Carter County Detention Center
Carter County Detention Center
You can call the 296-bed Carter County Detention Center 24 hours a day for inmate information at 423-542-1855.
This facility processes offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. They undergo booking and processing, and depending on their charges, may remain incarcerated until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until their trial concludes.
Use the inmate search tool to see who is currently in custody.
Inmates serving less than one year will do their time at this jail, while those with longer sentences will be transferred to the Tennessee State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, mailing them, receiving phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.
It is useful to keep the inmate's jail ID or booking number for correspondence purposes. If it’s not available online, contact Carter County Detention Center at 423-542-1855 for assistance.
Inmate Services
Phone
423-542-1855Mailing address (personal mail)
Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)
Carter County Detention Center
900 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Carter 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 423-542-1855 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a Carter County offender's Criminal Court Case online, or any offender that was arrested in the state of Tennessee.
Tennessee also keeps a public database of all their felony offenders.
Carter County Detention Center Inmate Search
The Carter County Detention Center maintains an average of 296 offenders in custody on any given day. The Carter 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 Carter County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 7,600 offenders.
The following charts of Carter 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 Carter County Corrections Department, the state of Tennessee Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Carter 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 Carter 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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe Carter County Detention Center is located in the same building as the Sheriff’s Office that operates it, and the massive brick building covers a block. Having opened in 2012, it was built with the latest technology and security for the safety of staff, inmates, and the community.
Inmates of Carter County are housed here on felony or misdemeanor arrests, and they will remain as they await their first court date or as they serve a short sentence.
The jail can be contacted by phone for any questions regarding an inmate at 423-542-1855 and there is an online lookup as well.
Visits are allowed both online and onsite, with all visits being via video. Visits may be scheduled and conducted online, allowing one 60 minute visit at the jail each week and unlimited remote visits. Onsite visits occur on the weekend from 8:00am to 5:40pm both Saturday and Sunday and must be booked at least one full day in advance.
Mail is also delivered via tablet or kiosk and can be addressed to the inmate at:
Inmate's Full Name & Jacket #
Carter County Detention Center
PO Box 76550
Highland Heights, KY 41076
... where it will be checked for contraband, scanned, and then delivered digitally to the inmate. Make sure you add the Inmate's Jacket # on all mail.
Phones are accessible during the day and can make outgoing calls only, allowing inmates to contact their friends or family during their free time. During all meals and when inmates are engaged in programming, they will be unable to make phone calls.
Programs include a trustee work program allowing low risk inmates to work in the center and within the community, a work crew to provide building maintenance and care services for county buildings, a work release program allowing inmates to maintain their outside employment, GED, families first, AA, NA, and jail ministry.
- Jail (Main): 423-542-1855
How does the booking process work at Carter County Detention Center?
Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Carter County Detention Center for booking. This process involves identifying the individual, determining charges, and deciding if they will be released on their own recognizance, released on bail, or held in custody until their court date.
It’s important for the arrestee to stay silent, as anything they say can be used against them. The best advice is to avoid answering any questions about the arrest until legal counsel is present.
The booking process at Carter County Detention Center typically includes the following steps:
- Verifying identity.
- Taking a mugshot.
- Answering questions regarding medical, mental health, and substance use history.
- DNA collection, if required.
- Conducting a thorough search.
- Confiscating personal belongings.
- Providing a free phone call.
For questions about paying an arrestee’s bond or bail amount, contact the facility at 423-542-1855.
What is the process to pay bail for someone detained in Carter County?
After an individual is apprehended and taken to Carter County Detention Center in Elizabethton for booking, their release options vary based on the situation:
1. They might be released without bail, on the condition they appear in court on a scheduled date.
2. They may be detained until their court appearance.
3. They may be eligible for release after posting a bail or bond. Call 423-542-1855 for the exact bail amount.
There are different ways to settle an individual's bail or bond.
- To post a cash bond, pay the full amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk's office by cash, cashier's check or money order; many facilities also accept cards at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond vendor for a fee, and you will need the inmate's full name and booking number (jail phone: 423-542-1855).
- A licensed bail bondsman in Carter County can assist with payment.
- Real property such as land or a house is accepted as collateral by many courts, provided the owner proves clear title and equity worth at least the bond, frequently twice the bond, with a deed and a current tax or appraisal value; the court that set bail signs off on it.
For more information on the bail process in Carter County, Tennessee, visit the Carter County Detention Center Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Carter County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?
Carter County Detention Center on-site Inmate Visitation Schedule
900 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
423-542-1855
- 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.
- On Site video visitation is available at no cost.
- 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.
- Each inmate is permitted a maximum of three on site visitors per session.
- 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.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings with them into the visitation area other than their picture ID and/or a set of keys unless otherwise allowed by the jail.
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
Carter 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
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 6:00AM - 11:00PM |
| MONDAY | 6:00AM - 11:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 6:00AM - 11:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 6:00AM - 11:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 6:00AM - 11:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 6:00AM - 11:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 6:00AM - 11:00PM |
Carter 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:
- Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
- Register with Inmate Sales.
- Find Carter County Detention Center
- Select 'New Purchase'
- Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
- Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
- 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 Carter County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-542-1855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Carter County Detention Center?
Carter 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:
- Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
- Register with Inmate Sales.
- Find Carter County Detention Center
- Select 'New Purchase'
- Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
- Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
- 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 Carter County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-542-1855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Carter County Detention Center?
The Carter County Detention Center uses a company called the Tennessee Business Enterprise (TBE) for depositing money into an inmate's account.
In order to deposit money online using TBE you will first need to register with your personal information.
- Name and Address
- Date of Birth
- Phone Number (they will need to call or text to verify it)
- Driver's License or other ID
- Credit or Debit Card
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Carter County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-542-1855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Carter County Detention Center?
How Do Inmates in Carter County Detention Center Make Phone Calls?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Carter County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
- Carter 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 Carter County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.
For all the information regarding phone calls with Carter 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 Carter County Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-542-1855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Carter County Detention Center, and what can I send them?
Carter County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Carter 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 Carter 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 & Jacket #
Carter County Detention Center
PO Box 76550
Highland Heights, KY 41076
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Jacket #
Carter County Detention Center
900 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
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 Carter 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 Carter County Detention Center standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Jacket #
Carter County Detention Center
900 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Carter County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Carter County Detention Center's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Envelopes
The Carter 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 & Jacket #
Carter County Detention Center
PO Box 76550
Highland Heights, KY 41076
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Jacket #
Carter County Detention Center
900 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
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 Carter 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 Carter County Detention Center standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Jacket #
Carter County Detention Center
900 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Carter County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-542-1855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Carter County Detention Center, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Carter County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-542-1855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Carter County Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?
Carter 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.
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Carter County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Carter County Detention Center follow these steps:
- Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Carter County, by creating an account.
- Select Tennessee, then select Carter 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 Carter County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
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Inmate Sales Apps
iphone app
Google Play app
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Carter County Detention Center check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Carter County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Carter County Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-542-1855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Carter County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Carter 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
Carter 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
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Carter County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-542-1855 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Carter County?
Carter County County Jails
Carter County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Carter County?
This facility, known as "Carter County Detention Center" is also known as Carter County Jail & Sheriff, Carter County Jail & Sheriff , Carter County Jail & Sheriff , Tennessee, Carter.