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How Do I... Find the Sheriff's Sale Info?

Sheriff's Sale/Foreclosures

The foreclosure sales are published in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier four (4) weeks before the sale date, and again the day before the sale. They can be found in the Legal Ads section. They are also posted at the Black Hawk County Court House, Waterloo City Hall, and also at the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office.

All sales take place at the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office front lobby, located at 225 E 6th Street, Waterloo, Iowa at 10:30 AM.

Expectations:

1. Before the sale, you are responsible for doing your own research.

a. Any additional liens on the property

b. Any taxes owed

c. Any people currently residing there

2. The sales occur site unseen. You are buying the property as is. We do not have a key to show the property.

3. If you bid on the property, you are intending to purchase it. If you win the bid, you are expected to be able to pay for it! No changing your mind or attempting to back out once the bidding has concluded.

4. You should have the means to pay for the property you intend to purchase. You will be expected to deliver a certified check from your bank for payment in full before 3:00 PM that same day. Or, you may bring in cash, but this is not recommended.

Any matters of impropriety regarding a sale will be investigated by the Sheriff's Office and may result in criminal charges being filed against you, if applicable, or a lawsuit filed by the mortgage company.

Our office is not allowed to give opening bids out before the sale date and time. The opening bid will be announced at the time of the sale and no sooner.

If you have any questions, please call 319-291-5073.

View Sheriff's Sale Listings Online

How Do I... Have Someone Committed?

Iowa Law Overview

A person can start a court proceeding for the involuntary commitment, treatment, or hospitalization of another person who suffers a serious mental impairment or who has a substance-related disorder, or both. The court procedures for each situation are similar but not identical.

Involuntary commitment, treatment, or hospitalization is a restraint on one’s liberty and generally involves forcing someone to undergo treatment without that person’s consent, which may include confining that person.

If you are beginning commitment proceedings on behalf of another person, you are called the “applicant,” and the person who is the subject of concern is called the “respondent.”

What is a serious mental impairment?

A person with a serious mental impairment is someone who has a mental illness that causes that person to lack sufficient judgment to make responsible decisions about the person’s hospitalization or treatment and who, because of that condition, one of the following applies:

• Is likely to injure the person’s self or others if allowed to remain at liberty without treatment.

• Is likely to inflict serious emotional injury on family members or others who lack the reasonable opportunity to avoid contact with the person if the person with a mental illness is allowed to remain at liberty without treatment.

• Is unable to satisfy needs for nourishment, clothing, essential medical care, or shelter so that it is likely that the person will suffer physical injury, physical debilitation, or death without treatment.

• Has a history of noncompliance with treatment, and that noncompliance has either (1) been a significant factor in the need for emergency hospitalization, or (2) has resulted in acts causing serious physical injury to the person’s self or others or an attempt to cause physical injury to the person’s self or others.

Iowa Code Chapter 229

What is a substance-related disorder?

A person with a substance-related disorder is a person who has a diagnosable substance-related disorder as defined by the American Psychiatric Association that results in functional impairment, and because of that disorder, the person lacks judgmental capacity and presents a danger to the person’s self or others.

Iowa Code Chapter 125

How do I start involuntary commitment proceedings?

To start an involuntary commitment proceeding you must file an application and the required supporting documents using the approved forms. All of the approved forms are available from the county clerk of court or at the following web address: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/court-forms/filters/c5051a4122b84d269b8f8a4b8561df04.

The application to start an involuntary commitment based on serious mental impairment is 12.36—Form 1. The application to start an involuntary commitment based on a substance-related disorder is 13.35—Form 1.

With the application, you must provide one or more supporting affidavits that corroborate the application, or a written statement of a licensed physician in support of the application, or both. The affidavit for serious mental impairment cases is 12.36— Form 2; for substance-related disorder cases use 13.35—Form 2.

File the completed application and accompanying documents with the clerk of court in the county where the respondent resides or is currently located. It may be filed with the court in paper or electronically through the Iowa eFile system, at https://www.iowacourts.gov/efile/.

What is the process for involuntary commitment?

When the application is filed, the clerk of court will docket the case and notify a judge who will review the application and accompanying documents. The sheriff will receive notification to serve the respondent with the application and accompanying documents. The county attorney will be notified and also have access to the documents.

You may request that the respondent be taken into immediate custody. If the judge finds probable cause to believe that the respondent has a serious mental impairment or substance-related disorder and is likely to cause injury to him or herself or others if allowed to remain at liberty, the judge may order the respondent to be detained until the hearing.

If the application is adequate, the judge will set the matter for hearing. The hearing will be at least forty-eight hours after notice was provided to the respondent. Before the hearing, the court may require a physician to examine the respondent and file a report.

At the hearing for a matter concerning serious mental impairment, the county attorney will present evidence in support of the contentions in the application. At a hearing concerning an allegation of a substance-related disorder, the evidence may be presented by the county attorney or by you or your attorney. You and the respondent will each be allowed to testify and to present and crossexamine witnesses and present other evidence. Only persons necessary for the hearing will be allowed to attend. The proceedings are a civil matter, not criminal, and the respondent’s wellbeing is the paramount concern. You, as the applicant, will have the burden of proving the contents of the application for commitment, namely that the respondent is seriously mentally impaired or has a substance-related disorder, by clear and convincing evidence.

