Maricopa County Watkins Jail

The Maricopa County Watkins Jail posts its current inmates on the Official Jail Inmate Roster, where you can check an inmate’s charges, bond amount, when they can receive visits, and often their mugshot. You can also call 602-876-0322 for help. For every court in Arizona, including Maricopa County, you can also look up:

• Criminal Court Case Lookup
• Warrant and Wanted Fugitive Search

Maricopa County Watkins Jail Inmate Search

Our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers are designed to help you find an inmate in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail, understand how jail rosters work, and know what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. You can also call 602-876-0322.

The Maricopa County Watkins Jail is licensed for 1600 inmates, but the jail is often forced to make room for many more, especially on weekends. Monthly turnover at most city and county jails in Arizona is at least 40% of the inmate population, 90-day turnover is another 30%, six-month turnover is another 20%, and about 8-9% stay six to twelve months. Inmates held longer than twelve months are usually facing serious charges like rape or murder. Since those cases take time to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in Maricopa County remain in custody at one of the Maricopa County facilities much longer.

Under Arizona’s court rules, the starting point is release on the defendant’s own recognizance. Bail is set only if a judge decides that isn’t enough to ensure the person returns to court or to protect public safety, which means many people arrested in Arizona go home without paying anything.

Every year, Maricopa County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 217,860 offenders.

What are the bail options in Maricopa County after an arrest?

Once arrested, an individual may be brought to Maricopa County Watkins Jail in Phoenix for processing. The next steps vary:

1. The individual may be released without paying bail and ordered to appear on a set date.
2. The individual could be held in jail until their hearing.
3. Posting bail or bond allows them to be released. Call 602-876-0322 to confirm the bail amount.

There are several ways to pay an individual’s bail.

• A cash bond is posted by paying the whole amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk's office with cash, a cashier's check or a money order, and many facilities also accept cards at a kiosk or through an online bond vendor for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and the jail's line is 602-876-0322.
• Licensed bail bond agencies in Maricopa County can provide assistance.
• Courts in many places accept real property, such as land or a house, as bond collateral when the owner documents clear title and equity of at least the bond amount, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves.

For more information about bail in Maricopa County, Arizona, see the Maricopa County Watkins Jail Bail Guide.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail? What is the Schedule?

Maricopa County Watkins Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

• All visits must be scheduled with gettingout at least 24 hours in advance.
• Visits are 30 minutes.
• Visitation schedule subject to change.

Maricopa County Watkins Jail uses Viapath / GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling. 



There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:
1.  Using the Viapath/GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.

How it Works with GettingOut
1.  Register an account.
2. Select Maricopa County Watkins Jail
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.   

• **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
• If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Maricopa County Watkins Jail.
• With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in Maricopa County Watkins Jail?

To visit an inmate in Maricopa County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:

Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Maricopa County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of Viapath / GettingOut. 



There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Maricopa County Watkins Jail:
1.  Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the Viapath / GettingOut apps.

To remotely visit an inmate in Maricopa County follow these steps:
1.  Start by confirming that Maricopa County Watkins Jail's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Maricopa County here.
2.  The next step is to create an account here for Viapath / GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Maricopa County Watkins Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.

Other Maricopa County Services provided by GettingOut:
 - Phone Calls & Voicemail 
 - Email, Photo & Video Sharing
-  Inmate Tablet Rental
-  Deposits

Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Maricopa County Watkins Jail Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.

* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Maricopa County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.

Maricopa County Watkins Jail Phone: 602-876-0322

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Maricopa County Watkins Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 602-876-0322 for further assistance.

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail?

Maricopa County Watkins Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

• All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
• Visits are 30 minutes.
• Visitation schedule subject to change.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Maricopa County Watkins Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 602-876-0322 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail?

How to Deposit Money into an Inmate's Account in Maricopa County Watkins Jail

To deposit money into the account of an inmate in Maricopa County, follow these instructions:

• Create an account with Touchpay Services, a GTL company.
• 
• Select Arizona.
• Select Maricopa County Watkins Jail
• Enter the Inmate ID of your inmate.  This can be found by calling 602-876-0322 or by looking up the inmate's name in the Inmate Search link.
• Enter your billing information and send money.
• You can also deposit cash using the kiosk at the Maricopa County Watkins Jail.  To do this you need the Inmate's ID Number and the Facility Locator Number for Maricopa County.

For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Maricopa County Watkins Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 602-876-0322 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail 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 Maricopa County Watkins Jail, 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 Maricopa County Watkins Jail 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 Maricopa County Watkins Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 602-876-0322 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail, and what can I send them?

Postcards only... no envelopes.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Maricopa County Watkins Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 602-876-0322 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail, and what can I purchase?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Maricopa County Watkins Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 602-876-0322 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Emailing and Texting Messages, Photos & Videograms

Maricopa County Watkins Jail contracts with Viapath/GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.


If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.

Then use the Facility Finder to:
1.  Select Maricopa County Watkins Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

How Messaging Works
1.  Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.

How Uploading Photos Works
1.  Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).

Customer Service Questions
Call   866-516-0115

How to Communicate with an Maricopa County Watkins Jail Inmate by Mail and by Email

To mail or email an inmate in Maricopa County follow these steps:

When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:

• All mail sent to an inmate at the Maricopa County Watkins Jail must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
• All mail must include the facility's address, as well as the inmate's name and assigned number.
• Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and your letter destroyed.
• The Maricopa County Watkins Jail has a zero-tolerance policy regarding mail violations. 
• All the information you need to understand mail and email policies can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.

Emailing Messages & Photos

Facility_name_1} contracts with Viapath/GTL/GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
 
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.

Then use the Facility Finder to:
1.  Select Maricopa County Watkins Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

• Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
• After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
• You can also send your Maricopa County inmate photos and videos.

Customer Service Questions
Call   866-516-0115

Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.

All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Maricopa County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Maricopa County Watkins Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 602-876-0322 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Maricopa County Watkins Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Maricopa County Watkins Jail allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by Viapath / gettingout.

The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Maricopa County Watkins Jail, such as:

• Music
• Books
• Games
• Education
• News
• Radio
• Television
• Read mail and messages
• Video visits

-  Free services are already available for use on the device at Maricopa County Watkins Jail.
-  Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
-  Maricopa County Watkins Jail Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What Does a Tablet Cost?

To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.

Game Center:

30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)

Unlimited eBooks:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

Streaming Music:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)

Newsfeed

Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)

Same Day Subscription Services

Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)

Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)

Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)

All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes. 

Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...

Tablet: $249.99 per each

Charger: $8.99 per each

Earbuds: $2.99 per each

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Maricopa County Watkins Jail

To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:

1.  First, Register or Sign In to Viapath/GettingOut/GTL

2.  Purchase the services you want for your Maricopa County Watkins Jail inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Maricopa County Watkins Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 602-876-0322 for further assistance.

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

Maricopa County County Jails

Maricopa County City Jails

Maricopa County Juvenile Facilities

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