Shelby County Jail
Shelby County Jail
Get inmate information from the 500-bed Shelby County Jail 24 hours a day by calling 205-670-6066.
Any adult arrested in the county on a misdemeanor or felony is brought to this jail for booking and processing. After that, the charges decide whether they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until the disposition of their trial.
The inmate search tool shows who has been arrested and remains in custody.
Inmates given less than a year serve their sentence at this facility. Those given more than a year are transferred to the Alabama State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page covers searching the official roster, calling the facility at 205-670-6066, directions, the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary.
Save the jail ID or booking number as soon as you have it. If it’s not online, call Shelby County Jail at 205-670-6066.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
The Official Jail Inmate Roster provides details on every inmate in the Shelby County Jail, including their charges, bond amount, visitation eligibility, and mugshot. For additional information, call 205-670-6066. You can find court information for criminal cases in Alabama on the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.
Shelby County Jail Inmate Search
Everything from finding an inmate in the Shelby County Jail to how jail rosters work and what happens after arrest and booking is covered in our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. If you still have questions, call 205-670-6066.
The Shelby County Jail has a licensed capacity of 500 inmates, but it often has to make room for many more, especially on weekends. Most city and county jails turn over at least 40% of their population monthly, another 30% every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and about 8-9% stay incarcerated six to twelve months. Inmates held longer than twelve months are usually charged with serious crimes such as rape or murder. Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in Shelby County remain in custody at the Shelby County facility much longer.
Approximately 10,680 offenders are arrested and detained every year by Shelby County law enforcement agencies.
The Shelby County Jail at 380 McDow Road in Columbiana, AL 35051 is run by the Jail Division of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. It is a 550-bed facility with 68 corrections staff, and it books roughly 880–900 people a month. People are received and released 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and inmates have on-site medical, dental and mental health care. The jail can be reached at (205) 670-6066, and the sheriff’s main line is (205) 669-4181. To see who is in custody, use the county’s inmate listing at inmatelisting.shelbyal.com or VINELink.
After booking, Alabama law (Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.3) requires an initial appearance before a judge without unnecessary delay and within 72 hours. Shelby County has its own court system, the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Case records are searchable on Alacourt (v2.alacourt.com). If you think a warrant has been issued, contact the sheriff’s office or an attorney before you go in.
The sheriff’s office lists five ways to bond out: cash bond, bonding company, GovPayNet, property bond, and purge bond. A cash bond must be the full amount, paid by money order or cashier’s check made out to Mary Harris, Clerk of Court. Whatever is left after fines and court costs on the person’s cases is returned to the defendant. Alabama gives most defendants the right to bail. Exceptions are capital offenses where the proof is evident or the presumption great, and the charges covered by Aniah’s Law (2022): 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. For those, a judge may deny bail after a pretrial detention hearing. Voters expanded that list in May 2026 (Amendment 1, 81.6% yes) to include solicitation, attempt or conspiracy to commit murder, and shooting into an occupied building or vehicle. For other cases, judges use the Rule 7.2 schedule as a starting point (Class A felony $10,000–$60,000; Class B felony $5,000–$30,000; Class A misdemeanor $300–$6,000; DUI $1,000–$7,500). They can set bail above or below that range or release someone on personal recognizance or an unsecured appearance bond.
Visits are video visits held in the sheriff’s office lobby, and they are free for both the visitor and the inmate. Each inmate gets one scheduled visit a week, and a visitor may see no more than two different inmates a week. Book at least 24 hours in advance, and no more than two weeks out, online, at the lobby kiosk, or by calling (800) 943-2189. Visitors must be approved and show a valid government-issued ID. Anyone under 18 needs an adult with them unless a supervisor approves otherwise. Visiting sessions run on Sunday (8:00–11:25 a.m., 1:00–4:25 p.m. and 7:20–9:35 p.m.), Tuesday through Thursday evenings (7:20–9:35 p.m.) and Saturday morning (8:00–11:25 a.m.), and paid NCIC visits from home at about $0.30 a minute. Call the jail to confirm the current times. Check in 20 minutes early, and don’t wear shorts, sleeveless tops, hats or revealing clothing.
No public bus reaches McDow Road, so visitors drive. There’s gas at the Texaco at 21195 AL-25 and the Chevron at 203 E. College Street, and fast food at McDonald’s, 301 W. College Street, or Jack’s, 207 W. College Street.
Address mail to the inmate’s full name and resident number, c/o Shelby County Jail, P.O. Box 1240, Columbiana, AL 35051. Postcards, letters, newspapers, magazines and up to three paperback books are allowed. Commissary money and care packages (up to $125) go through Inmate Canteen online. Phone service is from NCIC and costs about $0.21 a minute prepaid, and NCIC also sets up accounts at (800) 943-2189. Keep in mind that messages and calls are recorded and can be reviewed by jail staff.
