Swain County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Swain County

Swain County Jail Information

Located in Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina, the Swain County Jail is a 109-bed jail. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 828-488-0159.

This facility handles the booking and processing of offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Inmates remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial is settled.

The inmate search tool provides access to the jail's roster of those in custody.

Individuals sentenced to less than one year will serve their time here. Those sentenced to more than a year are transferred to either the North Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page offers detailed information on services such as the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.

Save the inmate's jail ID or booking number for future communication needs. If it’s not available online, call Swain County Jail at 828-488-0159 for assistance.

Phone: 828-488-0159

Physical Address:
95 Brendle Street
Bryson City, NC 28713

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Swain County Jai
PO Box 1398
Bryson City, NC 28713

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Swain County Jail
PO Box 1398
Bryson City, NC 28713

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Swain County Jail?

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.

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About the Swain County Jail

INTERESTING FACTS about the Swain County Jail: Built in 2010, the jail has 109 beds. The Swain County Jail Reconnections Program is a prisoner re-entry program started in 2015. It has provided wrap-around services to meet the many needs of over 1310 men and women previously incarcerated there and released on probation and parole. Swain 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 & Inmate ID#
Swain County Jai
PO Box 1398
Bryson City, NC 28713

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#
Swain County Jail
PO Box 1398
Bryson City, NC 28713

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How is booking conducted at Swain County Jail?

After an arrest, individuals are transported to Swain County Jail for the booking process. This procedure ensures the person’s identity, assesses charges, and determines if they will be released, eligible for bail, or detained until court.

Remaining silent during this process is vital. Anything said could be used as evidence, so it’s wise to wait for an attorney before speaking about the arrest.

Here’s a breakdown of the booking steps at Swain County Jail:

  • Verifying identification information.
  • Capturing mugshots for record-keeping.
  • Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
  • Possible DNA collection.
  • Physical search for contraband or weapons.
  • Securing personal belongings.
  • Granting a free phone call.

The booking process varies in duration, taking anywhere from an hour to 48 hours. For questions about an arrestee’s bond, call the facility at 828-488-0159.

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Directions / Map to the Swain County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How to post bail for someone arrested in Swain County

When an individual is arrested and booked at Swain County Jail in Bryson City, the outcomes include:

1. Release without bail, under the condition they appear for their court date.
2. Remain in custody until the court appearance.
3. Post a bail or bond for release. Contact 828-488-0159 for specific bail amounts.

Bail payments can be made in different ways.

  • Cash, credit, or money order are accepted forms of payment.
  • You can work with a licensed bail bondsman in Swain County.
  • County real estate property can be used as collateral.

For further information on posting bail in Swain County, North Carolina, visit the Swain County Jail Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

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

Swain County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

95 Brendle Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-0159

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 828-488-0159 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 828-488-0159 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM

Register for Remote Video Visitation with your inmate at the Swain County Jail by going here.


Once you register, choose the option for 'Video Calls' or Video Visists and you will be prompted for the information required, which will include copies of your state issued ID and more. 
For help with signing up and using the inmate visitation app, go here to get your questions answered.
Note: While JailATM also offers the following inmate services, Swain County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm.
Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.
You Can Send Money
Swain County Jail may have an agreement with JailATM so that you can deposit money online or using the kiosk in the jail lobby.
You Can Send Gift Packs
Swain County Jail may have an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.
These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.

You Can Email Inmate
Swain County Jail may have an agreement with JailATM which handles secure messaging between you and your inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow emailing your inmate.

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.

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Remote Video Visitation

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

Register for Remote Video Visitation with your inmate at the Swain County Jail by going here.


Once you register, choose the option for 'Video Calls' or Video Visits and you will be prompted for the information required, which will include copies of your state issued ID and more. 
For help with signing up and using the inmate visitation app, go here to get your questions answered.
Note: While JailATM also offers the following inmate services, Swain County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm.
Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.
You Can Send Money
Swain County Jail may have an agreement with JailATM so that you can deposit money online or using the kiosk in the jail lobby.
You Can Send Gift Packs
Swain County Jail may have an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.
These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.