Will there be an attorney to represent me or the respondent?

The court will determine if the respondent has an attorney, and if not, the court may appoint an attorney if the respondent is unable to pay for an attorney. If the application alleges serious mental impairment, the court may also appoint a mental health advocate for the respondent.

Iowa Code Section 229.19

If the application for commitment is for a substance-related disorder, the court may appoint an attorney for you if legal representation is necessary to assist you in a meaningful presentation of evidence and you are unable to pay for an attorney.

Iowa Code Section 125.78

What happens after the hearing?

After the hearing, the judge will make a decision. The judge may either dismiss the case or order the person to be committed for treatment, which may include ordering placement at a particular facility for treatment.

Iowa Code Chapters 125 and 229

Can the decision be appealed?

The decision of the judge can be appealed. If the judge who decided the case was a magistrate, then the respondent has 10 days to file an appeal with the district court. A decision of a district court judge can be appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court within 30 days.

What rights does a person have after being committed?

After the person is committed, the person will be evaluated regularly by a medical officer. The medical officer will file regular reports and indicate whether the person needs further treatment. The reports will also indicate if the person can be released or if the person needs a different placement. Each time there is an order about placement notice must be given to the respondent, and the respondent has the right to ask for a court hearing on placement. Additionally, a person who has been committed also has the right to request to be released.

If a person under commitment has questions about his or her rights, he or she should speak to an attorney. If the application alleges serious mental impairment, the assigned mental health advocate will also represent the interests of the person under commitment.

How Do I... Start the Wage Garnishment Process?

GARNISHMENTS – EFFECTIVE 3-1-2023

A garnishment is a legal proceeding taken by a plaintiff (creditor) after a judgment is awarded from a court against a defendant (debtor). If the plaintiff (creditor) knows that the defendant (debtor) has money, or property, in the hands of a third party (wages owed by the defendant's (debtor's) employer, funds in a bank account, etc., the plaintiff (creditor) may have a garnishment served to recover funds owed on the debt. Iowa Code 642 governs the amount allowed to be withheld.

Effective 01-01-2024 a $100.00 advanced fee is required. The actual fees for service are added to the amount of the judgment to be garnished. If the Sheriff's Office receives enough funds from the garnishee to cover the cost of the Sheriff's fees, the advance fee will be refunded. If the entire advance fee is not needed to cover the fees, the remaining amount will be refunded.

Once you have the “General Execution” issued by the clerk, you will need to deliver/mail to the Sheriff’s Office with the “Dictation to Sheriff Garnishment” (PDF) and “Notice of Garnishment” (PDF).

Most banks and many employers require, besides the defendant’s (debtor’s) name, another identifier such as a social security number/account number. This is to ensure the correct person is being garnished. Without this information, the garnishment will still be served, but your chance of receiving any funds may be reduced dramatically. 

A garnishment expires 120 days from the date it was issued by the Clerk of Court.

The Sheriff’s Office requires the last known address for the defendant (debtor), since for all non-wage garnishments a notice of garnishment is required to be mailed by restricted certified mail as well as first class mail.

INSTRUCTIONS TO GARNISHEE FOR WAGE GARNISHMENT

COMPUTATION TABLE AMOUNTS ARE BASED ON DISPOSABLE EARNINGS AFTER WITHHOLDING AMOUNTS REQUIRED BY LAW (TAXES, SOCIAL SECURITY, ETC.).

COMPUTATION TABLES PER PAY PERIOD FOR “NON-CONSUMER CREDIT.”

IF THE DEFENDANT-EMPLOYER'S EARNINGS ARE LESS THAN THE BELOW, THEN PAY THEM AS IF THEY WEREN’T BEING GARNISHED.

  1. $217.50 FOR A WEEKLY PAY PERIOD
  2. $435.00 FOR A BI-WEEKLY PAY PERIOD
  3. $471.25 FOR A SEMI-MONTHLY PAY PERIOD
  4. $942.50 FOR A MONTHLY PAY PERIOD

IF THE BALANCE OF THE DISPOSABLE EARNINGS ARE:

  1. $217.50 - $290.00 FOR A WEEKLY PAY PERIOD                  PAY THEM $217.50
  2. $435.00 - $580.00 FOR A BI-WEEKLY PAY PERIOD              PAY THEM $435.00
  3. $471.25 - $628.33 FOR SEMI-MONTHLY PAY PERIOD          PAY THEM $471.25
  4. $942.50 - $1256.67 FOR A MONTHLY PAY PERIOD              PAY THEM $942.50

PAY THE BALANCE OF THE DISPOSABLE EARNINGS TO THE SHERIFF.

