period.


Can I view the property before I bid on it?

That will depend on the person in possession. If there is someone living there, they may be willing to show it to you. If it is vacant, then probably not.

That will depend on the person in possession. If there is someone living there, they may be willing to show it to you. If it is vacant, then probably not.


What if I purchase the property at a redemption sale and lose my certificate?

If the original Certificate is lost, the Sheriff's Office will need a court order to issue a new Certificate.

If the original Certificate is lost, the Sheriff's Office will need a court order to issue a new Certificate.


Jail How Do I...

Look up an Inmate's Information?

Find the inmate record in the Polk County Jail Current Listing Inmates on the Web

Find the inmate record in the Polk County Jail Current Listing Inmates on the Web


Get information about a court date, time, or room number?

Contact the Clerk of Court at 515-286-3765.

Contact the Clerk of Court at 515-286-3765.


View Jail Court Proceedings?

Jail Court proceedings may be viewed by the public in the lobby of the jail via closed circuit television.

Jail Court proceedings may be viewed by the public in the lobby of the jail via closed circuit television.


Get arrest information or police reports?

Contact the arresting agency.

Contact the arresting agency.


Contact pre-trial release?

Call 515-875-5750


Register a Victim Notification through VINE?

Find the inmate record in the Polk County Jail Current Inmate Listing and follow the link provided Inmates on the Web

Find the inmate record in the Polk County Jail Current Inmate Listing and follow the link provided Inmates on the Web


Make a Deposit to an Inmate's Account?

Go to https://www.smartdeposit.com.  Select MyCarePack.com then select "Iowa" for the State and select "Polk County" for the Facility, then click "Enter." Click on "Inmate Identification" on the lower left hand side of screen to enter the inmate information.  To deposit money to an inmate's account select "Smart Deposit" on the upper left hand side of screen.

Follow the directions found here English    Español

Go to https://www.smartdeposit.com.  Select MyCarePack.com then select "Iowa" for the State and select "Polk County" for the Facility, then click "Enter." Click on "Inmate Identification" on the lower left hand side of screen to enter the inmate information.  To deposit money to an inmate's account select "Smart Deposit" on the upper left hand side of screen.

Follow the directions found here English    Español


Make a Deposit to an Inmate's Phone Account?

Money deposited to an inmate's commissary account can be used to purchase commissary items or make phone calls. To make a deposit to the commissary account go to https://www.smartdeposit.com  

Follow the directions found here: English  Español

Money can also be deposited directly with the inmate telephone provider. The prepaid calling account allows you to receive collect calls from an inmate and have the charges deducted automatically from your prepaid account. These funds are not able to be used for any other purpose. To make a deposit directly to a telephone account go to https://securustech.net/en/web/securus/advanceconnect 

 

Securus Phone Banner

Money deposited to an inmate's commissary account can be used to purchase commissary items or make phone calls. To make a deposit to the commissary account go to https://www.smartdeposit.com  

Follow the directions found here: English  Español

Money can also be deposited directly with the inmate telephone provider. The prepaid calling account allows you to receive collect calls from an inmate and have the charges deducted automatically from your prepaid account. These funds are not able to be used for any other purpose. To make a deposit directly to a telephone account go to https://securustech.net/en/web/securus/advanceconnect 

 

Securus Phone Banner


Call or leave a message for an Inmate?

Sheriff's staff will not pass on messages to inmates. It is recommended that you write the inmate a letter.

Sheriff's staff will not pass on messages to inmates. It is recommended that you write the inmate a letter.


Send mail to someone in the jail?

Mail for inmates must come into the jail via the United States Postal Service. The sender's complete name and address must be on the return address portion of the envelope. If it is not, the mail will be returned to the Post Office.

Address the envelope to:

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

Mail for inmates must come into the jail via the United States Postal Service. The sender's complete name and address must be on the return address portion of the envelope. If it is not, the mail will be returned to the Post Office.

Address the envelope to:

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


Pick up an Inmate's Property?

Property for in custody inmates is only released Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 3:45pm.

Property for in custody inmates is only released Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 3:45pm.


Pick up an Inmate's Property who has been transferred to Oakdale?

Inmates must complete a Property Release prior to their transfer. This release dictates who may receive the property. Photo Identification is required. This property is released any day, at any time.

Inmates must complete a Property Release prior to their transfer. This release dictates who may receive the property. Photo Identification is required. This property is released any day, at any time.


Drop Off Court Clothing for an Inmate?

Clothing for jury trial appearances may be brought in with prior approval of the Jail. Only two outfits are allowed.

Deliver to:

Court Staging
110 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm

Clothing for jury trial appearances may be brought in with prior approval of the Jail. Only two outfits are allowed.

Deliver to:

Court Staging
110 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm


Provide an inmate with photographs

Each inmate may have a total of five (5) photographs in their personal possession. Photographs must be 4" x 6" or smaller to be accepted. The Jail will NOT accept Polaroid type photos. Photos must be mailed to the inmate. We will not accept them in person.

