NYC DOC Find Inmate
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the information in Inmate Lookup?
    Information contained in this system is presumed accurate at the time it is extracted from the NYC's jail management system. However, the New York City Department of Correction makes no warranties or guaranties, expressed or implied, as to the actual accuracy of the information supplied via the New York City Inmate Lookup Service.

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How timely is the information?
    Most of the information displayed, including an inmate's release, is updated within 15 minutes of being entered into the official jail management system. Some information is updated every 4 hours.

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How far back in time does ILS inmate data cover?
    The Inmate Lookup Service includes inmate data going back to September 2005. Inmate information for incarcerations that occurred prior to that time is not available on ILS. Due to this limitation (and others) ILS data should not be relied upon for any type of legal action. Contact NYC Department of Correction Legal Division for additional details. (See Usage Policy.)

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What is RSS? How is it used in NYC DOC?
    RSS -- which stands for Really Simple Syndication -- is an information format used for delivering time-sensitive information. Inmate status information is updated on the DOC jail management system every 15 minutes and some of those updates are disseminated in a near-real time fashion via RSS. Our RSS Guide provides additional information, including directions on how to set up an RSS reader on your computer.

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What changes are planned for Inmate Lookup?
    In the coming months, we plan to have the following two improvements:
    • Aliases and Next Court Date Information.
    • Include information on inmates incarcerated during the past 15 years.

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Is there another method to get inmate information?
    In addition to the Inmate Lookup Service website, you can get inmate information by calling 212-266-1505.

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Your use of this Inmate Lookup Service constitutes express consent to the terms and conditions described in the Usage Policy.


The information contained in this web site should not be relied upon for any type of legal action. Contact NYC Department of Correction Legal Division for additional details.

© 2008 Department of Correction. City of New York. All rights reserved.