Merrimac Center
Merrimac Center
With 48 beds, the Merrimac Center is a secure detention facility for youth who are waiting for their court date, who are serving a sentence at the facility. Both male and female youth may be housed at the location, and they will receive the same services but be housed in separate housing units. Each part of the design of the building and the programs is to ensure the safety and security of both the detainees and the staff, with regulations and rules around visitation that will protect the visitors as well. Many services and programs are available, and several are mandatory to assist the youth to create a positive and productive future as members of their community. Cognitive behavioral training is used to help improve the attitude and behavior of each of the residents and to guide them towards positive decisions, positive social interactions, and healthy education. Points are earned or lost, and this can affect the privileges and rewards that they are able to enjoy. Anger management, risk management, and anger management all fall within this program. School staff will be onsite to ensure that they are able to continue their education and students may earn school credits during their detention. Mail: Merrimac Center, 9300 Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Phones: Phones are present in common areas and youth may call their parents, guardian, or grandparents only. Visitation: Parents, guardians, and grandparents only may visit, and it is important to check the schedule with the facility before attending as days and times may change. Currently the visiting times are as follows: RESIDENTS WITH LAST NAME A - L Tuesdays 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturdays 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM RESIDENTS WITH LAST NAME M - Z Thursdays 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sundays 2:30 PM to 4:30 PMInmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Merrimac 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 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Essex County Criminal Court Cases, as well as Virginia Criminal Court cases online for every other county, and daily court dockets for each of the state's courts. If you are not sure what court your inmate is to appear in, this is a list of all the courts in Virginia, broken down by each court circuit.
The Merrimac Center maintains an average of 48 offenders in custody on any given day. The Merrimac 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 Essex County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 6,600 offenders.
The following charts of Essex 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 Essex County Corrections Department, the state of Virginia Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Essex 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 Essex 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 lessHow does the booking process work at Merrimac Center?
Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 .
What is the process to pay bail for someone detained in Essex County?
After an individual is apprehended and taken to Merrimac Center in Williamsburg 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 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: ).
- A licensed bail bondsman in Essex 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 Essex County, Virginia, visit the Merrimac Center Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Merrimac Center? What is the Schedule?
Merrimac Center ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
9300 Merrimac Trail
Williamsburg, VA 23185
- 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 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 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 |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrimac Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Merrimac Center?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrimac Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Merrimac Center?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrimac Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Merrimac Center?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrimac Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Merrimac Center, and what can I send them?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrimac Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Merrimac Center, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrimac Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Merrimac Center using an Online Messaging Service?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrimac Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Merrimac Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merrimac Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Essex County?
Essex County County Jails
Essex County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Essex County?
The Merrimac Center serves the following cities and towns of Essex County: Dunnsville and Tappahannock.