Each inmate may have a total of five (5) photographs in their personal possession. Photographs must be 4" x 6" or smaller to be accepted. The Jail will NOT accept Polaroid type photos. Photos must be mailed to the inmate. We will not accept them in person.


Provide other personal items?

The Polk County Sheriff's Office does not accept packages or any other property for inmates. Neither the Sheriff's Office, nor jail staff, will be responsible for lost or stolen items. Property left for over 10 days will be considered abandoned and will be discarded.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office does not accept packages or any other property for inmates. Neither the Sheriff's Office, nor jail staff, will be responsible for lost or stolen items. Property left for over 10 days will be considered abandoned and will be discarded.


Visiting an Inmate?

Visit an Inmate?

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office visitation program is provided courtesy of iWebVisit.com and offers on-site and remote visits between citizens and inmates. Video Visits are conducted on video terminals that are located within the detention center lobby.  It should be noted that participating in the on-site visiting program is not a guarantee of availability as booking times and space are limited. 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office visitation program is provided courtesy of iWebVisit.com and offers on-site and remote visits between citizens and inmates. Video Visits are conducted on video terminals that are located within the detention center lobby.  It should be noted that participating in the on-site visiting program is not a guarantee of availability as booking times and space are limited. 


On-Site Visitation

Inmates are allowed two (2) twenty (20) minute On-Site visits per week.

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.

IN ORDER TO VISIT YOU MUST PRESENT A VALID STATE/GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID EVERY TIME.

YOU MUST CHECK IN AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE LAST VISIT. VISITING IS SUBJECT TO MONITOR AND TIME AVAILABILITY.

Inmates are allowed two (2) twenty (20) minute On-Site visits per week.

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.

IN ORDER TO VISIT YOU MUST PRESENT A VALID STATE/GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID EVERY TIME.

YOU MUST CHECK IN AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE LAST VISIT. VISITING IS SUBJECT TO MONITOR AND TIME AVAILABILITY.


On-Site Visitation Hours

Sunday: 8:30 am - 10:30 am, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am - 10:30 am, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Friday & Saturday: No On-Site Public Visitation

**Remote visits are available through www.iwebvisit.com at the visitor’s expense and are available daily (8:00am - 10:00am, 12:00pm - 4:30pm, 6:00pm - 10:00pm).  Inmates may have 2 remote visits per day.

Visitation hours may be adjusted on holidays or due to other events.

Before being permitted to visit an inmate you will be required to register for an iWebVisit.com account.  If you have internet access, you can visit iWebVisit.com and create your account in advance to save time.

You can also create an account at the On-Site visiting center. When you arrive at the Polk County Jail, you will need to provide a valid government issued ID along with, but not required, a valid email address if you have one. Policies concerning the iWebVisit.com system are evolving and changes affecting the implementation of the service may be modified if needed, without prior written notice.

Once you are registered, you will receive an e-mail (if one was provided at the time of registration) welcoming you to the iWebVisit.com Remote Visitation System. At this time you will be provided with further instructions and information about the benefits of remotely visiting your loved ones.

Click Here for The Visitation Rules and Guidelines for both on-site and off-site Remote Visiting.

Sunday: 8:30 am - 10:30 am, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am - 10:30 am, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Friday & Saturday: No On-Site Public Visitation

**Remote visits are available through www.iwebvisit.com at the visitor’s expense and are available daily (8:00am - 10:00am, 12:00pm - 4:30pm, 6:00pm - 10:00pm).  Inmates may have 2 remote visits per day.

Visitation hours may be adjusted on holidays or due to other events.

Before being permitted to visit an inmate you will be required to register for an iWebVisit.com account.  If you have internet access, you can visit iWebVisit.com and create your account in advance to save time.

You can also create an account at the On-Site visiting center. When you arrive at the Polk County Jail, you will need to provide a valid government issued ID along with, but not required, a valid email address if you have one. Policies concerning the iWebVisit.com system are evolving and changes affecting the implementation of the service may be modified if needed, without prior written notice.

Once you are registered, you will receive an e-mail (if one was provided at the time of registration) welcoming you to the iWebVisit.com Remote Visitation System. At this time you will be provided with further instructions and information about the benefits of remotely visiting your loved ones.

Click Here for The Visitation Rules and Guidelines for both on-site and off-site Remote Visiting.


Off-Site Remote Visitation

IWebVisit Window

Off-site Visitation Hours

Sunday - Saturday 8:30am - 10:00pm

NO VISITS ARE ALLOWED During the Following Times every day:  11am-12pm, 3pm-4pm and 5-6pm

Visitation hours may be adjusted on holidays or due to other events.

In order to conduct a remote visit:

You will need access to a computer, web cam, microphone and high-speed internet.

Go to http://www.iwebvisit.com/ to register.

Schedule the time and day you want to visit.

Pay for your visit(s) with any credit/debit or registered pre-paid card.

