Fayette County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Fayette County?
Inmate records in Fayette County are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities, the Fayette County Detention Center, and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's law enforcement agencies to document individuals who are or have been held in custody. These records are distinct from court records: while the Kentucky Court of Justice maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders, custody records are generated and held by the detaining facility itself.
The record creation process begins at the moment of booking or intake, when facility staff collect identifying information, document charges, and photograph the individual. Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, and program participation. Upon release, the record is formally closed and archived, though it remains subject to public access requests under applicable law.
Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870–61.884, commonly known as the Kentucky Open Records Act, public agencies are required to maintain and make available records generated in the course of official government functions, which includes records produced by county detention facilities.
Fayette County Detention Center 1000 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 252-2551 Fayette County Detention Center
Are Inmate Records Public In Fayette County?
Inmate records maintained by Fayette County correctional facilities are generally considered public records under Kentucky law. The Kentucky Open Records Act § 61.872 establishes that any person may inspect public records during regular office hours or receive copies upon written request. Corrections-specific provisions further support public access to basic custody information, including current inmate rosters and booking data.
The following categories of information are currently accessible to members of the public:
- Current inmate roster — names and booking dates of individuals presently in custody
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the current detention
- Mugshots — booking photographs, subject to limited exceptions
- Bond and bail amounts — amounts set by the court at arraignment
- Expected release dates — projected release or next court appearance dates
- Housing facility — the specific facility where the individual is held
Certain categories of information remain exempt from public disclosure, including medical and mental health records, information that could endanger facility security, and records pertaining to juveniles. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 610.320, juvenile court and custody records are confidential and not subject to general public access.
What's Included Inmate Records in Fayette County
Inmate records maintained by Fayette County facilities contain a comprehensive set of data fields that document every stage of an individual's custody. The following breakdown reflects the standard categories of information included in a complete inmate record:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Race, sex, height, and weight
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (if applicable)
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Current housing assignment and cell location
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- All charges at the time of booking
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Statute cited for each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, own recognizance)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, unposted, denied)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date
- Assigned court division
- Case number cross-reference
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
- Program participation (work release, educational programs)
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, court order)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Fayette County Prison System
Fayette County operates a local detention system designed to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of up to twelve months for misdemeanor or low-level felony convictions. The county jail is distinct from state correctional institutions: individuals convicted of felonies carrying sentences exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, which administers the state prison system.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's Division of Community Corrections oversees local detention operations. The Fayette County Detention Center serves as the primary holding facility for the county, processing all bookings from Lexington Police Department, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement agencies operating within the jurisdiction.
Fayette County Sheriff's Office 150 N Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-1771 Fayette County Sheriff's Office
Fayette County Detention Center 1000 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 252-2551 Fayette County Detention Center
Types of Correctional Facilities In Fayette County
Fayette County's correctional infrastructure includes multiple facility types serving distinct populations and custody levels.
Fayette County Detention Center (FCDC) The primary adult detention facility, housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals serving terms of up to twelve months. The FCDC is operated by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. 1000 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 252-2551 Fayette County Detention Center
Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center A secure facility for juveniles awaiting court proceedings or placement. Records pertaining to individuals held at this facility are confidential under Kentucky juvenile records statutes. 1000 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 252-2551 Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center
State Correctional Facilities (Kentucky Department of Corrections) Fayette County residents serving sentences exceeding twelve months are housed at state-operated facilities. The Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains a statewide network of prisons, correctional complexes, and community supervision offices. Members of the public may use the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system to locate individuals held in state custody, including those with prior Fayette County bookings who have been transferred to state facilities.
Who's in Prison In Fayette County
The Fayette County Detention Center houses several distinct categories of individuals at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest population — individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted or who have not posted bond. Sentenced misdemeanants serving terms of twelve months or fewer are also held at the county facility. Additionally, the FCDC may house individuals on immigration detainers placed by federal authorities, individuals awaiting transfer to state or federal facilities, and those held on warrants from other jurisdictions.
Individuals convicted of Class D, C, B, or A felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding twelve months are remanded to the custody of the Kentucky Department of Corrections and housed at state facilities. Juvenile offenders are held separately at the Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center and are not commingled with the adult population.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Fayette County in 2026
Members of the public may access inmate records through several official channels. The following steps outline the available search methods:
Online Search:
- Visit the Fayette County Detention Center's official inmate search portal through the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government website to search for individuals currently in local custody.
- For individuals who may be held in state custody, use the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup tool maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. The system allows searches by name and displays current facility assignment, charges, and projected release dates.
