Swain County Jail
Swain County Jail
Reach the 109-bed Swain County Jail for inmate information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 828-488-0159.
Following an arrest for a misdemeanor or felony in this county, suspects are brought here for booking and processing. When required by the charges, they are held until they bond out, are released on their own recognizance, or are ordered to stay until the disposition of their trial.
Search the jail’s roster of current inmates with the inmate search tool.
Inmates found guilty and sentenced to less than a year serve that sentence locally. Those sentenced to longer terms serve in the North Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page explains the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, mailing an inmate, receiving inmate calls, voicemail, email and text services, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.
The inmate’s booking number or jail ID is often required for communication, so save it. If it’s not online, call Swain County Jail at 828-488-0159.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Swain County Jail, 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 828-488-0159 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case information online, including the daily court dockets for Swain County.
Swain County Jail Inmate Search
The Swain County Jail maintains an average of 109 offenders in custody on any given day. The Swain County Jail 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 Swain County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 2,180 offenders.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessSwain County is located in western North Carolina. Four rivers flow through the mountainous terrain of Swain County: the Nantahala, Oconaluftee, Tuckaseegee and the Little Tennessee.
The Swain County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Swain 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.
If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 828-488-0159, 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 Swain County Jail 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 & SO#
Swain County Detention Center
PO Box 591
Longview, TX 75606
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 & SO#
Swain County Detention Center
P.O. Box 1398
Bryson City, NC 28713
- Jail (Main): 828-488-0159
What should you know about the booking process at Swain County Jail?
Once arrested, the person is taken to Swain County Jail 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 Swain County Jail 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 Swain County Jail at 828-488-0159.
Steps to pay bail in Swain County
After an arrest, individuals are brought to Swain County Jail in Bryson City 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 828-488-0159.
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 828-488-0159).
- Licensed bail bond agents in Swain 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 Swain County, North Carolina, visit the Swain County Jail Bail Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Swain County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Swain County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
95 Brendle Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-0159
Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC
- On-site Visits are free.
- Visits are 20-30 minutes.
- Visitation schedule subject to change.
- Inmates are allowed two visits per week
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an On-site video session. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
- All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
- Regular on-site visitation hours - Monday thru Friday 9:00AM to 4:00PM.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | No video sessions |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 4:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 4:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 4:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 4:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 4:00PM |
| SATURDAY | No video sessions |
Swain County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
- All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Visitation Schedule subject to change.
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
Swain 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 Swain 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 Swain County Jail whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
How to set up your Video Visit
- Register here.
- Select Swain 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 Swain County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-488-0159 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Swain County Jail?
Swain 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 Swain 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 Swain County Jail whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
How to set up your Video Visit
- Register here.
- Select Swain 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 Swain County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-488-0159 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Swain County Jail?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Swain 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 Swain County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Swain 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 North Carolina, then Swain 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: Swain 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 Swain County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Swain County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Swain County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-488-0159 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Swain County Jail?
How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Swain County Jail?
To receive phone calls from an inmate in Swain County follow these instructions:
Swain 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 North Carolina.
- Choose Swain 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 Swain 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 Swain 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 Swain County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-488-0159 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Swain County Jail, and what can I send them?
Swain County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
The Swain County Jail 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 Swain 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.
No more than 5 pages and no more than one photo.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & SO#
Swain County Detention Center
PO Box 591
Longview, TX 75606
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & SO#
Swain County Detention Center
P.O. Box 1398
Bryson City, NC 28713
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 Swain County Jail 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 Swain County Jail 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 & SO#
Swain County Detention Center
P.O. Box 1398
Bryson City, NC 28713
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Swain County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-488-0159 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Swain County Jail, and what can I purchase?
Swain 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: Swain 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 Swain County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Swain 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 North Carolina, then Swain 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 Swain County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Swain 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 Swain County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-488-0159 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Swain County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Swain County Jail uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate’s account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.
You can deposit money three different ways:
• Deposit online at NCIC.com
• Ask Swain County Jail whether it has an NCIC deposit kiosk and where it is.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: 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
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Swain County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Swain County Jail follow these steps:
Swain County Jail uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate's account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.
You can deposit money three different ways:
• Deposit online at NCIC.com
• Ask Swain County Jail whether it has an NCIC deposit kiosk and where it is.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: NCIC's terms put the live-agent fee for a phone payment or account set-up at no more than $5.95.)
Email – info@ncic.com
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Swain County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Swain County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Swain County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-488-0159 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Swain County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Ask Swain County Jail whether NCIC tablets are available to inmates there.
How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate at the Swain County Jail
Ask Swain County Jail whether NCIC tablets are available to inmates there.
Ask Swain County Jail what the tablets can be used for and whether there is a charge.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Swain County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-488-0159 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Swain County?
This facility, known as "Swain County Jail" is also known as Swain County Jail , Swain County Jail , North Carolina, Swain.