⚠️kentucky.arrests.org is a private website — NOT affiliated with any Kentucky government agency. It shows bookings, NOT case outcomes. An arrest is NOT a conviction. The Kentucky Attorney General has warned against unofficial sites charging for free public data. Always verify through official **.gov** sources.
Updated April 2026 • All 120 Kentucky Counties • KOOL Offender Lookup
Arrests.Org Kentucky:
Inmate Search • Mugshots • Bail • Visitation • Complete Guide
Inmate Search • Mugshots • Bail • Visitation • Complete Guide
The most comprehensive practical guide to Kentucky arrest records and jail systems. From kentucky.arrests.org to official county detention center rosters, KOOL offender lookup, bail bonds (including Kentucky’s unique 10% deposit bond), jail visitation scheduling, commissary deposits, phone calls, KCourtNet case search, KRS expungement, and free mugshot removal — every step verified, every link official, every action practical. Kentucky has 120 counties, each with its own detention center. This guide covers them all.
120
Kentucky Counties
KOOL
Offender Lookup
10%
Bail Bond Rate
1-800-511-1670
Kentucky VINE
Section 01
What Is Arrests.org Kentucky — And Why It’s Not Enough
kentucky.arrests.org is a private mugshot aggregator that scrapes publicly available booking data from Kentucky county jails. It updates daily but has no government affiliation, shows 48+ hour delays, and frequently displays listings where charges were dismissed years ago.
⚠️ Kentucky Attorney General Warning: The AG has warned against unofficial inmate search sites that charge fees for free public data. Always use official .gov domains for verified information. kentucky.arrests.org shows bookings, NOT outcomes — a person found not guilty still shows up.
Arrests.org KY vs. Official Sources
| What You Need | kentucky.arrests.org | Official Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mugshot / booking photo | ✓ Yes | Sometimes |
| Arrest date & charges | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond amount | Sometimes | ✓ Yes |
| Case outcome (guilty/dismissed) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Sealed/expunged records removed | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Certified for employment | ✗ No | ✓ KSP only |
| KRS statute codes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| “Hold for Other Agency” explained | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
ℹ️ “Hold for Other Agency” means the inmate is wanted by a different jurisdiction. The current jail holds them until the other agency arrives. Example: arrested in Jefferson County with a Fayette County warrant — Jefferson holds until Fayette deputies transport them. Can also mean federal holds or immigration detainers.
Section 02
How to Search for a Kentucky Inmate — Fastest Method
Kentucky has 120 counties with independent detention centers. 95% of recent arrests start at the county level (DUIs, domestics, thefts, drug offenses). There is NO single statewide county jail database.
- Identify the county. Louisville = Jefferson County. Lexington = Fayette County. Covington = Kenton County. Bowling Green = Warren County. Owensboro = Daviess County. Elizabethtown = Hardin County. Richmond = Madison County. Florence/Burlington = Boone County.
- Go to the county detention center website (links in Section 03). Look for “Inmate Search,” “Jail Roster,” or “Current Inmates.”
- Enter the full legal name or booking number. Try partial names if exact match fails. Some systems allow filtering by date, charges, and arresting agency.
- Record these 4 critical data points:
✅ Booking Number — needed for everything (bond, visits, money, phone)
✅ Exact Charges & KRS Statute Numbers — attorney needs these for arraignment
✅ Bond Amount & Type — cash, surety, 10% deposit, or OR release
✅ Housing Unit — needed for visitation scheduling and phone setup
💡 Pro Tip: County jail rosters update within 2–4 hours of booking. kentucky.arrests.org lags 24–48+ hours behind. If you need current information, always check the official county site first.
KOOL — Kentucky State Prison Inmates
🏛 KOOL (Kentucky Online Offender Lookup)
OFFICIAL STATE SYSTEMThe official KY DOC inmate search for all state prison inmates, probationers, and parolees. Search by name, alias, or PID/DOC number. Free, no login. Covers state prisons, county jails with DOC inmates, mental health facilities, and juvenile detention.
Search URLkool.corrections.ky.gov
KY DOC Phone(502) 564-4726
KY DOC Address275 E Main St, Frankfort, KY 40601
Websitecorrections.ky.gov
Data NoteOffender data newer than 120 days might not be finalized. Check county jail roster for recent arrests.
