Russell County Jail
Russell County Jail
Phone: 334-298-8621. The 215-bed Russell County Jail answers inmate information calls 24 hours a day.
This jail books and houses people arrested in the county for misdemeanors and felonies. After booking and processing, an inmate may be bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until their trial is resolved.
The inmate search tool lets you see who is currently in custody.
Less than one year: the sentence is served here. More than one year: the inmate is transferred to the Alabama State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page covers visitation, inmate funds, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablets, bail bonds, and commissary.
Save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number. Not online? Call Russell County Jail at 334-298-8621.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
On the Russell County Jail’s Official Jail Inmate Roster, you can:
- Search for an inmate by name
- Review their criminal charges
- Check their bond amount
- See when they can get visits
- View their mugshot
You can also call the jail at 334-298-8621 for the information you are looking for. For details about a specific criminal case in Alabama, go to the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.
Russell County Jail Inmate Search
Read through our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for guidance on finding an inmate in the Russell County Jail, how jail rosters work, and what happens after someone is arrested and booked. If you still need help, call 334-298-8621.
The Russell County Jail is licensed to hold 215 inmates, though it frequently has to make room for many more, especially on weekends. Most city and county jails see a monthly turnover of at least 40% of inmates, another 30% every 90 days, and another 20% every six months. About 8-9% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Offenders who remain longer than a year are usually facing serious charges such as rape or murder. Since those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in Russell County remain in custody at the Russell County facility much longer.
Russell County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 4,300 offenders per year.
The Russell County Jail at 307 Prentiss Drive in Phenix City, AL 36869 holds adults arrested across Russell County, just across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Georgia. The Russell County Sheriff’s Office runs it. The jail has 215 beds. You can reach the jail at (334) 298-8621 and the sheriff’s office at (334) 298-6535. The sheriff posts recent bookings and the county’s most wanted on the “Russell County Mugs” page. VINELink (vinelink.vineapps.com) will also confirm whether someone is in custody, or you can download their phone app.
After booking, a judge must see the person without unnecessary delay and no later than 72 hours after arrest (Alabama Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.3). Russell County makes up the Twenty-sixth Judicial Circuit on its own. You can track court dates on Alacourt (v2.alacourt.com). If you have a warrant, contact the sheriff’s office or a lawyer first and plan how to turn yourself in.
Bail is available to most people. Judges may deny it in capital cases where the proof is evident or the presumption great. Under Aniah’s Law (2022), after a pretrial detention hearing, they may also deny it 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. Since voters approved Amendment 1 in May 2026 with 81.6% of the vote, that list also covers solicitation, attempt or conspiracy to commit murder, and shooting into an occupied building or vehicle. Everyone else has bail set with the Rule 7.2 schedule as a guide ($10,000–$60,000 for a Class A felony, $5,000–$30,000 for a Class B felony, $300–$6,000 for a Class A misdemeanor, $1,000–$7,500 for DUI), though a judge can depart from it. Release can come through personal recognizance, an unsecured appearance bond, or a secured bond (cash, property, or a bail bond company). Posting at the jail usually speeds up release. The jail takes cash, cashier’s checks, certified checks and money orders, but not personal checks. Bring a government-issued photo ID.
On-site visits are first come, first served on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday, from 8:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m. Each inmate gets one 20-minute visit every two weeks, with up to two visitors, and must have been in the jail at least 14 days before the first visit. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list and show a government-issued photo ID. Children need a parent or guardian and a birth certificate. Work release and inmate worker programs allow qualified inmates to participate, and their visits will need to occur around their specific availability.
NCIC video visits from home run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. They cost about $7.50 for 30 minutes and must be booked 24 hours ahead. Phenix City Express, the free weekday bus run by the Lee-Russell Council of Governments, runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (877) 743-3739 to ask about the stop nearest Prentiss Drive. Most visitors drive. Gas is close at bp, 109 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway N., and Bigcat Express-ARCO, 106 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway S. For food, try TacoMex at 414 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway S. or Dixie Wings 431 at 3211 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway S.
Mail goes to the inmate’s full name and ID number, Russell County Jail, P.O. Box 640, Phenix City, AL 36868. Postcards and letters are accepted. Books must be softcover and shipped from a retailer, with no more than three at a time. You can deposit money through NCIC at the jail kiosk, online, by phone at (800) 943-2189, or by mailed money order. Each deposit carries a $3.00 fee. NCIC also runs the phones, at about $0.25 a minute, and rents tablets. Inmate Canteen sells commissary packages up to $125. Prodigy Telephone Solutions handles text messages at $1.00 each.
Inmate Comminication Fees
Offsite Price Per Minute (Taxes May Apply): $0.25
Cost Per Message (Taxes May Apply): $0.25
Cost Per Attachment (Taxes May Apply): $0.35
Cost Per Video Message (Taxes May Apply): $0.35
Please schedule your visit ahead of time to make sure your detainee is available.
- Jail (Main): 334-298-8621
- Court: 334-298-0516
- Sheriff: 334-298-6535
How booking works at Russell County Jail
When someone is arrested, they are taken to Russell County Jail for booking. This process includes identifying them, deciding on charges, and determining if they will be eligible for bail or held until court.
It's important to stay silent during this process, as any statements made may be used in court. Legal advice should be sought before speaking about the case.
The following steps make up the booking process at Russell County Jail:
- Verification of personal details.
- Taking mugshots for identification purposes.
- Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
- Possible DNA collection if required.
- Search of the individual.
- Confiscation of personal property.
- Providing a phone call.
For more information on paying an arrestee’s bond, contact Russell County Jail at 334-298-8621.
