Shelby County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Shelby County

Shelby County Jail Information

Located in Center, Shelby County, Texas, the Shelby County Jail is a 66-bed facility. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate details at 936-598-5601.

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 Texas 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 Jail at 936-598-5601 for further assistance.

Phone: 936-598-5601

Physical Address:
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Shelby County Jail?

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 936-598-5601 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Criminal Court Cases in Shelby County and anywhere in Texas.

Shelby County Jail Inmate Search

The Shelby County Jail maintains an average of 66 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 1,320 offenders.

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About the Shelby County Jail

The Shelby County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Shelby County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year. 

It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.

The brown metal single story building is located at 100 Hurst Street, at the Nacogdoches streetlight, across from the Exxon 'Checkout' Convenience Store and Gas Station. It shares the facility with the county sheriff.

If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 936-598-5601, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.

Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment. 

Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks. 

The Shelby County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills. 

Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided. 

Visiting days and times are Tuesdays 5:30PM to 7:30PM, and Sundays 12:30PM to 2:30PM. You need to call 936-598-5601 to schedule a visit, which are 20 minutes.

Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit. 

Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program. 

Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page

All personal mail is sent to: 

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.

Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

Shelby County, situated in the eastern part of Texas, is a county with a population of 24,022, according to the 2020 census. The county seat is Center. It was initially established as a municipality of Mexico in 1835 and later organized as a county in 1837.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

Understanding the booking process at Shelby County Jail

After an arrest, individuals are taken to Shelby County 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 Jail:

  • 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 936-598-5601.

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Directions / Map to the Shelby County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Paying bail for someone in custody in Shelby County

Once someone is booked at Shelby County Jail in Center 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 936-598-5601 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, Texas, see the Shelby County Jail Bail FAQ.

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Inmate Visitation

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

Shelby County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935
936-598-5601

  • Visits are 20 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • You must call 936-598-5601 in advance and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed two visits per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 936-598-5601 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 12:30PM - 2:30PM
TUESDAY 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Inmate Visitation

IMPORTANT - All remote visitation at the Shelby County Jail is conducted by City Tele Coin video.

You can visit your inmate at the jail, or from your own device or computer at home.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office provides a video kiosk in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office free of charge.

Visitation is limited to 10 minutes per visitor per day. Visitors must call ahead and follow ALL visitation guidelines.

If not coming to the Sheriff's Office, you may visit with an inmate using City Tele Coin fom home.

Video visitations are monitored and visitors MUST follow visitor guidelines. Visitors that are found to violate these guidelines, will have their visitation privileges suspended.



All Video Visitation services are provided by City Tele Coin.

To register for a direct pay account visit www.CityTeleCoin.com.

After your account has been created you can download the City Tele Coin app from iTunes or Google Play.

To video chat and send emails using the app or the City Tele Coin website, select Shelby County Jail to set up a remote account for the inmate.

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 936-598-5601 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 Jail?

Shelby County Jail Inmate Visitation

IMPORTANT - All remote visitation at the Shelby County Jail is conducted by City Tele Coin video.

You can visit your inmate at the jail, or from your own device or computer at home.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office provides a video kiosk in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office free of charge.

Visitation is limited to 10 minutes per visitor per day. Visitors must call ahead and follow ALL visitation guidelines.

If not coming to the Sheriff's Office, you may visit with an inmate using City Tele Coin fom home.

Video visitations are monitored and visitors MUST follow visitor guidelines. Visitors that are found to violate these guidelines, will have their visitation privileges suspended.



All Video Visitation services are provided by City Tele Coin.

To register for a direct pay account visit www.CityTeleCoin.com.

After your account has been created you can download the City Tele Coin app from iTunes or Google Play.

To video chat and send emails using the app or the City Tele Coin website, select Shelby County Jail to set up a remote account for the inmate.

