Pulaski County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Pulaski County in 2026
PulaskiCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to inmate records in Pulaski County, Kentucky. Members of the public may access records that include current custody status, booking information, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. This directory aggregates information from official government sources and presents it for informational purposes only. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the custodial agency and the timing of data updates.
Inmate records in Pulaski County may be searched through official online portals, in-person visits to the Sheriff's Office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and direct telephone inquiry. The following methods reflect current access procedures maintained by county and state agencies.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster on its official website. Members of the public may access this roster at no cost and without registration. To conduct a search, navigate to the Inmate Roster section of the Sheriff's Office website, select a search type — by full name, booking number, or booking date — enter the applicable criteria, and review the results list. Selecting an individual record displays detailed information for that person.
Information displayed in the inmate roster includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Current facility location
- Booking date
- Expected release date (where available)
The roster is updated on a continuous basis; however, recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system. The Sheriff's Office does not currently offer a dedicated mobile application for inmate searches, though the website is accessible via mobile browser.
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
3568 S. Highway 27
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-5145
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been transferred from the county jail to a state correctional facility, the Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system, known as KOOL. The KOOL offender search portal allows members of the public to search for individuals currently housed in state prisons or under state supervision.
To search, visit the KOOL portal, review and accept the disclaimer, then enter the offender's last name, first name, or offender identification number. The system returns records for individuals in state custody, including those previously held at the Pulaski County Detention Center prior to transfer. The Kentucky Offender Search tool displays current facility assignment, sentence information, projected release date, and supervision status.
The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of twelve months or fewer are held at the county level, while those convicted of felonies carrying longer sentences are transferred to a state facility. Transfer from county to state custody typically occurs within several weeks of sentencing, though timelines vary.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
For individuals charged with federal offenses, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a free search tool. This resource is appropriate when a person has been arrested by a federal agency, charged in federal court, or is serving a federal sentence. The locator accepts searches by name or federal register number and returns current facility assignment, release date, and age.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may call the Pulaski County Detention Center directly at (606) 678-5145 to request basic inmate information. Staff can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody, provide the booking date, and relay general charge information. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available. Phone inquiries are accepted during regular business hours.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office in person to request inmate information. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can confirm custody status, provide booking information, and direct visitors to appropriate resources. Public access terminals may be available for self-service record searches.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office at 3568 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time for written requests varies.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to distinguish between individuals with similar names
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison — search the KOOL portal
- The individual may be in federal custody — search the Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in an adjacent jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the Pulaski County Detention Center directly at (606) 678-5145
Are Inmate Records Public in Pulaski County?
Inmate records maintained by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and the Kentucky Department of Corrections are subject to public disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq. Under current law, records held by public agencies are presumed open to inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Booking records, custody status, charges, and bond information are treated as public records and are accessible to any member of the public upon request.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (where available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld under KRS § 197.025)
- Visitor contact lists
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments maintained for security purposes
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Transparency in the operation of detention facilities supports accountability in the criminal justice system. Public safety is advanced when community members can verify the custody status of individuals charged with offenses. Families and legal representatives rely on booking records to locate detained individuals promptly. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to bond amounts and custody status to perform its licensed functions.
Privacy Considerations:
Kentucky law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals in custody. Sensitive personal information — including medical history, mental health status, and certain administrative records — is protected from routine disclosure. The impact of public booking records on families, employment prospects, and community reintegration is acknowledged within ongoing policy discussions at the state level, though the presumption of openness under the Open Records Act remains the governing standard.
What Is Inmate Records in Pulaski County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by law enforcement and correctional agencies to document the custody, charges, and disposition of individuals detained within the criminal justice system. These records serve as the authoritative account of a person's interaction with the detention system, from the moment of booking through release or transfer.
In Pulaski County, inmate records are created at the point of booking by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, which serves as the official custodian of county-level detention records. The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office operates the county detention facility and is responsible for maintaining accurate and current records for all individuals in its custody.
