Dekalb County Detention Center
Dekalb County Detention Center
You can get inmate information by calling the 235-bed Dekalb County Detention Center at 256-845-8565, any time of day or night.
Anyone taken into custody in this county on a misdemeanor or felony charge is brought here for booking and processing. Based on the charges, they may be held until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or remain in custody until the end of their trial.
The inmate search tool shows the names of people currently held at this facility.
Sentences of less than a year are served at this jail. Sentences longer than that are served in the Alabama State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Find information on this page about the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate’s account, mail, inmate calls, voicemail, emails and texts, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary.
Once you find the inmate’s jail ID or booking number, save it for mail and other communication. If it’s not online, call Dekalb County Detention Center at 256-845-8565.
Inmate Services
Phone
256-845-8565Mailing address (personal mail)
Dekalb County Detention Center
2801 Jordan Road SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)
Dekalb County Detention Center
2801 Jordan Road SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Other Jails and Prisons
Checking on someone at the Dekalb County Detention Center? The Official Jail Inmate Roster shows who is in custody, what they are charged with, their bond amount, when they can have visits, and their mugshot. You can also call 256-845-8565. For Alabama criminal court information, visit the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.
Dekalb County Detention Center Inmate Search
Our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers include:
- Finding an inmate in the Dekalb County Detention Center
- How the jail roster works
- What happens after an arrest and booking
For further assistance, call 256-845-8565.
The Dekalb County Detention Center at a glance:
- Licensed for 235 inmates, but often forced to make room for more, especially on weekends
- At least 40% of inmates at most city and county jails turn over monthly
- Another 30% turn over every 90 days
- Another 20% turn over every six months
- About 8-9% stay six to twelve months
- Those held longer than a year usually face serious charges like rape or murder
Because serious cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in DeKalb County on those charges remain in custody at the DeKalb County facility much longer.
Every year, DeKalb County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 4,700 offenders.
The DeKalb County Detention Center sits at 2801 Jordan Road SW in Fort Payne and is run by the Corrections Division of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. The jail averages about 235 inmates, moves roughly 2,800 people in and out each year, and is staffed by a team of 46 under the chief jail administrator. It holds men and women arrested in DeKalb County on misdemeanor and felony charges while they wait for trial, people waiting to be transferred to the Alabama Department of Corrections, and people sentenced to less than a year. Since 2008 the county has also housed some federal detainees under a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service. For questions about someone inside, call the jail directly at (256) 845-8565; the sheriff’s non-emergency line is (256) 845-3801.
To find out whether your loved one is being held, check the sheriff’s online inmate roster at https://www.dekalbcountysheriff.org/inmate-roster/disclaim. After booking, Alabama Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.3 requires that an arrested person be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay and within 72 hours. Cases here are handled by the courts of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which covers DeKalb and Cherokee counties, and the jail has video-conferencing equipment so some hearings can take place without leaving the building. You can follow charges and court dates on Alacourt (https://v2.alacourt.com/). The sheriff also posts a Most Wanted page at https://www.dekalbcountysheriff.org/most-wanted/disclaim. If you think someone has a warrant, talk to the sheriff’s office or an attorney before they turn themselves in.
Under the Alabama Constitution, most defendants have a right to bail. A judge can deny it for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great, and, since Aniah’s Law in 2022, after a pretrial detention hearing for murder; first-degree kidnapping, rape, sodomy, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, and robbery; aggravated child abuse and certain offenses against children; and terrorism. In May 2026 voters approved Amendment 1 (81.6% yes), which added solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder, and shooting into an occupied building or vehicle. Rule 7.2 offers a recommended bail schedule, such as $10,000–$60,000 for a Class A felony, $5,000–$30,000 for a Class B felony, $300–$6,000 for a Class A misdemeanor, and $1,000–$7,500 for DUI, though judges can set bail higher or lower. Release can come on personal recognizance, an unsecured appearance bond, or a secured bond backed by cash, property, or a licensed bail bond company. The jail accepts cash, credit card, or money order for bonds; call ahead to confirm the amount.
Visits are by video through NCIC and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. On-site video visits at the jail are free, run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., last 20–30 minutes, and allow up to two adult guests plus one child under 6; each inmate gets two visits a week. Remote visits from a phone or computer are available daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at $0.25 a minute ($7.50 for 30 minutes) plus a $2.00 fee. Set up an account at ncic.com. No public bus serves the jail; most visitors drive.
