How to Use the Federal Inmate Locator

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The Federal Inmate Locator is a database service provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons that can be accessed from the Internet. It allows users to look up any federal inmates who were incarcerated from 1982 to the present. It also shows some records for people who were in custody with the Federal Bureau of Prisons but did not serve due to dismissal of charges or for other reasons. It’s easy to learn how to use the Federal Inmate Locator, since all that needs to be done is to enter identifying information about the person you are searching for. However, the information must be accurate to produce a result.

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Use the Federal Inmate Locator

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    Using an identification number, such as a Register Number, results in a better chance of finding a match. Identification numbers can be found on records and written correspondence. If using the name option, make sure you have the first and last name with the correct spellings.
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    Enter the Internet URL http://www.bop.gov/ to get to the Bureau of Prisons website.
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    Get more information about the service and detailed instructions for how to use the Federal inmate Locator by clicking the “More Information” link at the top right of the screen.
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    • Select the drop down box next to “Type of Number” in the box entitled "Choose the proper type of ID number." The options are Register Number, DCDC Number, FBI Number and INS Number.
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    You must enter a first and last name. Names must be spelled correctly; there are no Boolean or advanced options.
    • Use the race and sex pull down menus to input information that will filter the search results. Enter the person’s age in the Age" box.
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    A new page will display results that match your search criteria. Information includes name, Register Number, age, race and sex of the inmate and the release date. The link for the correctional facility is available to find inmates who are in custody. Use that link to get facility contact and visiting information.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I get a picture of a inmate online?
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    Community Answer
    Once you type in the name and the prisoner's ID number, then their mugshot and booking information will show up.
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  • Question
    How do I find a picture of a federal inmate?
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    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions in this article, to use the Federal Inmate Locator. Once you enter all the correct information on the federal prisoner you are looking for, their mugshot and booking information will immediately show up.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 94 Helpful 34
  • Question
    How I can find out how many visitors he has had in prison?
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    Community Answer
    The website will not say how many visitors he had, but if you get the chance to speak with him, he will tell you how many visitors he has had so far.
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      Tips

      • Write to the Federal Bureau of Prisons for information about inmates released before 1982.
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      • The Bureau of Prisons only lists information for individuals who are incarcerated for Federal crimes. Those imprisoned for violating local or state laws are housed in state prisons or local jails. To locate a non-Federal inmate, contact the state’s department of corrections. Links to state corrections departments can be found at USA.gov.
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      Warnings

      • Be sure to use the legitimate Federal inmate locator tool from the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Other sites have “Federal inmate locator” in their titles, but are actually commercial sites. These sites charge a fee to run background checks and display information. There is no fee to use the Bureau of Prisons’ locator tool.
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      References

      1. https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc//

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