Mobile County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Mobile County?
Inmate records in Mobile County are official government documents maintained by the Mobile County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document individuals in custody within the county's detention system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration history from initial booking through release.
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, these records are distinct from court records maintained by the judicial system. While court records document legal proceedings, charges, and case dispositions, inmate records specifically track custody status, housing assignments, and institutional behavior.
The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Records are initiated during booking/intake when an individual enters custody
- Information is systematically updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation includes institutional movements, disciplinary actions, and program participation
- Records are administratively closed upon the individual's release from custody
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory responsibility to document all aspects of inmate custody and care. These records serve multiple purposes including ensuring proper identification, facilitating appropriate housing assignments, and maintaining security protocols within detention facilities.
Are Inmate Records Public In Mobile County?
Inmate records in Mobile County are generally considered public information under Alabama law. The Alabama Public Records Law establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to incarcerated individuals, with certain limitations to protect privacy and security.
According to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, "Every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." This provision establishes the foundational right of access to inmate records.
The following inmate information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Booking information and intake date
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts when applicable
- Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
- Current housing facility location
However, certain information may be restricted from public disclosure, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Juvenile records (subject to additional confidentiality protections)
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Records sealed by court order
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides public access to basic inmate information in accordance with state transparency laws.
What's Included Inmate Records in Mobile County
Mobile County inmate records contain comprehensive documentation organized into several key categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Assigned inmate identification number
- Fingerprints and biometric data
- Mugshot photograph
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Custody classification level
- Current housing assignment
- Previous housing history within the facility
- Scheduled court appearances
- Disciplinary incidents and outcomes
Charge Information:
- Current charges (felony/misdemeanor designation)
- Case numbers associated with charges
- Warrant information if applicable
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Charge severity and classification
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount if eligible
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bond conditions if applicable
- Court-ordered holds or detainers
Court Information:
- Assigned court and judge
- Scheduled court dates and appearances
- Court outcomes and dispositions
- Attorney of record information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length and terms
- Conviction date
- Credit for time served calculations
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/work time credits earned
- Probation terms if applicable
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Actual release date when applicable
- Type of release (completed sentence, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
These records are maintained in compliance with Alabama Department of Corrections Administrative Regulations and local sheriff's office policies.
Mobile County Prison System
The Mobile County correctional system operates under a tiered structure that distinguishes between county-level detention and state incarceration facilities. The Mobile County Sheriff's Office administers the county jail system, which primarily houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of 12 months or less.
This local detention system is distinct from the Alabama Department of Corrections state prison system, which houses individuals convicted of more serious offenses serving longer sentences. The county facilities focus on short-term detention, while state prisons manage long-term incarceration and rehabilitation programs.
The Mobile County Metro Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county, operating under the direct authority of the Sheriff's Office. This facility processes approximately 18,000 bookings annually and maintains custody of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process.
For inquiries regarding inmate status or detention policies, members of the public may contact:
Mobile County Sheriff's Office
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 574-8622
Mobile County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office coordinates with multiple criminal justice agencies including the Mobile County District Attorney's Office, the Alabama Department of Corrections, and federal authorities to manage the inmate population effectively while ensuring public safety.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Mobile County
Mobile County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations:
Mobile County Metro Jail
450 St. Emanuel Street
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 574-8040
Mobile County Metro Jail
This maximum-security facility serves as the primary detention center for Mobile County, housing pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences up to 12 months. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,200 inmates and includes specialized housing units for various classification levels.
Mobile County Community Corrections Center
3100 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36606
(251) 574-6947
Mobile County Community Corrections
This minimum-security facility provides alternative sentencing options for non-violent offenders. Programs include work release, electronic monitoring, and substance abuse treatment services. The center focuses on rehabilitation and community reintegration.
Mobile County Juvenile Detention Center
2315 Costarides Street
Mobile, AL 36617
(251) 574-1450
Mobile County Juvenile Court Services
This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders awaiting adjudication or placement. The center provides educational services, counseling, and age-appropriate programming in accordance with Alabama Code § 12-15-208, which governs juvenile detention standards.