If you need fuel or a bite while you’re in Fort Payne, Circle K at 1707 Glenn Blvd SW and Murphy USA at 1915 Glenn Blvd SW are both close by. For a quick meal, try Chick-fil-A at 1824 Glenn Blvd SW or Jack’s Family Restaurant at 921 Glenn Blvd SW.
Letters go to the inmate’s full name and inmate ID number, DeKalb County Detention Center, 2801 Jordan Road SW, Fort Payne, AL 35968. Postcards and envelopes written in blue or black ink are accepted, and newspapers, magazines, and softcover books must come straight from the publisher or a reputable seller. Money for commissary goes through JailATM at deposits.jailatm.com or (877) 810-0914, and you can also pay by money order or in person at the jail. NCIC handles phone calls ((800) 943-2189), messaging, and tablets. Inside, the jail has a medical unit with a full-time registered nurse and a part-time doctor, a law library, trustee work crews, and a work release program for nonviolent sentenced inmates.
- Jail (Main): 256-845-8565
- Court: 256-845-8525
- Juvenile Court: 256-845-8525
- Sheriff: 256-845-3801
Booking process details at Dekalb County Detention Center
When someone is arrested, they are taken to Dekalb County Detention Center for booking. This process involves verifying identity, assessing charges, and determining whether the person will be released on bail or detained.
It's crucial to remain silent during this process, as any statements could be used in court. Legal counsel should be consulted before making any comments about the arrest.
The booking process at Dekalb County Detention Center typically involves the following steps:
- Identifying the individual.
- Taking a mugshot.
- Health assessments and questions about criminal background.
- DNA collection if applicable.
- Conducting a full-body search.
- Confiscating personal property.
- Allowing a phone call.
For details on posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 256-845-8565.
How to post bail for a loved one in DeKalb County
Once booked at Dekalb County Detention Center in Fort Payne, the individual has several possible outcomes:
1. Release without posting bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Remaining in custody until their court date.
3. Posting bail or bond for release. For the exact amount, call 256-845-8565.
Several payment methods are available for bail.
- Cash bonds are settled in full at the jail's bonding window or the clerk of court with cash, a cashier's check or a money order, and card payments are often available at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond vendor for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and the jail can be reached at 256-845-8565.
- Licensed bail bondsmen in DeKalb County can assist with the process.
- Many courts accept land or a house as bond collateral; the owner proves clear title and equity worth at least the bond amount, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves the property.
For more details on the bail process in DeKalb County, Alabama, visit the Dekalb County Detention Center Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Dekalb County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?
Dekalb County Detention Center ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
2801 Jordan Road SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
256-845-8565
Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC
- On-site Visits are free.
- Visits are 20-30 minutes.
- Visitation schedule subject to change.
- Inmates are allowed two visits per week
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an On-site video session. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
- All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | No onsite video sessions |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| SATURDAY | No onsite video sessions |
Dekalb County Detention Center REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
- All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Visitation Schedule subject to change.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
Dekalb County Detention Center uses the services of NCIC for remote video visitation.
In other words, you can visit your inmate in jail by using your home computer, as long as it is equipped with a microphone and camera that supports video.
Ask Dekalb County Detention Center whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
Costs
NCIC shows the price of a video visit before you confirm it. Rates are set by the provider and can change.
Ask Dekalb County Detention Center whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
How to set up your Video Visit
- Register here.
- Select Dekalb County Detention Center
- Select your inmate.
- Choose your date and time.
Your inmate will be notified by the jail staff of the date and time for the visit. Be logged in and connected to NCIC before the scheduled start time.
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dekalb County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-845-8565 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Dekalb County Detention Center?
Dekalb County Detention Center ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
2801 Jordan Road SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
256-845-8565
Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC
- On-site Visits are free.
- Visits are 20-30 minutes.
- Visitation schedule subject to change.
- Inmates are allowed two visits per week
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an On-site video session. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
- All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | No onsite video sessions |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 3:30PM |
| SATURDAY | No onsite video sessions |
Dekalb County Detention Center REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
- All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Visitation Schedule subject to change.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dekalb County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-845-8565 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Dekalb County Detention Center?
There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person.
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Dekalb County Detention Center uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.
Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Dekalb County Detention Center first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the payee the jail names (check with the jail first) and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order. Never mail cash or a personal check.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Dekalb County Detention Center
2801 Jordan Road SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.
How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in DeKalb County
To deposit money online for an inmate in Dekalb County Detention Center follow these steps:
- Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, the deposit service used for inmates at DeKalb County.
