Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
Staff at the 400-bed Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer provide inmate information by phone, 24 hours a day, at 205-481-4160.
Suspects arrested in this county for misdemeanors or felonies are brought to the jail for booking and processing. Where the charges require it, they stay in custody until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until their trial reaches its conclusion.
You can see the jail’s roster of current inmates by using the inmate search tool.
Inmates sentenced to less than one year serve their time at this facility. Inmates sentenced to more than one year are sent to the Alabama State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
On this page, learn how to search the jail roster, find the facility, and use services such as visitation, inmate account deposits, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and text messaging, tablet rentals, bail, and commissary.
Save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number to make communication easier. If it’s not listed online, call Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer at 205-481-4160.
Inmate Services
Phone
205-481-4160Mailing address (personal mail)
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Other Jails and Prisons
An inmate’s charges, bond amount, visitation eligibility, and mugshot are all available through the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Official Jail Inmate Roster. If you need more information, call the jail at 205-481-4160. Alabama criminal case information can be found on the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Inmate Search
Our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers explain how to find an inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, how the jail roster works, and what happens once an offender is arrested and booked. Still have questions? Call 205-481-4160 for help.
Key facts about the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer:
- It is licensed for 400 inmates but often has to make room for more, especially on weekends.
- Most city and county jails turn over at least 40% of their inmates monthly.
- Another 30% turn over every 90 days, and another 20% 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 those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in Jefferson County remain in custody at the Jefferson County facility much longer.
Jefferson County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 40,300 offenders each year.
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer in Bessemer, Alabama is a medium-security detention center operated by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Established in 1888, it has a capacity of 400 inmates and offers 4 juvenile cells and 24 adult jailing cells.
It provides inmates with access to a law library which is open Monday through Friday from 7AM to 3PM. The facility is capable of checking mail for any security breaches while ensuring any prohibited materials are not present. Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Those sentenced are typically held for less than two years.
Besides its downtown Birmingham jail, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office runs a second adult jail in Bessemer, where the county’s Bessemer court division sits. The Bessemer jail is at 1822 2nd Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020. Its switchboard is (205) 481-4160, and the administrative office is (205) 481-8502. It is a medium-security facility with about 400 beds. It shares its staff of deputies and its population count with the Birmingham jail, which together hold about 1,000 people on a typical day. People here are mostly waiting for trial or for transfer to state prison, and those serving short county sentences may stay here. There is on-site medical care, and the jail offers religious services, drug and alcohol programs, GED classes, and life-skills courses. The law library is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Bessemer and Birmingham jails use the same online search at sheriff.jccal.org, so check which building the person is in before you drive out. After booking, the person must appear before a judge without unnecessary delay and within 72 hours of arrest (Ala. R. Crim. P. 4.3). Cases go through the Bessemer Division of the 10th Judicial Circuit, and you can follow them on Alacourt. If you know there is a warrant, call the Sheriff’s Office at (205) 325-5700 or talk to a lawyer about the safest way to turn yourself in.
For bond questions, call the Bessemer Pre-Trial Release office at (205) 481-8529, or call the jail for the amount. Cash, credit cards, and money orders are accepted. You can also use a licensed bail bonding company or pledge real estate as collateral. Alabama’s Constitution guarantees bail in most cases. The exceptions are capital charges where the proof is evident or the presumption great, and the charges covered by Aniah’s Law (2022). Under that law, a judge can hold a detention hearing and deny bail for murder; first-degree kidnapping, rape, sodomy, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, or robbery; aggravated child abuse and certain crimes against children; and terrorism. Amendment 1, approved by 81.6% of voters in May 2026, added solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder and shooting into an occupied building or vehicle. The Rule 7.2 schedule suggests $10,000–$60,000 for a Class A felony, $5,000–$30,000 for Class B, $300–$6,000 for a Class A misdemeanor, and $1,000–$7,500 for DUI, but judges can go higher or lower. Release can also come on personal recognizance or an unsecured appearance bond.
The Sheriff’s countywide visiting rules apply here too. There are no visits on Mondays or Fridays, and each person gets two visits a week. Visitors must be 17 or older with a valid state ID or driver’s license. No more than two adults and two children over age three can come at once, and children under three may visit only on the first Sunday of the month. Weekend visiting at Bessemer has been scheduled by last name, so call the jail to confirm your time before you go. Remote video visits through GettingOut are available daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
You can reach the jail by bus. MAX Transit Route 45 runs between Birmingham’s Central Station and downtown Bessemer and stops at 19th Street and 2nd Avenue North, about a block from the jail. If you drive, you can get gas at Red Rock, 31 19th St S, or Citgo, 1411 4th Ave N. Classic Burger & BBQ at 1732 15th St N and Jack’s Family Restaurant at 1800 19th St N are close by for a quick meal.
Mail goes to the person’s full name and subject number, Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, 1822 2nd Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020. Every envelope and postcard needs your full name and return address. Write in blue or black ink. Publications must come straight from the publisher, and books must be softcover from a retailer. To add money, use the NCIC kiosk in the lobby, ncic.com, or (800) 943-2189, or mail a money order. Never mail cash. NCIC also handles phone accounts. Calls will show up from (800) 943-2189, and you must register your number before the person can call you. Commissary packages come from Inmate Canteen.