IF THE DEFENDANT-EMPLOYEE’S DISPOSABLE EARNINGS ARE MORE THAN:

  1. $290.00 FOR A WEEKLY PAY PERIOD                                   PAY THEM 75% OF EARNINGS
  2. $580.00 FOR A BI-WEEKLY PAY PERIOD                               PAY THEM 75% OF EARNINGS
  3. $828.33 FOR A SEMI-MONTHLY PAY PERIOD                        PAY THEM 75% OF EARNINGS
  4. $1,256.67 FOR A MONTHLY PAY PERIOD                              PAY THEM 75% OF EARNINGS

PAY 25% OF DISPOSABLE EARNINGS TO THE SHERIFF.

INSTRUCTIONS TO GARNISHEE FOR WAGE GARNISHMENT

COMPUTATION TABLE AMOUNTS ARE BASED ON DISPOSABLE EARNINGS AFTER WITHHOLDING AMOUNTS REQUIRED BY LAW (TAXES, SOCIAL SECURITY, ETC.).

COMPUTATION TABLES PER PAY PERIOD FOR “CONSUMER CREDIT."

IF THE DEFENDANT-EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ARE LESS THAN THE BELOW THEN PAY THEM AS IF THEY WEREN’T BEING GARNISHED:

  1. $290.00 FOR A WEEKLY PAY PERIOD
  2. $580.00 FOR A BI-WEEKLY PAY PERIOD
  3. $628.33 FOR A SEMI-MONTHLY PAY PERIOD
  4. $1,256.67 FOR A MONTHLY PAY PERIOD

IF THE DEFENDANT-EMPLOYEE’S DISPOSABLE EARNINGS ARE LESS THAN:

  1. $290.00 - $386.67 FOR A WEEKLY PAY PERIOD                                  PAY THEM $290.00
  2. $580.00 – 773.33 FOR A BI-WEEKLY PAY PERIOD                               PAY THEM $580.00
  3. $628.33 - $837.77 FOR A SEMI-MONTHLY PAY PERIOD                      PAY THEM $628.33
  4. $1,256.67 - $1,675.56 FOR A MONTHLY PAY PERIOD                          PAY THEM $1,256.67

PAY THE BALANCE OF THE DISPOSABLE EARNINGS TO THE SHERIFF.

IF THE DEFENDANT-EMPLOYEE’S DISPOSABLE EARNINGS ARE MORE THAN:

  1. $386.67 FOR A WEEKLY PAY PERIOD                                        PAY THEM 75% OF EARNINGS
  2. $773.33 FOR A WEEKLY PAY PERIOD                                        PAY THEM 75% OF EARNINGS
  3. $837.77 FOR A SEMI-MONTHLY PAY PERIOD                            PAY THEM 75% OF EARNINGS
  4. $1,675.56 FOR A MONTHLY PAY PERIOD                                   PAY THEM 75% OF EARNINGS

PAY 25% OF DISPOSABLE EARNINGS TO THE SHERIFF.

THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF EARNINGS WHICH MAY BE GARNISHED DURING A CALENDAR YEAR FOR EACH CREDITOR IS AS FOLLOWS:

  1. EARNINGS FROM $12,001.00 - $15,999.99 WITHHOLD $400.00
  2. EARNINGS FROM $16,000.00 - $23,999.99 WITHHOLD $800.00
  3. EARNINGS FROM $24,000.00 - $34,999.99 WITHHOLD $1,500.00
  4. EARNINGS FROM $35,000.00 - $49,999.99 WITHHOLD $2000.00
  5. EARNINGS FROM $50,000.00 – MORE WITHHOLD 10%

A NOTICE OF GARNISHMENT SERVED UPON A GARNISHEE IS EFFECTIVE WITHOUT SERVING ANOTHER NOTICE UNTIL THE EARLIEST OF THE FOLLOWING:

  1. ANNUAL MAXIMUM UNDER 642.21 HAS BEEN WITHHELD
  2. THE WRIT OF EXECUTION EXPIRES
  3. THE JUDGMENT EXPIRES
  4. THE JUDGMENT IS SATISFIED
  5. THE GARNISHMENT IS RELEASED BY THE SHERIFF AT THE REQUEST OF THE PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY

A SUPERVISED FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 537.1301, SUBSECTION 45, WHICH IS GARNISHED FOR AN ACCOUNT OF A DEFENDANT, AFTER PAYING THE SHERIFF ANY AMOUNTS THEN IN THE ACCOUNT, SHALL MONITOR THE ACCOUNT FOR ANY ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS AT LEAST MONTHLY WHILE THE GARNISHMENT NOTICE IS EFFECTIVE.

PAY ALL GARNISHED FUNDS TO THE BLACK HAWK COUNTY SHERIFF AT 225 E 6TH ST WATERLOO, IA 50703.

Garnishment Procedure Information and Forms
Garnishment Procedures PDF
Dictation to Sheriff - Garnishments PDF
Directions to Sheriff PDF

How Do I... Verify a Service?

Verifying a Service
The verification of service of civil processes through the sheriff's Civil Division can be done by phone at 319-291-2587 ext. 5103.

How Do I… Evict Someone?

Eviction Process/Procedures

THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT REPLACE CONSULTATION WITH AN ATTORNEY

GROUNDS TO EVICT:  Almost all evictions are based on one of three grounds:  Tenant violated the lease, Tenant created (or allowed a guest to create) a “clear and present danger’” or Tenant has not moved out (or is “holding over”) after a lease ended.