💡 Searching KOOL: Enter last name + first name. Add PID number if known. Use filters for photo, alias, and sort order. Partial last names work (e.g., “Jam” matches James and Jameson). Click the record to see facility name, DOC number, sentence info, and parole eligibility dates.
Section 03
Kentucky Major County Jail Search — Official Links & Maps
Direct links, phone numbers, addresses, and official inmate search portals for the largest Kentucky county detention centers. All verified April 2026.
| County | Facility & Address | Phone | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson (Louisville) | Louisville Metro Corrections, 400 S 6th St, Louisville 40202 | (502) 574-6000 | Inmate Search → |
| Fayette (Lexington) | Fayette County Detention Center, 600 Old Frankfort Circle, Lexington 40510 | (859) 425-3351 | Corrections → |
| Kenton (Covington) | Kenton County Detention Center, 3000 Madison Ave, Covington 41017 | (859) 363-2900 | Inmate Info → |
| Warren (Bowling Green) | Warren County Regional Jail, 1000 Center St, Bowling Green 42101 | (270) 843-1096 | County Website → |
| Daviess (Owensboro) | Daviess County Detention Center, 3337 Hwy 144, Owensboro 42303 | (270) 685-8466 | Detention Center → |
| Boone (Burlington) | Boone County Jail, 3020 Conrad Lane, Burlington 41005 | (859) 334-2277 | Sheriff Website → |
| Hardin (Elizabethtown) | Hardin County Detention Center, 100 Lawson Blvd, Elizabethtown 42701 | (270) 765-1222 | Sheriff Website → |
| Madison (Richmond) | Madison County Detention Center, 107 W Irvine St, Richmond 40475 | (859) 624-3862 | Jail Info → |
| Campbell (Newport) | Campbell County Detention Center, 600 Columbia St, Newport 41071 | (859) 292-4641 | Sheriff → |
| Pike (Pikeville) | Pike County Detention Center, 172 Division St, Pikeville 41501 | (606) 432-0630 | County → |
Louisville Metro Corrections — Map & Location
📍 Louisville Metro Corrections — 400 S 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202 · Phone: (502) 574-6000
Fayette County Detention Center — Map & Location
📍 Fayette County Detention Center — 600 Old Frankfort Circle, Lexington, KY 40510 · Phone: (859) 425-3351
Kenton County Detention Center — Map & Location
📍 Kenton County Detention Center — 3000 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41017 · Phone: (859) 363-2900 · Capacity: 650 beds
⚠️ SCAM ALERT: Scammers call Kentucky families demanding bail via Zelle, CashApp, gift cards, or Bitcoin. No legitimate Kentucky jail or court will EVER accept payment via gift cards or crypto. Hang up and call the jail directly.
Section 04
Kentucky Bail & Bond — Arrest to Release
🔴 ALL jail calls in Kentucky are recorded & monitored. Do NOT discuss case details. Never say “I did it” or “I’m sorry.” Only discuss logistics: lawyer, bail, bills, childcare.
🚔
1. Arrest & Booking (0–6 hours)
Transported to county detention center. Fingerprints, mugshot, property inventory. Check jail roster 2–4 hours after arrest. Call the detention center for verbal confirmation.
⚖️
2. Arraignment
Judge sets bail. A defense attorney at arraignment can argue for lower bail or release on recognizance. This is the most valuable intervention point. Kentucky State Bar Lawyer Referral: (502) 564-3795.
💰
3. Post Bond
Four options: Cash bail (full amount, refundable), Surety bond (10% to bondsman, non-refundable), 10% deposit bond (pay 10% directly to court — partially refundable!), or OR release (judge’s discretion, $0).
🔓
4. Release (2–8 hours)
Processing varies. Weekends/holidays take longer. Confirm court date in writing before leaving.
💡 Kentucky’s Unique 10% Deposit Bond: Many Kentucky courts allow you to post 10% of the bond directly to the court — no bondsman needed. Unlike a surety bond (where the 10% goes to a bondsman and is never refunded), the 10% deposit bond is partially refundable after the case concludes if the defendant makes all court appearances. Always ask the court clerk if this option is available. This can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
💡 Verify Bondsman License: Kentucky Department of Insurance — insurance.ky.gov or call 1-800-595-4726. Never pay a bondsman who can’t show a valid Kentucky license.
Section 05
Kentucky Jail Visitation, Commissary & Phone Calls
Visitation Rules
- 📅Most Kentucky jails require advance scheduling. Walk-in visits are increasingly rare. Check the specific facility’s website.
