Meade County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Meade County in 2026
MeadeRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to inmate records in Meade County, Kentucky. Members of the public may access records that include booking information, custody status, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. The information presented reflects what is available through official government sources and may not capture every individual in custody or recently released. Record categories available through this resource include current inmate rosters, booking photographs, court dates, and incarceration history.
Inmate records may be searched through official government resources, county clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies. The following methods outline the available channels for locating an individual currently or recently held in custody.
Online Search Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Meade County Detention Center, operated under the authority of the elected Jailer, maintains custody records for individuals held at the facility. At present, members of the public seeking inmate information should contact the Detention Center directly, as a dedicated online inmate roster portal specific to Meade County may not be independently hosted. The Meade County Detention Center page on the official county website provides contact information and facility details.
To conduct a search:
- Access the Meade County government website or contact the facility directly
- Provide the full legal name and, if known, the date of birth of the individual
- Request current custody status, booking number, charges, and bond information
- Ask staff to confirm facility location if a transfer has occurred
Information that may be available includes:
- Full legal name and booking number
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location and housing status
- Booking date and expected release date (when available)
Records are updated as bookings and releases occur; recent bookings may take several hours to appear in any available system.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been convicted and transferred to a state correctional facility, the Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system. This tool is distinct from county jail records and applies to individuals serving sentences in state-operated prisons.
- Navigate to the KOOL search portal
- Enter the offender's last name, first name, or offender ID number
- Review results for custody status, facility assignment, sentence information, and projected release date
- Note that individuals held pre-trial at the county level will not appear in the state system until after conviction and transfer
The Kentucky Department of Corrections describes its mission as "protecting the citizens of Kentucky by providing a safe, secure and humane environment for staff and offenders." Transfer from county jail to a state facility following sentencing may take days to several weeks depending on court processing and bed availability.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
For individuals charged with federal offenses and held in federal custody, the Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a free inmate locator at www.bop.gov/inmateloc. This resource applies only to individuals in federal custody and is separate from both county and state systems. Members of the public may search by name or federal register number to obtain facility location, projected release date, and offense information.
Phone Search:
- Phone: (270) 422-4958 — Meade County Detention Center
- Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available
- Staff can confirm current custody status, charges, and bond information during regular business hours
In-Person Inquiry:
Meade County Detention Center
516 Hillcrest Drive
Brandenburg, KY 40108
Phone: (270) 422-4958
Detention Center | Meade County, KY
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status and basic booking information.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Meade County Detention Center at 516 Hillcrest Drive, Brandenburg, KY 40108. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies based on staff availability and the nature of the request.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when a common name is involved
- Search by booking number if it has been provided by the court or arresting agency
- Check both current custody records and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in any available system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the originating facility's records
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; search the Kentucky Offender Search system
- The individual may be in federal custody; search the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released on bond or following a sentence
- The individual may be held in an adjacent jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in available records
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the Meade County Detention Center directly at (270) 422-4958 for confirmation
Are Inmate Records Public in Meade County?
Inmate records maintained by county detention facilities in Kentucky are subject to public disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq. Under current law, records held by public agencies — including county jails and detention centers — are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
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 and bond type
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date, when available
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld on security grounds)
- Visitor contact lists
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments for active security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
- Government transparency and accountability in the administration of justice
- Public safety notification for communities
- Family notification when a loved one is taken into custody
- Support for legal proceedings, including bail bond determinations
- Facilitation of attorney-client contact
Privacy Considerations:
Kentucky law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Under KRS § 61.878, certain categories of information may be withheld where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Medical and mental health information, in particular, receives heightened protection regardless of an individual's custody status. The impact of public booking records on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged in ongoing policy discussions at the state level, though the presumption of openness remains the governing standard under current law.
What Is Inmate Records in Meade County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, legal status, and administrative classification of individuals held in detention. These records serve as the authoritative account of an individual's interaction with the county corrections system, from the moment of booking through release or transfer.
In Meade County, inmate records are created by the Meade County Detention Center at the time of booking and are updated throughout the period of custody. The Jailer, as the elected official responsible for the facility, serves as the official custodian of these records. The Meade County Detention Center maintains records for individuals held pre-trial, those serving short sentences, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities.
