Things You'll Need
Instructions
1Search the database of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to locate someone who might be incarcerated in a federal prison (see Resources below).
2
Locate someone incarcerated in a state or county correctional facility by accessing the database at VINELink (see Resources below).
3
Consider the possibility that the person you're trying to locate has been released on probation. Your chances of locating a person this way may be slim, but it might be worth the effort to check individual state Web sites.
4
Hire a private investigator as a last resort. This person is likely to have access to resources not available to the general public.
5
Give any information you find to the appropriate authority, such as your attorney if there is legal action pending, or your local child support enforcement unit if child support is overdue.
6
Connect with inmates directly via third-party online forums that are designed to allow communication between prisoners and the general public. However, these services are usually fee-based.