Bartholomew County Public Records /Bartholomew County Inmate Search

Bartholomew County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Bartholomew County?

Inmate records in Bartholomew County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office that document individuals who are in custody. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained in county facilities. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, these records are classified as public agency records subject to specific disclosure requirements.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions maintained by the Bartholomew County courts, inmate records specifically track the physical custody status and administrative details of individuals within the correctional system. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act establishes the framework for how these records are maintained and accessed.

The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:

Initial creation occurs during booking/intake procedures following arrest
Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
Documentation includes administrative, behavioral, and custody-related information
Records are finalized and archived upon the individual's release from custody

The Indiana Department of Correction and county sheriff's offices maintain these records in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-8-5, which establishes requirements for correctional record-keeping.

Are Inmate Records Public In Bartholomew County?

Inmate records in Bartholomew County are generally considered public information under Indiana law, with certain limitations to protect privacy and security interests. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified under Indiana Code § 5-14-3, establishes that records maintained by public agencies, including correctional facilities, are presumptively open for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute.

For inmate records specifically, the following information is typically available to the public:

Current inmate roster showing individuals currently in custody
Basic booking and arrest information
Charges filed against the individual
Mugshot photographs
Bond/bail amounts established by the court
Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
Current housing facility location

However, pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b), certain components of inmate records may be withheld from public disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health information
Confidential informant identities
Security procedures and protocols
Information that would create a risk to facility security
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Records that would interfere with ongoing investigations

The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office maintains and provides access to these records in accordance with state law, balancing public transparency with security and privacy considerations.

What's Included Inmate Records in Bartholomew County

Inmate records in Bartholomew County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Assigned inmate identification number
Gender

Custody Information:

Date and time of arrest and booking
Arresting agency and officer information
Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
Disciplinary incidents during incarceration
Participation in jail programs or work assignments

Charge Information:

Current charges with statutory citations
Case numbers associated with charges
Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony classification)
Arresting circumstances (as documented at booking)
Prior booking history within the county system

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
Bond conditions imposed by the court
Bond hearing dates and outcomes

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (Circuit Court, Superior Courts)
Assigned judge
Scheduled court appearances
Court case numbers
Attorney of record (if appointed or retained)

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges and dates
Sentence length and terms
Credit time calculations
Projected release date
Probation or parole eligibility dates
Special conditions imposed by the court

Release Information:

Scheduled or actual release date
Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Agency assuming custody if transferred

These records are maintained in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-8-5-2, which establishes requirements for correctional record-keeping in the state.

Bartholomew County Prison System

The Bartholomew County correctional system operates under the authority of the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and administering the county detention facilities. The system primarily consists of the Bartholomew County Jail, which serves as the central detention facility for individuals arrested within county jurisdiction.

The Bartholomew County Jail houses several categories of detainees:

Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state facilities
Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions

It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the Indiana state prison system. The Bartholomew County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, primarily houses pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences for less serious offenses. In contrast, the Indiana Department of Correction operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences, typically exceeding one year.

The administration and operation of the Bartholomew County Jail falls under the authority of the elected Sheriff, as established by Indiana Code § 36-2-13-5, which outlines the Sheriff's duties regarding jail operations.

Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office
543 Second Street
Columbus, IN 47201
Phone: (812) 565-5940
Bartholomew County Sheriff

Types of Correctional Facilities In Bartholomew County

Bartholomew County maintains a structured correctional system with facilities designed to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. The primary facilities include:

Bartholomew County Jail
543 Second Street
Columbus, IN 47201
Phone: (812) 565-5940
Bartholomew County Sheriff

The Bartholomew County Jail serves as the main detention facility for the county, housing both male and female inmates. The facility accommodates various security classifications and provides essential services including:

Intake and booking processing
General population housing units
Administrative segregation units
Medical services and infirmary
Visitation areas
Program spaces for rehabilitation services

Bartholomew County Community Corrections
540 Third Street
Columbus, IN 47201
Phone: (812) 379-1606
Bartholomew County Community Corrections

The Community Corrections facility operates as an alternative sentencing option that provides:

Work release programs allowing inmates to maintain employment
Home detention with electronic monitoring
Day reporting programs
Substance abuse treatment services
Community service coordination
Cognitive behavioral therapy programs

These facilities operate in accordance with standards established by the Indiana Department of Correction and are subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations as outlined in Indiana Code § 11-12-4, which establishes minimum standards for county jails.

Who's in Prison In Bartholomew County

The Bartholomew County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals who have entered the local criminal justice system. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Individuals held on probation or parole violations pending hearings

Sentenced Offenders:

Persons convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences up to one year
Individuals serving sentences for local ordinance violations
Those convicted of lower-level felonies awaiting transfer to state facilities
Offenders participating in work release or other alternative sentencing programs

Special Populations:

Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized supervision
Those with substance use disorders participating in treatment programs
Veterans enrolled in veteran-specific programming
Female inmates housed in designated units separate from male population

Other Detainees:

Individuals held on behalf of other counties due to space limitations
Federal detainees held through intergovernmental agreements
Immigration detainees awaiting processing or hearings
Persons held on out-of-state warrants awaiting extradition

The demographic composition of the jail population fluctuates but generally reflects patterns consistent with national trends in local detention facilities. The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-8-5, which establishes requirements for correctional record-keeping.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Bartholomew County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Bartholomew County may utilize several official channels to access this information. The following methods are currently available:

Online Inmate Lookup:

Visit the Indiana County Jail Public Portal
Select "Bartholomew" from the county dropdown menu
Enter the inmate's information (last name, first name, and/or date of birth)
Review the search results for custody status and basic information
Note that the system only displays currently incarcerated individuals

In-Person Records Request:

Visit the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
Complete a public records request form at the front desk
Provide identifying information about the inmate (full name, date of birth)
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable copying fees if requesting physical copies

Written Records Request:

Submit a written request to the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Include the inmate's full name, date of birth, and approximate dates of incarceration
Provide your contact information and relationship to the inmate
Specify the exact records being requested
Mail the request to:

Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office Records Division
543 Second Street
Columbus, IN 47201

State-Level Offender Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:

Access the Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search
Enter the individual's name or DOC number
Review the results for current location and status information

All records requests are processed in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and may take up to seven business days for processing.