- Court-related records, including case numbers and hearing dates, are accessible through the Fayette County Court of Justice case management system.
In-Person Request:
- Members of the public may appear in person at the Fayette County Detention Center during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to request inmate records.
- Written Open Records requests may be submitted to the facility's records custodian pursuant to Kentucky Open Records Act § 61.872.
By Telephone:
- The Detention Center's main line at (859) 252-2551 can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody and provide basic booking information.
How To Find an Inmate in Fayette County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an inmate held within Fayette County or the Kentucky state correctional system.
- Fayette County Detention Center Online Roster: The facility publishes a current inmate roster at no charge through the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government website. No account or registration is required.
- Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL): The KOOL system is a free, publicly accessible database maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Users may search by first name, last name, or offender ID number to locate individuals in state custody, including those previously booked at the Fayette County Detention Center.
- Kentucky Court of Justice Case Search: The Fayette County Court of Justice provides access to court case information, which may include custody status and next court dates, at no cost through the eCourts portal.
- Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may call the Detention Center at (859) 252-2551 at no charge to confirm custody status.
How To Visit an Inmate In Fayette County
Visitation at the Fayette County Detention Center is governed by facility rules established by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's Division of Community Corrections. All visitors must comply with current facility policies.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be pre-approved and registered in the facility's visitation system prior to their first visit. Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of check-in. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also an approved visitor.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules vary by housing unit and are subject to change based on facility operations. Members of the public are advised to confirm current visitation hours by contacting the Fayette County Detention Center at (859) 252-2551 or visiting the facility's official page.
What to Bring
- Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Any required documentation for minors (birth certificate or custody order)
What NOT to Bring
- Cell phones, cameras, or electronic recording devices
- Food, beverages, or tobacco products
- Weapons of any kind
- Excessive cash or valuables
Dress Code Visitors must dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms (typically solid orange or blue), clothing that is revealing or offensive, and clothing bearing gang-related insignia are prohibited. Open-toed shoes may be restricted in certain areas.
Visit Types
- In-person contact visits — available to approved visitors in designated visitation areas
- Non-contact visits — conducted through a glass partition with telephone communication
- Video visitation — remote video visits may be available through the facility's contracted service provider
Visit Restrictions Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of facility rules, pending disciplinary proceedings, or for security-related reasons. Individuals with active warrants or prior criminal convictions may be subject to additional screening or denial of visitation privileges.
How To Send Money to a Fayette County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's commissary account through approved channels established by the Fayette County Detention Center. Inmates use commissary funds to purchase approved personal hygiene items, snacks, postage, and other permitted goods from the facility store.
Approved Methods:
- Online deposits — Funds may be deposited through the facility's contracted financial services provider. Members of the public should visit the Fayette County Detention Center page for the current approved vendor and deposit portal.
- Kiosk deposits — Lobby kiosks at the facility accept cash deposits during public counter hours.
- Money order by mail — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and booking number) may be mailed to the facility at 1000 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40508.
Amount Limits: Individual deposit limits are set by the facility and may vary. Members of the public are advised to confirm current limits with the Detention Center directly.
Fees: Transaction fees may apply when using third-party deposit services. Fee schedules are disclosed at the point of transaction.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted and will be returned or confiscated.
- Personal checks are not accepted.
- Funds from unverified or anonymous sources are not accepted.
Permitted Uses of Funds: Commissary funds may be used for approved personal items, postage, phone account credits, and certain educational materials available through the facility. Funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution directly from the commissary account.
How To Send Jail Mail In Fayette County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Fayette County Detention Center by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by facility staff pursuant to facility security policies.
Mailing Address: All mail must be addressed to the inmate's full legal name and booking number: Inmate Full Legal Name / Booking Number Fayette County Detention Center 1000 Leestown Rd Lexington, KY 40508
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All letters must be written on plain white paper. Colored paper, glitter, stickers, or decorative elements are generally prohibited.
- Envelopes must be standard white or manila; padded envelopes are typically not accepted.
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; Polaroid photographs and photos with explicit content are prohibited.
- Books and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer; items sent from personal addresses may be rejected.
- No cash, checks, or money orders may be included in mail envelopes.
- Contraband of any kind, including drugs, weapons, or unauthorized items concealed within mail, is a criminal offense under Kentucky law.
Incoming Mail Processing: All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and logged by facility staff before delivery to the inmate. Mail that violates facility rules will be returned to the sender or confiscated, and the inmate will be notified.
Electronic Messaging: The facility may offer electronic messaging services through a contracted provider. Members of the public may access this service through the provider's platform, subject to applicable fees and facility approval.