The distinction between record types is significant:
- Booking records document the initial intake process, including the individual's personal information, charges, arresting agency, and booking photograph
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during their period of detention, including housing assignments, classification, and any administrative actions
- Incarceration history encompasses the full 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 departure from custody, whether by bond, sentence completion, transfer, or court order
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is equally important. County jail records pertain to individuals held at the local level, including pre-trial detainees and those serving sentences of twelve months or less. State prison records, maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections and accessible through the KOOL system, apply to individuals serving longer sentences in state-operated facilities. Federal prison records apply to individuals convicted of federal offenses and held in Bureau of Prisons facilities.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Meade County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number assigned at intake
- Date of birth and age at time of booking
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph taken at intake
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location and housing unit (subject to security limitations)
- Date and time of booking
- Expected release date, when available
- Actual release date following discharge
- Current custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current criminal charges
- Charge descriptions and statutory citations
- Case numbers assigned by the court
- Court jurisdiction and division
- Date of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Warrant information, if applicable
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted, pending, or forfeited
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Kentucky Court of Justice case information, accessible through the court's online portal
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, if 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
- Program participation records
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
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for active security reasons
Meade County Prison System
Overview of the County Corrections System:
The Meade County Detention Center operates under the authority of the elected Jailer and serves as the primary correctional facility for the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody. The Jailer is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the facility, staff supervision, and compliance with state standards established by the Kentucky Department of Corrections.
Administration:
Meade County Detention Center
516 Hillcrest Drive
Brandenburg, KY 40108
Phone: (270) 422-4958
Detention Center | Meade County, KY
The facility is currently under the administration of Jailer JJ Scarborough.
Facility Operations:
The Detention Center houses a mixed population that includes pre-trial detainees, individuals sentenced to terms of twelve months or less, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state facilities. Classification of inmates is conducted at intake and determines housing assignments and program eligibility.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted health services
- Mental health services and referrals
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational opportunities, including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy access
- Recreation and library access
Legal Services:
- Law library access for individuals representing themselves
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
- Pre-release planning and case management
- Referrals to community-based substance abuse treatment
- Coordination with housing and employment assistance programs
Oversight and Accountability:
The Kentucky Department of Corrections provides oversight of county detention facilities through inspection and compliance review. Under KRS § 441.045, county jails are subject to state standards for operation, staffing, and inmate care. The Department of Corrections, described on its official profile as an agency committed to "protecting the citizens of Kentucky," conducts periodic inspections and may require corrective action where deficiencies are identified.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Meade County
Meade County Detention Center
Meade County Detention Center
516 Hillcrest Drive
Brandenburg, KY 40108
Phone: (270) 422-4958
Detention Center | Meade County, KY
The Meade County Detention Center is the primary correctional facility serving the county. The facility operates at a medium security level and houses the following populations:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Sentenced misdemeanor offenders serving terms of twelve months or less
- Felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities
- Individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Eligible individuals may be placed on home detention with electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Detention Center administration based on offense type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about this program should contact the Detention Center directly.
Work Release
Work release programs allow sentenced individuals to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentence. Eligibility criteria and program availability are subject to administrative determination by the Jailer's office.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Meade County and sentenced to terms exceeding twelve months are transferred to facilities operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. The state system maintains its own records, accessible through the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system. State facilities are distinct from the county jail and are administered separately under state authority.
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is currently located within Meade County. Individuals charged with federal offenses are transferred to federal custody and may be held at facilities designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Federal inmate records are maintained separately from state and county systems.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Meade County Detention Center | 516 Hillcrest Drive, Brandenburg, KY 40108 | (270) 422-4958 |
| Kentucky DOC (State Inmates) | 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601 | (502) 564-4726 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | 320 First St NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Meade County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Information
Members of the public may access inmate information through the Meade County Detention Center page on the official county website. This resource is completely free and requires no registration. Information available includes current custody status, booking information, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. Records are updated as bookings and releases occur.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system provides free access to records for individuals in state custody. The KOOL system includes historical information for individuals who have previously served time in state facilities and is available without charge or registration.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a free inmate locator at www.bop.gov/inmateloc. This tool is available at no cost and provides facility location, projected release date, and offense information for individuals in federal custody.
4. Court Records Search
Case information for individuals with pending or resolved court matters in Kentucky is accessible through the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal. Court records may confirm custody status, upcoming court dates, and case disposition without charge.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call the Meade County Detention Center at (270) 422-4958 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff can confirm current custody status, charges, and bond information during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Meade County Detention Center at 516 Hillcrest Drive, Brandenburg, KY 40108 to request inmate information in person. Staff assistance is available during business hours, and no fee is charged for basic information inquiries.
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are available at no charge:
- Online inmate search through official government resources
- Current custody status and basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests at the facility
The following services involve fees:
- Sending money to an inmate through the facility's designated vendor
- Video visitation services
- Phone calls placed by inmates through the facility's telephone provider
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Certified copies of booking records or official documents
- Third-party background check services
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. Individuals should 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 locate a currently incarcerated individual through the resources identified in this article.