Need to Find an Inmate in Kentucky? Here's How!

Many states independently provide websites that allow the public to search for offenders that are incarcerated in their jurisdiction. There is no joint collaboration or model followed by each state. State laws vary about the amount if information available to the public, and all of these websites are different.

Anyone searching for inmates online should realize that not all websites are compatible with all browsers. If information that is being searched for is not found, it may be that the browser being used is not compatible, and not loading all items to be viewed on each page that may be critical for the search. Most websites will read, "For use with Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher".

If a later version of, for example, Internet Explorer is being used and not all of the information is viewable, either updating the browser used or accessing the information using a different computer is recommended. Public libraries are a great source. Libraries usually have computers that use the current versions available and are free to use with proper identification. You can call or stop by the library in your community for requirements.

The state of Kentucky provides the public with information about inmates by displaying the name of the inmate, SPN (System Person Number) or ID number, the facility where the inmate is serving, age, race, gender, eye color, hair color, height, weight, date of incarceration, and photo when available utilizing KOOL (Kentucky Offender Online Lookup).

The website contains a notice that reads: "Inmate date newer than 120 days may not have been finalized", which means that any information for inmates that have served less than four months in any institution in Kentucky may not have complete information yet.

Accessing KOOL

The home page has an easy to use menu on the left hand side of the page and reads from top to bottom as follows:

About Us
Newsroom
Departments and Divisions
Institutions and Facilities
Probation and Parole
Office of Victim Services-VINE
Inmate Information
Kentucky Offender Online Lookup
Kentucky Correctional Industries
Parole Board

Searching the KOOL system