- After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
- Choose Alabama, then choose Dekalb County Detention Center
- Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
- Select your inmate.
- Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Dekalb County Detention Center, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: JailATM's support page lists a deposit limit of $300 a week per inmate and says the limit can be different at each facility.
- If you need to phone JailATM customer support, call 877-810-0914.
For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Dekalb County Detention Center, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for DeKalb County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dekalb County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-845-8565 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Dekalb County Detention Center?
How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Dekalb County Detention Center?
To receive phone calls from an inmate in DeKalb County follow these instructions:
Dekalb County Detention Center uses the services of NCIC for inmate phone calling. It is called a ‘friends & family account”.
In order to receive phone calls from your inmate, you need to do the following:
- Register here, or by phone 800-943-2189
- Choose Alabama.
- Choose Dekalb County Detention Center
- Select your Inmate.
- Enter the phone number your Inmate will be calling.
- Fund your account.
NOTE:
1. You cannot receive any calls to your phone number from your inmate until both you and your phone number are registered.
2. When you do receive a call, the number you will view on your phone from the incoming call is: 800-943-2189.
3. When allowed by Dekalb County Detention Center, families can also leave secure voicemails for inmates to listen to.
Fees
- Adding funds to your account: NCIC's terms cap the fee for an automated payment (web, phone menu or kiosk) at $3.00.
- NCIC shows the current per-minute rate when you set up the account.
- NCIC's terms put the live-agent fee for a phone payment or account set-up at no more than $5.95.
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
Full list of participating jails.
For all the information regarding phone calls with DeKalb County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, fees, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dekalb County Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-845-8565 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Dekalb County Detention Center, and what can I send them?
Dekalb County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Dekalb County Detention Center whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Dekalb County Detention Center also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Dekalb County Detention Center
2801 Jordan Road SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Dekalb County Detention Center
2801 Jordan Road SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
Ask the Dekalb County Detention Center whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Dekalb County Detention Center standards will be disposed of.
Ask the Dekalb County Detention Center whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Dekalb County Detention Center
2801 Jordan Road SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Dekalb County Detention Center Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Dekalb County Detention Center there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Dekalb County Detention Center:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Dekalb County Detention Center
2801 Jordan Road SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dekalb County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-845-8565 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Dekalb County Detention Center, and what can I purchase?
JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Dekalb County Detention Center
Search for JailATM services for Dekalb County Detention Center.
Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Dekalb County Detention Center.
Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Dekalb County Detention Center may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.
Send Gift Packs
Dekalb County Detention Center has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.
These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in DeKalb County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Dekalb County Detention Center follow these steps:
- Go to JailATM, choose Alabama, then choose Dekalb County Detention Center
- Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
- Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
- Select the products you want shipped to them at Dekalb County Detention Center, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in DeKalb County at any one time.
- If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914
For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Dekalb County Detention Center check out our Commissary Instructions Page for DeKalb County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dekalb County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-845-8565 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Dekalb County Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?
Dekalb County Detention Center uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate’s account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.
You can deposit money three different ways:
• Deposit online at NCIC.com
• Ask Dekalb County Detention Center whether it has an NCIC deposit kiosk and where it is.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: NCIC's terms put the live-agent fee for a phone payment or account set-up at no more than $5.95.)
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in DeKalb County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Dekalb County Detention Center follow these steps:
Dekalb County Detention Center uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate's account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.
You can deposit money three different ways:
• Deposit online at NCIC.com
• Ask Dekalb County Detention Center whether it has an NCIC deposit kiosk and where it is.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: NCIC's terms put the live-agent fee for a phone payment or account set-up at no more than $5.95.)
Email – info@ncic.com
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Dekalb County Detention Center check out our Secure Messaging Guide for DeKalb County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dekalb County Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-845-8565 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Dekalb County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Ask Dekalb County Detention Center whether NCIC tablets are available to inmates there.
How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate at the Dekalb County Detention Center
Ask Dekalb County Detention Center whether NCIC tablets are available to inmates there.
Ask Dekalb County Detention Center what the tablets can be used for and whether there is a charge.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dekalb County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-845-8565 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding DeKalb County?
The Dekalb County Detention Center serves the following cities and towns of DeKalb County: Collinsville, Fort Payne, Geraldine, Hammondville, Henagar, Mentone, Rainsville, Sylvania and Valley Head.