FAQ

How Can You Know the Status of Individuals in Community Corrections?  

The goal of community corrections is to minimize recidivism chances while encouraging parolees and probationers to be productive. Sometimes, individuals in community corrections may be prone to recidivism, which means you must remain vigilant about their whereabouts and activities in the community.  

For inquiries, call the central office at (260) 333-0710. You can also visit the physical office at 1000 Potter Dr, Auburn, IN 46706.  

How Can Victims Know Offender Incarceration Status? 

If you’re a crime victim, Indiana collaborates with VINELink to ensure you access real-time information about an offender. All you have to do is call the service providers at (866) 959-8463 and ask for registration. You can also access the services via the sheriff’s office or follow this link for online registration.  

Afterward, you’ll receive regular updates about an offender’s status, including court hearings, release dates, and jail escapes. These updates come via email or text, depending on your preference.  

However, the Indiana Statewide VINE differs from most states as it doesn’t allow inmate search. This is a temporary issue; if fixed, you’ll get to search by name, ID number, and case number search options, as they’re the standard.  

Do Facility Transfers Affect Inmate Search? 

Jail and prison transfers are common in the United States criminal justice system. In Dekalb County, inmates move from city jails to the county jail or from the county jail to the DOC’s custody. Other times, inmates awaiting community reentry may be transferred from the DOC’s custody to the Dekalb County Jail.  

Some of the reasons your loved one has been transferred from the county jail include the following:  

• Security Reasons: This is common if an inmate is a security risk to other inmates or staff. Additionally, incidents like violence or unrest at the county jail may result in inmate transfers to facilities of higher security levels.  
• Special Needs of Inmates: If your loved one has a special need, such as mental health or medical conditions, the county jail may organize their transfer to locations where they can access the care they require. This may include specialized medical facilities or mental health institutions.  
• Court Appearance: There are cases where your loved one may have to move to other facilities for court appearances. This can occur when they’re facing charges in multiple jurisdictions or if they have to appear in court in a different location. 
• Overcrowding: Overcrowding is a major cause of jail transfers. When a facility becomes overcrowded, providing adequate care and services to all inmates can be challenging, leading to increased security risks.

How to Post Bond in Dekalb County 

A judge sets a bail amount, which assures that defendants will appear for their court proceedings. It also ensures they’ll not hamper the judicial process.  

There are various factors that affect the bail amount, including:  

• Nature of the Offense  
• Criminal History of the Offender  
• Possibilities of the Offender being a Flight Risk 
• History of Mental Illness  

You can post the bail amount via the sheriff’s office using either of the following options: cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, or Western Union Money Orders. The sheriff doesn’t accept personal checks.  

If you can’t afford the bail amount, you can request the services of bail bond companies. They post the bond amount on your behalf, but you’re required to pay 10-20% of the amount as a service fee. This amount is non-refundable.  

You may also pay the bail amount via the Dekalb County Courthouse. You can confirm this by calling the clerk’s office at 260-925-0912.  

How Bail Works in Indiana 

When one is arrested, the concern is getting out of jail as quickly as possible. Posting bail permits a suspect to leave jail and remain out of the facility pending the criminal case’s outcome. Upon a police arrest, the individual must undergo booking at the particular jail. Once the booking process is complete, family or friends can post bail with the sheriff’s or clerk’s office. It is important to note that most counties in Indiana usually have bail schedules utilized in determining bail without a court trial.  

You may not be eligible for bail before a court hearing suppose you are convicted of a violent crime or have a criminal record. In this case, you must attend a court hearing for a judge to determine if you are entitled to bail. The judge will set the terms of your release, amount of bail, bail type, or any other bail terms.  

Some of the common types of bail in Indiana include: 

• Cash Bond: This type of bond is based on the severity of the crime alongside other circumstances. The court can refund the money after your case is resolved. 
• Own Recognizance: If the suspect does not have a criminal record and the charge does not involve a violent crime, you may be released on your recognizance.  
• Surety Bond: Suppose the court orders you to pay a surety bond; you must utilize a licensed bail agent. Usually, the bail agent charges 10% of the bond amount to post a surety bond.  
• Percent Bond: These bonds are similar to surety bonds, where you must pay 10% of the total bond amount, but you pay this amount to the court. Remember, anyone can pay 10% of the bond to the court for you.  
• XC Split Bond: With this, you must post a cash bond with the court alongside a surety bond.  
• Property Bond: The court can allow a property bond to secure an individual’s release from jail when the bail amounts are high.