REQUIRED NOTICES: The notice required in each case depends on the reason(s) for the eviction (legal advice on which is appropriate is recommended).  There are six common kinds of notices:

3-day notice of nonpayment of rent                              3-day notice of “clear and present danger”

3-day notice to quit                                                               10-day termination notice

7-day notice to cure lease violations                             7-day notice of lease termination….

Notices may be served on tenants by property owners/managers (hereafter referred to as “Landlords”), or for a fee the Sheriff’s Office will diligently attempt service.  If tenants avoid service, the notice may have to be made by posting on the main entrance and regular and certified mail.  In any case, the notice must be served at least four (4) days prior to a Forceable Entry and Detainer (FE&D) hearing.

WRIT OF POSSESSION/EJECTION/REMOVAL:  If the Landlord receives a ruling in their favor, they must request a Writ of Removal and Possession from the Clerk of Court to present to the Sheriff.  This will not be done automatically.

EVICTION PROCEDURE:  If the Landlord wishes to proceed with the tenant removal, the following steps need to be taken.

  1. The Landlord must bring the Writ authorizing the removal of tenant(s) and belongings to the Sheriff’s Office along with a $100 advance fee and a completed “direction sheet” with contact information.  The processing fee for an eviction is $30 plus mileage and deputy hours.  Unused funds from the advance fee will be reimbursed.
  2. Landlords need to be aware that the Sheriff’s Office will not execute a Writ of Eviction 30 days after date of issuance.  Evictions also will not take place on the same day as the Writ was issued.  The Civil Sergeant or representative will call the Landlord’s contact to schedule the eviction.   When the date/time is arranged, the Sheriff will deliver or post a copy of the Writ in addition to a “courtesy letter” stating the eviction will take place (normally a notice of at least 3 days).  There is no charge for this service.
  3. On or before the time of the scheduled eviction we expect the Landlord to check and see if the tenant has voluntarily vacated.  If vacated, the eviction may be called off if the Landlord notifies the Office.
  4. Members of the Sheriff’s Office do not physically handle tenants’ belongings.  Our function is to provide authority, keep the peace, and direct the procedure.  At the time of the eviction, we expect the Landlord to provide enough manpower to complete it within an hour.  If it is obvious there are not enough people to finish within the hour, it may be rescheduled.
  5. We will expect the Landlord to remove all property and garbage from the location (this includes storage areas and garages) and place it either where the garbage pickup is done or at the property edge “right-of-way.”  When the eviction is complete, there can be no reason the former tenant could claim any personal property that is still inside.  We will not be involved in determining what is valuable and what is not. 
  6. Landlords must take due care for the property and make sure there is no unreasonable damage done during the process.  They could be held liable for any damage done during the eviction.  They should have tools for changing locks, disconnecting appliances (if warranted) or dismantling furniture, and enough boxes and large trash bags to facilitate efficient moving of the property. It is recommended protective gloves be worn and keep in mind the danger of sharp objects and blood-borne pathogens.
  7. For public health and safety reasons the following items will NOT be set out to the right-of-way: Cash, Dangerous weapons (firearms/ammunition, knives, or electronic devices designed to immobilize), syringes, and drugs of any kind.  The Sheriff’s Office will take possession of them for proper storage and/or disposal.
  8. PETS AND VEHICLES: Animals will not be allowed to remain at the site of an eviction.  If the tenant has not already arranged pet care, Animal Control from the appropriate jurisdiction will be contacted by the Sheriff’s Office for the removal.  Likewise, if a vehicle needs to be evicted from the property, we will contact a local towing company for removal.  Costs associated with animal and vehicle removal will be borne by the Landlord and/or owners.

For additional information, see:
www.blachhawklandlords.org
www.landlordsofiowa.com

How Do I… Get a No-Contact Order?

No-Contact Orders, Protective Orders, Restraining Orders
If a person needs or feels they need to get a restraining order against another person there are a few ways to do this:

  • If it is a result of a domestic abuse arrest, the judge will normally issue a no-contact order at the time of initial appearance for the suspect that does not allow the suspect to contact the victim in person, through writing, telephone, email, text messaging, or third parties.
  • If the reason is domestic abuse and no charges are filed, the person may contact the Black Hawk County Clerk of Court to fill out an application. There must be a relationship between the two people at the time of abuse including any of the following: married, separated, divorced, adult relatives living together, parents of the same minor (under 18) child or children, living together, lived together within the past year, intimate relationship, have been in an intimate relationship and have had contact within one year of the assault.
  • If the restraining order is the result of something other than the above reasons, you should consult a private attorney to help draw up documents to take to the judge to get the restraining order.

The Iowa State Victim Notification Service (VINE), is a service through which victims of crime can use the telephone or internet to search for information regarding their offender’s custody status and register to receive telephone or email notification when their offender's custody status changes. The VINE toll-free number for Iowa is 1-888-742-8463.

How Do I... Find Out Whether an Offender/Defendant Is Currently in Custody?

