Located in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, the Shelby County Main Jail is a 2471-bed facility. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate details at 901-222-4700.
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 Tennessee 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 Main Jail at 901-222-4700 for further assistance.
Phone: 901-222-4700
Physical Address:
201 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Shelby County Main Jail
Location where housed (if known)
201 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Shelby County Main Jail
Location where housed (if known)
201 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Shelby County Main 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 901-222-4700 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a Shelby County offender's Criminal Court Case online, or any offender that was arrested in the state of Tennessee.
Tennessee also keeps a public database of all their felony offenders.
Shelby County Main Jail Inmate Search
The Shelby County Main Jail maintains an average of 2471 offenders in custody on any given day. The Shelby County Main 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 107,300 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 Tennessee 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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessShelby County has two detention facilities, this, the Shelby County Main Jail and the Shelby County Jail East.
Falling under the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office, the Shelby County Main Jail stands six stories high and was completed in 1981 with a top capacity of 1200, and has been further renovated and maintained so it now has a capacity of 2,471 beds.
It is built with a brick base and metal accents, allowing it to fit in with the surrounding architecture when it was built, but now seems a bit out dated on the exterior despite the upgrades to the cells, common areas, and the security. It operates with a camera system that allows views of both the inside and the outside of the building, and this allows for inmates to be monitored around the clock.
Many programs are offered including a library, education that includes alcohol and drug use, anger management, creative arts, domestic violence awareness, religious services, parenting, life skills, and religious programming. Recreation time and activities are available and encourage improving social skills and remaining active even during incarceration.
A contract is in place with a local health care provider to ensure that all inmates receive medical care as needed, and that all ongoing care is provided for existing conditions. The mental health unit provides mental health support and counseling for all residents, and upon release resources are provided that can be accessed for ongoing treatment.
Mail: Only fully addressed letters that have a complete return address will be accepted. Paperback books or magazines are only accepted directly from the publisher.
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Shelby County Main Jail
Location where housed (if known)
201 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
Phones: Phones are located within common areas of all housing units and allow inmates to call their family or friends daily, maintaining relationships that are key to reduced recidivism and successful rehabilitation.
Visitation: All visits are video and can be accessed onsite or remotely for all approved visitors. Visits must be scheduled in advance, at least one full day, and they are 10 or 25 minutes long at a cost of $2.50 and $6.25 respectively. Visiting hours are not published or shared by the facility, and will show only when a visit is being scheduled for that specific inmate.
After an arrest, individuals are taken to Shelby County Main Jail 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 Main Jail:
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 901-222-4700.
Once someone is booked at Shelby County Main Jail in Memphis 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 901-222-4700 for bail details.
Bail payments can take several forms.
For detailed information about the bail process in Shelby County, Tennessee, see the Shelby County Main Jail Bail FAQ.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Shelby County Main Jail? What is the Schedule?
201 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
For scheduling Issues call 901-222-4928
For technical support call 855-208-7349
MAIN JAIL VISITING SCHEDULE
INMATES | DAY | TIMES |
4th fl. Northside (k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s) --- 6th fl (a, b, c) |
MON | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
3rd Northside (k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s) --- JM housing --- 4th floor H Cell 1, 3 |
TUE | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
4th Southside (a, b, c, d, e, f, g) --- 5th fl (a, b, c) |
WED | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
3rd fl Southside (a, b, c, d, e, f, g) --- 2nd fl (a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, p, q) --- 4th floor H Cell 2, 4 |
THU | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
1st fl A-Pod --- 3rd fl H-Pod --- LL H-pod --- 4th fl A-Pod |
FRI | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
1st fl B-Pod | SAT | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
MAIN JAIL ANNEX VISITATION SCHEDULE
INMATE'S LAST NAME |
DAY | TIMES |
S, T, U, V | MON | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
O, P, Q, R | MON | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
A, B, C | TUE | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
W, X, Y, Z | TUE | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
H, I, J, K | WED | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
D, E, F, G --- Trustees & Rockmen |
WED | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
O, P, Q, R | THU | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
L, M, N | THU | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
W, X, Y, Z --- Trustees & Rockmen |
FRI | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
S, T, U, V | FRI | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
D, E, F, G | SAT | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
A, B, C | SAT | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
L, M, N | SUN | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
H, I, J, K --- Trustees & Rockmen |
SUN | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
MAIN JAIL TRUSTEES & ROCKMEN SCHEDULE
Trustees & Rockmen INMATE'S LAST NAME |
DAY | TIMES |
G, J | MON | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
G, J | WED | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
G, J | FRI | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
G, J | SUN | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
MAIN JAIL LOWER LEVEL (after the first 3 days)
INMATE'S LAST NAME |
DAY | TIMES |
S, T, U, V | MON | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
O, P, Q, R | TUE | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
A, B, C | WED | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
W, X, Y, Z | THU | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
H, I, J, K | FRI | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
D, E, F, G | SAT | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
L, M, N | SUN | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
For scheduling Issues call 901-222-4928
For technical support call 855-208-7349
MAIN JAIL REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
INMATES | DAY | TIMES |
ALL | SUN | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | MON | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | TUE | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | WED | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | THU | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | FRI | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | SAT | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
