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

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

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.

Get arrest information or police reports?

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

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

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 

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.

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

Pick up an Inmate's Property?

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.

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

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.

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.