VineLink: An Online Portal to VINE
VINELink is the online version of VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), the National Victim Notification Network. This service allows crime victims to obtain timely and reliable information about criminal cases and the custody status of offenders 24 hours a day. Some states have the ability to display this website in Spanish. Click the button below to go to the VINELink website.

Visit the VINELink Website

Who's In Jail
To view the list of inmates currently being held in the Black Hawk County Jail, click the button below.

Go to Inmate Search

How Do I... Register for Notification of an Offender’s Release?

VineLink: An Online Portal to VINE
VINELink is the online version of VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), the National Victim Notification Network. This service allows crime victims to obtain timely and reliable information about criminal cases and the custody status of offenders 24 hours a day. Some states have the ability to display this website in Spanish. Click the link below to go to the VINELink website.

VINELink Website

How Do I... Apply for a Weapons Permit?

To learn more about applying for a weapons permit, visit our Weapons Permit page or submit an online application.

How Do I... Make a Complaint?

To lodge a complaint with the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office, you may obtain a complaint form at the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office located at 225 E. 6th St. in Waterloo, IA, or print off the following form and submit it at the sheriff's office:

Complaint Form PDF

How Do I... Report to You?

If this is an EMERGENCY or CRIME IN PROGRESS please call: 911.

For non-emergencies, contact the dispatch center at: 319-291-2515. 

You may contact the sheriff's office directly by dialing: 319-291-2587.

If you have information that is not happening now but is an ongoing problem in your neighborhood, you can email the sheriff's office below. Examples would include speeders at certain times of the day, someone you think may be selling drugs, etc.

You can remain anonymous if you would like or feel free to give us your name and phone number so we can contact you if we have questions.

Please try and give us the exact location of the event and if possible times that it occurs, and any other important information including vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, descriptions of people, etc.

Thank you for helping keep your neighborhood safe.

Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office
225 E. 6th St., Waterloo, IA 50703
319-291-2587
patrolsgt@bhcso.org

How Do I... Set Up a Talk or Tour?

To arrange for a representative to speak at your school or event, please contact:

Community Services Coordinator
Deputy Altenbaumer
Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office
225 E. 5th St., Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: 319-291-2587 ext. 5132
Email: kaltenbaumer@bhcso.org

How Do I... Drop Off Court Clothes for an Inmate?

If an inmate needs clothing brought in for court, the clothing must be dropped off by his/her attorney. You will have to make arrangements to get the clothing to the attorney, so he/she can bring them to the jail.

Court clothing should not be dropped off any earlier than two days prior to and no later than 8:30 a.m. on the day of the inmate's scheduled court date.

Inmates are not allowed to have court clothing dropped off for initial appearances. The inmate will go before the judge or magistrate in the clothing they were wearing at the time of arrest or in an inmate uniform.

How Do I... Get an Inmate Out of Jail?

To get an inmate out of jail prior to final court disposition you can utilize either of two methods:

  1. Post Cash Bond
  2. Post Bond through a Bonding Agency

Cash Bond: To post a cash bond, verify the bond amount with the jail by calling 291-2587 ext. 5244 or checking this website. During regular business hours, take the cash and go to the Black Hawk County Courthouse, first floor, and present the cash to the Clerk of Courts. A certificate will be given to you verifying the bond is paid. Bring that certificate to the front counter of the sheriff's office and give it to the attendant. After regular business hours, bring the correct cash amount directly to the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office.

Bonding Agency: To post bond utilizing a bonding agency, you need to contact one of the various agencies in the area. The phone numbers for the agencies can be found in the phone book or by using Google search. The bonding agencies will work with you and come up with the terms and conditions of posting bond for an inmate's release. The bonding agencies are completely separate from the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office and the sheriff's office does not recommend or discredit any bonding agency.

Learn more about inmate and family support.

How Do I... Get Property Released?

The Black Hawk County Jail will release inmate property within the following criteria:

  • If the inmate in question has been transported to prison, the inmate will have the opportunity to have their property picked up by a designated person. This will only occur after the inmate has left our facility. Property not picked up within 5 days of notification will be destroyed.
  • If the inmate has left our facility, for permanent placement elsewhere, their property will go with them at the time of transfer.
  • In situations requiring a demonstrated need, an inmate may request permission from the housing sergeant to have the personal property released to a specified person that is not incarcerated. If this request is approved by the sergeant and you are the person that the inmate has specified to pick up the property, you will be contacted to arrange a time to come to the Sheriff’s Office to get that property.

How Do I... Pay Room and Board?

Below is some information in regard to room and boarding fees at the Black Hawk County Jail.

  • Booking Fee: $25.00
  • Room and Board: $70.00 per day

Payments can be brought in or mailed to the sheriff's office. Contact 319-291-5029 during normal business hours to obtain the following information:

  • Balance due
  • Payment plan adjustments
  • Copy of the payment plan
  • Check on any credits

Failure to Keep Payment Arrangements

Failure to keep payment arrangements will result in any or all of the following:

  • Driver's License revocation
  • Refusal to renew vehicle registration
  • Withholding of Iowa State Income Tax Refund
  • Contempt of Court charges
  • Garnishments/Executions of Wages/Assets
  • Liens on Real Property
  • Forfeiture of money owed to you by Clerk of Court
  • Collection by County Attorney
  • Collection by the Department of Revenue and Finance with a 10% late penalty attached

Learn more about paying for room and board on our Inmates and Families page.

