Shelby County Detention Center

Search for an Inmate in Shelby County

Shelby County Detention Center Information

Located in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Kentucky, the Shelby County Detention Center is a 316-bed facility. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate details at 502-633-2343.

This jail serves as the processing center for offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. They are brought here for booking and processing, and depending on their charges, they may be held until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or ordered to remain in custody until their trial is complete.

Use the inmate search tool to find out who is in custody at this facility.

Inmates with sentences under one year will serve their time at this jail, while those sentenced to longer terms will be transferred to either the Kentucky State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page offers helpful information regarding inmate services like the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.

Make sure to keep the inmate's jail ID or booking number, as it is often needed for correspondence or communication. If you're unable to locate it online, you can call Shelby County Detention Center at 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

Phone: 502-633-2343

Physical Address:
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center-KY
PO Box 76550
Highlands Heights, KY 41076​​​

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Shelby County Detention Center?

To search for an inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center, 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 502-633-2343 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an Offender's Criminal Court Case in either the District Court or the Circuit Court,

Shelby County Detention Center Inmate Search

The Shelby County Detention Center maintains an average of 316 offenders in custody on any given day. The Shelby County Detention Center 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 6,320 offenders.

The following charts of Shelby County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Shelby County Corrections Department, the state of Kentucky Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Shelby County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Shelby County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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About the Shelby County Detention Center

The 316-bed Shelby County Detention Center, which includes the non-secure Shelby County JRC program, is the main detention center for all of Shelby County and each of the inmates are waiting for trial or serving a short sentence for a misdemeanor or a felony offense.

During their incarceration at the facility they will be provided with all of the basic needs as well as access to programs which will prepare them for their life after their release.

Inmates are listed and updated online and for the status or information on a specific inmate can be requested from the staff and they are able to provide some updates and listen to any concerns by calling 502-633-2343.

Healthy meals are served three times each day, and both medical and mental health care are provided to each of the inmates with the first assessment occurring upon arrival so all immediate concerns can be addressed.

Inmates will also each have an account to access during their stay at that permits access to commissary accounts and other expenses.

Phones are available and can be used to place collect calls or with prepaid calling cards that can be purchased in the lobby or online.

Mail is sent to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center-KY
PO Box 76550
Highlands Heights, KY 41076​​​

... where it will be checked for contraband before final delivery, limiting the amount of items that are able to enter the facility.

Visits are also accessed online and can be scheduled one day or more in advance.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

Understanding the booking process at Shelby County Detention Center

After an arrest, individuals are taken to Shelby County Detention Center where they go through booking. This process includes identifying the person, reviewing charges, and determining whether they will be released on their own, eligible for bail, or detained until their court date.

It’s crucial to remain silent after being arrested. Anything said may be used in court, so it’s better to refrain from speaking until consulting with an attorney.

The following steps outline the booking procedure at Shelby County Detention Center:

  • Personal identification verification.
  • Taking photographs (mugshots).
  • Medical and mental health assessment, as well as inquiries about substance use.
  • Possibly collecting DNA samples.
  • Performing a full-body search.
  • Seizing personal belongings for safekeeping.
  • Allowing one phone call.

Booking can take from a short hour to longer periods, especially on busy nights or with uncooperative individuals. For inquiries about posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 502-633-2343.

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Directions / Map to the Shelby County Detention Center
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Paying bail for someone in custody in Shelby County

Once someone is booked at Shelby County Detention Center in Shelbyville after an arrest, there are several outcomes:

1. They may be released without paying bail, agreeing to show up on a scheduled date.
2. They may remain in custody until their court appearance.
3. They can pay a bail or bond for release. Call 502-633-2343 for bail details.

Bail payments can take several forms.

  • Cash, credit card, or money order can be used for payment.
  • A licensed bail bond agent in Shelby County can help cover bail.
  • Property within the county can also be used as collateral.

For detailed information about the bail process in Shelby County, Kentucky, see the Shelby County Detention Center Bail FAQ.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Shelby County Detention Center on-site Inmate Visitation Schedule

1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-633-2343

  • ALL VISITS ARE REMOTE
  • First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  • Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
  • Proper attire is required. No low-cut blouses, tank tops, short skirts or dresses, tight shorts, hats or any other form of provocative dress will be allowed. Shirt and shoes must be worn.
  • All visitors must provide proper state or government issued photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, foreign id or passports) for inmate visitation.
  • A video visit lasts 20 minutes.
  • Visitors may only use this system on the inmates assigned visitation day, whenever the inmates have free time.
  • All rules set forth for non-contact visitation shall be adhered to when using the video visitation system.
  • Any lewd, profane or inappropriate behavior shall result in loss of video visitation privileges for the visitor and/or inmate.
  • Visitation sign-up is limited and on a first-come first serve basis.
  • Visitors are encouraged to go online and reserve a visitation time. Purchased visitation minutes are not transferable.
  • An adult must accompany all visitors who are under 17 years of age. Children must be monitored at all times.

Shelby County Detention Center Remote Inmate Video Visitation

  • First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  • Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
  • Remote Visits are $0.20 per minute.