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 936-598-5601 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

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

Depositing Money in an Inmate's Commissary Account at Shelby County Jail

Whatever cash the inmate has on their person when booked into the facility will automatically deposited and credited to their account. When released any money left in the account will be returned to them in the form of a check from the Sheriff's Department or the Shelby County Jail Trust Account. There may be circumstances where the inmate can give permission to have his money released to a family member or friend.

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail

  • Bring money to the jail in person. 
  • The jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment. Cash or Money Order only.

Option 2 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail

  • Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person.
  • Never send cash. Always send a Money Order or Cashier's Check from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.
  • Make the Money Order out to the inmate and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.

Mail to the Jail.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

Failure to do this properly will delay your inmate getting their account credited and may require you to have to resubmit a second money order.
Call 936-598-5601 to ask any questions about this.

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 936-598-5601 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

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

How to Make and Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in Shelby County

To register and sign up for a phone account with City Tele Coin to communicate with your Shelby County Jail inmate, follow the instructions below:

  • Register and create an account with City Tele Coin.
  • City Tele Coin Phone Services include Prepaid Accounts and Calling Cards for your inmate in Shelby County Jail to call you and others.
  • You can also send and receive secure messages with your inmate.
  • This is a fee based service, but regular calls are capped at $0.21 per minute and collect calls capped at $0.25 per minute.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding making phone calls with an inmate in Shelby County, visit our full page guide

NOTE: All phone conversations and messages 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 phone 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 Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 936-598-5601 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

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

Shelby County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

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 & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935



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 Jail 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 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 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 & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

Shelby County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Shelby County 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 Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935


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 Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 936-598-5601 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

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

Depositing Money in an Inmate's Commissary Account at Shelby County Jail

Whatever cash the inmate has on their person when booked into the facility will automatically deposited and credited to their account. When released any money left in the account will be returned to them in the form of a check from the Sheriff's Department or the Shelby County Jail Trust Account. There may be circumstances where the inmate can give permission to have his money released to a family member or friend.

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail

  • Bring money to the jail in person. 
  • The jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment. Cash or Money Order only.

Option 2 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail

  • Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person.
  • Never send cash. Always send a Money Order or Cashier's Check from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.
  • Make the Money Order out to the inmate and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.

Mail to the Jail.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

Failure to do this properly will delay your inmate getting their account credited and may require you to have to resubmit a second money order.
Call 936-598-5601 to ask any questions about this.

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 936-598-5601 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

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

Shelby County Jail contracts with City Telecoin for phone and remote video visitation, and has added secure messaging, a form of delayed email.


City Telecoin also has a secure messaging service that allows you and your inmate to send and receive messages electronically (after being read by the jail).

How to Have Remote Video Visits and Email Communication with an Inmate in Shelby County

To register and sign up for a remote visitation account with City Tele Coin to communicate with your Shelby County Jail inmate, follow the instructions below:

  • Register and create an account with City Tele Coin.
  • City Tele Coin has excellent quality video visits between your home device and a video terminal in the inmate's housing area.
  • You can also send and receive secure messages and use them to make and receive phone calls with your Shelby County inmate.
  • This is a fee based service.
  • For more information, you can call City Telecoin from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM CST by dialing 318-746-1114, or email them: onlinesupport@citytelecoin.com.
  • Visit Inmate 'at the jail' information.

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 Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 936-598-5601 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

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

Shelby County Jail now offers City Tele Coin Tablets to their inmates.

City Tele Coin is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented or used on a monthly basis 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.
  • 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:

Shelby County Jail now offers City Tele Coin Tablets to their inmates.

City Tele Coin is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented or used on a monthly basis 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.
  • 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:

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 936-598-5601 for further assistance.

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

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

Shelby De Soto Sabine Sabine San Augustine Nacogdoches Panola Rusk
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Search for an Inmate in Shelby County

This facility, known as "Shelby County Jail" is also known as Shelby County Jail & Sheriff, Shelby County Jail & Sheriff , Shelby County Jail & Sheriff , Texas, Shelby.