How Do I... Send an Inmate Mail?

While incarcerated at the Black Hawk County Jail, inmates have several methods of communication with family, friends, their attorney, and the court. Where not prohibited by law, court order, or jail rules, inmates may communicate via the US Postal Service, inmate telephone system, video visitation system, or electronic messaging system.

Mail can be sent to inmates at the following address:

[Inmate Name]
Black Hawk County Jail
225 East 6th Street
Waterloo, IA  50703

*Include a return address on any correspondence sent.
*All personal mail is subject to search.

Incoming Inmate Mail

Letters and drawings sent to inmates at the Black Hawk County Jail must adhere to the following:

  • Letters and drawings must be typed or written with a pen or pencil. Colored pencils, crayons, paint, felt pens, markers, etc. will not be accepted.
  • Paper must be free of stains, stickers, tape, perfume, glitter, lipstick, etc.
  • Content or letters must be only communication or correspondence. Sending items such as food, drink, stationary, stamps, etc. is not allowed.

The following subjects are considered banned content by the jail staff and will not be distributed to inmates:

  • Martial arts, boxing, wrestling
  • Tactical maneuvers, firearms, weapons, etc.
  • Unlawful substances
  • Tattoo and body piercing
  • Sexually explicit or provocative content
  • Racist or inflammatory material
  • Gang-related material, symbols, hand gestures, etc.
  • Any material that poses a safety or security threat to staff or the facility
  • Obscene material

Obscene Material as Defined by Iowa Code 721.8(5):

"Obscene Material" is any material depicting or describing the genitals, sex acts, masturbation, excretory functions or sadomasochistic abuse which the average person, taking the material as a whole and applying contemporary community standards with respect to what is suitable material for minors, would find prurient interest and is patently offensive; and the material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, scientific, political or artistic value.

Any and all legal mail will not initially be opened. Legal mail will be taken to the inmate where it will be opened in front of a staff member and the inmate, and will remain in the possession of the inmate.

Mail for inmates no longer in the Black Hawk County Jail will be returned to the sender, and will not be forwarded.

Outgoing Inmate Mail

Inmates may write and receive as many letters as they wish, and when not prohibited by law, court order, or jail rules; inmates may communicate via the US Postal Service, inmate telephone system, video visitation system, or electronic messaging system. Communication is restricted from other inmates of the Black Hawk County Jail, and to inmates of other jails or prisons. Third-party mail, telephone calls, or video visits to communicate with other inmates or prisoners are not allowed.

If an inmate's attorney is a member of the Public Defender's Office, or for court correspondence, this may be sent via the mail or electronic messaging system. If an inmate's attorney is in private practice, inmates will need to send correspondence through the US Mail.

Inmates can also use the electronic messaging system to submit a request to jail staff, kitchen staff, medical staff and some outside agencies. There is no cost to the inmate to send these requests, however, excessive or frivolous requests are against jail rules and could result in disciplinary action against the inmate.

Inmates wishing to send letters through the mail are only able to use envelopes purchased through the jail commissary. No stamps or envelopes can be sent to an inmate.

Inmate Books and Newspapers

The Black Hawk County Jail provides a variety of reading material for inmates while incarcerated. New books and magazines are added to the library as they become available. Inmates are not allowed to accumulate an excessive number of books or magazines in their cells so all inmates have an opportunity to select reading material. Inmates are allowed no more than three books or magazines in their cell at one time, no more than three newspapers at one time, and may have up to three religious books in their cells at one time.

Individual magazine subscriptions are not allowed for inmates.

Inmates who wish to receive a newspaper subscription must make arrangements for payment from outside of the jail. Newspaper subscriptions cannot and will not be paid through inmate commissary accounts.

Only books of a religious, educational, or legal nature are allowed to be sent to inmates, under the following circumstances:

  • Any book an inmate wishes to receive must be first approved by the Jail Administrator. This must be done by the inmate submitting the request to the Jail Administrator on the tablet system.
  • Books must be sent directly from a publisher, or other approved source (Amazon.com). Nothing from a third party will be allowed.
  • The seller's information must be included in the request to the jail administrator. Books that are approved to be sent will count toward an inmate's total allowed books (three). No books will be stored or mailed outside of the jail for an inmate that exceeds the allowed number of books. Any books received that are not pre-approved will be returned to the sender.

The Black Hawk County Jail has a law library available to inmates at no cost via the inmate tablet system. Inmates are free to use this whenever the tablets are distributed by the pod officer.

How Do I... Send an Inmate Money?

Inmates can receive money for their account by money orders or certified cashier's checks sent to the jail using a delivery service (i.e., USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.). Money orders and cashier's checks must be filled out with the inmate's name and mailed to the following address:

[Inmate's Name]
Black Hawk County Jail
225 East 6th Street
Waterloo, IA  50703

*Please include a return address.

