The Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer is a 400 bed jail in the city of Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 205-481-4160, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
Phone: 205-481-4160
Physical Address:
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, 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 205-481-4160 for the information you are looking for.
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Inmate Search
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about finding an inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, how the jail rosters work and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
The Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer maintains an average of 400 offenders in custody on any given day. The Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 Jefferson County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 40,300 offenders.
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Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer in Bessemer, Alabama is a medium-security detention center operated by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Established in 1888, it has a capacity of 400 inmates and offers 4 juvenile cells and 24 adult jailing cells.
It provides inmates with access to a law library which is open Monday through Friday from 7AM to 3PM. The facility is capable of checking mail for any security breaches while ensuring any prohibited materials are not present. Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Those sentenced are typically held for less than two years.
Inmates can make phone calls to their loved ones or contact their attorney using the facility's direct contact number of 205-481-4160. The address of the jail is 1822 2nd Avenue North, Bessemer AL 35020. The Jefferson County Jail - Bessemer AL also offers visitation for its residents as well as programs and services which include religious activities and drug/alcohol treatment programs in order to aid those transitioning back into society upon release from incarceration. Programs such as these have been proven to reduce recidivism rates among ex-offenders who have participated in them while also providing resources for emotional and mental health support during their time at the facility.
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, call the jail’s booking line at 205-481-4160.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Jefferson County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Jefferson County and other Alabama and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
The Jefferson County jails, both Bessemer and Birmingham, recommend that you call the jail at 205-481-4160 or go to the inmate search, to look up the inmate's bond amount.
If you can't afford it, they recommend you look up a local bail bond agent and contact them.
How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer? What is the Schedule?
Schedule Video Visits online with gettingout
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 7:00PM |
| MONDAY | No Visitation |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 12:00PM |
| FRIDAY | No Visitation |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 7:00PM |
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
How it Works with GettingOut
1. Register an account.
2. Select Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.
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.
To visit an inmate in Jefferson 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, Jefferson County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut.
There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer:
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 Jefferson County follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Jefferson County here.
2. The next step is to create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Other Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 Jefferson County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Phone: 205-481-4160
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer?
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 8:30PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer?
There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
Bring money to the jail in person.
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use the NCIC self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer uses NCIC to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. NCIC 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.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order. Mail it to the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer address on this page, or to the address below if it is different than the facility address.
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit over the Phone by calling 800-943-2189
For more information about sending an inmate money for phone cards or other commissary sundries, check out our Inmate Money Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer?
To receive phone calls from an inmate in Jefferson County follow these instructions:
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer uses the services of NCIC for inmate phone calling. It is called a ‘friends & family account”.
In order to receive phone calls from your inmate, you need to do the following:
NOTE:
1. You cannot receive any calls to your phone number from your inmate until both you and your phone number are registered.
2. When you do receive a call, the number you will view on your phone from the incoming call is: 800-943-2189.
3. When allowed by Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, families can also leave secure voicemails for inmates to listen to.
Fees
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]
Full list of participating jails.
For all the information regarding phone calls with Jefferson County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, fees, 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
For inmates receiving mail in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer:
Inmate's Full Name & Subject Number
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer
1822 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer using an Online Messaging Service?
Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer,
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
To mail or email an inmate in Jefferson County follow these steps:
When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:
Emailing Messages & Photos
Facility_name_1} contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.
All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Jefferson County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer have Access to Tablets or Computers?
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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer, such as:
- Free services are already available for use on the device at Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.
What Does a Tablet Cost?
To estimate costs for phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page) or call 866-516-0115 for assistance.
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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer 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 Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-481-4160 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in Jefferson County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Jefferson County?
This facility, known as "Jefferson County Jail – Bessemer" is also known as Jefferson County Corrections Division, Bessemer Arrests, Bessemer Inmate Search, Jefferson County Inmate Search, Jefferson County Arrests, Jefferson County Sheriff, Bessemer Sheriff.
