The El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility is a 1000 bed jail in the city of El Paso, El Paso County, Texas.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 915-546-2212, 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: 915-546-2212
Physical Address:
601 East Overland Ave.
El Paso, TX 79901
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate #
El Paso County Jail, TX
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate #
El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility
601 East Overland Ave.
El Paso, TX 79901
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility, 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 915-546-2212 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Criminal Court Cases in El Paso County and anywhere in Texas.
El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility Inmate Search
The El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility maintains an average of 1000 offenders in custody on any given day. The El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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 El Paso County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 50,240 offenders.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessFacility Details: The Detention Facility spans over 310,440 square feet and has a housing capacity of 1000 inmates. It consists of nine housing floors, with three floors designated for female housing. Additionally, it houses a Jail Magistrate Court, the Sheriff's Office Warrants Section, Jail Ministry Section, Bond Inmate and Trust Section, as well as liaison offices for the U.S. Border Patrol and Adult Probation.
Programs and Services: Inmates at the facility have access to various services and programs, including twenty-four-hour medical services, adult educational programs such as GED and ESL, religious programs, work programs, AA and NA meetings, law library, leisure library, prepaid telephone services, and commissary services.
Visitation: Visitation at the El Paso County Detention Facility follows a specific schedule. Odd floors (3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th) are open for visitation on Saturdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Sundays from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Even floors (4th, 6th, 8th, 10th) are open for visitation on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and on Sundays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Visitors must be 17 years of age or older, and children aged 16 or younger can visit on the 1st Saturday/Sunday of the month and designated holidays.
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility, call the jail’s booking line at 915-546-2212.
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.
El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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 El Paso 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 El Paso County and other Texas 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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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.
How Do You Visit an Inmate in the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility? What is the Schedule?
DAY | INMATES | TIME |
SAT | odd floors (3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th) |
8:00am to 11:00am |
SUN | odd floors (3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th) |
6:00pm to 9:00pm |
SAT | even floors (4th, 6th, 8th, 10th) |
8:00am to 11:00am |
SUN | even floors (4th, 6th, 8th, 10th) |
6:00pm to 9:00pm |
El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility
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 El Paso 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, El Paso County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut.
There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility:
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 El Paso County follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up El Paso County here.
2. The next step is to create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Other El Paso 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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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 El Paso County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.
El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility Phone: 915-546-2212
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 915-546-2212 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility?
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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 915-546-2212 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility?
1. Commissary money in the form of a money order may be mailed to:
AdvancePay Service Department
P.O. Box 911722
Denver, CO 80291-1722
2. You may use cash or credit/debit cards at any time by using the kiosk located in the front lobby. The fee for the use of the ATM is generally $1.50 per transaction for cash and 10% fee for credit/debit cards.
3. Commissary money can also be added to an inmates account at any time using any of these methods online.
4. Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are now available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.
5. You can call customer service 24/7 at 877-650-4249 and get instructions for depositing money over the phone using a debit or credit card.
To deposit money into the account of an inmate in El Paso County, follow these instructions:
For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 915-546-2212 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility?
Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
For full instructions on the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 915-546-2212 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility, and what can I send them?
Postcards & Envelopes
The El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office and envelopes. 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.
They must be mailed to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate #
El Paso County Jail, TX
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
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
El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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 above.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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.
Newspapers, Magazines and Books must be mailed to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate #
El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility
601 East Overland Ave.
El Paso, TX 79901
Care packages
Care packages are pre-chosen items packaged together and sent to the inmate from a third-party vendor. They can include clothing, snacks and seasonal items.
El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility participates in a Care Package program with icaregifts.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 915-546-2212 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility, and what can I purchase?
The service they use is called icaregifts.
Instructions
1. Register here.
2. Click the "Find an Inmate" button and enter your loved one’s first name, last name, or inmate number. When the information is entered correctly, click the “Search” button to confirm they are in the system.
3. Select the icare gift you want to send them.
4. Confirm the order in your confirmation email.
5. El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility has up to 30 days to give your icaregift pack to your inmate.
6. You will receive a confirmation email when it is delivered.
There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from.
They range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper…
… to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items…
… with many gift packs priced in between.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (you must have an inmate chosen in order to review these FAQs for El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility
Contact Info:
888-439-5020 - 8AM–9PM ET, 7 days a week.
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility follow these steps:
For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility, as well as sending money to the inmate so that they can purchase their own items, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for El Paso County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 915-546-2212 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility using an Online Messaging Service?
El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility,
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 El Paso 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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility,
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 El Paso 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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 915-546-2212 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility, such as:
- Free services are already available for use on the device at El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility 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 El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 915-546-2212 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in El Paso County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding El Paso County?
This facility, known as "El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility" is also known as EPCDF - El Paso Downtown Jail.