Etowah County Detention Center

Checking on someone at the Etowah 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 256-549-5408. For Alabama criminal court information, visit the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.

Etowah County Detention Center Inmate Search

Our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers include:

• Finding an inmate in the Etowah County Detention Center
• How the jail roster works
• What happens after an arrest and booking

For further assistance, call 256-549-5408.

The Etowah County Detention Center at a glance:

• Licensed for 950 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 Etowah County on those charges remain in custody at the Etowah County facility much longer.

Every year, Etowah County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 19,000 offenders.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Etowah County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Etowah County Detention Center on-site Inmate Visitation Schedule

827 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901
256-549-5408

• First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  
• Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
• Proper attire is required. No low-cut blouses, tank tops, short skirts or dresses, tight shorts, hats or any other form of provocative dress will be allowed. Shirt and shoes must be worn.
• All visitors must provide proper state or government issued photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, foreign id or passports) for inmate visitation.
• On Site video visitation is available at no cost.
• A video visit lasts 20 minutes.
• Visitors may only use this system on the inmates assigned visitation day, whenever the inmates have free time.
• All rules set forth for non-contact visitation shall be adhered to when using the video visitation system.
• Any lewd, profane or inappropriate behavior shall result in loss of video visitation privileges for the visitor and/or inmate.
• Each inmate is permitted a maximum of three on site visitors per session. 
• Visitation sign-up is limited and on a first-come first serve basis.
• Visitors are encouraged to go online and reserve a visitation time. Purchased visitation minutes are not transferable.
• An adult must accompany all visitors who are under 17 years of age. Children must be monitored at all times.
• Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings with them into the visitation area other than their picture ID and/or a set of keys unless otherwise allowed by the jail.

ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION - * NOTE: Each inmate is assigned one day a week for on-site visits. Check with them for their specific day, then book a time online with Inmate Sales.

Etowah County Detention Center Remote Inmate Video Visitation

• First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  
• Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
• Remote Visits are $0.20 per minute.

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION

Etowah County Detention Center uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.

In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:

1. Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
2. Register with Inmate Sales.
3. Find Etowah County Detention Center
4. Select 'New Purchase'
5. Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
6. Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
7. Schedule a visit.

Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Etowah County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-549-5408 for further assistance.

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Etowah County Detention Center?

Etowah County Detention Center on-site Inmate Visitation Schedule

827 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901
256-549-5408

• First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  
• Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
• Proper attire is required. No low-cut blouses, tank tops, short skirts or dresses, tight shorts, hats or any other form of provocative dress will be allowed. Shirt and shoes must be worn.
• All visitors must provide proper state or government issued photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, foreign id or passports) for inmate visitation.
• On Site video visitation is available at no cost.
• A video visit lasts 20 minutes.
• Visitors may only use this system on the inmates assigned visitation day, whenever the inmates have free time.
• All rules set forth for non-contact visitation shall be adhered to when using the video visitation system.
• Any lewd, profane or inappropriate behavior shall result in loss of video visitation privileges for the visitor and/or inmate.
• Each inmate is permitted a maximum of three on site visitors per session. 
• Visitation sign-up is limited and on a first-come first serve basis.
• Visitors are encouraged to go online and reserve a visitation time. Purchased visitation minutes are not transferable.
• An adult must accompany all visitors who are under 17 years of age. Children must be monitored at all times.
• Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings with them into the visitation area other than their picture ID and/or a set of keys unless otherwise allowed by the jail.

ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION - * NOTE: Each inmate is assigned one day a week for on-site visits. Check with them for their specific day, then book a time online with Inmate Sales.

Etowah County Detention Center Remote Inmate Video Visitation

• First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  
• Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
• Remote Visits are $0.20 per minute.

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Etowah County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-549-5408 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Etowah County Detention Center?

Etowah County Detention Center uses the services of JPAY for you to send money to an inmate's trust fund / commissary account. 

You can send money to an inmate/offender's commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page.
There are several ways to send money to an inmate/offender.

1. Online payments
2. Over the phone by calling 800-574-5729
3. MoneyGram
4. If you wish to send cash you can use MoneyGram. MoneyGram has many convenient locations nationwide.
   The following establishments will always have MoneyGram services:
   Walmart
   7-11
   CVS Pharmacy

You will need:
Inmate's Correctional ID number and last name
The facility name or receive code.
You can visit the MoneyGram website to find locations near you.

        5. Money Order - Inmate's Name must be on the Money Order
            Inmate Name and Inmate ID#

        6. Lobby Kiosk
            You can use a debit or credit card in the lobby kiosk to send funds to an inmate/offender.

Rates to Send Money to an Inmate

Online
$    0.00 - 20.00   > $4.95     
$    20.01 - 100.00    > $7.95     
$    100.01 - 200.00   > $9.95     
$    200.01 - 300.00   > $11.95     
$    300.01 - 5000.00   > $11.95     

By Phone
$    0.00 - 20.00  > $5.95     
$    20.01 - 100.00  > $8.95     
$    100.01 - 200.00  > $10.95     
$    200.01 - 300.00  > $12.95     
$    300.01 - 5000.00  > $12.95

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Etowah County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Etowah County Detention Center follow these steps:

Etowah County Detention Center uses the services of JPAY for you to send money to an inmate's trust fund / commissary account. 

