Special Note for Kentucky: Kentucky has one of the best centralized inmate search tools in the country (called KOOL), which makes verification easier than in many other states.
However, Kentucky.Arrests.org is still the fastest way to browse mugshots visually, as the government tool is text-heavy.
Here is your practical, step-by-step walkthrough.
If you are looking for an arrest record in Kentucky (especially in Louisville, Lexington, or Bowling Green), you need to know if your friend or family member is currently behind bars and what their bond is.
We use a proven two-step system to find them fast:
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Step 1 (Speed): Use Kentucky.Arrests.org to visually identify the inmate and see charges.
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Step 2 (Accuracy): Verify the live status with KOOL (Kentucky Online Offender Lookup), the official state database.
Here is exactly how to do it.
Part 1: How to Search “Kentucky Arrests Org”
Kentucky.Arrests.orgis the best starting point because it aggregates data from county jails (like Jefferson and Fayette) into one feed with photos.
Step 1: Select Your County Immediately Do not browse the main state list; it moves too fast. Click the specific county where the arrest happened:
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For Louisville: Click “Jefferson”.
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For Lexington: Click “Fayette”.
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For Bowling Green: Click “Warren”.
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For Covington/Independence: Click “Kenton”.
Step 2: Use the “Smart” Filters Once on the county page:
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The “Recent” Rule: The grid automatically shows bookings from the last 24 hours.
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Search by Name: Use the search bar at the top right. Enter the Last Name.
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Pro Tip: If you aren’t sure of the spelling, type just the first 3 letters. The system will match “Smi” to “Smith,” “Smiley,” etc.
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Step 3: Read the Profile Codes Clicking a photo reveals the inmate profile. Look for:
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Status: “In Custody” (local jail) vs. “Transferred” (state prison).
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Bond:
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“$0.00” / “Hold”: Usually means they are waiting for arraignment (typically 9:00 AM the next business day).
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“Full Cash”: You must pay the exact amount in cash.
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“10% Cash”: You only pay 10% of the bond amount to the court (common in KY).
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Part 2: The “Double-Check” (Official Verification)
⚠️ Critical Warning: Third-party sites lag. If the person was released 2 hours ago, Arrests.org might still say “In Custody.”
How to Verify Instantly (Statewide):
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Go to KOOL: Visit the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup (KOOL).
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Search: Click “Advanced Search” if you want to filter by county, or just enter the Last Name.
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The Final Verdict:
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If they ARE on KOOL: They are definitely in custody. The site lists their specific location (e.g., “Jefferson County Det Cntr”).
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If they are NOT on KOOL: They have likely been released.
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Part 3: Official 2026 Resource Directory
Save these verified numbers. Arrests.org cannot help you pay bail. You must contact these specific offices directly.
1. Jefferson County (Louisville Metro Corrections)
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Official Search: Louisville Inmate Finder
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Jail Address: 400 S. Sixth Street, Louisville, KY 40202
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Phone: (502) 574-8477
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Bond Info: Louisville accepts bond payments at the Hall of Justice (600 W Jefferson St) or via the TouchPay kiosk in the lobby.
2. Fayette County (Lexington)
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Official Search: Fayette County Inmate Lookup
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Jail Address: 600 Old Frankfort Circle, Lexington, KY 40510
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Phone: (859) 425-2700
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Note: This facility updates its roster very quickly compared to others.
3. Warren County Regional Jail (Bowling Green)
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Official Search: Warren County Jail Roster
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Jail Address: 920 Kentucky St, Bowling Green, KY 42101
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Phone: (270) 843-4606
4. Kenton County Detention Center
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Official Search: Kenton JailTracker
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Jail Address: 3000 Decker Crane Lane, Covington, KY 41017
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Phone: (859) 363-2400
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I pay bail online in Kentucky?
A: Generally, no. Most Kentucky counties require you to post bond in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office (during business hours) or the jail (after hours). Some larger jails like Louisville use third-party kiosks for commissary deposits, but bail usually requires cash or a certified check.
Q: What does “10% Bond” mean?
A: Kentucky is unique. We don’t have private commercial bail bondsmen (bounty hunters) like other states. Instead, the court often allows you to post 10% of the bond amount directly to the court clerk to get released. You get most of this money back if you show up to all court dates.
Q: Why is the photo on Arrests.org but not on KOOL?
A: KOOL is the official state database. Sometimes, for very minor violations or traffic citations, the booking info isn’t pushed to the state system immediately, but Arrests.org (which scrapes local logs) might pick it up faster.
🛡️ Editor’s Note
This guide was manually researched for Kentucky records. We verified phone numbers and links for Jefferson, Fayette, Warren, and Kenton counties as of January 2026.