Did you know that as of 2020, Broward County Jail housed more than 4,500 prisoners?
For those who have a loved one or family member incarcerated at Broward County Jail, the experience can be overwhelming, emotional, and filled with uncertainty.
Adjusting to this new reality is no easy task, and navigating the intricacies of the jail system can be daunting.
To help ease the burden and provide guidance, we've created this comprehensive overview of Broward County Jail specifically for you – the families and loved ones of inmates. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
An Overview of the Jail's Policy
The Broward County Jail has various policies and jail rules in place. The purpose of these regulations is to maintain order and ensure the safety and well-being of inmates and their loved ones.
These policies include inmate rules and jail rules, which help to provide structure and maintain a secure environment.
Inmate rules cover various aspects of an inmate's daily life. This includes their conduct, dress code, and participation in work, educational, or rehabilitative programs.
These rules also address issues like contraband, substance abuse, and interactions with staff and other inmates.
It is essential for inmates to adhere to these rules. This is because non-compliance can lead to disciplinary action. Inmates might even lose certain privileges or lose access to programs.
Jail rules pertain to overall facility operations. They also pertain to the way family members and loved ones interact with inmates.
These rules cover visitation procedures, mail policies, and guidelines for sending money or care packages. For loved ones, it is crucial to familiarize themselves with these rules.
This will guarantee smooth communication and avoid unintentional violations that could impact their relationship with the inmate.
Finding an Inmate
To locate an inmate at Broward County Jail, use the inmate search feature on the Broward County Sheriff's Office website or call the jail directly.
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth to obtain their booking number, charges, and facility location, ensuring you can stay connected.
How to Visit Inmates
Inmate visitors must adhere to the jail's guidelines. This includes providing identification, following the dress code, and respecting the visiting hours.
While visiting hours may vary depending on the facility within the Broward County Jail system, they are typically scheduled on specific days and times during the week.
To get accurate information on visiting hours for your loved one, it is essential to consult the jail's official website. You can also call the facility directly.
With this being said, the standard visiting hours for Paul Rein Detention Facility, North Broward Bureau, Main Jail, and the Joseph V. Conte Facility are from 7:45 am to 1:45 pm and from 3:45 pm to 9:45 pm.
The visiting hours for North Broward Unit 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are from 7:45 am to 1:45 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:45 pm.
Keep in mind that visiting hours may be subject to change due to holidays or special circumstances. This is why it is always a good idea to confirm the schedule before planning your visit.
Before your visit, you will need to register as an inmate visitor. You can either do this online or in person at the jail. Make sure you have a valid government-issued photo ID.
The most common types of identification are a driver's license or passport. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. They will also need to bring identification documents.
Upon arrival at the jail, you will need to sign in and go through a security screening process. Remember to follow the facility's dress code and leave any prohibited items at home or in your vehicle.
Sending Money and Adding to Inmate Jail Canteens
One of the best ways to support an inmate is by adding money to their canteen account or sending them funds.
By doing this, you will help cover essential expenses while they are incarcerated at Broward County Jail. Inmate funds can be used to purchase various items.
This includes toiletries, snacks, or stationery from the jail's commissary. Your loved one can also use this money to make phone calls or access other services.
There are several methods available for depositing inmate funds. You can choose the one that best suits your preferences. Here are some common ways to add money to a prisoner's account.
Online
The Broward County Jail has partnered with secure online services. These services allow you to deposit funds directly into an inmate's account by using a credit or debit card.
Some popular services include JPay, Access Corrections, and ConnectNetwork.
You will need to create an account and provide the inmate's identification information. You will then need to follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
By Phone
You may be able to make deposits over the phone. To do this, you'll need to call the jail's designated service provider. Next, provide the necessary inmate information and follow the instructions to complete the transaction.
In Person
You can visit the jail or a designated off-site location to deposit funds into an inmate's account. This may involve using a kiosk that accepts cash, credit, or debit cards.
You can also visit the facility's cashier window during specified hours. Be sure to have the inmate's identification information handy when making the deposit.
By Mail
Some facilities still accept money orders or cashier's checks sent through the mail. In this case, you will need to follow the jail's specific guidelines for mailing the money order.
You will also need to make sure that you include the inmate's full name and identification number on the document.
Bailing Inmates Out
Bailing an inmate out of jail is a process. It allows you to secure their release by providing a financial guarantee, known as bail, to ensure that they will appear in court as required.
The bail amount is determined by the judge or the court. It can vary depending on the charges, the defendant's criminal history, and other factors.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to bail an inmate out of Broward County Jail.
Obtain Bail Information
First, you need to gather essential information. This includes the inmate's full name, booking number, and the bail amount.
You can get this information from the jail. You can also access the Broward County Sheriff's Office website.
Contact a Bail Bondsman
If you are unable to pay the full bail amount, you can seek the assistance of a bail bondsman.
Bail bondsmen are licensed professionals who provide bail bonds, which are essentially loans that cover the bail amount. In exchange for their services, they charge a non-refundable fee, usually a percentage of the total bail amount.
Provide the Necessary Information
Once you've chosen a bail bondsman, you will need to provide them with the inmate's details, including their full name, booking number, and the bail amount.
The bail bondsman will then guide you through the process and explain any additional requirements or documentation needed.
Sign the Bail Bond Agreement
To secure a bail bond, you will need to sign an agreement with the bail bondsman.
This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the bond, including your responsibility to ensure that the inmate appears in court as required.
Pay the Bail Bond Fee
You will be required to pay the non-refundable fee to the bail bondsman. This fee is usually a percentage of the total bail amount, typically around 10%.
Await the Inmate’s Release
Once the bail bond has been posted, the jail will process the release, which can take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, depending on the facility's procedures and workload.
After the release, the defendant will be required to attend all court hearings and abide by any additional conditions set by the court.
How to Help Inmates Get Tablet Rentals
To help inmates access tablet rentals, start by learning about the jail's specific policies and approved providers.
Deposit funds into the inmate's account for rental fees, and encourage them to follow the facility's guidelines for tablet usage.
Tablet rentals can provide educational, entertainment, and communication opportunities, easing their incarceration experience.
Making and Receiving Phone Calls
Inmates who stay at Broward County Jail can make outgoing phone calls but are unable to receive incoming calls.
They typically have access to phones during designated hours and can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts funded by their loved ones.
To set up a prepaid account, follow the jail's approved service provider's guidelines.
While inmates cannot receive phone calls, they can stay connected with their loved ones through inmate mail, which includes sending and receiving letters or postcards, following the facility's specific policies and regulations.
An Overview of Broward County Jail
It can be challenging to know how to help a loved one who is staying at Broward County Jail.
You should first familiarize yourself with the Broward County Jail policy. You should also keep in mind that there are several ways to send inmates money. You also might be able to bail your loved one out of jail.
Do you want to find out more about how to support a loved one who is in jail? If so, we can help you. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions that you have!
