Knox County Public Records /Knox County Inmate Search

Knox County Inmate Search

How To Search for Inmate Records in Knox County in 2026

KnoxCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Knox County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, bond details, and facility assignments through this resource. The following record categories are available for search: current inmate rosters, booking photographs, court dates, arresting agency information, and sentence data. This site aggregates publicly accessible data and does not guarantee completeness or real-time accuracy.

Inmate records in Knox County may be searched through official government resources, the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the Kentucky Department of Corrections, online public access tools, and in-person inquiry at the jail facility. The following methods outline the available search options under current law.

Online Search Methods

1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that members of the public may access to locate individuals held at the county detention facility. To conduct a search, members of the public should navigate to the Knox County Sheriff's Office official website, select the inmate search or jail roster option, and enter the individual's last name, first name, or booking number. Results display personal identification information, booking photographs, current charges, bond amounts, facility location, booking date, and expected release date where available. The roster is updated on a daily basis, and recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the system.

Knox County Sheriff's Office
401 Court Square, Suite 102
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3181
Knox County Sheriff's Office

2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search

For individuals who have been transferred from county jail to a state correctional facility following conviction and sentencing, the Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains a statewide offender database. The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system allows members of the public to search by last name, first name, and middle name, and to search aliases. Results include the offender's current facility, sentence information, projected release date, and parole eligibility data. County jail records and state prison records are maintained separately; an individual transferred to state custody will no longer appear on the county jail roster and must be located through the state system. Transfer from county to state custody typically occurs within 45 days of sentencing, though timelines vary by case.

Kentucky Department of Corrections
500 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-3266
Kentucky Department of Corrections

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator

Individuals convicted of federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The BOP Inmate Locator is a free public tool that allows searches by name or BOP register number. This resource is appropriate when an individual is believed to be in federal custody for offenses prosecuted in federal court. Information available includes the inmate's current facility, release date, and age.

Phone Search:

Members of the public may call the Knox County Detention Center at (606) 546-3181 for inmate information.
Staff can provide basic custody status, charges, and bond information.
Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available.
Phone inquiries are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In-Person Inquiry:

Members of the public may visit the Knox County Detention Center in person to request inmate information.
Valid government-issued photo identification is required.
Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, charges, and bond information.
Public access terminals may be available for self-service searches.

By Mail:

Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Knox County Sheriff's Office at 401 Court Square, Suite 102, Barbourville, KY 40906.
Requests should include the inmate's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific information sought.
Processing time varies; written requests are not the preferred method for time-sensitive inquiries.

Search Tips:

Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official 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 that information is available.
Check both current inmate rosters and recently released records.
Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in online systems.
Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county system.

What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:

The individual may have been transferred to state prison; search the KOOL offender database.
The individual may be in federal custody; search the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator.
The individual may have been released.
The individual may be held in another jurisdiction.
A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system.
Name spelling variations may affect search results.
Members of the public may contact the Knox County Detention Center directly at (606) 546-3181.

Are Inmate Records Public in Knox County?

Inmate records in Knox County 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 sheriff's offices and detention facilities, are presumed open to inspection by any member of the public unless a specific exemption applies. As stated by the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, "The Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's recognition that a free society is dependent upon open government."

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 restricted in certain circumstances)
Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
Confidential informant status
Juvenile detention records
Witness protection participant information
Specific cell assignments for security reasons

Why Inmate Records Are Public: Inmate records serve several legitimate public interests. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in government custody. Public safety considerations support disclosure of custody status and charges. Families and legal representatives rely on inmate records to locate individuals and coordinate legal proceedings. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to booking and bond information to fulfill its statutory obligations.

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 information, mental health records, and information that could endanger an individual's safety are among the categories afforded heightened protection. The impact of public inmate records on families and future employment is acknowledged, though the statutory framework prioritizes transparency for records of individuals in government custody.

What Is Inmate Records in Knox 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 facilities. These records serve as the official account of an individual's interaction with the county corrections system, from the point of booking through release or transfer.

In Knox County, inmate records are created at the point of arrest and booking by the Knox County Sheriff's Office, which operates the county detention facility. The Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of county jail records. The Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities.

The principal categories of inmate records include the following:

Booking records document the initial intake process, including personal identification information, charges, and booking photographs captured at the time of arrest.
Custody records reflect the individual's current status within the facility, including housing assignment, classification level, and any transfers between facilities.
Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior bookings, charges, and custody periods within the county system.
Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's release, including whether release was by bond, court order, completion of sentence, or transfer.

The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. The Knox County Detention Center holds pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. State prison records, maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, pertain to individuals serving sentences of more than one year following felony conviction. Federal prison records, maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, pertain to individuals convicted of offenses under federal law.

What's Included in Inmate Records in Knox 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 designation (may be limited for security reasons)
Custody date and booking date
Expected release date, if 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 of record, 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 Knox County
Previous charges and historical custody dates

Administrative Information:

Security classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum
Special housing needs or designations
Work assignments and program participation, where publicly available

What Is 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 retained for security purposes

Knox County Prison System

The Knox County corrections system is administered by the Knox County Sheriff's Office, which operates the Knox County Detention Center as the primary facility for the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and, in some cases, individuals held on federal detainers.

