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Jefferson County Bessemer Jail

County Jail

Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Address
1822 2nd Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020
Beds
400
County
Jefferson
Phone
205-481-4160
Fax
205-481-4179
Email
info@jeffcosheriffal.com
View Official Website

Bessemer Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules
Satellite View of Jefferson County Bessemer Jail

You can support your loved ones at Bessemer Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 205-481-4160.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Bessemer Jail is a detention center located at 1822 2nd Ave N Bessemer, AL which is operated locally by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Jefferson County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Bessemer Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Alabama here.

The Bessemer Jefferson County Jail serves as one of the two primary detention centers within Jefferson County, sharing responsibility with the Birmingham facility. Together, these jails accommodate an average of 1,000 inmates at any given time, with Bessemer contributing significantly to the management of those awaiting trial or transfer to the Alabama Department of Corrections. Annually, the Corrections Division oversees the processing of approximately 43,000 inmates, a considerable undertaking facilitated by the 185 Deputies stationed across both locations.

The Bessemer Jail prioritizes safety, security, and the provision of essential services for its inmates. On-site medical care is available, ensuring that inmates' physical health needs are addressed promptly. While the primary focus is on secure confinement, the facility works in close coordination with the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Release Office, which assists in the release of inmates who meet specific criteria. This office also supports the public by helping them post bonds for individuals who do not qualify for pre-trial release. Though Bessemer does not offer educational services or law libraries directly, it remains a critical component of the county’s correctional operations.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

Inmates are permitted three white t-shirts, three pairs of white socks, and three pairs of white underwear. Female inmates may also have three sports bras, provided they are wire-free. These items must be dropped off at the front desk within the first seven days of the inmate’s stay, and each item must be marked with the inmate’s name in permanent ink. After seven days, inmates must purchase these items through the commissary. Personal hygiene products are also obtained from the commissary, with indigent inmates receiving an indigent package.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Table of Contents for Bessemer Jail

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Alabama. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Jefferson County Bessemer Jail.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

There is no visitation on Monday or Friday. (Visitation days and times are subject to change.)

Visitation Rules & Regulations

  • All visitors must be 17 years of age or older, and must have a valid state ID or driver's license.
  • Inmates must schedule a 45-minute time slot one day before the visit. An inmate may have only two visits per week.
  • Only two adults and two children over the age of three per visit.
  • Children under the age of three are only allowed to visit on the first Sunday of every month.
  • Children (16 and under) will be accompanied by an adult parent or legal guardian.
  • Children must be supervised at all times by a parent/legal guardian.
  • Visitors must be properly attired. Clothing of a provocative/revealing nature will not be allowed.
  • Any visitor creating a disturbance will be subject to being banned from our facility.
  • Any visitor caught bringing in contraband to inmates will be prosecuted (42-5-18 Giving inmates items without the consent of authority).
  • All visitors are subject to being searched. Any visitor who refuses to be searched will be denied entry.
  • No cell phones, electronic devices, purses, or packages are allowed in our facility (pay lockers are located in the lobby).
  • All food and drinks are prohibited.
  • The Jefferson County Jail reserves the right to refuse entry to any person or persons.

More Information

Bessemer Jail
Main switchboard - (205) 481-4160
Administrative Office - (205) 481-8502
Pre-Trial Release - (205) 481-8529

Frequently Asked Questions

Jefferson County Bessemer Jail - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Jefferson County Bessemer Jail?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Jefferson County Bessemer Jail, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Jefferson County Bessemer Jail directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Jefferson County Bessemer Jail?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Jefferson County Bessemer Jail?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Bessemer Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Bessemer Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Bessemer Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Jefferson County Bessemer Jail?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Bessemer Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Bessemer Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Jefferson County Bessemer Jail before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Bessemer Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Bessemer Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Bessemer Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Bessemer Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Bessemer Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Bessemer Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Jefferson County Bessemer Jail?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Jefferson County Bessemer Jail?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Bessemer Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Bessemer Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Jefferson County Bessemer Jail?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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