How To Find an Inmate in Bartholomew County for Free?

Members of the public may locate inmates in Bartholomew County custody without incurring any fees through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate information:

Online County Jail Portal:

Navigate to the Indiana County Jail Public Portal
Select "Bartholomew" from the county dropdown menu
Enter the inmate's last name (first name optional for narrower results)
Review the results showing current inmates matching the search criteria
Access basic information including charges, booking date, and custody status

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Bartholomew County Jail directly at (812) 565-5940
Request inmate location information from the custody staff
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
Inquire about visitation eligibility and schedule if needed
Note that detailed case information may not be available through this method

Court Records Search:

Access the Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase) portal
Create a free account if you don't already have one
Search by the individual's name to locate case information
Review case details to determine custody status and court dates
Access public court documents related to the case

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
Speak with staff at the public information desk
Provide the name of the person you are attempting to locate
Request basic custody status information
Inquire about visitation procedures if the individual is in custody

These free resources provide basic location and status information in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3, which governs public access to government records.

How To Visit an Inmate In Bartholomew County

The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office maintains specific protocols for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family connections. Visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit visitor applications during their first week of incarceration
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Maximum of two visitors permitted per visitation session
All visitors must pass through security screening before entry

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Evening sessions (Wednesday only): 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Special housing units have designated visitation times
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) available daily by appointment

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
Medication required during visit (must be declared and approved)
Baby supplies if accompanied by infant (limited to one clear bottle, two diapers, wipes)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
Tobacco products or smoking materials
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20 for vending machines

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no exposed midriffs, cleavage, or undergarments)
No shorts above mid-thigh
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
Shoes and shirts required at all times

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (primary method)
Remote video visitation (fee-based service)
Contact visits (limited to certain classifications)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social services)
Special visits (approved by administration for exceptional circumstances)

Visit Restrictions:

Persons with active warrants or pending criminal charges
Former inmates released within the past 12 months
Persons on probation or parole without written permission
Individuals with prior visitation rule violations
Persons determined to pose a security risk

These visitation policies are established in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-11-5, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation regulations.

How To Send Money to a Bartholomew County Inmate

The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, and communication services.

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay payment portal through the jail's official website
Create an account or log in if you have an existing account
Select "Bartholomew County Jail" as the facility
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Select the deposit amount and payment method
Complete the transaction using credit/debit card or electronic check
Save the confirmation receipt for your records

Lobby Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the Bartholomew County Jail lobby during regular business hours
Locate the TouchPay kiosk near the main entrance
Follow the on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
Insert cash or credit/debit card to make the deposit
Collect and retain the printed receipt

Mail-In Money Orders:

Purchase a money order from an approved provider (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
Include the sender's full name and return address on the envelope
Do not include personal letters or other items with the money order
Mail to:

Bartholomew County Jail Inmate Accounts
543 Second Street
Columbus, IN 47201

Deposit Limits and Fees:

Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
Online transaction fee: $2.95 per transaction up to $100
Credit/debit card fee: 3.5% of total deposit amount
No fee for money orders sent by mail

Funds Usage Regulations:

Funds may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Inmates may purchase phone time and video visitation credits
Funds may be applied to medical co-pays for requested services
Money cannot be used for bail or bond payments
Funds cannot be transferred between inmate accounts
Commissary spending limits: $100 per week for general population

Prohibited Transactions:

Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
Personal checks are not accepted
Third-party checks are not accepted
Deposits from other incarcerated individuals
Anonymous deposits without sender information
Deposits from individuals on active no-contact orders

All financial transactions are processed in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-11-3-6, which governs inmate trust accounts and commissary operations.

How To Send Jail Mail In Bartholomew County

The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office maintains specific procedures for sending mail to inmates housed in county facilities. All correspondence must adhere to established guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery.

General Mail Guidelines:

Address all mail using the following format:

Inmate's Full Name, Inmate ID Number
Bartholomew County Jail
543 Second Street
Columbus, IN 47201

Include a complete return address with sender's full name
All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery
Mail is typically distributed to inmates within 24-48 hours of receipt
Legal mail from attorneys is opened in the inmate's presence

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters on plain white paper (limit 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Up to 5 photographs per envelope (4x6 maximum size, no Polaroids)
Money orders (following procedures outlined in the money transmission section)
Legal documents from attorneys or courts
Religious materials (subject to security review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Colored paper or envelopes
Cardstock or construction paper
Stickers, labels, or tape
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writing
Perfumed or scented items
Plastic or laminated items
Newspaper or magazine clippings
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit or obscene materials
Gang-related content
Materials depicting weapons or violence
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Food items or contraband

Publications and Books:

Books must be sent directly from publishers or approved vendors
Soft-cover books only (hardcover books are prohibited)
Maximum of 3 books per mailing
Subject to content review for security concerns
Religious texts are permitted subject to security screening

E-Communications:

Register for an account through the jail's approved vendor
Purchase credits for electronic messaging
Compose and send messages through the secure platform
Attach approved digital photos if desired (additional fee may apply)
Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours after security review

All mail procedures are established in accordance with Indiana Code § 11-11-3, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable regulations regarding inmate correspondence.