Search Kentucky Booking Releases
Kentucky booking releases are public records maintained by county detention centers and the Kentucky Department of Corrections. The Commonwealth has 120 counties, and each county jailer maintains booking and release records for inmates processed through their facilities. You can search these jail records online through the Kentucky Offender Online Lookup system, county inmate rosters, or by contacting local detention centers directly.
Kentucky Booking Releases Quick Facts
Where to Find Kentucky Booking Releases
There are several ways to find booking release records in Kentucky. The Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL) system is the primary statewide database. This free tool lets you search for inmates in state prisons and county jails across the Commonwealth. The Department of Corrections maintains KOOL at kool.corrections.ky.gov. You can search by name, offender number, or filter by facility type. Results show current inmates and recent releases.
County detention centers maintain their own booking records. Many Kentucky counties provide online inmate rosters through their sheriff's office websites. Jefferson County operates the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections with its own search system. Fayette County uses the Fayette County Detention Center inmate lookup. Smaller counties may use the JailTracker system or rely on the state KOOL database for public searches.
Note: Booking records show arrest information, charges, and custody status but do not indicate guilt.
How to Search Booking Releases in Kentucky
Kentucky provides multiple methods to look up booking releases. The KOOL system offers the broadest search across all facilities. County-specific tools provide detailed local information. You can also request records directly from detention centers under the Kentucky Open Records Act.
The KOOL system covers state prisons and county detention centers. You can search by first name, middle name, last name, or alias. Filters let you narrow results by gender, facility type, and offender status. The system shows photos when available. Under KRS 196.099, the Department of Corrections must maintain photographic records of inmates. These become part of the permanent record and are available through proper request channels.
To search booking releases on KOOL, you will need:
- Full name or partial name of the inmate
- Optional offender number if known
- Facility type preference (state or county)
- Photo-only search option
County searches vary by location. Jefferson County offers a jail population dashboard. Fayette County requires exact name spelling. Kenton County uses JailTracker for real-time data. Warren County connects to both KOOL and JailTracker. Contact the specific county jail for their preferred search method.
Types of Booking Release Records in Kentucky
Kentucky booking records include several categories of information. The booking record is created when someone enters a detention facility. It contains personal information, charges, and custody details. Release records show when an inmate leaves custody and the reason for release.
Under KRS 197.025, county jailers must maintain records of inmates. Daily population reports are required. Booking and release records must be kept and are subject to the Open Records Act. These records typically include the inmate's full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and housing location.
Booking release records in Kentucky typically contain:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Booking date and time
- Current charges and KRS statute references
- Bond amount and type
- Facility location and housing unit
- Release date and reason
Court disposition records may also be available through the Administrative Office of the Courts FastCheck system. This paid service provides criminal record reports for $25 per search.
Kentucky Laws on Booking Records Access
Kentucky law governs access to booking release records. The Kentucky Open Records Act provides the foundation for public access to these documents. Several specific statutes address how records are maintained and what restrictions apply.
KRS 61.870 defines public records to include booking records, inmate records, and arrest records held by public agencies. These are generally subject to inspection. Under KRS 61.872, every person has the right to inspect public records during regular business hours.
Agencies must respond to records requests within five business days according to KRS 61.880. The Department of Corrections charges $0.10 per page for copies. Electronic records may be provided at no cost.
KRS 61.8746 prohibits commercial use of booking photographs. No person or entity shall publish, distribute, or disseminate a booking photograph for commercial purposes. News media and law enforcement are exempt. Violators face civil penalties. Booking photos remain public records but cannot be used commercially.
VINE Victim Notification System
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is a free service for crime victims and concerned citizens. It provides offender custody status information and automatic notifications. The system covers most Kentucky jails and prisons.
You can register for VINE at vinelink.vineapps.com. The service is confidential. Offenders cannot see who registered. Notifications are available by phone, email, or text message. Call 1-800-511-1670 for assistance.
VINE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can search for offenders across Kentucky facilities. Register to be notified of custody status changes including releases, transfers, and escapes. The service is free for all users.
Note: VINE provides custody alerts but does not provide full booking records.
Criminal Background Checks in Kentucky
Several agencies offer background checks that include booking information. The Kentucky State Police provides criminal history background checks. Name-based checks cost $20. Fingerprint-based checks offer higher accuracy for variable fees.
The Administrative Office of the Courts operates FastCheck. This system provides online access to Kentucky criminal record reports. Each search costs $25. Reports include felonies and misdemeanors from Kentucky courts. Payment is by credit card only.
Results from KSP background checks are available within 7-10 business days. FastCheck results appear immediately after payment. Neither system includes federal or out-of-state records. You must have consent for employment background checks.
How to Get Copies of Booking Release Records
You can obtain copies of booking records through several methods. The Department of Corrections accepts open records requests by email at correctionsopenrecords@ky.gov. Requests must be in writing. The DOC has five business days to respond.
County detention centers process their own records requests. Contact the specific jail for their procedures. Most accept requests by mail, email, or in person. Fees vary but typically match the state rate of $0.10 per page. Some counties provide electronic records at no cost.
For certified copies, additional fees may apply. Contact the agency beforehand to confirm current costs and acceptable payment methods. Processing times vary depending on the workload at the specific facility.
Browse Kentucky Booking Releases by County
Each county in Kentucky maintains booking records through the county jail or detention center. Select a county below to find local contact information and resources for booking releases in that area.
Booking Releases in Major Kentucky Cities
Residents of major cities can search booking records through their county facilities. Select a city below to learn about booking releases in that area.