About Kentucky Department of Corrections
Use this website for informational purposes only.
The correctional system in Kentucky is a complex network of institutions and agencies that work together to uphold the law, protect the public, and rehabilitate offenders. This system is governed by the Kentucky Department of Corrections (KDOC), which is responsible for managing state-operated adult correctional facilities, supervising adult offenders in the community, and providing oversight for county jails.
The KDOC aims to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth and to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment for staff and offenders in carrying out the mandates of the legislative and judicial processes. The KDOC promotes the enhancement of public safety through correctional interventions that reduce recidivism, support post-release success, and meet the diverse needs of justice-involved individuals. You can learn more about the Kentucky Department of Corrections here.
Types of Correctional Institutions in Kentucky
There are several types of correctional institutions in Kentucky, each catering to different segments of the offender population and different types of offenses.
- State Prisons: State prisons are operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. These facilities house individuals convicted of state crimes and sentenced to imprisonment for more than one year. As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, Kentucky has 12 state prisons, including the Kentucky State Penitentiary and the Kentucky State Reformatory.
- County Jails: County jails are managed by county governments and typically house individuals awaiting trial or sentencing or those sentenced to less than a year. Each of Kentucky's 120 counties operates at least one county jail.
- City Jails: City jails are run by city police departments and generally hold detainees who are awaiting trial for minor offenses, serving short sentences, or awaiting transfer to a larger county or state facility.
- Federal Prisons: Federal prisons are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and house individuals convicted of federal crimes. As of September 2021, there is one federal prison in Kentucky, the Federal Medical Center, Lexington.
Inmate Search Options in Kentucky
In the digital age, there are numerous online and offline resources available to locate an individual within the Kentucky correctional system. Below are some options for each type of correctional facility:
State Prisons
- Online: The KDOC maintains an online offender lookup tool that provides information about inmates currently housed in state facilities. The search can be performed using the inmate's name or offender number.
- Offline: For offline inquiries, you can contact the Kentucky Department of Corrections directly via phone or mail.
County Jails
- Online: Some Kentucky counties maintain online inmate lookup tools on their Sheriff's Department websites. These may vary by county.
- Offline: If an online search tool is not available, you can call the specific county jail or the county sheriff's office directly for information.
City Jails
- Online: City jail inmate information is often available on the individual city's police department website.
- Offline: You can also reach out directly to the city police department for inmate information.
Federal Prisons
- Online: The Federal Bureau of Prisons operates a nationwide inmate locator that includes inmates in the Federal Medical Center, Lexington.
- Offline: For offline inquiries, contact the Federal Bureau of Prisons directly.
Before making any contact or search, please be aware that information availability may be subject to privacy laws and institutional policies. Always approach with respect for these rules and the rights of all involved parties.
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