Birmingham City Jail
Birmingham City Jail
You can call the 350-bed Birmingham City Jail 24 hours a day for inmate information at 205-254-6369.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.
You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Alabama State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 205-254-6369, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Birmingham City Jail at 205-254-6369 to get it.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
Need to look someone up in the Birmingham City Jail? Search the Official Jail Inmate Roster to see their charges, bond amount, when they can have visitors, and their mugshot, or call the jail at 205-254-6369. To research a criminal case in Alabama’s courts, use the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.
Birmingham City Jail Inmate Search
If you’re new to searching for an inmate in the Birmingham City Jail, start with our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. They explain how jail rosters work and what happens after an arrest and booking. For more help, call 205-254-6369.
The Birmingham City Jail is licensed for 350 inmates at any given time, but it is often forced to make room for many more, especially on weekends. At most city and county jails, at least 40% of inmates turn over each month, another 30% every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 8-9% remain in custody between six and twelve months. Inmates held longer than twelve months are usually facing serious charges such as rape or murder. Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in Jefferson County stay at the Jefferson County facility much longer.
Approximately 40,300 offenders are arrested and detained each year by Jefferson County law enforcement agencies.
The Birmingham City Jail is a secure facility located in Birmingham, Alabama that opened its doors in 1966 and has been continuously operational since. It is a municipal jail operated by the Birmingham Police Department that holds an average of 150-200 inmates, including suspects awaiting trial or serving sentences for violation of city ordinances. Visitors must be approved by a jail supervisor and those with warrants will be arrested. Records kept on inmates include arrest records, sentencing records, court documents, and other criminal records.
In April 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail" while incarcerated there for leading a Good Friday demonstration as part of the civil rights movement in violation of an injunction against such activities.
The original city jail was housed within the Birmingham City Hall on 4th Avenue North and 19th Street, but the current location of the prison is at 425 6th Avenue South in South Titusville neighborhood.
It provides services to all neighborhoods throughout the city such as events and issues related to each neighborhood and can be reached 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 205-254-6369. The mission of the jail is to provide an enhanced level of service to citizens while maintaining humane custody and supervision through safe confinement practices. Recently there have been discussions about transitioning inmates from the city jail to the Jefferson County jail.
- Birmingham City Jail: 205-254-6369
- Jefferson County Sheriff's Office: 205-325-5700
Booking process details at Birmingham City Jail
When someone is arrested, they are taken to Birmingham City Jail 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 Birmingham City Jail 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 205-254-6369.
How to post bail for a loved one in Jefferson County
Once booked at Birmingham City Jail in Birmingham, 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 205-254-6369.
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 205-254-6369.
- Licensed bail bondsmen in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, Alabama, visit the Birmingham City Jail Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Birmingham City Jail? What is the Schedule?
Birmingham City Jail Inmate Visitation
Officials – upon presentation of valid identification, Attorneys, Parole and Probation Officers, and Social Workers for public or community services will be permitted to visit with a detainee at any reasonable time during day or evening hours.
Visits by clergy – upon presentation of appropriate identification (e.g., valid clergy card or ministerial credential card and driver license), members of the clergy may visit between the hours of 9:00AM until 11:00AM and 5:00PM until 7:00PM, 7 days a week.
Visits with Friends and Family - Video Screen Visits per the schedule below.
Visitation for pre-trial detainees – includes those individuals who have not yet been to trial, either due to a continuance or before scheduled court dates.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM or
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM or
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM or
3:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Detainees Serving Time
- Visitation for detainees serving time – shall be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- All visitors must sign-in between 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- No one will be allowed to sign-in after 7:30 PM.
The visitation schedule for those detainees serving time is as follows:
Inmate's Last Name begins with A-D
Monday
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Inmate's Last Name begins with E-H
Tuesday
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Inmate's Last Name begins with I-P
Wednesday
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Inmate's Last Name begins with I-P
Thursday
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Females only
Sunday
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
*The minimum age to enter the jail is 13 years old and the visit must be pre-approved by the Commander or other staff.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Birmingham City Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-254-6369 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Birmingham City Jail?
There are two options for putting money on an inmate's books at the Birmingham City Jail:
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 self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
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.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Subject Number in memo section of the Money Order.
Mail to:
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Birmingham City Jail
425 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35203
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Birmingham City Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-254-6369 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Birmingham City Jail?
How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Birmingham City Jail by Phone
Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
- Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
- Pin Debit - This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
- Voicemail - You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Birmingham City Jail, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.
For full instructions on the Birmingham City Jail Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Birmingham City Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-254-6369 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Birmingham City Jail, and what can I send them?
Birmingham City Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Birmingham City Jail whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Birmingham City Jail 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 & Subject Number
Birmingham City Jail
425 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35203
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Birmingham City Jail
425 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35203
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 Birmingham City Jail 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 Birmingham City Jail standards will be disposed of.
Ask the Birmingham City Jail whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Birmingham City Jail
425 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35203
Birmingham City Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Birmingham City Jail 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 Birmingham City Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Birmingham City Jail
425 6th Avenue South
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 Birmingham City Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-254-6369 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County County Jails
Jefferson County City Jails
Jefferson County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Jefferson County?
Nearby counties
The Birmingham City Jail serves the following cities and towns of Jefferson County: Adamsville, Addison, Argo, Bessemer, Birmingham, Brighton, Brookside, Cahaba Heights, Center Point, Clay, Edgewater, Fairfield, Fultondale, Gardendale, Graysville, Homewood, Hoover, Hueytown, Irondale, Jefferson, Leeds, Lipscomb, Midfield, Morris, Mountain Brook, Mulga, North Johns, Pinson, Pleasant Grove, Tarrant, Trafford, Trussville, Vestavia Hills and Warrior.