Cerro Gordo County Jail Mason City IA is the main detention center for the county. It holds people waiting for court or serving short sentences. The jail is at 17262 Lark Avenue in Mason City, IA 50401. It runs 24 hours a day. You can call the jail at 641-421-3004. The public defender’s office helps inmates who cannot pay for a lawyer. Call them at 641-423-4181. The jail posts a weekly report on Thursday. It shows how many people are in jail, their age, gender, charge type, and when they arrived. The report also notes if someone moved to a state prison. The sheriff’s website has this report, road updates, police logs, jobs, tax payments, vehicle registration, court fines, and public records.
Weekly Inmate Population Report
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office shares a Jail Inmate Population Report every Thursday. This report lists the total number of people in jail. It breaks down the count by gender, age group, and charge severity. Each inmate’s admission date is shown. The report also marks recent transfers to state facilities. It includes week-over-week trends to show changes. The report helps the public see jail activity. It is posted on the county website. The site also has real-time road alerts, daily police logs, job listings, and online services. These services include tax payments, vehicle registration, court fine settlements, and public record searches.
Jail Location, Hours & Contact Details
The jail sits at 17262 Lark Avenue in Mason City. It serves rural areas like Plymouth, Rock Falls, Dougherty, and Swaledale. The jail never closes. Call 641-421-3004 for questions. The public defender’s office is at 641-423-4181. The sheriff’s office is at 641-421-3000. The website has links to the inmate report, road conditions, incident logs, jobs, and civil records. Visitors must check the online schedule before coming. The jail updates its roster every 30 minutes. This helps families get current info fast.
Inmate Search & Roster Lookup
You can search for inmates online or by phone. Use the inmate’s full name, booking number, or birth date. The online portal shows booking photos, charges, bond amounts, housing units, court case numbers, and court dates. The roster updates every 30 minutes. Call 641-421-3004 during business hours for help. You can also visit the jail at 17262 Lark Avenue. Bring a photo ID. The jail does not allow direct calls to inmates. Use the prepaid phone service for inmate calls. Mail legal documents to the jail address. Include the inmate’s full name and booking number.
Visitation Rules & Schedule
Visitors must be on the approved list. Bring a photo ID. Visits happen in a lobby. Each visit lasts 15 minutes. Weekday visits for male inmates are 9–11 am. For female inmates, it is 1–3 pm. Weekend visits are 10 am–12 pm for all. Check the online schedule before visiting. Follow the dress code on the sheriff’s website. Do not bring phones or bags. The jail may cancel visits without notice. Arrive early to check in.
Sheriff’s Office & Public Services
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office leads law enforcement for the county. It covers rural areas and townships. Sheriff Kevin Pals leads about 30 deputies and staff. The office has units for drugs, traffic, and civil process. It is at 17262 Lark Avenue. Call 641-421-3000. The website has forms, a crime map, and a feedback system. Residents can send praise or complaints. The site also links to the inmate report, road alerts, jobs, and online services.
Regional Inmate Search Links
Other Iowa counties have similar search tools. Cherokee County’s jail is at 111 North 5th Street, Cherokee, IA 51012. Call 712-225-6738. Chickasaw County’s jail is at 116 North Chestnut, New Hampton, IA 50659. Call 641-394-3121. Each roster shows names, booking dates, charges, and bond info. Cerro Gordo County’s search is at 17262 Lark Avenue. Call 641-421-3004. Use the online portal for fast results.
How to Request Mugshots & Media Info
Media outlets can request mugshots. Email the Media Relations office or call 641-421-3004. Ask for permission and high-resolution images. The online search portal shows booking photos. You can filter by name, booking date, or charge type. Each result shows the photo, case number, and court dates. The jail does not post mugshots without approval. Follow the rules to avoid delays.
Online Services & Public Records
The county website offers many online tools. Pay taxes, register vehicles, or settle court fines. Search for birth, death, or marriage certificates. Look up public records. The site bundles these with the inmate report, road alerts, and job board. This makes it easy to find county services in one place. Use the search bar to find what you need fast.
Community Alerts & Social Media
The sheriff’s Facebook page shares community alerts. It posts crime stats and safety videos. The page has over 8,000 followers. People discuss recent posts and check in at the office. The page links to the emergency alert system. You can send tips anonymously. Follow the page for updates on jail activity, road closures, and safety tips.
Recent News: Drug & Gun Charges
A Mason City man was arrested after a truck crash. Lance Kohler, 45, hit a barrier on 210th Street. He tried to avoid a deer. His truck had a loaded gun and drugs. The sheriff’s office filed charges for gun and drug possession. Kohler was booked under case number 2024-05321. He is in the county jail. The case shows how the jail handles new arrests. The weekly report will list his details when posted.
