Mobile County Metro Jail Facility

Last updated by Mark Miclette

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Mobile County

Mobile County Metro Jail Facility

For 24-hour inmate information, contact the 1500-bed Mobile County Metro Jail Facility at 251-574-6412.

Booking. Processing. Holding. This facility handles all three for people arrested in the county on misdemeanor and felony charges. After booking and processing, an inmate may be released on bond or on their own recognizance, or held until their trial is finished.

The inmate search tool shows the jail’s current roster.

Sentences under one year are served at this jail. Sentences over one year are served at the Alabama State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page covers the visitation schedule, inmate account deposits, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, emails and texts, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.

Save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number. You will likely need it. If it isn’t online, call Mobile County Metro Jail Facility at 251-574-6412.

Phone: 251-574-6412

Physical Address:
450 St. Emanuel Street
Mobile, AL 36603

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Mobile County Metro Jail
Inmate's Date of Birth
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, Alabama 36601
(personal mail - white postcards only)

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Mobile County Metro Jail
Inmate's Date of Birth
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, Alabama 36601

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility?

Start your search for an inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility at the Official Jail Inmate Roster, which shows charges, bond, visitation eligibility, and mugshots. For more information, call the jail at 251-574-6412. To check on a criminal case in the Alabama courts, use the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.

Mobile County Metro Jail Facility Inmate Search

We’ve compiled Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on finding an inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility, how jail rosters work, and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. You can also call 251-574-6412 if you still have questions.

The licensed capacity of the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility is 1500 inmates, though the jail frequently has to make room for more, especially on weekends. Most city and county jails see at least 40% of inmates turn over monthly, 30% more every 90 days, and 20% more every six months, while around 8-9% remain six to twelve months. Stays longer than twelve months are usually tied to serious charges such as rape or murder. Those cases take time to prepare for trial, which means offenders arrested in Mobile County stay in custody at the Mobile County facility much longer.

Mobile County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 38,940 offenders annually.

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About the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility

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.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

What should you know about the booking process at Mobile County Metro Jail Facility?

Once arrested, the person is taken to Mobile County Metro Jail Facility for booking, a process that confirms identity, assesses charges, and determines if they will be released on their own recognizance, posted for bail, or held until court.

Staying silent is key during this process, as anything spoken can be used as evidence in court. It’s best to wait for legal counsel before responding to questions.

Steps involved in booking at Mobile County Metro Jail Facility include:

  • Confirming identity.
  • Taking mugshots for record.
  • Medical, mental health, and substance history questioning.
  • DNA collection if applicable.
  • Comprehensive physical search.
  • Seizing personal property.
  • Access to a free phone call.

To check on an offender’s bond amount, contact Mobile County Metro Jail Facility at 251-574-6412.

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Directions / Map to the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Steps to pay bail in Mobile County

After an arrest, individuals are brought to Mobile County Metro Jail Facility in Mobile for processing. Following this, three possible outcomes exist:

1. The individual may be released without posting bail, with a promise to appear in court.
2. The individual could be held in jail until their court date.
3. Bail or bond can be posted for release; for more information, contact 251-574-6412.

Bail payment can be handled through various means.

  • Pay a cash bond in full at the bonding window inside the jail or at the clerk of court, by cash, cashier's check or money order; a lobby kiosk or online bond vendor often takes debit and credit cards for an extra fee, and you should bring the inmate's full name and booking number (the jail can be reached at 251-574-6412).
  • Licensed bail bond agents in Mobile County are available for assistance.
  • Land or a home can often serve as bond collateral: the owner provides a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value showing clear title and equity of at least the bond amount, commonly double, and the court that set bail approves the pledge.

To learn more about the bail process in Mobile County, Alabama, visit the Mobile County Metro Jail Facility Bail Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How 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. Emanuel 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.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can 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. Emanuel 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.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How 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.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How 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.

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Mailing an Inmate

How 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 & Inmate ID#
Mobile County Metro Jail
Inmate's Date of Birth
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, Alabama 36601
(personal mail - white postcards only)



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 & Inmate ID#
Mobile County Metro Jail
Inmate's Date of Birth
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, Alabama 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 & Inmate ID#
Mobile County Metro Jail
Inmate's Date of Birth
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, Alabama 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.

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Inmate Commissary

Can 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.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How 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.

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Inmate Tablets

Do 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.

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Other Jails in Mobile County

What are the other City and County Jails in Mobile County?

Mobile County County Jails
Mobile County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

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

Mobile Baldwin Washington Jackson Greene George
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Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Mobile County