Polk County Jail
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Polk County Jail. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- County Facility
- Security Level
- Pretrial / Sentenced
- Inmate Capacity
- Not available
- Established
- Not available
- Operated By
- Polk County Sheriff's Office
Polk County Jail Inmate Communication Overview
Polk County Jail is the main county detention facility for Polk County, Iowa, operated by the Polk County Sheriff's Office in Des Moines. It is the largest county jail in Iowa and holds people awaiting trial in Polk County courts along with those serving shorter county sentences. Des Moines is Iowa's capital and largest city, and the jail processes bookings from multiple law enforcement agencies across the metro area.
Families reach people at Polk County Jail through GettingOut and Securus. GettingOut covers electronic messaging, photo sharing, and commissary money transfers, and it's free to create an account at gettingout.com or through the GettingOut app. Securus covers phone calls and video visitation through a separate account that families fund directly. Both accounts are typically needed to access the full set of communication options.
Polk County Jail sits in the Des Moines metro area, which makes it reachable for most families across central Iowa within a reasonable drive. For those farther away, GettingOut messaging and Securus phone or video access tend to be the more practical day-to-day option. Because most people here are in pretrial status, communication needs can change quickly. Anyone sentenced to Iowa prison time will transfer to an Iowa Department of Corrections facility, where the provider setup is usually different.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
1985 NE 51st Place, Des Moines, IA 50313
Main Phone
(515) 323-5400
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Polk County Jail.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: GettingOut
Send messages through the GettingOut app or website. Messages are reviewed before delivery.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: Securus
Remote video visits are scheduled through Securus. Book ahead of time.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: GettingOut
Photos can be attached to GettingOut messages, subject to content review.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: Securus
Fund a Securus account to receive calls or set up prepaid calling.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: GettingOut
Add commissary funds through GettingOut.
Communication Providers at Polk County Jail
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
GettingOut
Handles messaging, photo sharing, and commissary money transfers for Polk County Jail.
View GettingOut ServicesSecurus
Handles phone calls and video visitation for Polk County Jail.
View Securus ServicesCommunication Rules at Polk County Jail
- GettingOut and Securus are the two providers used at Polk County Jail. Messaging, photos, and money go through GettingOut, while calls and video go through Securus.
- All messages, calls, and video visits are subject to monitoring and review by facility staff.
- Confirm the exact spelling of the person's name and booking number before creating an account, since mismatches can delay message delivery.
- People transferred to an Iowa DOC state facility after sentencing will need to check the provider used at their new facility.
- Video visits typically need to be scheduled in advance rather than started on demand.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Polk County Jail
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I send a message to someone at Polk County Jail?
- Create a free account at gettingout.com or through the GettingOut app. Search for the person by name, add funds if you want to include photos, and send your message. Staff review messages before they're delivered, so allow some time.
- How do I set up a video visit at Polk County Jail?
- Video visits are handled through Securus. Create an account, search for Polk County Jail, and choose an open time slot. Visits usually need to be booked at least a day in advance.
- How do I send money to someone at Polk County Jail?
- Commissary deposits go through GettingOut. You can add funds by debit or credit card through the app or website. Processing typically takes one business day.
- Can I find out if someone is currently held at Polk County Jail?
- The Polk County Sheriff's Office offers an online inmate search on its official website. You can search by name to confirm current custody status.
- What happens to communication access after someone is sentenced?
- People sentenced to state prison time are transferred out of Polk County Jail to an Iowa Department of Corrections facility. The provider setup at the new facility may be different, so check as soon as a transfer happens.
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