Bourbon County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Bourbon County in 2026
BourbonRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to inmate records in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Members of the public may access records that include booking information, custody status, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. This directory aggregates data from official government sources and presents it in a searchable format. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the originating agency and the date of the underlying event.
Inmate records in Bourbon County may be searched through official government resources, the Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking current or historical custody information.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Bourbon County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals held at the county jail and provides public access to current inmate information. Members of the public may access the jail roster by visiting the Sheriff's Office website or appearing in person at the facility.
To conduct an online search, members of the public should navigate to the Sheriff's Office inmate search portal, select a search type — by full legal name, booking number, or booking date — enter the applicable search criteria, and review the results list. Selecting an individual record displays detailed information including:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location and housing status
- Booking date
- Projected release date (when available)
The roster is updated on a rolling basis; recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system. A mobile-optimized version of the search portal is accessible through standard web browsers on mobile devices.
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
301 Main St.
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2100
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
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 jail to a Kentucky Department of Corrections facility. The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system allows members of the public to search for offenders currently housed in state correctional facilities. Searches may be conducted by last name, first name, or middle name, and results may be filtered to display offenders with photographs only or to search known aliases.
The KOOL system displays the offender's current facility, sentence information, projected release date, and conviction charges. The Kentucky Department of Corrections describes its mission as "protecting the citizens of Kentucky by providing a safe, secure and humane environment for staff and offenders." Transfer from county jail to a state facility ordinarily occurs within 45 days of sentencing, though timelines vary based on classification and bed availability.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for Federal Inmates)
Individuals charged with federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), not in county or state custody. 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 following arrest by a federal agency such as the FBI, DEA, or U.S. Marshals Service.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may call the Bourbon County Detention Center directly at (859) 987-2100 to request basic inmate information. Staff can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody, the charges on file, and bond status. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available. The main line is staffed during regular business hours; after-hours inquiries may be directed to the on-duty officer.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may appear in person at the Bourbon County Detention Center to request inmate information. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can confirm custody status, charges, and bond information. Public access terminals may be available for self-service searches during business hours.
Bourbon County Detention Center
301 Main St.
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2100
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (administrative inquiries)
General Inmate Information – Department of Corrections
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be submitted to the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office at 301 Main St., Paris, KY 40361. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies; members of the public should allow a minimum of five to ten business days for a written response.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt 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 inmates and recently released individuals
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred to state custody will not appear on the county roster
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:
If a search of the county roster returns no results, the individual may be held in a state correctional facility (search the KOOL system), in federal custody (search the BOP Inmate Locator), in a facility in another jurisdiction, or may have been released. Recent bookings may not yet be reflected in the online system. Name spelling variations may also affect search results. Members of the public may call the Bourbon County Detention Center at (859) 987-2100 to speak with staff directly.
Are Inmate Records Public in Bourbon County?
Inmate records maintained by the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office and the Kentucky Department of Corrections are public records under Kentucky law. Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870 et seq., the Kentucky Open Records Act, establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public agency records, including records pertaining to individuals in custody. Custodial agencies are required to make non-exempt records available upon request.
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
- Bond type (cash, surety, or no bond)
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
Certain categories of inmate information are exempt from public disclosure under Kentucky law. These include:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments maintained for security purposes
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the exercise of custodial authority over individuals be subject to public scrutiny. Public safety is advanced when community members have access to information about individuals in custody. Family members and legal representatives rely on custody records to locate individuals following arrest. The bail bond industry requires timely access to booking and bond information to fulfill its statutory functions.
Privacy Considerations:
Kentucky law recognizes a balance between the public's right of access and the privacy interests of individuals in custody. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health records, is protected from disclosure under KRS § 61.878, which enumerates categories of records exempt from the Open Records Act. The release of certain information may affect the employment prospects and family relationships of individuals who have been released from custody, a consideration that informs the scope of permissible disclosure.
What Is Inmate Records in Bourbon 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. These records are generated at the point of booking and updated throughout the period of custody. The Bourbon County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of records for individuals held at the county detention center, while the Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities.
The principal categories of inmate records are as follows:
- Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including the date and time of booking, arresting agency, charges, and personal identifying information collected at intake.
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during detention, including housing assignments, classification level, and any transfers between facilities.
- Incarceration history encompasses the complete record of an individual's prior and current periods of custody within the jurisdiction.
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's release from custody, including the basis for release (bond, sentence completion, court order, or transfer).
