Dallas County, TX Jail Overview

Dallas County, TX Jail Overview

Did you know that the Dallas county jail holds 7,500 inmates and that 18% of inmates are currently waiting for transfer to state and federal agencies? 

The Dallas Country Jail is one of the largest county jails in the state of Texas. It serves as a temporary home for thousands of individuals who are awaiting trial or serving sentences for a variety of crimes.

Understanding the inner workings of the jail, including its policies and procedures, can be essential for ensuring that your loved one is safe, comfortable, and receiving adequate care while they are in custody.

To make things easier for you, we've written a guide that explains everything you need to know about jail programs, inmate education, and how the jail commissary works. Keep reading if you want to find out more. 

The Dallas County Jail Policy 

The Dallas County Jail has a set of policies and procedures that govern the behavior and rights of inmates, as well as the responsibilities and privileges of friends and family members of inmates. 

For inmates, the jail's policies cover a range of topics, including housing assignments, meal times, access to medical care, and opportunities for education and recreation.

Inmates are expected to follow all rules and regulations while in custody, and violations of these rules can result in disciplinary action, including loss of privileges or restricted movement within the jail.

For friends and family members of inmates, the jail's policies outline the procedures for visiting an inmate, sending mail and packages, and adding money to an inmate's jail commissary account.

Visitation hours may vary depending on the day of the week and the housing unit where the inmate is located.

There may be restrictions on the number of visitors allowed during each visit and the items that can be brought into the jail during a visit.

How to Find Inmates

Finding an inmate who is staying at the Dallas County Jail is relatively simple. There are several ways that you can do this. Here is what you need to know. 

Online Inmate Search

Most county jails, including the Dallas County Jail, have an online inmate search tool. These tools make it easy to search for an inmate by name or booking number.

This is often the quickest and most convenient way to find an inmate. You can find the Dallas County Jail inmate search tool on the official Dallas County Sheriff's Department website.

Phone Inquiry

You can also call the Dallas County Jail at (214) 761-9025 and ask for information about an inmate. Be prepared to provide the inmate's full name and date of birth, as well as any other identifying information you may have.

In-Person Inquiry

If you prefer to speak with someone in person, you can visit the Dallas County Jail at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207. The jail has a lobby area where you can ask for information about an inmate.

Jail Visitation Hours

It's important to know that jail visitation hours may vary depending on the day of the week and the housing unit where the inmate is located.

This is why it's a good idea to check the jail's website or call the jail's main line for the most up-to-date information.

To schedule a visit, you will typically need to create an account on the jail's website and register for a specific date and time slot.

You may also need to provide some personal information and pass a background check before you can visit an inmate.

Also, there may be restrictions on the number of visitors allowed during each visit, as well as restrictions on what items you can bring into the jail during your visit.

Be sure to check the jail's website or call the jail's main line for information on these policies and procedures before scheduling a visit.

The visitation hours at the Dallas Country Jail are Monday-Friday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. You can also visit inmates on the weekends between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

It is also possible to schedule remote visitation hours between Monday and Thursday. 

Adding Items to Jail Canteens and Sending Money

The jail commissary is a store within the Dallas County Jail where inmates can purchase items such as snacks, hygiene products, and other necessities.

Friends and family members can add money to an inmate's jail commissary account to help them purchase these items. There are several ways to do this, including:

Online

The Dallas County Jail has an online system that allows you to deposit money directly into an inmate's jail commissary account using a credit or debit card.

You can typically find the link to the jail commissary deposit system on the jail's website. Keep in mind that the Dallas County Sheriff's Department Jail may charge an online fee for making deposits. 

Phone

You can also deposit money over the phone using a credit or debit card. You may need to call a specific phone number provided by the jail to do this.

In-Person

You can also deposit money in person at the jail. You can do this by visiting the jail in person or by mailing a money order to the jail with the inmate's name and booking number.

Tablet Rentals 

The Dallas County Jail provides inmates with access to tablets as a way to stay connected with friends and family, access educational and recreational resources, and make purchases from the jail commissary.

Here's how you can help an inmate rent a tablet. 

Contact the Jail

Call the Dallas County Jail at (214) 761-9025 and ask about the tablet rental program. They will be able to provide you with information on how to rent a tablet for an inmate and any associated costs.

Make a Payment

You can typically make a payment for a tablet rental using a credit or debit card over the phone or online. You may also be able to send a money order to the jail with the inmate's name and booking number.

Verify Eligibility

Before you rent a tablet for an inmate, it's important to verify that they are eligible to participate in the tablet rental program. This may depend on the inmate's housing unit, security level, and behavior while in custody.

Inmate Education Opportunities 

The Dallas Country Jail offers more limited programs and resources compared to state prisons.

However, the Dallas County Jail recognizes the importance of providing inmates with opportunities for education and personal growth.

This is why it offers a range of programs and services to support this goal.

Inmates may have access to educational classes and materials, as well as job training programs and other resources to help them prepare for life outside of jail.

Bailing Out Inmates

There are several ways to post bail for an inmate in the Dallas County Jail, including using a bail bondsman, posting cash bail, or using a surety bond.

A bail bondsman is a professional who can post bail on behalf of the defendant in exchange for a fee, typically 10% of the total bail amount.

A bail bondsman can help arrange for the defendant's release from jail quickly and with minimal hassle.

Cash bail involves paying the full bail amount to the jail in cash, either in person or by mail. If the defendant appears in court as required, the bail money will be returned at the end of the case.

A surety bond is a type of bail bond that is issued by an insurance company and backed by a guarantee from the company.

This option may be more convenient and less expensive than using a bail bondsman, but it may also require the defendant to provide collateral to secure the bond.

Making Calls to Inmates

Friends and family members can stay in touch with an inmate at the Dallas County Jail through phone calls, although there may be restrictions on the frequency and length of these calls. Here's how to initiate a call. 

To Call an Inmate

You will need to set up an account with a third-party vendor that provides phone services for the Dallas County Jail.

You can typically find information on how to set up an account on the jail's website or by calling the jail's main line.

Once you have an account, you can call the inmate by dialing a designated number and following the prompts. You may be required to provide the inmate's name and booking number, as well as your own name and phone number.

To Receive a Call From an Inmate

Inmates in the Dallas County Jail can initiate calls to friends and family members by using a phone in their housing unit.

These calls are typically collect calls, which means that the recipient will be responsible for paying the cost of the call.

To accept a collect call from an inmate, you will need to set up an account with a third-party phone vendor and provide your phone number to the inmate.

What to Know About the Dallas County Jail

It can be difficult to know how to help a loved one who is staying at the Dallas County Jail. 

Keep in mind that there are several ways that you can send money to an inmate. It is also possible to visit an inmate in person and talk to them on the phone. Lastly, you might be able to bail your loved one out of jail. 

Do you want to know more about how to help a loved one who is staying in jail? If so, we can help you. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions that you have!