Engaging in illegal or illicit (to include disrobing and/or sexual behavior) will result in the visit being terminated. This visitor will be blocked from any further visits to any inmate confined in the Polk County Jail and is subject to criminal charges.  The inmate may also be charged with violation of the visiting rules and their visiting privileges terminated for the duration of their incarceration.

Inmates are allowed 2 remote visits per day.

Inmate availability is based on housing unit rules and/or disciplinary status.

The cost is $11.00 for a 30 minute interval for standard visitors and $25.00 per 30 minute interval for qualified professionals.

Once a visit has started and is canceled or terminated by the Facility for failure to comply with visiting rules a credit voucher will not be issued.

Remote visits are non-refundable.

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.

*Qualified Professionals have the ability to schedule a remote visit with 1 hour notice.

SAME-DAY REMOTE VISITS FOR STANDARD VISITORS ARE PROHIBITED

 ALL NON-PROFESSIONAL VISITS ARE SUBJECT TO MONITORING AND RECORDING

IWebVisit Banner

IWebVisit Window

Off-site Visitation Hours

Sunday - Saturday 8:30am - 10:00pm

NO VISITS ARE ALLOWED During the Following Times every day:  11am-12pm, 3pm-4pm and 5-6pm

Visitation hours may be adjusted on holidays or due to other events.

In order to conduct a remote visit:

You will need access to a computer, web cam, microphone and high-speed internet.

Go to http://www.iwebvisit.com/ to register.

Schedule the time and day you want to visit.

Pay for your visit(s) with any credit/debit or registered pre-paid card.

Engaging in illegal or illicit (to include disrobing and/or sexual behavior) will result in the visit being terminated. This visitor will be blocked from any further visits to any inmate confined in the Polk County Jail and is subject to criminal charges.  The inmate may also be charged with violation of the visiting rules and their visiting privileges terminated for the duration of their incarceration.

Inmates are allowed 2 remote visits per day.

Inmate availability is based on housing unit rules and/or disciplinary status.

The cost is $11.00 for a 30 minute interval for standard visitors and $25.00 per 30 minute interval for qualified professionals.

Once a visit has started and is canceled or terminated by the Facility for failure to comply with visiting rules a credit voucher will not be issued.

Remote visits are non-refundable.

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.

*Qualified Professionals have the ability to schedule a remote visit with 1 hour notice.

SAME-DAY REMOTE VISITS FOR STANDARD VISITORS ARE PROHIBITED

 ALL NON-PROFESSIONAL VISITS ARE SUBJECT TO MONITORING AND RECORDING

IWebVisit Banner


Law Enforcement How Do I...

How do I get my car out of impound?

An Impound Release is required. Releases require a $20 cash payment, and are available at Patrol Headquarters. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.

An Impound Release is required. Releases require a $20 cash payment, and are available at Patrol Headquarters. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.


How do I get a copy of a report?

Requests for a report can be submitted at Patrol Headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. 

Requests for a report can be submitted at Patrol Headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. 


How do I report a crime?

Emergencies: Call 911. 
Non-Emergencies: Call 286-3333.

Crimestoppers: Online Crime Stoppers or call 223-1400 or text "PCCS plus your message" to CRIMES (274637)

Emergencies: Call 911. 
Non-Emergencies: Call 286-3333.

Crimestoppers: Online Crime Stoppers or call 223-1400 or text "PCCS plus your message" to CRIMES (274637)


How do I hire Deputies for a special event?

Call 286-3802 for the Administrative Captain.

Call 286-3802 for the Administrative Captain.


How do I do a Ride Along with a Deputy?

Complete a request form. Forms are available at Patrol Headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Complete a request form. Forms are available at Patrol Headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.


How do I get a No Contact Order?

Complete a request form. Forms are available at Patrol Headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Complete a request form. Forms are available at Patrol Headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.


How do I find out if I have a warrant for my arrest?

Complete a request form. Forms are available at Patrol Headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Complete a request form. Forms are available at Patrol Headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.


How do I evict a tenant?

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office suggests that individuals seeking to evict a tenant contact their own attorney, Home Inc. or Iowa Legal Aid.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office suggests that individuals seeking to evict a tenant contact their own attorney, Home Inc. or Iowa Legal Aid.


How do I view the Automated Traffic Enforcement Ordinance?

To view the Automated Traffic Enforcement Ordinance click here.

To view the Automated Traffic Enforcement Ordinance click here.


How do I view the Automated Traffic Enforcement Strategy of Technology?

To view the Automated Traffic Enforcement Statement of Technology, click here.

To view the Automated Traffic Enforcement Statement of Technology, click here.


How do I pay a speed camera violation citation?

To view the payment instructions for a speed camera violation citation, click here.

To view the payment instructions for a speed camera violation citation, click here.


How do I contest the speed camera violation citation?

To view the instructions to contest a speed camera violation citation, click here.

To view the instructions to contest a speed camera violation citation, click here.