Mobile County Work Release Facility
8154 Zeigler Boulevard
Mobile, AL 36608
(251) 574-6825
Mobile County Work Release Program
This facility houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for work release programming. Participants maintain employment in the community while returning to secure custody during non-working hours. The program facilitates transition back to the community and helps inmates develop employment skills.
Each facility operates under specific security protocols and programming models designed to address the needs of different inmate populations while maintaining public safety standards.
Who's in Prison In Mobile County
The Mobile County detention system houses several distinct categories of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals awaiting trial who have not been convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons held on probation or parole violations awaiting hearings
- Individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences up to 12 months
- Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences
- Those participating in work release programs while serving misdemeanor sentences
- Offenders completing court-ordered sanctions for minor offenses
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Individuals convicted of certain felonies serving sentences in county facilities
- Persons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Those participating in specialized county-level programs as alternatives to state incarceration
- Individuals serving split sentences with initial incarceration at the county level
Special Populations:
- Mental health detainees awaiting evaluation or treatment
- Individuals held on immigration detainers
- Federal detainees housed through intergovernmental agreements
- Protective custody cases requiring separation from general population
According to data from the Alabama Department of Corrections, approximately 65% of Mobile County's jail population consists of pre-trial detainees who have not been convicted of their current charges. The remaining population includes sentenced offenders serving time for various offenses ranging from public intoxication to more serious crimes.
The demographic composition of the Mobile County inmate population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of economically disadvantaged individuals and racial minorities. The average length of stay varies significantly based on case complexity, charge severity, and individual circumstances.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Mobile County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Mobile County may utilize several methods to access this information:
Online Inmate Search Portal:
- Visit the Mobile County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the inmate's first and last name or booking number
- Review the results displaying current custody status, charges, and bond information
- Note that the system only displays currently incarcerated individuals
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Mobile County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Provide proper identification
- Specify the exact records being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
Mobile County Sheriff's Office Records Division
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 574-8622
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Records Request:
- Submit a formal written request citing the Alabama Public Records Law
- Include the inmate's full name, date of birth, and approximate dates of incarceration
- Provide your contact information and relationship to the inmate
- Mail the request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
Alabama Victim Notification System (VINE):
- Access the Alabama VINE service
- Register for custody status notifications
- Enter the inmate's information to receive updates
- Receive automated notifications about custody changes
- Utilize the 24/7 telephone system at 1-800-VINE-LINK
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction. Currently, the Mobile County Sheriff's Office charges $5.00 per inmate record search and $0.25 per page for printed documents.
How To Find an Inmate in Mobile County for Free?
Mobile County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody:
Mobile County Sheriff's Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Mobile County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- No registration or fees are required
- Results display current inmates only
- Information includes booking date, charges, and bond amount
Telephone Inquiry System:
- Call the Mobile County Metro Jail at (251) 574-8040
- Select the inmate information option from the automated menu
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
- Basic custody information is provided at no charge
- Available 24 hours daily for basic verification of custody status
Alabama Statewide Inmate Search:
- Visit the Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Enter the individual's name or AIS (Alabama Institutional Serial) number
- This system locates inmates transferred to state custody
- Provides current location and minimum release date information
- Updated daily with current custody status
Court Records Search:
- Access the Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt portal
- Search by the individual's name
- Review case records for custody information
- Note that while basic searches are free, detailed document access may require fees
- Court records often indicate custody status and facility location
Mobile County Jail Roster:
- Visit the Mobile County Metro Jail in person
- Request to view the public jail roster
- This document lists all currently incarcerated individuals
- Updated daily and available for public inspection
- Located at 450 St. Emanuel Street, Mobile, AL 36603
These free resources provide basic custody information in compliance with Alabama's Open Records Act, though more detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees.