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. The Bourbon County Detention Center houses 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 are maintained by the Bureau of Prisons and pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Bourbon 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 (subject to security restrictions)
- 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 charges and charge descriptions
- 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 (when 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 and sentence length
- Sentence start date and projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (when applicable)
- Good-time credits applied
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level (minimum, medium, or maximum)
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments and program participation (in some cases)
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health diagnoses or treatment information
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments maintained for security reasons
Bourbon County Prison System
The Bourbon County Detention Center is operated under the authority of the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary correctional facility for the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to a Kentucky Department of Corrections facility. The Sheriff of Bourbon County holds administrative authority over the detention center and its operations.
Administration:
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
301 Main St.
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2100
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office
The facility operates under state oversight standards established by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Pursuant to KRS § 441.045, county jails in Kentucky are subject to inspection and certification by the Department of Corrections to ensure compliance with minimum standards for health, safety, and inmate welfare.
Inmate Services:
The Bourbon County Detention Center provides the following services to individuals in custody:
- Medical care and sick call procedures
- Mental health referral services
- Substance abuse program access
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Library and reading material access
- Recreation time
- GED and educational program referrals
Legal Services:
Individuals in custody retain the right to access legal counsel. Attorney visitation is available during designated hours. The facility coordinates with the Bourbon County public defender's office to ensure representation for eligible individuals. Law library access is provided in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Reentry Programs:
The Kentucky Department of Corrections administers reentry planning services for individuals approaching release from state custody. The Probation and Parole Division supervises individuals released on community supervision and coordinates access to housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment resources across all 120 Kentucky counties.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Kentucky Department of Corrections conducts periodic inspections of county detention facilities. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody pursuant to facility policy. Members of the public seeking information about inspection reports or open records requests may submit a written request to the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office or the Kentucky Department of Corrections.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Bourbon County
Bourbon County Detention Center
Bourbon County Detention Center
301 Main St.
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2100
General Inmate Information – Department of Corrections
The Bourbon County Detention Center is the primary county-operated correctional facility serving Bourbon County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. The facility operates under the authority of the Bourbon County Sheriff and is subject to state certification standards.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The Bourbon County courts may authorize home detention with electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration for eligible defendants. Eligibility is determined by the presiding judge based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and community ties. Members of the public seeking information about this program should contact the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Bourbon County Judicial Center – Circuit Court Clerk
310 Main St.
Paris, KY 40361
Phone: (859) 987-2624
Bourbon County Court Information – Kentucky Court of Justice
Circuit Court Clerk: Trina Huston
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Bourbon County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. The KOOL system maintained by the Department of Corrections provides public access to offender location and status information for individuals in state custody. The Kentucky Department of Corrections operates multiple facilities across the Commonwealth; the specific facility to which an individual is assigned depends on classification, sentence length, and available bed space.
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is currently located within Bourbon County. Individuals charged with federal offenses and detained pending trial or serving federal sentences are held in facilities designated by the U.S. Marshals Service or the Bureau of Prisons. The BOP Inmate Locator at bop.gov provides free public access to federal inmate location information.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon County Detention Center | 301 Main St., Paris, KY 40361 | (859) 987-2100 |
| Bourbon County Judicial Center | 310 Main St., Paris, KY 40361 | (859) 987-2624 |
How To Find an Inmate in Bourbon County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Bourbon County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration, subscription, or payment is required to access basic custody information through official channels.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Bourbon County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster on its official website. The roster is available at no charge and requires no account creation. Information displayed includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated on a rolling basis throughout the day.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system provides free public access to information on individuals currently housed in Kentucky state correctional facilities. The system supports searches by last name, first name, and middle name, and allows users to filter results by photograph availability or to search known aliases. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals with prior state custody.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The BOP Inmate Locator provides free public access to information on individuals in federal custody. Searches may be conducted by name or BOP register number. This resource is appropriate for individuals believed to be in federal custody.
4. Court Records Search
Court records maintained by the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk may be used to verify custody status and identify upcoming court dates. The Kentucky Court of Justice provides access to court case information through its public portal. Court records may reflect the current status of a criminal case, including whether an individual remains in custody or has been released.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call the Bourbon County Detention Center at (859) 987-2100 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff can confirm custody status, charges on file, and bond information. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office at 301 Main St., Paris, KY 40361 during regular business hours to request inmate information. Public access terminals may be available for self-service searches. Staff assistance is available at no charge during business hours.
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no charge:
- Online inmate search through official government portals
- Current custody status and basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests at the Sheriff's Office
The following services involve fees or costs:
- Depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account
- Video visitation services (fees set by service provider)
- Telephone calls placed by inmates (fees set by service provider)
- Certified copies of booking records
- Comprehensive background check reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public should exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for inmate location information. Basic custody information is available at no cost through official government websites. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment. Official government resources do not require payment for basic inmate search services.