Mobile County Metro Jail Facility
Mobile County Metro Jail Facility
The 1500-bed Mobile County Metro Jail Facility provides inmate information 24 hours a day by phone at 251-574-6412.
People arrested in this county on misdemeanor or felony charges are brought here first for booking and processing. Those who aren’t immediately released stay in custody until they bond out, are released on their own recognizance, or are ordered held until their trial concludes.
Want to know if someone is here? Search the facility’s roster with the inmate search tool.
After sentencing, inmates with terms under one year stay at this jail, while inmates with longer terms are transferred to the Alabama State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page tells you how to search the official jail roster, how to get to the jail, and how to use inmate services such as visitation, account funding, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary.
Most communication services ask for the inmate’s booking number or jail ID, so keep it on hand. If it’s missing online, call Mobile County Metro Jail Facility at 251-574-6412.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
Looking for someone in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility? The official inmate roster lets you search by name and review their charges, bond amount, visiting eligibility, and mugshot. Or call the jail at 251-574-6412 and ask. Court records for Alabama criminal cases can be searched on the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.
Mobile County Metro Jail Facility Inmate Search
Common questions about the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, such as how to find an inmate, how rosters work, and what happens after arrest and booking, are answered in our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. For more help, call 251-574-6412.
Here’s what to know about the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility’s population:
- Licensed capacity: 1500 inmates, though the jail often has to make room for more, especially on weekends
- Typical monthly turnover at city and county jails: at least 40%
- Additional turnover every 90 days: 30%
- Additional turnover every six months: 20%
- Held six to twelve months: about 8-9%
Inmates held longer than twelve months are usually facing serious charges like rape or murder. Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in Mobile County remain in the Mobile County facility much longer.
Every year, Mobile County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 38,940 offenders.
The Mobile County Metro Jail, run by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, sits at 450 St. Emanuel Street in Mobile, AL 36603, just south of downtown. It is one of the busiest jails in Alabama, averaging about 1,500 inmates a day. Men and women are held here, most of them waiting on misdemeanor or felony cases in Mobile County courts, along with people serving shorter county sentences and state inmates waiting to be moved to the Alabama Department of Corrections. Inmate workers in a minimum security barracks save taxpayers more than $1.5 million a year, the sheriff reports, and the jail offers GED classes, AA and NA meetings, religious services, and work release. NaphCare provides medical care. For general questions, call (251) 574-2423; the automated inmate information line is (251) 574-6412, and medical questions go to (251) 574-3368.
To find out whether someone is in custody, start with the sheriff’s “Who’s in Jail” roster at mobileso.com/whos-in-jail, or check the 24-hour booking list at mobileso.com/24-hour-booking if the arrest just happened. After booking, a person must be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay and within 72 hours of arrest, as Alabama Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.3 requires. Felony cases here are heard in the 13th Judicial Circuit. If you think there may be a warrant for you or a loved one, use the sheriff’s warrant search, look up court cases on Alacourt, and talk with the sheriff’s office or an attorney before turning yourself in.
Alabama’s constitution gives most defendants the right to bail. Capital offenses can be held without bail when the proof is evident or the presumption great, and Aniah’s Law (2022) lets a judge deny bail 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 with 81.6% of the vote, adding solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder and shooting into an occupied building or vehicle. Otherwise judges use the Rule 7.2 schedule as a guide ($10,000–$60,000 for a Class A felony, $1,000–$7,500 for DUI) but may go higher or lower. Release can come on personal recognizance, an unsecured appearance bond, or a secured bond posted in cash, with property, or through a bail bond company. The jail’s bond office is at (251) 574-4702, and there is a $35 filing fee per charge.
Every visit is registered and scheduled through the ViaPath (GTL) “Getting Out” site at mobilecountyal.gtlvisitme.com, between one and seven days ahead. Video visits at the jail are free, Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5:30 p.m.; remote video visits from home run seven days a week in the same time blocks. Each inmate can have up to four approved visitors; sign in 15 minutes early with a valid state ID, dress modestly, and expect every visit to be recorded. Only attorneys, clergy, and medical staff get face-to-face visits. Account help: ViaPath, (855) 208-7349.
Personal mail must be a metered postcard no larger than 4 by 6 inches—no stamps, no envelopes—with your full return address. Address it with the inmate’s full legal name (no nicknames) and date of birth, then Mobile County Metro Jail, P.O. Box 104, Mobile, AL 36601. Deposit money through Inmate Canteen at inmatecanteen.com or the lobby kiosk (cash or card); money orders haven’t been accepted since September 1, 2023, and every deposit carries a fee. Care packs top out at $125. Phone calls are outgoing only through ViaPath’s Connect Network ((877) 650-4249), and inmates use in-cell tablets to order commissary and send requests. Released inmates’ property is handed out Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and anything left unclaimed after 10 days is thrown away.
The Wave Transit System’s buses connect at the GM&O Transit Center, 110 Beauregard Street, on the north side of downtown; use Wave’s trip planner to pick the route closest to St. Emanuel Street. If you drive, the Citgo at 501 S. Broad Street and the Chevron at 1167 S. Broad Street are nearby for fuel. For a quick bite before or after a visit, there’s a Hardee’s at 565 Government Street and a McDonald’s at 658 Government Street.
