Russell County Jail
Russell County Jail
Reach the 215-bed Russell County Jail for inmate information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 334-298-8621.
Following an arrest for a misdemeanor or felony in this county, suspects are brought here for booking and processing. When required by the charges, they are held until they bond out, are released on their own recognizance, or are ordered to stay until the disposition of their trial.
Search the jail’s roster of current inmates with the inmate search tool.
Inmates found guilty and sentenced to less than a year serve that sentence locally. Those sentenced to longer terms serve in the Alabama State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page explains the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, mailing an inmate, receiving inmate calls, voicemail, email and text services, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.
The inmate’s booking number or jail ID is often required for communication, so save it. If it’s not online, call Russell County Jail at 334-298-8621.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
Trying to locate an inmate? Search the Russell County Jail Official Jail Inmate Roster to see their charges, bond amount, visiting eligibility, and mugshot, or call 334-298-8621 to speak with the jail. To research a criminal case in Alabama’s courts, use the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.
Russell County Jail Inmate Search
If you have questions about the Russell County Jail, start with our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. They cover finding an inmate, how the jail roster works, and what happens after arrest and booking. Call 334-298-8621 for further help.
While the Russell County Jail has a licensed capacity of 215, it is often forced to make room for many more inmates, especially on weekends. City and county jails generally turn over at least 40% of their inmates each month, another 30% every 90 days, and another 20% every six months, and about 8-9% stay incarcerated six to twelve months. Those held longer than twelve months are usually charged with serious crimes such as murder or rape. Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in Russell County are held at the Russell County facility much longer.
Every year, approximately 4,300 offenders are arrested and detained by Russell County law enforcement agencies.
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
Steps involved in booking at Russell County Jail
After an arrest, the individual is brought to Russell County Jail for the booking process. This procedure involves identifying the person, determining charges, and deciding whether they’ll be released on their own recognizance, posted for bail, or held until court.
Remaining silent is highly recommended, as anything said can later be used in court. Wait for legal advice before responding to questions.
The booking process typically involves the following steps at Russell County Jail:
- Identification confirmation.
- Photographs (mugshots).
- Answering questions regarding health and criminal background.
- Potential DNA collection.
- Conducting a physical search.
- Seizing personal property.
- Providing a free phone call.
For details on an offender’s bail or bond, call Russell County Jail at 334-298-8621.
How to pay bail in Russell County for an arrestee
Once an individual is booked at Russell County Jail in Phenix City, options for their release include:
1. Release without paying bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Continued detention until their court date.
3. Release upon paying a bail or bond. Call 334-298-8621 for the bail amount.
Bail can be paid through various methods.
- Bring the full cash bond to the jail's bonding window or the clerk of court and pay by cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also take debit or credit cards for a fee through a lobby kiosk or an online bond vendor, and staff will need the inmate's full name and booking number (jail: 334-298-8621).
- A licensed bail bondsman in Russell County can assist with the process.
- An owner can often pledge land or a home as bond collateral by proving clear title and equity worth at least the bond, frequently double the bond, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value; the court that set bail must approve the property before release.
For more details on the bail process in Russell County, Alabama, visit the Russell County Jail Bail Page.
⇓ 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?
The Russell County Jail contracts with Prodigy Telephone Solutions. Inmates have ability to use their Messaging Service to send and receive electronic messages.
Depending on the facility, inmates can either view messages from you by:
- Viewing it on a device at the jail,
- Viewing it on a Kiosk in their unit,
- Print it out, and/or
- Respond electronically.
Pay for the Prodigy Inmate Messaging Service at Russell County Jail.
- Online,
- Over the Phone by calling 866-700-4545,
- Using a Kiosk at Russell County Jail.
Pay for Prodigy.
- Using a Kiosk at Russell County Jail.
- Over the phone by calling 877-810-0914.
How much does it cost to send and receive messages?
Rates to send messages vary and are subject to change.
The typical cost is $1.00 per message, plus $1.00 per photo and $3.00 per 30 second video when available.
Step 1 - Sign in or create an account to find your facility.
Step 2 - Fund Account
NOTE: By turning on messaging, you will fund your account with $5.00 and authorize Prodigy / Jail ATM to charge your payment method for the same amount if you send a message or receive a collect message and do not have enough money.
The Russell County Jail contracts with Prodigy Telephone Solutions. Inmates have ability to use their Messaging Service to send and receive electronic messages.
Depending on the facility, inmates can either view messages from you by:
- Viewing it on a device at the jail,
- Viewing it on a Kiosk in their unit,
- Print it out, and/or
- Respond electronically.
Pay for the Prodigy Inmate Messaging Service at Russell County Jail.
- Online,
- Over the Phone by calling 866-700-4545,
- Using a Kiosk at Russell County Jail.
Pay for Prodigy.
- Using a Kiosk at Russell County Jail.
- Over the phone by calling 877-810-0914.
How much does it cost to send and receive messages?
Rates to send messages vary and are subject to change.
The typical cost is $1.00 per message, plus $1.00 per photo and $3.00 per 30 second video when available.
Step 1 - Sign in or create an account to find your facility.
Step 2 - Fund Account
NOTE: By turning on messaging, you will fund your account with $5.00 and authorize Prodigy / Jail ATM to charge your payment method for the same amount if you send a message or receive a collect message and do not have enough money.
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?
This facility, known as "Russell County Jail" is also known as Russell County Sheriff, Randolph County Inmate Search, Randolph County Arrests.