The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center is a 225 bed jail in the city of Paintsville, Johnson County, Kentucky. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 606-297-5245.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.
You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Kentucky State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 606-297-5245, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center at 606-297-5245 to get it.
Phone: 606-297-5245
Physical Address:
904 3rd Street
Paintsville, KY 41240
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.
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
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, call the jail’s booking line at 606-297-5245.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Big Sandy Regional Detention Center Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Johnson County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Johnson County and other Kentucky and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
Yes, Section 16 the Kentucky Constitution guarantees the right to bail for all but capital crimes. However, Kentucky does not permit bond companies to operate within the state. Any bonds would be gotten through the Johnson County court system.
Kentucky offers several options when it comes to paying bail including release on own recognizance, cash bail, percentage bond, property bond, surety bond or unsecured bond.
Pretrial officers are mandated to conduct an interview and assessment within 12 hours of arrest on individuals arrested on bailable offenses. If a defendant does not qualify for administrative release, pretrial officers then present the findings to a judge, who makes the decision about pretrial release.
Bail is set either the day of the arrest or by a judge at the arraignment, which is when the defendant will also enter a plea. In most cases the arraignment will occur the morning following arrest.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center? What is the Schedule?
904 3rd Street
Paintsville, KY 41240
606-297-5245
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
Contact Customer Support
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?
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
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?
To deposit money into the account of an inmate in Johnson County, follow these instructions:
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?
To register and sign up for a phone account with CIDNET Inmate Phone Service, follow the instructions below:
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!
Also, be warned that some phone providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.
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?
Postcards
The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. 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
The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source 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.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
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
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
To deposit money to an inmate housed in Johnson County for phone call use, follow these instructions:
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?
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Johnson County follow these instructions:
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?
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?
This facility, known as "Big Sandy Regional Detention Center" is also known as ** Offenders from Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin and Martin Counties are housed at Big Sandy **, Big Sandy Jail & Regional Detention Center, Big Sandy Jail & Regional Detention Center, Kentucky, Johnson.