You Can Email Inmate
Swain County Jail may have an agreement with JailATM which handles secure messaging between you and your inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow emailing your inmate.

Customer Support: 877-810-0914.

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.

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Inmate Money Accounts

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

There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person. 
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.

Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Swain County Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.

Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Swain County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Swain County Jail
PO Box 1398
Bryson City, NC 28713


Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Swain County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Swain County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, a service that acts as a bank for inmates in Swain County.
  • After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
  • Choose North Carolina, then choose Swain County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate.
  • Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Swain County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much money you can send your inmate in Swain County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914.

For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Swain County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money 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.

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Inmate Phone Contact

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

How Do Inmates in Swain County Jail Make Phone Calls?

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

  • Swain County Jail 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 Swain 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 Swain 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 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.

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Mailing an Inmate

How 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. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Swain County Jai
PO Box 1398
Bryson City, NC 28713



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Swain County Jail
PO 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 AmazonBarnes & 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 & Inmate ID#
Swain County Jail
PO 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.

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Inmate Commissary

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

JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Swain County Jail

Search for JailATM services for Swain County Jail.

Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Swain County Jail. 

Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Swain County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.

Send Gift Packs

Swain County Jail has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.

These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the 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:

  • Go to JailATM, choose North Carolina, then choose Swain County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
  • Select the products you want shipped to them at Swain County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Swain County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Swain County Jail 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 Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-488-0159 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

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

The Swain County Jail contracts with Prodigy Telephone Solutions. Inmates have ability to use their Messaging Service to send and receive electronic messages.

Depending on the facility, inmates can either view messages from you by:

  • Viewing it on a device at the jail,
  • Viewing it on a Kiosk in their unit,
  • Print it out, and/or
  • Respond electronically.

Pay for the Prodigy Inmate Messaging Service at Swain County Jail.
- Online,
- Over the Phone by calling 866-700-4545,
- Using a Kiosk at Swain County Jail.
Pay for Prodigy.
- Using a Kiosk at Swain County Jail.
- Over the phone by calling 877-810-0914.

How much does it cost to send and receive messages?
Rates to send messages vary and are subject to change.
The typical cost is $1.00 per message, plus $1.00 per photo and $3.00 per 30 second video when available.
Step 1 - Sign in or create an account to find your facility.
Step 2 - Fund Account

NOTE: By turning on messaging, you will fund your account with $5.00 and authorize Prodigy / Jail ATM to charge your payment method for the same amount if you send a message or receive a collect message and do not have enough money.

The Swain County Jail contracts with Prodigy Telephone Solutions. Inmates have ability to use their Messaging Service to send and receive electronic messages.

Depending on the facility, inmates can either view messages from you by:

  • Viewing it on a device at the jail,
  • Viewing it on a Kiosk in their unit,
  • Print it out, and/or
  • Respond electronically.

Pay for the Prodigy Inmate Messaging Service at Swain County Jail.
- Online,
- Over the Phone by calling 866-700-4545,
- Using a Kiosk at Swain County Jail.
Pay for Prodigy.
- Using a Kiosk at Swain County Jail.
- Over the phone by calling 877-810-0914.

How much does it cost to send and receive messages?
Rates to send messages vary and are subject to change.
The typical cost is $1.00 per message, plus $1.00 per photo and $3.00 per 30 second video when available.
Step 1 - Sign in or create an account to find your facility.
Step 2 - Fund Account

NOTE: By turning on messaging, you will fund your account with $5.00 and authorize Prodigy / Jail ATM to charge your payment method for the same amount if you send a message or receive a collect message and do not have enough money.

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.

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Inmate Tablets

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

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.

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Are there photos of the Swain County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

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

Swain Macon Jackson Haywood Graham Blount Sevier
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Search for an Inmate in Swain County

This facility, known as "Swain County Jail" is also known as Swain County Jail , Swain County Jail , North Carolina, Swain.