Butler County IA Jail

You can support your loved ones at Butler Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 319-267-2410.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Butler Co Jail is a detention center located at 428 6th St Allison, IA which is operated locally by the Butler County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Butler County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Allison Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Iowa here.

The Butler County Jail, originally constructed in 1928, underwent major renovations in 1983 and again in 1992, bringing its current capacity to 12 inmates. The facility serves primarily to hold individuals arrested in Butler County, ensuring their availability for court appearances, but also functions as a detention site for those convicted of misdemeanor offenses, with sentences lasting up to one year. The jail consists of five cells, including three single cells, a three-person cell, and a six-person cell, and can accommodate males, females, and juveniles transferred to adult court.

Upon entry, inmates are provided with essential items such as jail uniforms, deodorant, toothbrushes, and bedding. They receive three hot meals daily and have the opportunity to purchase additional items from the commissary twice a week. The jail's average daily population in 1999 was 11 inmates, with an average stay of about 15 days. The facility is staffed by one full-time jailer, while deputies and communication dispatchers are cross-trained to perform jail duties as needed.

The Butler County Jail operates with a dual purpose: ensuring public safety by holding individuals awaiting trial and providing a structured environment for those serving misdemeanor sentences. This small facility plays a vital role in the local justice system by maintaining secure custody and upholding the welfare of its inmates.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

Inmates are permitted three white t-shirts, three pairs of white socks, and three pairs of white underwear. Female inmates may also have three sports bras, provided they are wire-free. These items must be dropped off at the front desk within the first seven days of the inmate’s stay, and each item must be marked with the inmate’s name in permanent ink. After seven days, inmates must purchase these items through the commissary. Personal hygiene products are also obtained from the commissary, with indigent inmates receiving an indigent package.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Commissary funds can be added by money order at the front desk Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM, or mailed to the facility. Cash and credit/debit card deposits can also be made via an ATM in the lobby, with a $1.50 fee for cash transactions and a 10% fee for card transactions. Alternatively, money can be added online 24/7 through www.accesscorrections.com.