Mason County Jail

Constructed in 1894, the Mason County Jail stands as an exemplary small jail from the nineteenth century. Made from the locally available brown sandstone, this historic structure showcases the architectural style of modified Romanesque Revival. The ground floor of the jail serves as living quarters for the sheriff, while the second floor houses the jail cells. Notable features of the building include a grand entry arch, segmental arches adorning the windows, and a prominent central tower.

The Mason County Jail holds the distinction of being one of the oldest operational jails in the state of Texas. It has a limited capacity, accommodating a total of five inmates, consisting of four males and one female. Currently, the jail is operating at full capacity, with three additional Mason County inmates being housed at the Comanche jail, approximately 100 miles northeast of Mason, for a daily fee of $35 per inmate.

Each individual cell within the Mason County Jail occupies an area of 18 square feet, and there is a walkway encircling the cells. However, due to the growing needs of the county, there is a pressing requirement for a larger facility capable of accommodating 36 to 45 beds. The county envisions the possibility of utilizing the necessary beds while leasing the remaining ones to neighboring counties in need of additional space. This arrangement could help offset a portion of the jail's expenses.

Mason County officials recognize the potential intervention by the jail commission in the future, urging them to address the need for a more substantial facility. While financial considerations are important, the primary concern for local officials, including Sheriff Low, is to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, prioritizing community protection over financial gains.

To provide a comparison, neighboring Menard County, located to the west of Mason County, boasts a population of 2,300 residents. Their jail, built in 1981, has a capacity to house nine inmates.

For making calls or depositing money for calls, you can visit the following website: https://www.ncic.com/jails/mason-county-jail-tx

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Mason County Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Mason County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 325-347-5252.

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.

Mason County Jail Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Mason County?

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 Mason 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.

What is the booking process like at the Mason County Jail?

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 Mason 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.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

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.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

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.

What happens after booking?

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 Mason 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.

How long does the Mason County Jail Booking process take?

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.