The Shelby County Jail is a 500 bed jail in the city of Columbiana, Shelby County, Alabama.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 205-670-6066, 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: 205-670-6066
Physical Address:
380 McDow Road
Columbiana, AL 35051
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Shelby County Jail, 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 205-670-6066 for the information you are looking for.
Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby County Jail, 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 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
The Shelby County Jail maintains an average of 500 offenders in custody on any given day. The Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 10,680 offenders.
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Shelby County Jail offers a variety of services and resources to both inmates and their families. It is supervised by 7 staff members, holds 500 inmates, and the monthly average of total bookings of offenders are approximately 880-900.
Inmates are allowed two 45-minute onsite video visits each week, which must be scheduled in advance. The facility also offers reintegration programming to male condemned criminals and a free mobile app (Google Play and Apple App Store) that allows the public to receive information regarding current inmates in the facility.
Shelby County Jail is located at 380 McDow Road, Columbiana, AL 35051, and the contact number for the jail is 205-669-3938. Visitation times are 7:55 to 8:25 p.m., 8:35 to 9:05 a.m., and 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. and On-site video visits conducted at (201 Poplar & Jail East) are available from 8am-12 noon or 3pm-7pm.
In addition, the jail has designated housing units within the jail to care for those with mental health issues, those who are detoxing, and those who are suicidal, as well as an on-site infirmary to provide more intensive medical and mental health monitoring for inmates.
Shelby County Jail is the first county jail in Alabama to implement electronic visitation for families and attorneys, allowing prisoners to speak to those parties remotely.
It holds municipal, county, state, and federal inmates of all genders, and offers an online inmate listing service that provides information about inmates' charges and bond amounts. Inmates have rights and responsibilities outlined in the inmate handbook, which also describes acts prohibited in the Shelby County Jail and the disciplinary process.
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 205-670-6066.
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.
Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail 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.
Call 205-670-6066 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Shelby County inmate locator.
Because Shelby County and Alabama can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Shelby County Jail at 205-670-6066, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, and do this right after an arrestee has been booked.
Ask the staff at the Shelby County Jail or the Shelby County Court Clerk these specific questions:
If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released.
This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail? What is the Schedule?
380 McDow Road
Columbiana, AL 35051
205-670-6066
Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC, by coming to the facility, or by calling 800-943-2189.
ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:25AM 1:00PM - 4:25PM 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| MONDAY | No video sessions |
| TUESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| FRIDAY | No video sessions |
| SATURDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:25AM |
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:25AM 1:00PM - 4:25PM 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| MONDAY | No video sessions |
| TUESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| FRIDAY | No video sessions |
| SATURDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:25AM |
In other words, you can visit your inmate in jail by using your home computer, as long as it is equipped with a microphone and camera that supports video.
When available, the jail also provides use of ‘video visit kiosks’ in the jail lobby if you do not have a computer at home. These ’on-site’ video visits are FREE.
Costs
NCIC Video Visitation fees are subject to change, but the cost to you is roughly $7.50 ($0.25 per minute) for a 30-minute visit + an additional fee of $2.00 for the connection.
On-site (at the jail) video visits are FREE.
How to set up your Video Visit
Your inmate will be notified by the jail staff of the date and time for the visit. Be sure to be in front of your computer and connected to NCIC at least 15 minutes before the start of the visit.
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]
To register and sign up for a remote visitation account with Inmate Canteen to communicate with your Shelby County Jail inmate, follow the instructions below:
Instructions for Inmate Video Visitation:
- Register or Log in to your account
- Select Shelby County Jail and the inmate you wish to visit.
- Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
- Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding visiting with an inmate (both at the jail and remotely) in Shelby County, visit our full page guide.
NOTE: All video visits are recorded and stored. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that some video visits providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 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 Shelby County Jail?
380 McDow Road
Columbiana, AL 35051
205-670-6066
Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC, by coming to the facility, or by calling 800-943-2189.
ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:25AM 1:00PM - 4:25PM 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| MONDAY | No video sessions |
| TUESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| FRIDAY | No video sessions |
| SATURDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:25AM |
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:25AM 1:00PM - 4:25PM 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| MONDAY | No video sessions |
| TUESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:20PM - 9:35PM |
| FRIDAY | No video sessions |
| SATURDAY | 8:00 AM - 11:25AM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Shelby County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
For complete information on depositing money in an inmate's account, check out our Inmate Money page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail?
To receive phone calls from an inmate in Shelby County follow these instructions:
Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby County Jail, 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby County Jail 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 & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
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 Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby County Jail 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 & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
Postcards
The Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
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 Shelby County Jail 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 Shelby County Jail 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 & Resident Number
c/o Shelby County Jail
P.O. Box 1240
Columbiana, AL 35051
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail, and what can I purchase?
NOTE: Shelby County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
For best results use google chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Shelby County Jail follow these steps:
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Shelby County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Shelby County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Shelby County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Shelby County Jail follow these steps:
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Shelby County Jail, the costs, rules, policies and more check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Shelby County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Shelby County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Shelby County Jail offers NCIC tablets to rent to inmates that they can use for video visitation and calls, phone calls, instant messaging, education and entertainment.
They can also be used for commissary ordering.
Shelby County Jail offers NCIC tablets to rent to inmates that they can use for video visitation and calls, phone calls, instant messaging, education and entertainment.
They can also be used for commissary ordering.
To find out more bout how much tablets cost to rent, and what programs, entertainment, education and other things it can be used for, check out our Tablet Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 205-670-6066 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in Shelby County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Shelby County?
This facility, known as "Shelby County Jail" is also known as Shelby County Correctional Facility, Shelby County Corrections Division, Shelby County Sheriff, Shelby County Inmate Search, Shelby County Arrests, Shelby County Jail Arrests, Shelby County Arrests Alabama.