How it Works with GettingOut
1. Register an account.
2. Select Shelby County Main Jail
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 Shelby 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, Shelby County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut.
There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Shelby County Main Jail:
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 Shelby County follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Shelby County Main Jail's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Shelby County here.
2. The next step is to create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Shelby County Main Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Other Shelby 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 Shelby County Main Jail 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 Shelby County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.
Shelby County Main Jail Phone: 901-222-4700
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Main Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 901-222-4700 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 Shelby County Main Jail?
For scheduling Issues call 901-222-4928
For technical support call 855-208-7349
MAIN JAIL REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
INMATES | DAY | TIMES |
ALL | SUN | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | MON | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | TUE | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | WED | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | THU | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | FRI | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
ALL | SAT | 8:00AM-12:00PM 3:00PM-7:00PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Main Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 901-222-4700 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Shelby County Main Jail?
You can deposit money four different ways:
correctpay.com Assistance:
24/7 Customer Service - 855-836-3364
Frequently Asked Questions
To send commissary money to an inmate in Shelby County Main Jail follow these steps:
For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account, what the fees are, how long it takes to hit their account and more, check out our full money and commissary guide for Shelby County Main Jail.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Main Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 901-222-4700 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Shelby County Main Jail?
Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
For full instructions on the Shelby County Main Jail 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 Shelby County Main Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 901-222-4700 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Shelby County Main Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Shelby County Main 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 Main 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 & Booking #
Shelby County Main Jail
Location where housed (if known)
201 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Shelby County Main Jail
Location where housed (if known)
201 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
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 Shelby County Main 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 noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Shelby County Main Jail 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 & Booking #
Shelby County Main Jail
Location where housed (if known)
201 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
For inmates receiving mail in the Shelby County Main Jail 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 Shelby County Main Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Shelby County Main Jail
Location where housed (if known)
201 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
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 Shelby County Main Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 901-222-4700 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Shelby County Main Jail, and what can I purchase?
Shelby County Main Jail uses the services of correctpay.com (aka JailFunds) for you to deposit funds into your inmate’s account so that they can purchase Commissary and/or Gift Packs from this jail’s commissary service.
You can deposit money four different ways:
correctpay Contact, Help and FAQ
24/7 Customer Service - 855-836-3364
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Shelby County Main Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 901-222-4700 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Shelby County Main Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Shelby County Main Jail 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 Shelby County Main Jail,
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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Main Jail,
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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Main Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 901-222-4700 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Shelby County Main Jail 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 Shelby County Main Jail, such as:
- Free services are already available for use on the device at Shelby County Main Jail.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- Shelby County Main Jail Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.
What Does a Tablet Cost?
To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.
Game Center:
30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)
Unlimited eBooks:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
Streaming Music:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)
Newsfeed
Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)
Same Day Subscription Services
Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)
Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)
Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)
All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes.
Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...
Tablet: $249.99 per each
Charger: $8.99 per each
Earbuds: $2.99 per each
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 Shelby County Main Jail 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 Shelby County Main Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 901-222-4700 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat 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 Main Jail" is also known as Shelby County Jail - Memphis, Criminal Justice Complex, Shelby County Jail - Memphis, Tennessee, Shelby.