Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center

To search for an inmate in the Hamilton County Jail & 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 423-209-7050 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a Hamilton 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.

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Inmate Search

The Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center maintains an average of 1084 offenders in custody on any given day. The Hamilton County Jail & 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 Hamilton County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 21,680 offenders.

The following charts of Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
601 Justice Way
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-209-7050

• On-site Visits are free.
• Visits are 30 minutes.
• Visitation schedule subject to change.
• Inmates are allowed two visits per week on-site.
• A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an on-site video session.
• All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
• Attorneys have the same visitation times.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

• All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
• Visits are $6.99 for 30 minutes.
• Visitation Schedule subject to change.

REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center uses GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling. 

There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:
1.  Using the GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.

How it Works with GettingOut
1.  Register an account.
2. Select Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.   

• **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
• If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center.
• With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center?

To visit an inmate in Hamilton County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:

Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Hamilton County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut. 

There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center:
1.  Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut apps.

To remotely visit an inmate in Hamilton County follow these steps:
1.  Start by confirming that Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Hamilton County here.
2.  The next step is to create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.

Other Hamilton County Services provided by GettingOut:
 - Phone Calls & Voicemail 
 - Email, Photo & Video Sharing
-  Inmate Tablet Rental
-  Deposits

Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.
Frequently Asked Questions

* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Hamilton County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Phone: 423-209-7050

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-209-7050 for further assistance.

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

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center uses GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling. 



There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:
1.  Using the GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.

How it Works with GettingOut
1.  Register an account.
2. Select Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.   

• **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
• If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center.
• With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-209-7050 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center?

You can deposit money four different ways:

• Deposit at correctpay.com.
• Deposit at the jail's VendEngine kiosk.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 855-836-3364
• Deposit using the iOS or Android app.

correctpay.com Assistance:

24/7 Customer Service - 855-836-3364
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Hamilton County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center follow these steps:

• Register with correctpay by creating an account.
• 
• Select Tennessee, then select Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
• Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.
• You can deposit money four ways:
• Deposit online at correctpay.com.
• Deposit at the VendEngine kiosk in the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center lobby.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 855-836-3364
• Deposit through their iOS or Android app.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account, what the fees are, how long it takes to hit their account and more, check out our full money and commissary guide for Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-209-7050 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

• Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
• Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
• Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-209-7050 for further assistance.

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

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Hamilton County Jail & 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 Hamilton County Jail & 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 6-digit SPN#
Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center, TN
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate 6-digit SPN#
Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center
601 Justice Way
Chattanooga, TN 37421

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
The Hamilton County Jail & 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 below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
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 6-digit SPN#
Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center
601 Justice Way
Chattanooga, TN 37421

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Hamilton County Jail & 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.

Envelopes
The Hamilton County Jail & 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 6-digit SPN#
Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center, TN
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Legal Mail

Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate 6-digit SPN#
Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center
601 Justice Way
Chattanooga, TN 37421

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
The Hamilton County Jail & 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 below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
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 6-digit SPN#
Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center
601 Justice Way
Chattanooga, TN 37421

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-209-7050 for further assistance.

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

Purchasing a Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Inmate Commissary

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center allows inmates to purchase commissary, which is a jail affiliated store that sells snacks, hygiene products, stationary, clothing and even e-cigs and nicotine pouches (where allowed).

You can buy commissary for an inmate using an online service called Kellwell Commissary. 

These items can be purchased once a week.

This amount you can spend each week is set by the facility. Call 423-209-7050 in order to confirm the amount that cannot be exceeded.

Inmates have access to commissary packages that can be purchased and shipped to the inmate by friends and family.

You can also go to our Inmate Money page for information on how to send money to an inmate.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-209-7050 for further assistance.

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

Emailing and Texting Messages, Photos & Videograms

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.


If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.

Then use the Facility Finder to:
1.  Select Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

How Messaging Works
Watch this video on how to send a message.
1.  Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.

How Uploading Photos Works
Watch this video on how to upload a photo.
1.  Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).

Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call   866-516-0115

TextBehind enables you to communicate with your incarcerated loved ones located inside the United States from anywhere in the world using text letters, kids' drawings, and custom greeting cards. Unlimited inmate reply letters are processed for electronic delivery to your smartphone and email at no extra charge.
The cost to send an electronic letter is approximately $1.00.

Here’s how it works for Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center:
1.    All offender mail (paper and electronic) is addressed and delivered to TextBehind. Electronic mail is sent through the apps (iphone, Google Play). Paper mail is sent to the address below:
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Tennessee (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
2.    If it was sent via TextBehind's app (iphone, Google Play), TextBehind can process it within one business day.
3.    An additional step is involved in processing mail that is sent using the U.S. Postal Service. TextBehind will  use a scanner to make digital files of the contents of the mailing—including cards, photos or artwork.
4.    All digital files are then forwarded to the offender’s assigned prison.
5.    Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center mailroom prints approved pages and delivers them to the inmate.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• TextBehind does not deliver any mail to the inmate directly, nor do they guarantee delivery of your letters to the inmates by the courier, jail or prison staff. Once they process your mail and ship them out on your behalf, they are out of the loop entirely. However, at times they may offer to resend your letters under certain strict conditions as a courtesy. 
• Inmates do not receive any invites when you add them, and neither do they need to accept the use of TextBehind service. Once you add the inmate, you can create letters for them. 

Here’s what happens when TextBehind receives a letter from an inmate:

• Upon receiving, TextBehind staff open their letters, scan, and upload high-quality images to your TextBehind account as a complimentary service. You are not required to have any money or credits balance in your TextBehind account to receive inmate letters.
• Next, you will receive a text and email alert to notify you of any new incoming reply letters. At that time, you can log into the TextBehind website or mobile app and view letters in your CONTACTS >> Click on Conversation Icon. 

YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS...

• Inmates do require a stamp to send out their letters to TextBehind using Postal Service.
• The cash or credit balance from your TextBehind account will not be shared with inmates as a substitute for the stamps. 
• All letters printed and shipped by TextBehind nationwide to virtually any jail or prison facility are delivered to the jails/prisons by couriers such as the USPS or FedEx as their standard process.
• After the shipments, TextBehind has no control over the process.
• The delivery of your letters depends on couriers and prison staff taking necessary action on time.

IMPORTANT TextBehind LINKS:
Register / Log in with TextBehind
Contact TextBehind with Questions
Add an Inmate to your list of Contacts

** Address to Mail letters using TextBehind **
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Tennessee (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Why is TextBehind used by Lockups?
Due to the problem of letters and postcards containing, or soaked in contraband (drugs), TextBehind electronic and physical letters is replacing the former policy of allowing mail to be sent directly from inmate’s friends and family members, and vice versa.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-209-7050 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by 'gettingout'.

The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center, such as:

• Music
• Books
• Games
• Education
• News
• Radio
• Television
• Read mail and messages
• Video visits

-  Free services are already available for use on the device at Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center.
-  Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
-  Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What Does a Tablet Cost?

To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.

Game Center:

30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)

Unlimited eBooks:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

Streaming Music:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)

Newsfeed

Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)

Same Day Subscription Services

Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)

Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)

Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)

All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes. 

Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...

Tablet: $249.99 per each

Charger: $8.99 per each

Earbuds: $2.99 per each

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center

To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:

1.  First, Register or Sign In to GettingOut/GTL

2.  Purchase the services you want for your Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 423-209-7050 for further assistance.

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