Essential Guide to Using Inmate Lookup Tools
Discover how inmate search tools and mobile apps like MobilePatrol help locate inmates, provide safety alerts, and connect communities with law enforcement. Learn how these resources facilitate public safety, visitation, and reporting tips, making community security more accessible and efficient.

Essential Guide to Using Inmate Lookup Tools
An inmate is a person who has lost their freedom and is detained in a correctional facility due to violations of laws. This includes individuals sentenced by federal courts, known as federal inmates, and those convicted by state or local courts, referred to as non-federal inmates. With over 2.2 million people behind bars in the US, finding specific inmate information can be challenging. Fortunately, various online inmate search tools and apps can help you locate inmates quickly if you have their name or inmate number.

Incarceration rates in the US are the highest globally, making inmate searches seem daunting. Many websites and mobile apps serve as inmate locating tools, enabling you to find an inmate’s location with just their name or ID. One such app, MobilePatrol by Appriss Safety, offers community safety updates, alerts, and inmate information across the country. Available for free on Android and iOS, it connects citizens with law enforcement agencies, providing real-time updates on wanted individuals, missing persons, crime reports, and more. Features include notifications on safety alerts, crime reporting, and access to public records, making community safety efforts more accessible and efficient.
People often use inmate search tools for reasons such as verifying an inmate’s custody status, arranging visits, or sending funds. These tools can also assist in reporting tips about wanted individuals or registered sex offenders. However, they may not be effective for inmates with short-term sentences held in pretrial facilities or those no longer in custody due to release or escape.