The principal categories of inmate records are distinguished as follows:
- Booking records document the initial intake process, including personal identification information, charges, arresting agency, and bond information
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual's detention, including housing assignment, classification, and any transfers between facilities
- Incarceration history encompasses the complete record of an individual's prior bookings and periods of custody within the county system
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody, whether by bond, court order, sentence completion, or transfer
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is material. The Pulaski County Detention Center holds individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences of twelve months or fewer, or awaiting transfer to a state facility. State prison records are maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections for individuals serving longer felony sentences. Federal prison records are maintained by the Bureau of Prisons for individuals convicted of federal offenses.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Pulaski County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (subject to security limitations)
- Booking date and custody start date
- Expected release date (where available)
- Actual release date (following discharge)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers and court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information (in some records)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and sentence length
- Sentence start date and projected release date
- Parole eligibility date where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county system
- Historical charges and custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level
- Special housing designations
- Work assignment information (in some records)
- Program participation
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Telephone call logs
- Specific cell assignments maintained for security reasons
Pulaski County Prison System
The Pulaski County detention system is administered by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The Sheriff's Office operates the Pulaski County Detention Center, which serves as the primary holding facility for individuals arrested within the county and surrounding jurisdictions under contract arrangements.
Administration:
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office oversees all detention operations, including staffing, classification, inmate services, and facility maintenance. The administrative office is located at the address listed below.
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
3568 S. Highway 27
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-5145
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Pulaski County Detention Center houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held under contract with other agencies. The facility operates a classification system that assigns inmates to appropriate security levels based on charge severity, criminal history, and behavioral assessments.
Inmate Services:
The facility provides medical care, mental health services, substance abuse programming, educational opportunities including GED preparation, religious services, library access, and recreational programming. Legal services include access to a law library and provisions for attorney visitation.
Reentry Programs:
Pre-release planning services are available to assist individuals preparing for discharge. These services may include coordination with community-based substance abuse treatment providers, housing referrals, and employment assistance resources.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Pulaski County Detention Center is subject to oversight by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, which conducts periodic inspections of county detention facilities pursuant to KRS § 441.045. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody through the facility's administrative process.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Pulaski County
Pulaski County Detention Center
Pulaski County Detention Center
3568 S. Highway 27
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 678-5145
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
The Pulaski County Detention Center is the primary county-operated correctional facility serving Pulaski County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held under intergovernmental agreements. The facility operates multiple security classifications to accommodate the range of individuals in its population.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office administers home detention and electronic monitoring programs for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court based on charge type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Participants are required to comply with monitoring conditions and report as directed. Inquiries regarding eligibility and enrollment may be directed to the Sheriff's Office at (606) 678-5145.
Work Release
Work release programming allows eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the facility and the sentencing court. Participants return to the facility during non-working hours and are subject to all facility rules.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Pulaski County and sentenced to terms exceeding twelve months are transferred to facilities operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. The KOOL system maintained by the Department allows the public to locate individuals held in state custody statewide. State facilities are distinct from the county detention system and are governed by separate administrative regulations.
Kentucky Department of Corrections
500 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-4726
Kentucky Department of Corrections
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with federal offenses in the Eastern District of Kentucky may be held in federal custody. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains the authoritative locator for federally held individuals. Federal custody is entirely separate from county and state systems and is governed by federal law and Bureau of Prisons regulations.
How To Find an Inmate in Pulaski County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Pulaski County at no cost through several official government resources.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office inmate roster is available free of charge on the Sheriff's Office website, with no registration required. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated continuously, though recent bookings may require several hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system provides free access to records for individuals in state custody. Historical information for previously incarcerated individuals may also be available through this portal.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides free search access for individuals in federal custody nationwide.
4. Court Records Search
Court records maintained by the Pulaski County Court of Justice may be used to verify custody status through associated case filings and may reflect upcoming court dates.
Pulaski County Court of Justice
50 Public Square, PO Box 664
Somerset, KY 42502-0664
Pulaski County Court of Justice
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (606) 678-5145 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff can confirm custody status and provide general booking information during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office at 3568 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501 to conduct an in-person inquiry. Staff assistance is available during business hours, and no fee is charged for basic information requests.
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no cost:
- Online inmate roster search
- Current custody status verification
- Basic booking information
- Telephone inquiry for general information
- In-person information at the Sheriff's Office
The following services involve fees or third-party charges:
- Sending funds to an inmate's account
- Video visitation services
- Telephone calls placed by inmates
- Commissary orders
- Certified copies of booking records
- Comprehensive background check reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to use only official government websites when searching for inmate information. Numerous commercial websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Verify that any website used for inmate searches carries a .gov domain or is directly linked from an official government agency page. No payment is required to access the public inmate roster, current custody status, or basic booking information through official channels.