Phone, Mail & Inmate Communication
Inmates can call family using a prepaid phone service. They cannot receive calls. Mail legal documents to Cerro Gordo County Jail, 17262 Lark Ave, Mason City, IA 50401. Write the inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope. Do not send cash or contraband. The jail screens all mail. Phone calls are monitored. Inmates can contact their lawyer or the public defender.
Bond Payments & Court Dates
Bond amounts are listed in the inmate search. Pay bonds at the courthouse or online if allowed. Bring the case number and inmate name. Court dates appear in the search portal. Check often for changes. Missing court can lead to more charges. Contact the court clerk for help. The jail does not set bond or schedule court.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
The county posts jobs on its website. Look for openings in the sheriff’s office, jail, or other departments. Apply online or in person. Some roles need background checks. Volunteers may help with programs. Check the job board for details. The sheriff’s office values community support.
Crime Map & Safety Tips
The sheriff’s site has a weekly crime map. It shows recent incidents in the county. Use it to stay safe. The site also shares safety tips. Lock your car. Report suspicious activity. Sign up for emergency alerts. The sheriff’s team works to keep Mason City and rural areas safe.
Feedback & Complaints
Residents can send feedback to the sheriff’s office. Use the online form to praise or complain. The office reviews all messages. It aims to serve the public well. Contact the office at 641-421-3000 for urgent issues. The jail follows state rules for inmate care and safety.
Related Public Record Searches
Other states and counties have public record tools. You can search court cases, property records, or criminal history. These links help if you need info beyond Iowa. Always use official sites for accuracy. The county website is the best source for local data.
- Ct Judicial Branch Case Lookup
- Real Estate Transactions Public Record
- How To Find Out Sentencing In Court
- Public Records Missouri Property
- Home Value Public Records
- Cameron County Criminal Records Online
Official Contact & Map
Address: 17262 Lark Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
Phone: 641-421-3004 (Jail)
Phone: 641-421-3000 (Sheriff’s Office)
Visiting Hours: Weekdays 9–11 am (males), 1–3 pm (females); Weekends 10 am–12 pm
Website: https://www.cgcounty.org/departments/sheriff
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask about jail visits, inmate searches, and reports. Below are common questions with clear answers. Use this section to find what you need fast. Contact the jail if you have more questions.
How do I visit an inmate at Cerro Gordo County Jail?
Check the online visitation schedule first. Bring a photo ID and be on the approved list. Visits are 15 minutes long. Weekday times are 9–11 am for males and 1–3 pm for females. Weekends are 10 am–12 pm for all. Arrive early to check in. Follow the dress code. Do not bring phones or bags. The jail may cancel visits without notice. Always confirm the schedule before coming.
Can I search for an inmate online?
Yes. Use the online inmate search portal. Type the inmate’s name, booking number, or birth date. The roster updates every 30 minutes. It shows booking photos, charges, bond amounts, housing units, case numbers, and court dates. If the name is not listed, call 641-421-3004 for help. The jail does not allow direct calls to inmates. Use the prepaid phone service for calls.
How often is the inmate population report updated?
The report is posted every Thursday. It lists the total number of inmates, broken down by gender, age, and charge severity. It also shows admission dates and recent transfers. The report includes week-over-week trends. You can find it on the county website. The site also has road alerts, police logs, jobs, and online services.
What should I do if I need a mugshot for media use?
Email the Media Relations office or call 641-421-3004. Ask for permission and high-resolution images. The jail does not post mugshots without approval. The online portal shows booking photos for public viewing. Follow the rules to avoid delays. Media requests must be clear and professional.
How can I pay a bond or find court dates?
Bond amounts are listed in the inmate search. Pay at the courthouse or online if allowed. Bring the case number and inmate name. Court dates appear in the search portal. Check often for changes. Missing court can lead to more charges. Contact the court clerk for help. The jail does not set bond or schedule court.
What online services does the county offer?
The county website has many tools. Pay taxes, register vehicles, or settle court fines. Search for birth, death, or marriage certificates. Look up public records. The site bundles these with the inmate report, road alerts, and job board. Use the search bar to find what you need fast. All services are free or low-cost.
How do I contact the sheriff’s office or public defender?
Call the sheriff’s office at 641-421-3000. The jail is at 641-421-3004. The public defender’s office is at 641-423-4181. The address for all is 17262 Lark Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401. Use email for non-urgent messages. For emergencies, call 911. The office responds to feedback and complaints.