Paying bail for someone in Russell County
After being arrested and booked into Russell County Jail in Phenix City, the arrestee's situation will proceed in one of three ways:
1. They may be released without bail and required to attend a court hearing.
2. They may be held in custody until their court date.
3. Bail can be posted for their release; call 334-298-8621 for the exact bail amount.
There are multiple ways to pay bail.
- Cash bonds are paid in full at the jail's bonding window or with the clerk of court, accepted as cash, cashier's check or money order, and many jails let you pay by card at a lobby kiosk or with an online bond vendor for a fee; have the inmate's full name and booking number when you go, and the jail is at 334-298-8621.
- Licensed bail bond agents in Russell County can facilitate the process.
- Many courts accept a home or land as collateral for bond, as long as the owner proves clear title and equity at least equal to the bond amount (often twice it) with a deed and a current tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves the pledge.
To get more information on the bail process in Russell County, Alabama, visit the Russell County Jail Bail FAQ.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Russell County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Russell County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VISITATION SCHEDULE
307 Prentiss Drive
Phenix City, AL 36869
334-298-8621
- One twenty minute on-site visit every two weeks with a maximum of (2) visitors per visit.
- No need to schedule. First come, first served.
- Visitation will be granted to inmates based on the first letter of their last name. All inmates with the last name starting with the letters A-Mc will have visitation together and inmate with the last name starting with the letters N-Z will have visitation together.
- No inmate incarcerated less than fourteen days will be permitted a visit.
- All inmates must complete a pre-approved visitation form prior to receiving any on-site visits. Inmates may designate to six people on this visitation for that they wish to be eligible to visit them.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 4:00PM |
| MONDAY | No onsite Visits |
| TUESDAY | No onsite Visits |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 4:00PM |
| THURSDAY | No onsite Visits |
| FRIDAY | No onsite Visits |
| SATURDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 4:00PM |
Russell County Jail 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 |
Russell County Jail uses the services of NCIC for remote video visitation.
In other words, you can visit your inmate in jail by using your home computer, as long as it is equipped with a microphone and camera that supports video.
Ask Russell County Jail whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
Costs
NCIC shows the price of a video visit before you confirm it. Rates are set by the provider and can change.
Ask Russell County Jail whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
How to set up your Video Visit
- Register here.
- Select Russell County Jail
- Select your inmate.
- Choose your date and time.
Your inmate will be notified by the jail staff of the date and time for the visit. Be logged in and connected to NCIC before the scheduled start time.
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Russell County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 334-298-8621 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Russell County Jail?
Russell County Jail 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 Russell County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 334-298-8621 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Russell County Jail?
How Do I put Money on an Inmate's Commissary Account in the Russell County Jail to Purchase Phone Cards?
There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Russell County Jail
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
Russell County Jail 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 Russell County Jail address on this page, or to the address below if it is different than the facility address.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Russell County Jail
P.O. Box 640
Phenix City, AL 36868
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 deposit money in an inmate's phone account in the Russell County Jail
- To deposit money online go the NCIC website.
- To deposit money over the phone call 800-943-2189.
- To deposit money at the jail use the NCIC Kiosk in the Russell County Jail lobby.
- Call the jail at 334-298-8621 to confirm lobby hours for depositing inmate funds.
For complete information on depositing money in an inmate's account, check out our Inmate Money page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Russell County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 334-298-8621 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Russell County Jail?
How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Russell County Jail?
To receive phone calls from an inmate in Russell County follow these instructions:
Russell County Jail 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 Russell County Jail
- 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 Russell County Jail, 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 Russell 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 Russell County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 334-298-8621 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Russell County Jail, and what can I send them?
Russell County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Russell County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Russell County 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 & Inmate ID#
Russell County Jail
P.O. Box 640
Phenix City, AL 36868
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Russell County Jail
P.O. Box 640
Phenix City, AL 36868
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper 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
Check the Russell County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Russell County Jail standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Russell County Jail
P.O. Box 640
Phenix City, AL 36868
Russell County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Russell County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Envelopes
The Russell County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Russell County Jail
P.O. Box 640
Phenix City, AL 36868
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Russell County Jail
P.O. Box 640
Phenix City, AL 36868
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper 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
Check the Russell County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Russell County Jail standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Russell County Jail
P.O. Box 640
Phenix City, AL 36868
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Russell County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 334-298-8621 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Russell County Jail, and what can I purchase?
Russell County Jail 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: Russell County Jail 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 Russell County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Russell County Jail 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 Russell County Jail, 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 Russell County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Russell 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 Russell County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 334-298-8621 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Russell County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Russell County Jail uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate’s account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.
You can deposit money three different ways:
• Deposit online at NCIC.com
• Ask Russell County Jail whether it has an NCIC deposit kiosk and where it is.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: 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
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Russell County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Russell County Jail follow these steps:
Russell County Jail uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate's account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.
You can deposit money three different ways:
• Deposit online at NCIC.com
• Ask Russell County Jail whether it has an NCIC deposit kiosk and where it is.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: NCIC's terms put the live-agent fee for a phone payment or account set-up at no more than $5.95.)
Email – info@ncic.com
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Russell County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Russell County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Russell County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 334-298-8621 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Russell County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Ask Russell County Jail whether NCIC tablets are available to inmates there.
How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate at the Russell County Jail
Ask Russell County Jail whether NCIC tablets are available to inmates there.
Ask Russell County Jail what the tablets can be used for and whether there is a charge.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Russell County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 334-298-8621 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Russell County?
The Russell County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Russell County: Hurtsboro, Phenix City and Seale.