- 📹Fayette County (Lexington): All visits conducted through Securus Technologies video system. One visit per week per inmate. Can be done on-site or remotely.
- 📹Kenton County (Covington): Online and video visitation through CPCjail.com. Must schedule 24 hours ahead. No minors on weekdays. Wednesday & Friday onsite: 8am–11am, 1pm–2:30pm.
- 🪪Valid government photo ID required every visit. Dress conservatively. No phones, cameras, food, or packages.
- 🚫Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian at most facilities.
Send Money (Commissary)
- 💳KY DOC State Prisons: JPay (1-800-574-8333) — online, app, phone, or MoneyGram/CVS/Walmart locations
- 💳Kenton County: CareaCell online (credit/debit cards) or lobby kiosks ($5/$10/$20 denominations, 8am–4:30pm weekdays + visitation weekends)
- 💳Most other county jails: Access Corrections (866-345-1884), JPay, or lobby kiosks
- 📬Some jails still accept money orders mailed to the facility with inmate’s name and booking number — call to confirm
Phone Calls
- 📞All calls outbound only & recorded. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls.
- 📞Most Kentucky facilities use Securus or GTL/GettingOut. Check your county’s provider.
- 💰Fund a prepaid account BEFORE they try to call — unfunded calls are dropped.
- 💡Load $10 test first to confirm the right provider for the specific facility.
Mail Rules
- ✉️Fayette County: Letters accepted. Must include inmate’s name and ID number. All mail inspected for contraband.
- ✉️Kenton County: Standard envelopes only (no padded). Include inmate’s name and booking number. Sender’s return address required.
- 📚Books/Magazines: Most facilities only accept paperback books sent directly from publishers or Amazon. No hardcovers.
Kentucky VINE — Free Custody Alerts
🔔 Kentucky VINE
FREE • AUTOMATEDAutomated phone and email notifications when an offender’s custody status changes — released, transferred, escaped, parole hearing. Covers county jails, state prisons, mental health facilities, and juvenile detention centers statewide.
Phone1-800-511-1670
Websitevinelink.com
Section 06
Kentucky Court Case Search — Check Case Status After Arrest
After booking, charges are filed with the county court. Checking the court record tells you whether charges were filed, case status, upcoming court dates, and final disposition.
⚖ Kentucky Court of Justice — Case Search
OFFICIALSearch Kentucky court records online through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal. Covers circuit and district courts in all 120 counties.
⚖ Kentucky State Police — Background Check
OFFICIAL • CERTIFIEDThe only official source for a certified Kentucky criminal history record, required for employment, licensing, and housing decisions. arrests.org is never an acceptable substitute.
Section 07
Kentucky Record Expungement — Clear Your Record (KRS 431.076–431.079)
Kentucky has significantly expanded expungement eligibility in recent years. More Kentuckians than ever qualify — including some felony convictions. This is one of the most progressive expungement systems in the US.
Eligibility
| Situation | Eligible? | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|
| Charges dismissed / not prosecuted | ✓ Yes | Immediately after dismissal |
| Acquitted (Not Guilty) | ✓ Yes | Immediately |
| Misdemeanor conviction | ✓ Yes | 5 years after completion of sentence |
| Class D felony conviction | ✓ Yes | 5 years, must meet all conditions |
| Certain other felonies | Maybe | Check specific statute — some qualify with longer wait |
| Violation offenses (traffic, etc.) | ✓ Yes | Varies |
| DUI convictions | ✗ No | Not eligible |
| Violent/sex offenses | ✗ No | Not eligible |
Expungement Process
- Confirm eligibility under KRS 431.076–431.079. Review the specific statute for your charge type.
- Obtain certified case disposition from the Circuit Court Clerk where the case was filed.
- File AOC Form 496 (Petition for Expungement) with the circuit court. Filing fee: $100 for misdemeanors, $500 for felonies (fee waiver available for those who cannot afford it).
- Commonwealth Attorney review: The prosecutor has 60 days to object. Most uncontested petitions are granted.
- Attend hearing if required (some are decided on paper).
- After court order: KSP, FBI, AOC, and all agencies destroy/seal the record. Use the signed order to demand removal from arrests.org and all mugshot sites.
💡 Free Legal Help: Kentucky Legal Aid provides free expungement assistance for qualifying individuals. Call (866) 576-8764 or visit klaid.org. Also check kyjustice.org for self-help forms and instructions.
