Big Sandy Regional Detention Center

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Johnson County

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center

Questions about an inmate can be answered 24 hours a day by the 225-bed Big Sandy Regional Detention Center at 606-297-5245.

This jail books and processes everyone arrested in the county for misdemeanors and felonies. Following booking and processing, inmates may be bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until their trial is decided, depending on the charges.

Look up current inmates using the inmate search tool.

Inmates sentenced to fewer than 12 months serve their sentence at this jail. Inmates sentenced to more than 12 months are sent to the Kentucky State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

On this page, learn about:

Keep a record of the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for mail and communication. If it’s not available online, call Big Sandy Regional Detention Center at 606-297-5245.

Phone

606-297-5245

Physical address

904 3rd Street
Paintsville, KY 41240
Get directions

Mailing address (personal mail)

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
904 3rd St
Paintsville, KY 41240

Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
904 3rd St
Paintsville, KY 41240

Other Jails and Prisons

To search for an inmate in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 606-297-5245 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an Offender's Criminal Court Case in either the District Court or the Circuit Court,

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center Inmate Search

The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center maintains an average of 225 offenders in custody on any given day. The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Johnson County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 4,500 offenders.

The following charts of Johnson County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Johnson County Corrections Department, the state of Kentucky Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Johnson County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Johnson County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

Find a court date or a court case.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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The 225-bed Big Sandy Regional Detention Center is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in the following counties: Johnson County, Lawrence County, Magoffin County and Martin County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year. 

It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.

The blue and white steel one story building is notoriously overcrowded. It is located on Detention Center Drive, next to the Johnson County Judicial Court in Paintsville, Kentucky.

If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 606-297-5245, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.

Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment. 

Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks. 

The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills. 

Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided. 

Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit. 

Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program. 

Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page. 

All personal mail is sent to: 

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
904 3rd St
Paintsville, KY 41240

Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.

Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
904 3rd St
Paintsville, KY 41240

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What should you know about the booking process at Big Sandy Regional Detention Center?

Once arrested, the person is taken to Big Sandy Regional Detention Center for booking, a process that confirms identity, assesses charges, and determines if they will be released on their own recognizance, posted for bail, or held until court.

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

Steps involved in booking at Big Sandy Regional Detention Center include:

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

To check on an offender’s bond amount, contact Big Sandy Regional Detention Center at 606-297-5245.

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Steps to pay bail in Johnson County

After an arrest, individuals are brought to Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville for processing. Following this, three possible outcomes exist:

1. The individual may be released without posting bail, with a promise to appear in court.
2. The individual could be held in jail until their court date.
3. Bail or bond can be posted for release; for more information, contact 606-297-5245.

Bail payment can be handled through various means.

  • Pay a cash bond in full at the bonding window inside the jail or at the clerk of court, by cash, cashier's check or money order; a lobby kiosk or online bond vendor often takes debit and credit cards for an extra fee, and you should bring the inmate's full name and booking number (the jail can be reached at 606-297-5245).
  • Licensed bail bond agents in Johnson County are available for assistance.
  • Land or a home can often serve as bond collateral: the owner provides a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value showing clear title and equity of at least the bond amount, commonly double, and the court that set bail approves the pledge.

To learn more about the bail process in Johnson County, Kentucky, visit the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center Bail Page.

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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center Inmate Video Visitation Schedule

904 3rd Street
Paintsville, KY 41240
606-297-5245

  • First, you must register, puchase data, and then schedule with CIDNET.
  • Visits are 20 minutes.
  • The more data you purchase, the less expensive each MB of data is.

ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 1:00PM - 4:00PM
6:30PM - 9:00PM
MONDAY 1:00PM - 4:00PM
6:30PM - 9:00PM
TUESDAY 1:00PM - 4:00PM
6:30PM - 9:00PM
WEDNESDAY 1:00PM - 4:00PM
6:30PM - 9:00PM
THURSDAY 1:00PM - 4:00PM
6:30PM - 9:00PM
FRIDAY 1:00PM - 4:00PM
​​​​​​​6:30PM - 9:00PM
SATURDAY 1:00PM - 4:00PM
​​​​​​​6:30PM - 9:00PM

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 10:45AM
11:45AM - 4:45PM
6:30PM - 9:30PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 10:45AM
11:45AM - 4:45PM
​​​​​​​6:30PM - 9:30PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 10:45AM
11:45AM - 4:45PM
​​​​​​​6:30PM - 9:30PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 10:45AM
11:45AM - 4:45PM
​​​​​​​6:30PM - 9:30PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 10:45AM
11:45AM - 4:45PM
​​​​​​​6:30PM - 9:30PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 10:45AM
11:45AM - 4:45PM
​​​​​​​6:30PM - 9:30PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 10:45AM
11:45AM - 4:45PM
​​​​​​​6:30PM - 9:30PM

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.  
Register here.





Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Sandy Regional Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 606-297-5245 for further assistance.

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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center?

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.  
Register here.


Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Sandy Regional Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 606-297-5245 for further assistance.

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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center?

How to Deposit Money into an Inmate's Account in Big Sandy Regional Detention Center

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

  • Create an account with Touchpay Services, a GTL company.
  • Select Kentucky.
  • Select Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
  • Enter the Inmate ID of your inmate.  This can be found by calling 606-297-5245 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 Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.  To do this you need the Inmate's ID Number and the Facility Locator Number for Johnson 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 Big Sandy Regional Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 606-297-5245 for further assistance.

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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center?

How to Make and Receive Phone Calls and Video Phone Calls from an Inmate in Johnson County

To register and sign up for a phone account with CIDNET Inmate Phone Service, follow the instructions below:

  • Register and create an account with CIDNET.
  • Type in your Email, Time Zone and First & Last Name of your Big Sandy Regional Detention Center inmate.
    1. Click the Create Account button.
    2. Read the Terms of Use, then click Agree.
    3. Login to your email and open the CIDNET email.
    4. In the email, click the Complete Your Verification link.
    5. Choose a Security PIN and a Password.
    6. Click the Sign In button.
  • After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Kentucky, then the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, then your inmate's name.
  • Once you have completed this, the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center will have to give final approval for you to set up a phone account with your inmate.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding making phone calls with an inmate in Johnson County, visit our full page guide. 

NOTE: All phone conversations are recorded. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Sandy Regional Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 606-297-5245 for further assistance.

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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, and what can I send them?

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Ask the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center 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#
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
904 3rd St
Paintsville, KY 41240



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
904 3rd St
Paintsville, KY 41240



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
Ask the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center standards will be disposed of. 
Ask the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center whether hardcover books are accepted.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
904 3rd St
Paintsville, KY 41240

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center
904 3rd St
Paintsville, KY 41240


For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Sandy Regional Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 606-297-5245 for further assistance.

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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, and what can I purchase?

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center uses CIDNET to deposit money in an inmate's commissary account.
Register here.


Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support

 

How to deposit money in an inmate's phone account in Johnson County

To deposit money to an inmate housed in Johnson County for phone call use, follow these instructions:

  • Register and create an account with CIDNET.
  • Type in your Email, Time Zone and First & Last Name of your Big Sandy Regional Detention Center inmate.
    1. Click the Create Account button.
    2. Read the Terms of Use, then click Agree.
    3. Login to your email and open the CIDNET email.
    4. In the email, click the Complete Your Verification link.
    5. Choose a Security PIN and a Password.
    6. Click the Sign In button.
  • After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Kentucky, then the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, then your inmate's name.
  • Once you have completed this, the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center will have to give final approval for you to deposit money for your chosen inmate's communication needs.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Depositing Money for making phone calls with an inmate in Johnson County, visit our full page guide. 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Sandy Regional Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 606-297-5245 for further assistance.

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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family.  
Register here.



Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903

How to send a text or email to an inmate in Johnson County

To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Johnson County follow these instructions:

  • Register and create an account with CIDNET.
  • Choose a Security PIN and Password.
  • After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Kentucky, then the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, then your inmate's name.
  • Once you have completed this, the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center will have to give final approval for you to communicate by email with your chosen inmate.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Johnson County, visit our full page guide. 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Sandy Regional Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 606-297-5245 for further assistance.

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Do Inmates in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Big Sandy Regional Detention Center may now offer CIDNET Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

CIDNET is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

  • Register here. 
  • Pay for the subscription.
  • You get charged the 1st of each month. 
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Big Sandy Regional Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 606-297-5245 for further assistance.

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

Johnson County (this county)Floyd CountyMagoffin CountyMorgan CountyLawrence CountyMartin County
Johnson County Jails listed No jails listed
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Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Johnson County

The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center serves the following cities and towns of Johnson County: Paintsville and Van Lear.