You can send money to an inmate/offender's commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page.
There are several ways to send money to an inmate/offender in Etowah County.

1. Online payments
2. Over the phone by calling 800-574-5729
3. MoneyGram
4. If you wish to send cash you can use MoneyGram. MoneyGram has many convenient locations nationwide.
   The following establishments will always have MoneyGram services:
   Walmart
   7-11
   CVS Pharmacy

You will need:
The Etowah County Inmate's Correctional ID number and their last name
Etowah County Detention Center or  the receive code.
You can visit the MoneyGram website to find locations near you.

        5. Money Order - Inmate's Name must be on the Money Order
            Inmate Name and Inmate ID#
           Etowah County Detention Center address.

        6. Lobby Kiosk
            You can use a debit or credit card in the jail lobby kiosk to send funds to an inmate/offender.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Etowah County Detention Center.

Rates to Send Money to an Inmate

Online
$    0.00 - 20.00   > $4.95     
$    20.01 - 100.00    > $7.95     
$    100.01 - 200.00   > $9.95     
$    200.01 - 300.00   > $11.95     
$    300.01 - 5000.00   > $11.95     

By Phone
$    0.00 - 20.00  > $5.95     
$    20.01 - 100.00  > $8.95     
$    100.01 - 200.00  > $10.95     
$    200.01 - 300.00  > $12.95     
$    300.01 - 5000.00  > $12.95

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Etowah County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-549-5408 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Etowah County Detention Center?

How Do Inmates in Etowah County Detention Center Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Etowah County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

• Etowah County Detention Center uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
• 
• Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678. 
• Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
• Services for Etowah County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.

iphone app
Google Play app

For all the information regarding phone calls with Etowah County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, 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 Etowah County Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-549-5408 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Etowah County Detention Center, and what can I send them?

Etowah County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Etowah County Detention Center allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Etowah 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 & Booking #
Smart Communications - Etowah County Detention Center
209 20th Street North Unit 91
Birmingham, AL 35203

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Etowah County Detention Center
827 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901

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
The Etowah County Detention Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source 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 Etowah County Detention Center standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Etowah County Detention Center
827 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901

Etowah County Detention Center Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Etowah 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 Etowah County Detention Center:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Smart Communications - Etowah County Detention Center
209 20th Street North Unit 91
Birmingham, AL 35203

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 Etowah County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-549-5408 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Etowah County Detention Center, and what can I purchase?

Etowah County Detention Center contracts with Access Securepak for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak carries over 1,000 different items in the following categories:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select Alabama.
3. Select Etowah County Detention Center.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at customerservice@securepak.net.
* You can write them at:
    Access Securepak
    10880 Linpage Place
    St. Louis, MO 63132

* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
   Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST, 
   and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.

*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by Etowah County Detention Center staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.

*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Etowah County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Etowah County Detention Center follow these steps:

• Select Alabama, then select Etowah County Detention Center, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
• Register and create an account with Access Securepak, for Etowah County.
• 
• Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
• NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Etowah County at any one time.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Etowah County Detention Center check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Etowah County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Etowah County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-549-5408 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Etowah County Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?

Etowah County Detention Center uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.

Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.

Here's how it works:

• First you must register, and then funds are added to the inmate's account. If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
• When an inmate gets the device they may send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of possession of the chirping device.  
• These automated messages will inform the person the inmate Chirped who is sending the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from.
• It will then ask them to go to a direct link to the inmate's account on the Inmate Sales website.
• The website will then instruct them to use a credit card to put money on the inmate's account.  

Cost of Chirping:  

• Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.  Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.
• If an inmate has available funds on their chirping device they will be able to chirp any cell phone and that chirp will appear to be a normal text. 
• If you wish to stop receiving Chirps from an inmate, reply to the Chirp with STOP.

iphone app
Google Play app

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Etowah County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Etowah County Detention Center follow these steps:

• Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Etowah County, by creating an account.
• 
• Select Alabama, then select Etowah County Detention Center, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
• Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
• If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
• NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

-  Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
-  This product allows Etowah County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
-  Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.
-  Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.

Inmate Sales Apps
iphone app
Google Play app

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Etowah County Detention Center check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Etowah County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Etowah County Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-549-5408 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Etowah County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Etowah County Detention Center now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.

Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis (or are given to the inmate use for a limited time) and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

• Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
• eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
• Job Search - Inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
• Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
• Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
• Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
• Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
• eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
• Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
• Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
• Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

• Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
• You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
• No activation or early termination fees.
• Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

Questions:

• By phone - 877-998-5678

iphone app download

Google Play download

Etowah County Detention Center now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.

Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis (or are given to the inmate use for a limited time) and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

Here's how it works:

• Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
• You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
• No activation or early termination fees.
• Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

Questions:

• By phone - 877-998-5678

iphone app download

Google Play download

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Etowah County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-549-5408 for further assistance.

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Etowah County?