Madison County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Madison County

Madison County Jail Information

The Madison County Jail is a 18 bed jail in the city of Winterset, Madison County, Iowa.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 515-462-3575, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

Phone: 515-462-3575

Physical Address:
1012 N John Wayne Drive
PO Box 517
Winterset, IA 50273

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's first and last name
Madison County Jail
PO Box 517
Winterset, IA 50273

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Madison County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Madison County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 515-462-3575 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's criminal court case and docket schedule online for Madison County and any other county in Iowa.

Madison County Jail Inmate Search

The Madison County Jail maintains an average of 18 offenders in custody on any given day. The Madison County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Madison County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 960 offenders.

The following charts of Madison County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Madison County Corrections Department, the state of Iowa Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Madison County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Madison County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
About the Madison County Jail
According to the information provided by the sources, the capacity of the Madison County Jail in Iowa varies. One source states that the facility has a capacity of 18 inmates, while another source states that the facility has a capacity of 12 inmates. It is important to note that these sources may be referring to different facilities within Madison County, Iowa. The address of the Madison County Jail in Iowa is 1012 North 1st St PO Box 517, Winterset, IA 50273. The direct contact number for the facility is 515-462-3575. The jail is operated by the Madison County Sheriff's Office. According to and, the Madison County Jail in Iowa has visiting hours, but the specific hours are not provided. It is recommended to contact the jail directly for more information. Contact information for the Madison County Sheriff's Office can be found on the Madison County government website. Alternatively, the Iowa Department of Corrections provides information on visiting policies and procedures for all Iowa correctional facilities, including the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility. There have been issues and a lawsuit related to the Madison County Jail in Iowa. In 2021, a federal lawsuit was filed alleging negligence on the part of the county and Eyerly-Ball Community Health Services leading to the suicide of an inmate. The jail is a medium security level county jail that houses male offenders sentenced up to 24 months. The Madison County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the jail and can be contacted for more information. The facility has a capacity of 12 inmates. There is no information available on what makes Madison County Jail in Iowa unique. The available sources provide general information about the jail, such as its location, capacity, and security level. Madison County is also known for being the birthplace of John Wayne and for its covered bridges.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 515-462-3575.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Madison County Jail Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Madison County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Madison County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the Madison County Jail?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Madison County and other Iowa and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Madison County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the Madison County Jail Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Directions / Map to the Madison County Jail
Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Madison County Jail? What is the Schedule?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Madison County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Madison County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Madison County Jail?

How Do Inmates in Madison County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Madison County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Madison County Jail uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
  • Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678
  • Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Madison County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.

iphone app
Google Play app

For all the information regarding phone calls with Madison County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Madison County Jail, and what can I send them?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Madison County Jail, and what can I purchase?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Madison County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Madison County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.


Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.


Here's how it works:

  • First you must register, and then funds are added to the inmate's account. If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
  • When an inmate gets the device they may send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of possession of the chirping device.  
  • These automated messages will inform the person the inmate Chirped who is sending the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from.
  • It will then ask them to go to a direct link to the inmate's account on the Inmate Sales website.
  • The website will then instruct them to use a credit card to put money on the inmate's account.  

Cost of Chirping:  

  • Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.  Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.
  • If an inmate has available funds on their chirping device they will be able to chirp any cell phone and that chirp will appear to be a normal text. 
  • If you wish to stop receiving Chirps from an inmate, reply to the Chirp with STOP.

iphone app
Google Play app

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Madison County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Madison County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Madison County, by creating an account.
  • Select Iowa, then select Madison County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
  • If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

-  Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
-  This product allows Madison County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
-  Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.
-  Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.

Inmate Sales Apps

iphone app
Google Play app

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Madison County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Madison County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Madison County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Other Jails in Madison County

What are the other City and County Jails in Madison County?

Madison County County Jails
Madison County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Madison County?

Madison Guthrie Adair Union Clarke Dallas Polk Warren
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Search for an Inmate in Madison County

This facility, known as "Madison County Jail" is also known as Madison County Jail , Madison County Jail , Iowa, Madison.