Administration:

Knox County Sheriff's Office
401 Court Square, Suite 102
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3181
Knox County Sheriff's Office

The facility operates under the oversight of the elected Knox County Sheriff. The Kentucky Department of Corrections provides state-level oversight of county detention facilities pursuant to KRS § 441.045, which establishes minimum standards for county jails.

Inmate Services:

Medical care is provided on-site, with referrals to outside providers for specialized treatment.
Mental health services are available through contracted providers.
Substance abuse programming is offered in coordination with state and local agencies.
Educational programming, including GED preparation, is available to eligible inmates.
Religious services are provided through volunteer chaplaincy programs.
Recreation and library access are available subject to facility scheduling.

Legal Services:

Inmates have access to a law library or legal materials in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Attorney visitation is accommodated during designated hours.
Coordination with the Knox County public defender's office is maintained for indigent defendants.

Reentry Programs:

Pre-release planning services assist individuals preparing for return to the community.
Referrals to housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment resources are available through partnering agencies.

Oversight and Accountability:

The Kentucky Department of Corrections conducts periodic inspections of county detention facilities.
Inmates may file grievances through the facility's internal grievance procedure.
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains oversight of court-related proceedings involving detained individuals.

Types of Correctional Facilities in Knox County

Knox County Detention Center

The Knox County Detention Center is the primary correctional facility serving Knox County, Kentucky. It is operated by the Knox County Sheriff's Office and serves as the county's main holding facility for individuals awaiting trial, serving short sentences, and awaiting transfer to state custody.

Knox County Detention Center
196 Detention Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: (606) 546-3181
Knox County Sheriff's Office

Population served: Pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer, and individuals held on state or federal detainers.
Security level: Multi-classification facility accommodating minimum through maximum security designations.
The facility processes bookings from Knox County law enforcement agencies, including the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.

Alternative Custody Programs

Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring Knox County may offer home detention or electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on offense type, criminal history, and risk assessment. Members of the public seeking information about this program should contact the Knox County Sheriff's Office at (606) 546-3181.

Work Release Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the facility and the sentencing court. Inquiries regarding work release should be directed to the Knox County Detention Center.

State Prison Facilities

Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Knox County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. The Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women and various other state facilities may house Knox County offenders depending on classification and available bed space. These facilities are state-operated and distinct from the county jail system.

Federal Detention Facilities

Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses may be held in federal facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The nearest federal detention facilities to Knox County are located in other Kentucky jurisdictions. Federal custody is entirely separate from county and state corrections systems.

Facility Contact Information Summary:

Facility	Address	Phone
Knox County Detention Center	196 Detention Drive, Barbourville, KY 40906	(606) 546-3181
Knox County Sheriff's Office	401 Court Square, Suite 102, Barbourville, KY 40906	(606) 546-3181
Kentucky Department of Corrections	500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601	(502) 564-3266

How To Find an Inmate in Knox County for Free?

Members of the public may locate an inmate in Knox County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration, subscription, or payment is required to access basic inmate information through official channels.

1. Official County Inmate Roster

The Knox County Sheriff's Office provides a free inmate roster through its official website. No registration is required. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated daily, and recent bookings may take several hours to appear.

2. State Department of Corrections Free Search

The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system is a free public resource for locating individuals in state custody. Members of the public may search by last name, first name, and middle name, and may also search known aliases. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals previously held in state facilities.

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator

The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator is a free tool for locating individuals in federal custody. Searches may be conducted by name or BOP register number.

4. Court Records Search

The Kentucky Court of Justice provides access to court case information that may reflect an individual's custody status, upcoming court dates, and case disposition. Court records can be used to verify whether an individual is currently detained and to identify the court handling the case.

Free Phone Information:

Members of the public may call (606) 546-3181 for basic inmate information at no charge.
Staff can provide custody status, charges, and bond information during business hours.

Free In-Person Search:

Members of the public may visit the Knox County Detention Center at 196 Detention Drive, Barbourville, KY 40906.
Public access terminals may be available for self-service searches.
Staff assistance is available during regular business hours.
No fee is charged for basic inmate information.

What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:

The following services are provided at no charge:

Online inmate search through official government websites
Current custody status and basic inmate information
Phone inquiry for basic information
In-person information at the facility

The following services involve fees:

Sending money to an inmate's commissary account
Video visitation through contracted service providers
Phone calls placed by inmates through the facility's contracted phone system
Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
Certified copies of booking records or official documents
Comprehensive background check reports

Members of the public are advised to use official government websites for inmate searches. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a .gov domain before providing personal information or payment.

Lookup Inmate Records in Knox County

Kentucky Offender Search — Kentucky Department of Corrections
Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) — Department of Corrections, Kentucky.gov
Kentucky Department of Corrections — Offender lookup, corrections resources, and state corrections commission
Kentucky Court of Justice — Court records, case information, and judicial resources