Polk County Released Inmate Database

The Polk County Sheriff's Office keeps track of released inmates through the jail inquiry system. The main office is at 2390 Bob Phillips Road in Bartow, Florida 33830. You can call (863) 534-6306 for information about current inmates or recent releases. The sheriff's office provides an online tool for checking on people who have been booked into jail or let go. This helps you find out if someone is still in custody or has been freed from the county jail. The database shows names, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. Each day, many people get released after posting bond or completing their time in Polk County custody.

Sheriff's Released Inmate Records

The Polk County Sheriff's Office runs the county jail and handles all inmate bookings and releases. The main office is at 2390 Bob Phillips Road in Bartow, Florida 33830. This is the hub for jail operations in the county. Call (863) 534-6306 for general information about inmates or jail services.

When someone gets arrested in Polk County, they go through the booking process at the jail. Deputies take fingerprints, photos, and record personal information. The person either posts bond and gets released or stays in custody until their court date. The jail processes releases throughout the day and night. Some people leave within hours of being booked. Others wait days or weeks before getting out.

How to Use the Jail Inquiry System

The jail inquiry system is available online through the Polk County Sheriff's Office website. This tool shows current inmates and recent releases from the county jail. You can search by name, booking date, or other details to find someone.

To use the inquiry, visit the sheriff's website. Look for the jail inquiry or inmate search link. Type in the person's first and last name. Hit search. The system will show you matches with booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and current status. If the person is no longer in custody, the system may still show their booking record from when they were arrested.

The inquiry results include the date and time of booking, arresting agency, physical description, and criminal charges. Bond information tells you how much it costs to get out of jail. If bond is posted, the person gets released. If no bond is set or if they cannot pay, they stay in jail until their court hearing or until they finish their sentence. For specific questions about release dates or current location, call the main office at (863) 534-6306.

Florida State Prison Releases

People convicted of felonies and sentenced to state prison time do not appear in the county jail database. These inmates are sent to Florida Department of Corrections facilities. To search for someone in state prison or recently released from FDC custody, use the state database at pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com.

The FDC Inmate Release Information Search updates every night. It shows people who have been released or are scheduled for release from state custody. You can search by name or DC number. The database gives you release dates, supervision status, and current location if the person is still in custody. For questions about state prison releases, contact the FDC Bureau of Admission and Release at (850) 488-9167 or email dc.release@fdc.myflorida.com.

Public Records Law in Florida

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the Public Records Act. This law requires government agencies to provide access to most records. Jail records in Polk County fall under this law. You can request arrest reports, booking records, and other documents from the sheriff's office.

Some information cannot be released. Section 945.10 lists exemptions for confidential information. Medical records, mental health files, and substance abuse treatment records stay private. Victim statements and witness protection details are also exempt. Juvenile records are confidential under Section 985.04 and cannot be accessed through public searches.

To request records not available online, contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office in writing or by phone. The agency reviews requests and provides cost estimates before producing documents. Section 119.07 allows agencies to charge for supervision services and special technology use when fulfilling public records requests. These fees help cover the cost of locating, reviewing, and copying large volumes of records.

Inmate Accounts and Visitation

Inmates need money in their jail accounts to buy items from the commissary and make phone calls. Friends and family can deposit money into an inmate's account. Most jails use third-party vendors for deposits. You can deposit money online with a credit card or at a kiosk in the jail lobby.

To deposit money, you need the inmate's full name and booking number. Go to the vendor's website or use the kiosk. Follow the steps to add funds. The money shows up in the inmate's account within a few hours. Inmates can then use the funds for approved purchases and services while in custody.

Visitation may be available through video or in-person visits, depending on jail policy. Check with the Polk County Sheriff's Office for current visitation rules and schedules. Some jails require you to register and get approved before you can visit. There may be limits on how long visits can last and what you can bring with you. For visitation questions, call (863) 534-6306.

Cities in Polk County

Lakeland is the major city located in Polk County. Residents arrested in Lakeland are taken to the county jail in Bartow.

Nearby Counties

Other counties near Polk also maintain their own jail systems and inmate records.