- Jail (Main): 205-670-6066
- Administration: 205-670-6000
- Booking: 205-669-3938
- District Attorney: 205-669-3750
- Juvenile: 205-669-3990
- Juvenile Court: 205-669-3831
- Sheriff: 205-669-4181
- Work Release: 205-669-3950
Understanding the booking process at Shelby County Jail
After an arrest, individuals are taken to Shelby County Jail where they go through booking. This process includes identifying the person, reviewing charges, and determining whether they will be released on their own, eligible for bail, or detained until their court date.
It’s crucial to remain silent after being arrested. Anything said may be used in court, so it’s better to refrain from speaking until consulting with an attorney.
The following steps outline the booking procedure at Shelby County Jail:
- Personal identification verification.
- Taking photographs (mugshots).
- Medical and mental health assessment, as well as inquiries about substance use.
- Possibly collecting DNA samples.
- Performing a full-body search.
- Seizing personal belongings for safekeeping.
- Allowing one phone call.
Booking can take from a short hour to longer periods, especially on busy nights or with uncooperative individuals. For inquiries about posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 205-670-6066.
Paying bail for someone in custody in Shelby County
Once someone is booked at Shelby County Jail in Columbiana after an arrest, there are several outcomes:
1. They may be released without paying bail, agreeing to show up on a scheduled date.
2. They may remain in custody until their court appearance.
3. They can pay a bail or bond for release. Call 205-670-6066 for bail details.
Bail payments can take several forms.
- The full cash bond is paid at the jail's bonding window or at the clerk of court using cash, a cashier's check or a money order, while many jails add a card option at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond service for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and call the jail at 205-670-6066 with questions.
- A licensed bail bond agent in Shelby County can help cover bail.
- Many courts take real estate as security for a bond; the property owner must show clear title plus equity at least equal to the bond, often twice it, backed by a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set the bail gives final approval.
For detailed information about the bail process in Shelby County, Alabama, see the Shelby County Jail Bail FAQ.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Shelby County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
380 McDow Road
Columbiana, AL 35051
205-670-6066
Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC, by coming to the facility, or by calling 800-943-2189.
- On-site Visits are free.
- Visits are 25 minutes long.
- Visitation schedule subject to change.
- Inmates are allowed one visit per week
- A maximum of one adult and two children per visit.
- Age 16+ must have a valid, government issued photo ID.
- Visitors must check in 20 minutes prior to scheduled visitation time; failure to do so may result in loss of visitation.
- Visitation will be by appointment only. Visits may be scheduled up to one week in advance through the website or kiosk.
- Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- All visits must be cancelled 48 hours in advance.
ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:25AM 1:00PM - 4:25PM 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| MONDAY | No video sessions |
| TUESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| FRIDAY | No video sessions |
| SATURDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:25AM |
Shelby County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
- All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Visitation Schedule subject to change.
- Visits cost $0.30 per minute.
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:25AM 1:00PM - 4:25PM 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| MONDAY | No video sessions |
| TUESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| FRIDAY | No video sessions |
| SATURDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:25AM |
Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
How to set up your Video Visit
- Register here.
- Select Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail?
Shelby County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
380 McDow Road
Columbiana, AL 35051
205-670-6066
Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC, by coming to the facility, or by calling 800-943-2189.
- On-site Visits are free.
- Visits are 25 minutes long.
- Visitation schedule subject to change.
- Inmates are allowed one visit per week
- A maximum of one adult and two children per visit.
- Age 16+ must have a valid, government issued photo ID.
- Visitors must check in 20 minutes prior to scheduled visitation time; failure to do so may result in loss of visitation.
- Visitation will be by appointment only. Visits may be scheduled up to one week in advance through the website or kiosk.
- Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- All visits must be cancelled 48 hours in advance.
ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:25AM 1:00PM - 4:25PM 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| MONDAY | No video sessions |
| TUESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| FRIDAY | No video sessions |
| SATURDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:25AM |
Shelby County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
- All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Visitation Schedule subject to change.
- Visits cost $0.30 per minute.
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:25AM 1:00PM - 4:25PM 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| MONDAY | No video sessions |
| TUESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| FRIDAY | No video sessions |
| SATURDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:25AM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Shelby 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 Shelby 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.
- NOTE: Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Shelby County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail?
How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Shelby County Jail?
To receive phone calls from an inmate in Shelby County follow these instructions:
Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail, and what can I send them?
Shelby County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Shelby 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 Shelby 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 & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
Shelby County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Shelby County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Envelopes
The Shelby County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail, and what can I purchase?
Shelby 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: Shelby 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 Shelby County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Shelby County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Shelby County Jail follow these steps:
- Register with Inmate Canteen to create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Select Alabama, then select Shelby County Jail, 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail, the costs, rules, policies and more check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Shelby County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Shelby County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Shelby County?
Shelby County County Jails
Shelby County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Shelby County?
This facility, known as "Shelby County Jail" is also known as Shelby County Correctional Facility, Shelby County Corrections Division, Shelby County Sheriff, Shelby County Inmate Search, Shelby County Arrests, Shelby County Jail Arrests, Shelby County Arrests Alabama.