Cash can no longer be brought to the front counter at the sheriff's office. Cash and or credit cards can be used to deposit money in an inmate's account by using the kiosk at the front lobby entrance. The kiosk in the lobby entrance is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Money can also be deposited online at team3.inmatecanteen.com.

This is for inmate commissary only, and cannot be applied to an inmate phone account.

How Do I... Set Up an Inmate Phone Account?

NOTICE: On March 26, 2023, the phone contract with GTL phone services will end with the Black Hawk County Jail. On that date, CIDNET, the current video visitation provider will take over phone services for inmates.

Family and friends of inmates who have account balances with GTL should be aware of this change to minimize the amount of money remaining on the account at the end of this contract. If you need to request a refund of funds still on your GTL phone account, call 1-800-786-8521.

As this transition takes place, family and friends who have a current account with CIDNET can simply add on the phone service option to communicate with their loved ones.

For those without an account, this can be set up at: customer.cidnet.net/register.

To set up an inmate video visitation account with CIDNET, you can:

For help, view the CIDNET Friends and Family Guide. If you have problems with an existing account, call 888-231-3393.

How Do I... Visit an Inmate?

While in the Black Hawk County Jail, inmates are entitled to reasonable contact with their families and friends, unless this privilege has been restricted by disciplinary sanctions for a specified period of time.

  • General population inmates may receive one local visit per weekday for up to 30 minutes.
  • Maximum security inmates are allowed two visits per week, up to 30 minutes each, unless restricted for disciplinary or other reasons.
  • Special Housing Unit (SHU) inmates are allowed one visit per week for up to 30 minutes each unless restricted for disciplinary or other reasons.

Scheduling a Visitation

All visits must be scheduled on the CIDNET friends and family portal. Visitors must complete a CIDNET Account before arriving at the jail to visit an inmate. To set up an inmate video visitation account with CIDNET, you can:

Remote visits can be scheduled any time there is an available block on CIDNET's website. There is a fee determined by CIDNET for all remote visits. You are only billed for the data used during the visit, so if the visit is canceled or cut short for any reason, you will only be billed for the time both parties are connected on the call.

Local visits must be set up on your own devices and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Visitors cannot set up an account at the sheriff's office. Any and all visits and accounts must be set up via the CIDNET link above prior to visiting an inmate. There is no fee for local visits. Due to COVID protocols, disciplinary action, etc., visit availability is subject to change with little or no notice. All local visits take place at the kiosks in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office/Jail.

Inmate Visitation Hours

  • A1: Monday - Friday: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • A2: Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • A3 Lower Tier: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • A3 Upper Tier: Monday - Friday: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • B-F Pods: Monday - Friday: 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Monday - Thursday: Additional - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • F-Pod Maximum Security Inmates: Call to see when available.
  • F-Pod Administrative Segregation Inmates: Wednesday only 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM 

Visitation schedules can change with little to no notice. The sheriff's office does its best to hold to the schedule, but we reserve the right to change or cancel visitation as needed. We apologize in advance for any inconveniences a disruption in visitation may cause you. Be advised that A Pod visitation varies depending on the inmate's exact placement and situation, including but not limited to disciplinary actions or COVID protocols.

The visitation system is maintained by CIDNET. Please contact them regarding any technical or billing issues you may have.

Visitation Policies and Procedures

  • Visitors must be at least 18 years old and have a non-expired government-issued photo ID.
  • Visitor parking is not allowed in our front parking lot during our normal business hours. This lot is reserved for sheriff’s office business only.
  • Persons under 18 years of age are not allowed in the visitation waiting area.
  • Children accompanying visitors may not be left unattended for any reason. 
  • Food and drinks are not allowed at the visitation or the visitation waiting area. 
  • Profanity, cursing and derogatory remarks are not allowed. Keep the noise down to a minimum. 
  • Do not use your cell phone when checking in for visits.
  • Shorts and skirts can not be shorter than mid-thigh.
  • Pants must be worn at the waist.
  • Headwear of any kind is not allowed, unless for a verified religious reason and pre-approved by jail staff.
  • Lockers are available for the storage of valuables.

Visitors who violate any of these rules may be restricted and possibly banned from visiting inmates in the future. 

How Do I... Have My House Checked On?

The Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office will check houses (vacation watches) for county residents who live outside the city limits.

To set up a vacation watch, please call dispatch at 319-291-2515 and ask to speak to a patrol deputy to set up a vacation watch.

You will need to provide the following information:

  1. The date you are leaving and returning.
  2. Your home phone number and your cell phone number or a number where you can be reached while you are gone.
  3. Name, phone number, address, and vehicle description/license plate number, of anyone who will be checking your house and whether or not they have keys to the house.
  4. Location of the lights you are leaving on or, if they are on a timer, the times they will be on.
  5. Please call dispatch when you return home so we can cancel the vacation watch.

Please arrange for someone to get your paper, mail, etc., while you are gone if you do not have it stopped. Also, if you are going to be gone in the winter, it is a good idea to have someone clear your driveway and sidewalks of snow.

