Simpson County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Simpson County in 2026
SimpsonRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Simpson County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find data pertaining to current custody status, booking details, charges, bond amounts, and facility assignments. Record categories available through official channels include booking records, court case information, custody history, and release records. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and the timing of data updates.
Members of the public may search inmate records through official government resources, including the Simpson County Detention Center, the Kentucky Court of Justice, the Kentucky Department of Corrections, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Each agency maintains distinct records depending on the custody level and jurisdiction of the individual in question.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Simpson County Detention Center operates the county jail and maintains booking records for individuals held at the local level. Members of the public seeking current inmate information may contact the facility directly, as the detention center does not currently publish a standalone online inmate roster. To conduct a search:
- Contact the Simpson County Detention Center by phone to request current custody status
- Provide the full legal name and date of birth of the individual
- Request booking number, charges, bond amount, and expected release date
- Inquire about facility location if the individual may have been transferred
Information that may be disclosed at the facility level includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges
- Bond type and amount
- Booking date
- Custody status and facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
Booking records are updated as new intakes are processed. Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in any available system.
Simpson County Detention Center
1 Detention Drive, Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4490
Detention Center – Simpson County Kentucky
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for State Prison)
Individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to a term exceeding one year are transferred from county custody to the Kentucky Department of Corrections. The Department maintains the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system, which allows members of the public to search for offenders currently under state supervision or incarcerated in a state facility.
To search the KOOL system:
- Navigate to the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup portal
- Enter the offender's first and last name or offender ID number
- Review results for custody status, facility assignment, and sentence information
- Select an individual record to view detailed information including charges and projected release date
The KOOL system covers individuals in state prisons and those on parole or probation under state supervision. It does not include individuals held solely at the county jail level on pre-trial status. The Kentucky Offender Search tool is maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections and is available to the public at no charge.
Kentucky Department of Corrections – Central Office
500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-3266
Kentucky Department of Corrections
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for Federal Inmates)
Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP maintains a publicly accessible Federal Inmate Locator tool. This resource is appropriate when the individual in question faces federal charges or has been sentenced in a U.S. District Court. The locator provides facility location, projected release date, and register number for federal inmates.
Phone Search:
- Phone: (270) 586-4490 (Simpson County Detention Center)
- Provide the inmate's full legal name and date of birth
- Staff can confirm current custody status and basic booking information
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (administrative inquiries)
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Simpson County Detention Center in person to request inmate information. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can confirm custody status, charges, and bond information during regular business hours.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Simpson County Detention Center at 1 Detention Drive, Franklin, KY 42134. Requests should include the full legal name, date of birth, and approximate booking date of the individual. Processing time varies based on staff availability.
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
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current and recently released inmate records
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in any system
- Transferred inmates may not appear in county records
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison — search the KOOL system
- The individual may be in federal custody — search the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in available records
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the detention center directly at (270) 586-4490
Are Inmate Records Public in Simpson County?
Inmate records maintained by the Simpson County Detention Center and the Kentucky Department of Corrections are subject to public disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq. Under current law, records of a public agency are presumed open to inspection by any person, unless a specific exemption applies. Booking records, custody status, and charge information fall within the category of publicly accessible government records.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population data
- 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 (when 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 on security grounds)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell or housing unit assignments for active security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public interest in maintaining open access to inmate records reflects several core principles of democratic governance:
- Government transparency and accountability in the exercise of custodial authority
- Public safety awareness regarding individuals charged with criminal offenses
- Family notification and the ability of relatives to locate detained individuals
- Support for legal proceedings, including bail bond determinations
- Facilitation of attorney-client communication and court preparation
Privacy Considerations:
Kentucky law recognizes that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights. As stated by the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, "the Open Records Act reflects a legislative determination that the public's right to know generally supersedes the individual's right to privacy." Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health records, receives heightened protection under KRS § 61.878, which enumerates categories of records exempt from mandatory disclosure. The impact of public booking records on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged, though under current law, lawfully obtained public records remain accessible.
What Is Inmate Records in Simpson 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 who have been arrested, booked, or incarcerated. These records serve as the authoritative account of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system at the detention level and are distinct from court case records, which are maintained separately by the judiciary.
In Simpson County, inmate records are created at the point of booking by the Simpson County Detention Center, which operates under the authority of the Simpson County Sheriff's Office. When an individual is arrested and brought to the detention center, staff generate a booking record that captures identifying information, charges, and custody details. This record follows the individual through the detention process and is updated as circumstances change.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and initial custody status
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's housing assignment, classification, and status while detained
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings and periods of custody within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the date, manner, and conditions of an individual's release from custody
The official custodian of county-level inmate records is the Simpson County Detention Center. State-level records for sentenced offenders are maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Federal inmate records are held by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The distinction between custody levels is significant for records access purposes. County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving short sentences, while state prison records cover individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to longer terms. Federal prison records apply exclusively to individuals convicted of offenses under federal law.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Simpson 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 (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following release)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current criminal charges
- Charge descriptions and statutory citations
- Case numbers
- 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 cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Simpson County
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level
- Special housing designations
- Work assignments (in some cases)
- Program participation records
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health evaluations or treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for active security reasons
Simpson County Prison System
The Simpson County corrections system is administered by the Simpson County Sheriff's Office through the Simpson County Detention Center, located in Franklin, Kentucky. The facility currently operates with a capacity of 162 beds and employs a staff of approximately 55 full- and part-time personnel, according to information published by Simpson County Kentucky.