- Jail (Main): 205-481-4160
- Jefferson County Sheriff: 205-325-5700
How is booking conducted at Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer?
After an arrest, individuals are transported to Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer for the booking process. This procedure ensures the person’s identity, assesses charges, and determines if they will be released, eligible for bail, or detained until court.
Remaining silent during this process is vital. Anything said could be used as evidence, so it’s wise to wait for an attorney before speaking about the arrest.
Here’s a breakdown of the booking steps at Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer:
- Verifying identification information.
- Capturing mugshots for record-keeping.
- Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
- Possible DNA collection.
- Physical search for contraband or weapons.
- Securing personal belongings.
- Granting a free phone call.
For questions about an arrestee’s bond, call the facility at 205-481-4160.
How to post bail for someone arrested in Jefferson County
When an individual is arrested and booked at Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer in Bessemer, the outcomes include:
1. Release without bail, under the condition they appear for their court date.
2. Remain in custody until the court appearance.
3. Post a bail or bond for release. Contact 205-481-4160 for specific bail amounts.
Bail payments can be made in different ways.
- Cash bonds must be paid in full, either at the jail's bonding window or with the clerk of court, and are accepted as cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also process cards through a lobby kiosk or online vendor for a fee, so bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and phone the jail at 205-481-4160 if needed.
- You can work with a licensed bail bondsman in Jefferson County.
- Many courts allow a property bond, letting an owner put up land or a home after proving clear title and equity of at least the bond (often double) through a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, with approval from the court that set bail.
For further information on posting bail in Jefferson County, Alabama, visit the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer? What is the Schedule?
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
205-481-4160
Schedule Video Visits online with gettingout
- On-site Visits are free.
- Visits are 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.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 7:00PM |
| MONDAY | No Visitation |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| FRIDAY | No Visitation |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 7:00PM |
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 - 8:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer uses Viapath / GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling.
There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:
1. Using the Viapath/GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.
How it Works with GettingOut
1. Register an account.
2. Select Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.
- **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages.
- If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer.
- With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.
4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.
GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.
Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
How Do You Visit an Inmate in Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer?
To visit an inmate in Jefferson County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:
Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Jefferson County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of Viapath / GettingOut.
There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer:
1. Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the Viapath / GettingOut apps.
To remotely visit an inmate in Jefferson County follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Jefferson County here.
2. The next step is to create an account here for Viapath / GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Other Jefferson County Services provided by GettingOut:
- Phone Calls & Voicemail
- Email, Photo & Video Sharing
- Inmate Tablet Rental
- Deposits
Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.
* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Jefferson County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Phone: 205-481-4160
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer?
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 - 8:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer?
How Do I put Money on an Inmate's Commissary Account in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer to Purchase Phone Cards?
There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
Bring money to the jail in person.
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use the NCIC self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer uses NCIC to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. NCIC 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.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order. Mail it to the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer address on this page, or to the address below if it is different than the facility address.
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit over the Phone by calling 800-943-2189
For more information about sending an inmate money for phone cards or other commissary sundries, check out our Inmate Money Page.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Jefferson County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer follow these steps:
- Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
- Select Alabama, then Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
- Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
- Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
- NOTE: Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally.
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Jefferson County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer?
How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer?
To receive phone calls from an inmate in Jefferson County follow these instructions:
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
- 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, and what can I send them?
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer standards will be disposed of.
Ask the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer:
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, and what can I purchase?
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer uses the services of Inmate Canteen for Online Commissary Purchases for an Inmate.
Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
NOTE: Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
For best results use google chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
- Register or Log in to your account
- Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
- Select the "Purchase Items" option
- Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Jefferson County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer follow these steps:
- Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
- Select Alabama, then Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
- Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
- Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Jefferson County.
Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer using an Online Messaging Service?
Emailing and Texting Messages, Photos & Videograms
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer contracts with Viapath/GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
How Messaging Works
1. Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message. Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
How Uploading Photos Works
1. Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).
Customer Service Questions
Call 866-516-0115
How to Communicate with an Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Inmate by Mail and by Email
To mail or email an inmate in Jefferson County follow these steps:
When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:
- All mail sent to an inmate at the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
- All mail must include the facility's address, as well as the inmate's name and assigned number.
- Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and your letter destroyed.
- The Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer has a zero-tolerance policy regarding mail violations.
- All the information you need to understand mail and email policies can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
Emailing Messages & Photos
Facility_name_1} contracts with Viapath/GTL/GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
- Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.
- After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message. Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
- You can also send your Jefferson County inmate photos and videos.
Customer Service Questions
Call 866-516-0115
Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.
All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Jefferson County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by Viapath / gettingout.
The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, such as:
- Music
- Books
- Games
- Education
- News
- Radio
- Television
- Read mail and messages
- Video visits
- Free services are already available for use on the device at Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.
What Does a Tablet Cost?
To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.
Game Center:
30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)
Unlimited eBooks:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
Streaming Music:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)
Newsfeed
Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)
Same Day Subscription Services
Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)
Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)
Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)
All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes.
Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...
Tablet: $249.99 per each
Charger: $8.99 per each
Earbuds: $2.99 per each
How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:
1. First, Register or Sign In to Viapath/GettingOut/GTL
2. Purchase the services you want for your Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.
To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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.