Shelby County Detention Center

To search for an inmate in the Shelby County 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 502-633-2343 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,

Shelby County Detention Center Inmate Search

The Shelby County Detention Center maintains an average of 316 offenders in custody on any given day. The Shelby County 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 Shelby County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 6,320 offenders.

The following charts of Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Shelby County Detention Center on-site Inmate Visitation Schedule

1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-633-2343

• ALL VISITS ARE REMOTE
• First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  
• Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
• Proper attire is required. No low-cut blouses, tank tops, short skirts or dresses, tight shorts, hats or any other form of provocative dress will be allowed. Shirt and shoes must be worn.
• All visitors must provide proper state or government issued photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, foreign id or passports) for inmate visitation.
• A video visit lasts 20 minutes.
• Visitors may only use this system on the inmates assigned visitation day, whenever the inmates have free time.
• All rules set forth for non-contact visitation shall be adhered to when using the video visitation system.
• Any lewd, profane or inappropriate behavior shall result in loss of video visitation privileges for the visitor and/or inmate.. 
• Visitation sign-up is limited and on a first-come first serve basis.
• Visitors are encouraged to go online and reserve a visitation time. Purchased visitation minutes are not transferable.
• An adult must accompany all visitors who are under 17 years of age. Children must be monitored at all times.

Shelby County Detention Center Remote Inmate Video Visitation

• First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  
• Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
• Remote Visits are $0.20 per minute.

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION

Shelby County Detention Center uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.

In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:

1. Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
2. Register with Inmate Sales.
3. Find Shelby County Detention Center
4. Select 'New Purchase'
5. Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
6. Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
7. Schedule a visit.

Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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

Shelby County Detention Center on-site Inmate Visitation Schedule

1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-633-2343

• ALL VISITS ARE REMOTE
• First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  
• Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
• Proper attire is required. No low-cut blouses, tank tops, short skirts or dresses, tight shorts, hats or any other form of provocative dress will be allowed. Shirt and shoes must be worn.
• All visitors must provide proper state or government issued photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, foreign id or passports) for inmate visitation.
• A video visit lasts 20 minutes.
• Visitors may only use this system on the inmates assigned visitation day, whenever the inmates have free time.
• All rules set forth for non-contact visitation shall be adhered to when using the video visitation system.
• Any lewd, profane or inappropriate behavior shall result in loss of video visitation privileges for the visitor and/or inmate.. 
• Visitation sign-up is limited and on a first-come first serve basis.
• Visitors are encouraged to go online and reserve a visitation time. Purchased visitation minutes are not transferable.
• An adult must accompany all visitors who are under 17 years of age. Children must be monitored at all times.

Shelby County Detention Center Remote Inmate Video Visitation

• First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  
• Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
• Remote Visits are $0.20 per minute.

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center?

For online or over the phone inmate deposits, use Care A Cell Money Deposit System.

If you have specific questions that you want answered, check out their informative FAQ Page. or call them at 800-622-8166.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center?

How Do Inmates in Shelby County Detention Center Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Shelby County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

• Shelby County Detention Center uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
• 
• Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678. 
• Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
• Services for Shelby County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.

iphone app
Google Play app

For all the information regarding phone calls with Shelby County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, 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 Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center, and what can I send them?

Shelby County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Check the Shelby County Detention Center'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 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#
Shelby County Detention Center-KY
PO Box 76550
Highlands Heights, KY 41076​​​

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065

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 Detention Center'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 Detention Center standards will be disposed of.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065

Shelby County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Check the Shelby County Detention Center's mail rules before sending postcards or books.

Envelopes
The Shelby County Detention Center also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center-KY
PO Box 76550
Highlands Heights, KY 41076​​​

Legal Mail

Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065

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 Detention Center'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 Detention Center standards will be disposed of.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center, and what can I purchase?

Shelby County Detention Center uses Care A Cell Inmate Care Packages for family and friends of inmates to send commissary into an inmate.

Products available range from basic hygiene like shampoo and toothpaste, all the way to a $50 package of candy bars and other sweets. You can even order fresh food to be cooked and delivered.

Care A Cell requires payment with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Paypal or Prepaid Debit Money Cards. All purchases are done online.
You can reach Care A Cell by email, by filling out their contact form online here, or by calling them at 800-622-8166.

If you have specific questions that you want answered, check out their informative FAQ Page.

How to Send Commissary Packages to an Inmate in Shelby County Detention Center

Shelby County Detention Center uses Care A Cell Inmate Care Packages for family and friends of inmates to send commissary into an inmate.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?

Shelby County Detention Center uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.

Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.

Here's how it works:

• First you must register, and then funds are added to the inmate's account. If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
• When an inmate gets the device they may send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of possession of the chirping device.  
• These automated messages will inform the person the inmate Chirped who is sending the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from.
• It will then ask them to go to a direct link to the inmate's account on the Inmate Sales website.
• The website will then instruct them to use a credit card to put money on the inmate's account.  

Cost of Chirping:  

•  
• If an inmate has available funds on their chirping device they will be able to chirp any cell phone and that chirp will appear to be a normal text. 
• If you wish to stop receiving Chirps from an inmate, reply to the Chirp with STOP.

iphone app
Google Play app

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 Detention Center follow these steps:

• Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Shelby County, by creating an account.
• 
• Select Kentucky, then select Shelby County Detention Center, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
• Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
• If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
• NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

-  Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
-  This product allows Shelby County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
-  
-  

Inmate Sales Apps
iphone app
Google Play app

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Shelby County Detention Center 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 Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Shelby County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Shelby County Detention Center now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.

Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.

The tablets are not directly connected to the internet, and 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.
• Job Search - Inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
• 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.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.

Questions:

• By phone - 877-998-5678

iphone app download

Google Play download

Shelby County Detention Center now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.

Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.

The tablets are not directly connected to the internet, and inmates can use them for the following activities:

Here's how it works:

• Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.

Questions:

• By phone - 877-998-5678

iphone app download

Google Play download

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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