- Metro Jail: 251-574-4702
- Adult Probation: 251-574-3296
- Alternative Sentencing: 251-574-5594
- Anonymous Crime Tips: 251-574-8255
- Bail: 251-574-4702
- Circuit Court - Criminal: 251-574-8430
- Crime Victims: 251-574-8400
- District Attorney: 251-574-8400
- District Court - Criminal: 251-574-8511
- Drug Court: 251-574-5650
- Electronic Monitoring: 251-574-5659
- Juvenile Court: 251-574-1450
- Juvenile Probation: 251-574-1450
- Metro Jail Administration: 251-574-4702
- Metro Jail Visitation Info: 251-574-4734
- Police: 251-208-1700
- Sheriff: 251-574-2423
- Strickland Juvenile Detention: 251-574-1450
How is booking conducted at Mobile County Metro Jail Facility?
After an arrest, individuals are transported to Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility:
- 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 251-574-6412.
How to post bail for someone arrested in Mobile County
When an individual is arrested and booked at Mobile County Metro Jail Facility in Mobile, 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 251-574-6412 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 251-574-6412 if needed.
- You can work with a licensed bail bondsman in Mobile 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 Mobile County, Alabama, visit the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility? What is the Schedule?
Mobile County Metro Jail Facility Inmate Visitation Schedule
450 St. Emmanuel Street
Mobile, AL 36603
251-574-6412
- First, you must register for visitation with GTL / Viapath either online or at the Metro Jail - 450 St. Emmanuel Street, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 - 11:00 am or 2:00 - 5:30 pm.
- After you complete registration, you will receive an email for confirmation. If you do not receive email call 855-208-7349. You can also call this number and register by phone.
- To register, you have to be on the inmate's list of approved visitors. Only the inmate can add you.
- All visits have be scheduled at least one day in advance.
- You must arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.
- No more than four visitors per inmate.
- Professional Visitors (attorneys) need to call 251-574-6412 after registering for instructions.
ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
REMOTE VISEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
Mobile County Metro Jail Facility offers Video Visitation for Inmates using the Services of GTL, aka ViaPath Techologies
In order to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL you need to first register with GTL.
Next Steps:
- Register yourself and all visitors.
- Select Mobile County Metro Jail Facility
- Select your inmate.
- Schedule your preferred time for the visit.
For at-home video visits: Sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
For on-site video visits: Arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required.
All your questions can be answered after you register, at the Frequently Asked Questions page, or call 855-208-7349 during the following hours:
6AM – 4PM MST Monday – Friday, or
7AM – 4PM MST Saturday – Sunday
Costs for Visits are subject to change but generally run less than $10.00 for a 30 minute visit.
Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard debit, credit or gift cards.
How to Arrange Video Visitation with Mobile County Metro Jail Facility Inmates
Follow these instructions to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL.
- Register yourself and all visitors.
- Select Mobile County Metro Jail Facility
- Select your inmate.
- Schedule your preferred time for the visit.
For all the information you need to know regarding scheduling, cost, rules, tips and guidelines of inmate visits at the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, check out our Visit Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mobile County Metro Jail Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 251-574-6412 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility?
Mobile County Metro Jail Facility Inmate Visitation Schedule
450 St. Emmanuel Street
Mobile, AL 36603
251-574-6412
- First, you must register for visitation with GTL / Viapath either online or at the Metro Jail - 450 St. Emmanuel Street, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 - 11:00 am or 2:00 - 5:30 pm.
- After you complete registration, you will receive an email for confirmation. If you do not receive email call 855-208-7349. You can also call this number and register by phone.
- To register, you have to be on the inmate's list of approved visitors. Only the inmate can add you.
- All visits have be scheduled at least one day in advance.
- You must arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.
- No more than four visitors per inmate.
- Professional Visitors (attorneys) need to call 251-574-6412 after registering for instructions.
ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
REMOTE VISEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 5:30PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mobile County Metro Jail Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 251-574-6412 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Mobile County Metro Jail Facility may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Mobile County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, 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: Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Mobile County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mobile County Metro Jail Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 251-574-6412 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility?
How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 251-574-6412 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, and what can I send them?
Mobile County Metro Jail Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
The Mobile County Metro Jail Facility ONLY allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office unless noted otherwise.
- Minimum size: 3.5 Inches by 4.25 inches. Maximum size: 4.25 inches by 6 inches.
- Postcards mailed with a stamp will be rejected.
- It is best to only use blue or black ink.
- Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
Envelopes with personal letters are NOT allowed.
Postcards MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Date of Birth
Mobile County Metro Jail
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601
Legal Mail
Envelopes from an attorney or professionals related to an inmates case ARE allowed.
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Date of Birth
Mobile County Metro Jail
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601
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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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 & Date of Birth
Mobile County Metro Jail
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601
Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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. Due to drug smuggling, not all inmates are even allowed to receive mail in envelopes, as only certain types of postcards are allowed.
For complete information on mail policies and addresses, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mobile County Metro Jail Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 251-574-6412 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, and what can I purchase?
Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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: Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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 Mobile County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Mobile County Metro Jail Facility 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Mobile 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 Mobile County Metro Jail Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 251-574-6412 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility using an Online Messaging Service?
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Mobile County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Mobile County Metro Jail Facility follow these steps:
- Register with Inmate Canteen to create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Select Alabama, then select Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
- Add money to your account.
- Verify your email.
- Send message.
- NOTE: All messages between you and your Mobile County inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, the costs, rules, policies and more check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Mobile County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mobile County Metro Jail Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 251-574-6412 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mobile County Metro Jail Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 251-574-6412 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Mobile County?
Mobile County County Jails
Mobile County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Mobile County?
The Mobile County Metro Jail Facility serves the following cities and towns of Mobile County: Bayou La Batre, Chickasaw, Citronelle, Creola, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Mobile, Mt. Vernon, Prichard, Saraland, Satsuma, Semmes and Whistler.