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
MONDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
TUESDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
WEDNESDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
THURSDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
FRIDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
SATURDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM

Shelby County Detention Center uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.

In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:

  1. Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
  2. Register with Inmate Sales.
  3. Find Shelby County Detention Center
  4. Select 'New Purchase'
  5. Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
  6. Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
  7. Schedule a visit.

Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center?

Shelby County Detention Center on-site Inmate Visitation Schedule

1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-633-2343

  • ALL VISITS ARE REMOTE
  • First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  • Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
  • Proper attire is required. No low-cut blouses, tank tops, short skirts or dresses, tight shorts, hats or any other form of provocative dress will be allowed. Shirt and shoes must be worn.
  • All visitors must provide proper state or government issued photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, foreign id or passports) for inmate visitation.
  • A video visit lasts 20 minutes.
  • Visitors may only use this system on the inmates assigned visitation day, whenever the inmates have free time.
  • All rules set forth for non-contact visitation shall be adhered to when using the video visitation system.
  • Any lewd, profane or inappropriate behavior shall result in loss of video visitation privileges for the visitor and/or inmate.
  • Visitation sign-up is limited and on a first-come first serve basis.
  • Visitors are encouraged to go online and reserve a visitation time. Purchased visitation minutes are not transferable.
  • An adult must accompany all visitors who are under 17 years of age. Children must be monitored at all times.

Shelby County Detention Center Remote Inmate Video Visitation

  • First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
  • Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
  • Remote Visits are $0.20 per minute.

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
MONDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
TUESDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
WEDNESDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
THURSDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
FRIDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM
SATURDAY 6:00AM - 11:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center?

For online or over the phone inmate deposits, use Care A Cell Money Deposit System.

If you have specific questions that you want answered, check out their informative FAQ Page. or call them at 800-622-8166.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center?

How Do Inmates in Shelby County Detention Center Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Shelby County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Shelby County Detention Center uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
  • Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678
  • Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Shelby County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.

iphone app
Google Play app

For all the information regarding phone calls with Shelby County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, 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 Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center, and what can I send them?

Shelby County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Shelby County Detention Center 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 Detention Center 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 & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center-KY
PO Box 76550
Highlands Heights, KY 41076​​​



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065



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 Detention Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & 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 Detention Center 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 & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065

Shelby County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Shelby County Detention Center 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 Detention Center also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center-KY
PO Box 76550
Highlands Heights, KY 41076​​​



Legal Mail

Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065



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 Detention Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & 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 Detention Center 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 & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Detention Center
1000 Bobby Waits Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center, and what can I purchase?

Shelby County Detention Center uses Care A Cell Inmate Care Packages for family and friends of inmates to send commissary into an inmate.

Products available range from basic hygiene like shampoo and toothpaste, all the way to a $50 package of candy bars and other sweets. You can even order fresh food to be cooked and delivered.

Care A Cell requires payment with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Paypal or Prepaid Debit Money Cards. All purchases are done online.
You can reach Care A Cell by email, by filling out their contact form online here, or by calling them at 800-622-8166.

If you have specific questions that you want answered, check out their informative FAQ Page.

How to Send Commissary Packages to an Inmate in Shelby County Detention Center

Shelby County Detention Center uses Care A Cell Inmate Care Packages for family and friends of inmates to send commissary into an inmate.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Shelby County Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?

Shelby County Detention Center uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.


Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.


Here's how it works:

  • First you must register, and then funds are added to the inmate's account. If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
  • When an inmate gets the device they may send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of possession of the chirping device.  
  • These automated messages will inform the person the inmate Chirped who is sending the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from.
  • It will then ask them to go to a direct link to the inmate's account on the Inmate Sales website.
  • The website will then instruct them to use a credit card to put money on the inmate's account.  

Cost of Chirping:  

  • Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.  Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.
  • If an inmate has available funds on their chirping device they will be able to chirp any cell phone and that chirp will appear to be a normal text. 
  • If you wish to stop receiving Chirps from an inmate, reply to the Chirp with STOP.

iphone app
Google Play app

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Shelby County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Shelby County Detention Center follow these steps:

  • Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Shelby County, by creating an account.
  • Select Kentucky, then select Shelby County Detention Center, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
  • If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

-  Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
-  This product allows Shelby County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
-  Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.
-  Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.

Inmate Sales Apps

iphone app
Google Play app

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Shelby County Detention Center 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 Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Shelby County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Shelby County Detention Center now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.


Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis (or are given to the inmate use for a limited time) and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Job Search - Inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

  • Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

Questions:

iphone app download

Google Play download

Shelby County Detention Center now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.


Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis (or are given to the inmate use for a limited time) and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

Here's how it works:

  • Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

Questions:

iphone app download

Google Play download

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 502-633-2343 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Shelby County Detention Center? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Shelby County?

Shelby Franklin Anderson Spencer Henry Oldham Jefferson
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Search for an Inmate in Shelby County

This facility, known as "Shelby County Detention Center" is also known as Shelby Sheriff | Shelbyville Police, Shelby County Jail & Detention Center , Shelby County Jail & Detention Center , Kentucky, Shelby.