ℹ️ Kentucky Clean Slate Initiative: Kentucky has been expanding automatic expungement for certain eligible offenses. Check with your local Legal Aid office or the Kentucky Court of Justice for the most current rules on automatic expungement eligibility.
Section 08
Remove Your Mugshot from Arrests.org Kentucky — Free
Arrests.org has a direct, free removal portal. You do NOT need to pay anyone.
- Find your Record ID from your profile URL at kentucky.arrests.org. The number at the end of the URL is your Record ID.
- Open removal portal:https://arrests.org/remove/?id=[YOUR_RECORD_ID]
- Upload documents: Court disposition (dismissed), KRS expungement order, or acquittal + redacted State ID.
- Follow up after 10 business days at info@arrests.org. Cite your Kentucky expungement order in the email.
- De-index from Google: After page shows 404, submit to Google Removal Tool →. Then submit to Bing → (also removes from Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia).
🚨 Never pay for removal. Companies charging $200–$2,000 for mugshot removal are exploiting your situation. Arrests.org’s removal process is 100% free.
Section 09
Kentucky-Specific Insider Tips
- 💡Ask about the 10% deposit bond first. Many families pay a bondsman 10% (non-refundable) when they could have paid the court directly and gotten most of it back. Always ask the court clerk.
- 💡Warren County shows commissary balance rules on their inmate search — check before depositing to know the spending limit.
- 💡Daviess County search filters by booking date — great for finding weekend arrests on Monday.
- 💡Kenton County separates current inmates from released in past 48 hours — confirms if someone posted bail.
- 💡Class D felony expungement is Kentucky’s biggest legal secret — many people don’t know they’re eligible. Check even if you think you don’t qualify.
- 💡Download the GettingOut app before you need it — setting up during a crisis takes too long. Pre-verify your account.
- 💡KOOL data has a 120-day lag. If someone was recently sentenced, always check the county jail roster first for the most current info.
- 💡Set a Google Alert (alerts.google.com) for your full name in quotes — catches any mugshot re-publication immediately.
Section 10
Frequently Asked Questions — Kentucky Arrests
State prisons: kool.corrections.ky.gov (KOOL). County jails: each of 120 county detention centers has its own system (see Section 03 for major counties). kentucky.arrests.org is a private aggregator, NOT a government site.
Go to the specific county detention center website: Jefferson/Louisville (louisvilleky.gov), Fayette/Lexington (lexingtonky.gov), Kenton/Covington (kentoncountyjail.org). New bookings appear within 2–4 hours.
Typically 10% non-refundable premium. However, many Kentucky courts offer a 10% deposit bond paid directly to the court which is partially refundable — always ask the court clerk about this option first. Verify bondsman license: insurance.ky.gov or call 1-800-595-4726.
Yes — under KRS 431.076–431.079. Eligible: dismissed charges, acquittals, misdemeanor convictions (5-year wait), Class D felony convictions (5-year wait). Filing fee: $100 misdemeanor / $500 felony (waiver available). Free help: klaid.org or call (866) 576-8764.
KOOL (Kentucky Online Offender Lookup) at kool.corrections.ky.gov shows state prison inmates, probationers, and parolees. Search by name, alias, or PID number. Note: data newer than 120 days may not be finalized.
KY DOC prisons: JPay (1-800-574-8333). Kenton County: CareaCell online or lobby kiosks. Most other counties: Access Corrections (866-345-1884) or facility lobby kiosks.
Free automated custody notifications covering county jails, state prisons, mental health facilities, and juvenile detention. Call 1-800-511-1670 or register at vinelink.com.
Go to arrests.org/remove/?id=[YOUR_RECORD_ID] and submit court documents (dismissal, expungement, or acquittal). Free process. See Section 08 for complete step-by-step instructions.
Yes — every single call is recorded and may be monitored. Never discuss case details. Only logistics: lawyer, bail, bills, childcare. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used as evidence.
The inmate is wanted by a different jurisdiction (another county, state, or federal agency). The current jail holds them until the other agency picks them up. Common when someone has warrants in multiple counties.
Legal Disclaimer: All information is for educational purposes only. An arrest is not a conviction. We are not affiliated with Arrests.org or any Kentucky government agency. For legal matters, consult a licensed Kentucky attorney. KY Bar Referral: (502) 564-3795. KY Legal Aid: (866) 576-8764.