Administration:
The Simpson County Sheriff oversees the detention center's operations. The administrative office is located at the detention center facility and may be reached by phone at (270) 586-4490.
Facility Operations:
The detention center houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor and nonviolent felony offenses, and Class D inmates. As noted on the county's official website, "Class D inmates convicted of nonviolent crimes work to clean up" county properties and perform community service functions under supervision. The facility processes intakes from law enforcement agencies operating throughout Simpson County.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site
- Mental health referral services
- Substance abuse program access
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Recreation and physical activity
- Educational programming
Legal Services:
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation accommodations
- Access to legal materials
Reentry Programs:
The detention center supports pre-release planning for individuals nearing the end of their sentences, including referrals to community-based substance abuse treatment and housing assistance programs.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Kentucky Department of Corrections provides oversight of county detention facilities pursuant to KRS § 441.055, which establishes minimum standards for county jails. Inspection reports and compliance records are maintained by the Department of Corrections.
Simpson County Sheriff's Office
103 W. Cedar Street, Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4490
Simpson County Kentucky
Types of Correctional Facilities in Simpson County
Simpson County Detention Center
The Simpson County Detention Center is the primary correctional facility serving Simpson County, Kentucky. It is operated by the Simpson County Sheriff's Office and serves as the county's sole local detention facility.
Simpson County Detention Center
1 Detention Drive, Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4490
Detention Center – Simpson County Kentucky
- Capacity: 162 beds
- Security level: General population with classification-based housing
- Population served:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Sentenced misdemeanor offenders
- Class D felony offenders serving nonviolent sentences
- Felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody
The facility employs approximately 55 full- and part-time staff members. Class D inmates participate in supervised work programs that benefit the county community.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The Simpson County courts may authorize home detention or electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the sentencing court based on offense type, criminal history, and risk assessment. Administrative oversight of such programs is coordinated through the court system and the detention center.
Work Release
Sentenced individuals who meet eligibility criteria may participate in work release programs that allow them to maintain employment while serving their sentence. Eligibility is subject to judicial approval and facility classification review.
State Prison Facilities
Simpson County does not currently house a state prison facility within its boundaries. Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. The Department maintains a statewide network of correctional institutions, and offender location information is available through the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system.
Kentucky Department of Corrections – Central Office
500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-3266
Kentucky Department of Corrections
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is currently located within Simpson County. Individuals facing federal charges or serving federal sentences are held in facilities designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The BOP's Federal Inmate Locator tool is available at no charge through the Bureau's official website.
Federal Bureau of Prisons – Southeastern Regional Office
3800 Camp Creek Parkway SW, Building 2000, Atlanta, GA 30331
Phone: (678) 686-1200
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Simpson County Detention Center | 1 Detention Drive, Franklin, KY 42134 | (270) 586-4490 |
| KY Dept. of Corrections | 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601 | (502) 564-3266 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | 3800 Camp Creek Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 | (678) 686-1200 |
How To Find an Inmate in Simpson County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Simpson County through several official government resources, all of which are available at no charge.
1. Official County Inmate Inquiry
The Simpson County Detention Center provides inmate information by phone and in person at no cost. Members of the public may call (270) 586-4490 during business hours to request current custody status, charges, and bond information. No registration or fee is required for basic inquiries.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system is available to the public at no charge. The KOOL system covers individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities or under state supervision. Historical information on prior incarcerations may also be available through this tool.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a free inmate locator at bop.gov. This tool is appropriate for locating individuals held in federal custody and provides facility location, projected release date, and register number.
4. Court Records Search
Court records maintained by the Simpson County Circuit Court Clerk may be used to verify custody status through associated case filings. Court records may also reflect upcoming hearing dates and case dispositions.
Kentucky Court of Justice – Simpson County
County Justice Center, 101 N. Court St., Franklin, KY 42134
Circuit Court Clerk: Beth Anne Fiss
Simpson – Kentucky Court of Justice
Free Phone Information:
- Call (270) 586-4490 for inmate information
- No charge for basic custody inquiries
- Provide the individual's full legal name and date of birth
- Available during regular business hours
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Simpson County Detention Center at 1 Detention Drive, Franklin, KY 42134 to request inmate information in person. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff assistance is available during business hours at no charge.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are available at no charge:
- Online inmate search through official government portals
- Current custody status inquiry by phone or in person
- Basic inmate information including charges and bond amounts
- Court records review at the clerk's office
The following services involve fees or costs:
- Sending money to an inmate's commissary account
- Video visitation through contracted service providers
- Phone calls placed by inmates through the facility's telecommunications vendor
- Certified copies of booking or court 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 third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. The presence of a fee for basic inmate location or custody status information is a reliable indicator that the service is not an official government resource. Official government websites use .gov domain extensions.