What Johnson County Jail Staff Can (and Can't) Tell You Over the Phone

Over the phone, Johnson County Jail staff can confirm whether a specific person is currently in custody. If you're not sure someone was booked in, this is the most direct question to ask first. It quickly tells you whether you're even calling the right place.

If the person is in custody, staff can also tell you what charges they're being held on. A clear way to phrase it: "Can you tell me what charges they are currently being held on?" This is jail-held information, so you can typically get an answer without needing to track down court paperwork first.

You can ask whether bond has been set and, if so, what the amount is. Bond doesn't apply in every situation, but when it is set, jail staff can share what's required for release.

Staff can also provide a scheduled release date, if one applies. "Scheduled" is the key word here. A release date may not exist yet in some cases, and it can shift depending on what happens next in the case.

What jail staff cannot do over the phone is give out court information. That includes court dates and other court-side details. If your main question is about what's happening in court, the jail isn't the right source.

Prepare Before Call

• ✓ The person’s full name
• ✓ Date of birth (if you have it)
• ✓ Any case or cause number you have from paperwork (if available)
• ✓ The number you are calling: 319-356-6020 (ask for Extension 5, Jail Division)

When you call, start with the simplest yes/no question: "Can you confirm whether [full name] is currently in custody?" If the answer is yes, follow up with: "What charges are they being held on?" Then ask: "Is there a bond required for release, and what is the bond amount?" If you're trying to plan for pickup or next steps, add: "Do they have a scheduled release date?" These questions match what jail staff can actually share, and they'll usually get you the fastest, clearest answers.

For court records, docket information, or anything tied to hearings and filings, go through the inmate's attorney or Iowa Courts Online. That's where court dates and official court information are maintained, not the jail's phone desk.

1. Call the Sheriff’s Office business line: Dial 319-356-6020.
2. Ask for the Jail Division: Request Extension 5.
3. Use the jail’s addresses when needed: The street location is 511 S. Capitol St., Iowa City (2nd floor). The mailing address is PO Box 2540, Iowa City, IA 52244.