The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is a federal agency dedicated to providing training, technical assistance, and information services to the corrections field. Please note that NIC does not maintain individual inmate records, manage custody databases, or interface directly with state Departments of Corrections or local jail facilities regarding housing or case statuses.
The directory below is provided strictly as a self-service resource to help family members, legal representatives, and the general public navigate external locator tools independently. Because inmate housing, security levels, and facility assignments change frequently, any specific questions or official inquiries regarding a person in custody must be directed to the respective state, federal, or local agency handling their case.
The U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator provides information on federal inmates incarcerated since 1982.
US Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
To locate incarcerated individuals held in local jails, use the Local Jail Inmate Search or Inmate Search from Jail Guide.
For people held in state DOCs, try:
Department of Corrections Facilities by State