How To Visit an Inmate In Mobile County
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains specific visitation protocols to ensure security while facilitating important family connections:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Pre-registration is required through the Mobile County Sheriff's Office visitation portal
- Visitors must pass security screening before each visit
- Maximum of two adults permitted per visitation session
Visit Schedule:
- General population: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Maximum security units: Thursday and Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Work release inmates: Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Holidays: Modified schedule posted 30 days in advance
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
Mobile County Metro Jail Visitation Center
450 St. Emanuel Street
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 574-8050
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Visitor registration confirmation
- Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
- Medications needed during visit (must be declared)
- Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, two diapers, small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches)
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products or vaping devices
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts, tank tops, low-cut shirts)
- No clothing resembling inmate attire
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
- No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- On-site video visitation (primary method)
- Remote video visitation (fee-based service)
- Contact visits (limited to certain classifications with prior approval)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
- Special visits (requires warden approval)
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with felony convictions within past 5 years prohibited
- Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
- Visitors appearing under the influence will be denied
- Disruptive behavior results in visit termination
- Three visit rule violations may result in permanent visitation ban
These procedures are established in accordance with Alabama Department of Corrections Administrative Regulation 303 governing visitation standards.
How To Send Money to a Mobile County Inmate
Mobile County provides multiple secure methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay Payment Services portal
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Select "Mobile County Sheriff's Office" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Complete the payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees: $2.50 for deposits up to $50; $3.50 for deposits $50.01-$100; $4.50 for deposits $100.01-$300
Lobby Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Mobile County Metro Jail lobby
- Locate the TouchPay kiosk near the main entrance
- Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
- Cash, credit, and debit cards accepted
- Service fee: $2.00 per transaction
- Available 24/7 including weekends and holidays
Mobile County Metro Jail
450 St. Emanuel Street
Mobile, AL 36603
Phone Deposits:
- Call TouchPay at 1-866-232-1899
- Follow automated prompts
- Provide inmate information and payment details
- Service fee: $4.95 per transaction
- Available 24/7
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase money order payable to "Mobile County Sheriff's Office"
- Write inmate's full name and ID number on money order
- Include sender's full name and address
- Mail to:
Mobile County Sheriff's Office Inmate Accounts
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit per inmate: $500.00
- Maximum monthly deposit per inmate: $1,500.00
Funds Usage Guidelines:
- Funds may be used for commissary purchases
- Telephone account funding
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts and personal hygiene items
- Educational materials and program fees
Prohibited Uses:
- Direct transfer to other inmates
- Payment of fines or court costs (separate process required)
- Purchase of contraband items
- Exceeding spending limits established by classification level
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Alabama Code § 14-3-30, which governs inmate funds management.
How To Send Jail Mail In Mobile County
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains specific guidelines for sending mail to inmates:
Regular Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name and ID number
- Sender's complete name and return address
- Proper postage
- Address letters to:
Inmate Name & ID Number
Mobile County Metro Jail
P.O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601
Permitted Items:
- Letters (maximum 5 pages, white paper only)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Money orders (following financial guidelines)
- Up to 5 photographs per envelope (4x6 maximum size, no Polaroids)
- Legal documents from attorneys of record
- Religious materials (subject to review)
Prohibited Items:
- Cash, personal checks, or stamps
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Colored paper or envelopes
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon or marker writings
- Perfumed or lipstick-marked items
- Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Items containing biohazards or unknown substances
Publication Guidelines:
- Books must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Magazines must be mailed directly from publisher
- Soft-cover books only (hardcover prohibited)
- Maximum of 3 books per inmate at any time
- All publications subject to content review
Electronic Messaging:
- Create account on SmartJailMail
- Select Mobile County Metro Jail
- Add inmate to contacts using full name and ID number
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send message (subject to review)
- Current fee: $0.50 per message
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must include attorney bar number
- Will be opened in inmate's presence
- Not subject to content review, only contraband inspection
Mail Processing Times:
- Regular mail: Processed within 24-48 hours of receipt
- Legal mail: Processed within 24 hours of receipt
- Electronic messages: Delivered within 24 hours after review
- Rejected mail: Returned to sender with explanation
All mail procedures comply with Alabama Department of Corrections Administrative Regulation 448 governing inmate mail standards and Alabama Code § 14-3-42 regarding inmate communications.