How to Read Location Codes on Outagamie County's Inmate List (examples from the PDF)
Outagamie County's public inmate roster PDF includes a "Location" field, but it's written in shorthand. Once you recognize the common patterns (like JAIL-4TH-4E- 4E8, 3OBS, or OUT-GPS-GPS- GPS), you can decode what the roster is telling you and know what to verify before making plans.
In the PDF titled "Current Inmate List, by Name," each person's row has a Location value and a Classif value side by side. The Location field is where you'll find housing shorthand (entries starting with "JAIL-" or "OUT-"). The Classif field shows classification codes like MED4, MAX2, or MIN8 right next to that location text.
Note: The column headers in the roster read: InmateID, Name, Sex, Race, Time Incarcerated, Location, and Classif.
The most common pattern in the Location column is a hyphenated string describing a specific area inside the jail, followed by a shorter code that looks like a room or cell identifier. One example from the PDF: "JAIL-4TH-4E- 4E8." You'll see similar formatting throughout the list. The left portion is broken into chunks with hyphens, then a shorter code appears after a space.
- Find the full Location text: Look for the full string in the Location column, such as “JAIL-4TH-4E- 4E8.”
- Split it at the space: The PDF often prints a longer, hyphenated chunk first (for example, “JAIL-4TH-4E-”), then a shorter code after it (for example, “4E8”).
- Read the hyphenated chunk left to right: Treat each hyphen-separated piece as a separate part of the housing code (like “JAIL,” then “4TH,” then “4E,” as shown in the example).
Note: Right next to Location, the roster prints a Classif code (examples in the PDF include MED4, MAX2, and MIN8). This gives you extra context, but it's separate from the housing code itself.
Not every entry follows the long, hyphenated format. Some records use a condensed observation-style label ending in "OBS," such as "3OBS" (you may also see 5OBS in other entries). The roster also shows dorm assignments written as "DORM 1" or "DORM 2" within the housing text. For example, a line might include "... 5E DORM 1 ..." or "... 5F DORM 2 ...," with a Classif code printed alongside it.
- ✓ 3OBS
- ✓ 5OBS
- ✓ DORM 1
- ✓ DORM 2
Some entries start with "OUT-" instead of "JAIL-." In the PDF, one repeated format is printed as "OUT-GPS-GPS- GPS." Another is "OUT-DRC-DRC- DRC." These show up in the Location column just like other housing codes, with the person's classification code in the Classif column beside them.
Note: The roster shows "OUT-GPS-GPS- GPS" and "OUT-DRC-DRC- DRC" as printed location text, but the PDF does not include a legend explaining what those OUT statuses mean operationally. If you're trying to plan a visit or drop off property, verify the person's status directly with the jail.
Treat the Location field as a quick first clue, not the final word. A standard housing-style entry like "JAIL-4TH-4E- 4E8" generally means an in-jail placement. "OBS" or a dorm tag like "DORM 1" or "DORM 2" tells you the roster is using a different shorthand format for where the person is listed. If the entry starts with "OUT-" (including "OUT-GPS-GPS- GPS" or "OUT-DRC-DRC- DRC"), pause before making plans. The roster text alone won't tell you what that means for visiting, mail, or other next steps. A quick call to the facility can save you a wasted trip.
Note: The Classif codes printed next to Location (like MED4, MAX2, MIN8) can help you make sense of a line, but they're no substitute for confirming someone's current status with staff.
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