Vacation Watch Request Form PDF

How Do I... Pay a Ticket?

Tickets can be paid through the mail. Send in one copy of your ticket marked "Furnish to the Court" and your payment to:

Clerk of District Court - TRAFFIC
P.O. Box 9500
Waterloo, IA 50704-9500

Tickets may also be paid at the Black Hawk County Court House located at 316 E. 5th St., Waterloo, IA, as well as online (by credit card) on the Iowa Courts website.

Note: You must pay court costs even if you do not go to court. Please pay the amount next to the total.

*The bond amount is if you do not pay the total by the court date or set up a payment plan with the clerk of court.

How Do I... Find Accident Reports?

If the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office was the investigating agency for an auto accident, copies of the report are available upon request from our custodian of records, or online at https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home.

How Do I... Find Out the Jail Credit/Time Served Information?

Jail Credit is calculated ONLY at the time you are sent to prison. The prison will provide you with a jail credit request form which needs to be submitted to the Records Department. This request should include the following information:

  1. Name/Date of birth of the inmate
  2. Case Number (Court Docket #) of EACH case you are requesting credit for
  3. What the original charge was
  4. Date of the original offense

This information is needed to ensure you receive the correct amount of credit for your cases. After your request is researched and calculated, this information will be provided TO THE PRISON via e-mail. Separate copies will not be mailed to the inmate.

If you are to serve your time in the Black Hawk County Jail, the jail staff will research your case to see if any time was previously served. They will apply this to your sentence when you come to jail.

If you require verification of incarceration in the Black Hawk County Jail, we can provide this verification.

How Do I... Request a Military Records Check?

Requests made by the armed forces can be faxed directly to records at 319-291-2541 or the local recruiter can bring them to our office. Additionally, you may email the request to dbrasch@bhcso.org.

How Do I... Request an Incident Report?

Incident reports (anything other than accidents) are available by contacting our custodian of records at 319-291-2587, ext. 5126, or ext. 5135. See Fee Schedule for more information.

How Do I... Request Criminal History Background Checks?

We provide criminal background checks for Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office arrests only. It does not include juvenile records, or traffic records (which may be obtained from the Iowa Department of Transportation), nor does it include arrest information from another agency. We suggest you check with other agencies for additional information. The criminal records check does not include disposition information on any of the charges, it simply states that the individual was arrested. We caution your use of this information without full court disclosure on the disposition of each charge. Contact the Black Hawk County Clerk of Courts at 319-833-3000 for disposition information. See the Fee Schedule for cost.

If you are in need of a statewide criminal background check, you will need to contact the Department of Criminal Investigations in Des Moines at 515-725-6066.

How Do I... Request Open Records?

The Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office is committed to promoting open and transparent government by complying with the Iowa Open Records Act. Records that are defined as open under the law shall be released upon request. There are some records that are deemed confidential; therefore, we cannot release them.

The Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office has designated two staff members to be our Open Records Liaisons. They are:

Please call or email one of these staff members to request the records you are seeking. You may also report in person to this office during regular business hours Monday through Friday and request to speak with one of the two liaisons if you wish. They will inform you whether or not the record can be copied for you or viewed by you and will give you a cost estimate. There may be time needed to prepare the record in question. If they need time to determine if your request qualifies for copying or viewing, the liaison will tell you and get back to you as soon as possible after researching and/or seeking legal advice. The reasonable costs of providing the open record(s) to you must be pre-paid if the record is being sent back to you or paid for at the time you pick it up in person at our lobby.

For a general overview of fees associated with open records, click Fee Schedule to visit the page on this website.

If you choose to make your open records request through the US Mail, be as specific as possible as to the record you are seeking and provide a means for the liaison to contact you if they have questions. They will have to convey to you somehow whether or not your request can be fulfilled and how much it will cost. Use the following address:

Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office
Attention: Open Records Request
225 E 6th Street
Waterloo, IA 50703

Can a Parent Be Charged With Child Endangerment for Leaving a Child(ren) With a Known Sex Offender?

Yes, child endangerment charges can be filed against the parent of a child(ren) for entrusting their child with a registered sex offender or living with a registered sex offender. DHS becomes involved with the parent and the child(ren). The parent is exempt if married to the registered sex offender.

Can a Sex Offender Be Around Children?

Yes, if they are his/her children or step-children.

How Do I... Register With the Iowa Sex Offender Registry?

You must report to the sheriff's office in the county where your primary residence is located to fill out registration paperwork. You must also register your place of employment and any schools you attend. You have five (5) business days to complete this registration from the date you are convicted of qualifying sex or sex-related crimes and/or released from jail/prison, or you obtain a different residence, begin employment, or school in Black Hawk County.

What Are the Rules About Where a Sex Offender Can Live?

There are different criteria depending on the offense. Those convicted of Sexual Abuse 1st Degree, 2nd Degree, 3rd Degree; except 709.4 (2)(c)(4) must abide by the residency restriction law. As of July 1, 2009, the law changed in regard to residency restrictions. You can call 319-291-2587, check the Iowa website, or the Black Hawk County website for more information.