Denton County Jail

You can support your loved ones at Denton Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 940-349-1700.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Denton Co Jail is a detention center located at 127 N Woodrow Ln Denton, TX which is operated locally by the Denton County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Denton County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Denton Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Texas here.

The Jail Administrator, holding the rank of Assistant Chief Deputy, oversees the operation of a 1,788-bed jail complex comprising a linear-style jail, a direct supervision podular jail, and a pre-trial facility. The administrator establishes operating policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure efficient operation, staff safety, and proper inmate care. Inmates are assigned to units based on age, offense, and prior criminal history.

The Detention Division employs four Captains, each responsible for implementing jail policy within their designated sections: the linear jail, the direct-supervision jail, the pre-trial facility, and the support section, which encompasses book-in, property, classification, transport, bonds, records, and front desk operations. Six Lieutenants oversee the direct implementation and supervision of these policies: one for the linear jail, two for the direct supervision jails, one for the pre-trial facility, and one for support. Numerous Sergeants and Corporals supervise two 12-hour shifts of Detention Officers. For more detailed information please review the 26-page Inmate Handbook published by the Sheriff's Office.

Detention Bureau Unit One
Unit One of the Denton County Jail includes three sections: the Main Jail, PODS, and Barracks. The Main Jail, a linear-style facility that opened in 1986, houses up to 257 male and female inmates. It is staffed by one lieutenant, three sergeants, six corporals, and detention officers over two 12-hour shifts. The PODS opened in 1994, features a direct supervision style where officers are assigned inside each pod 24 hours a day. This area includes eight pods, each with a capacity of 48 inmates, totaling 384 inmates.

Detention Bureau Unit Two
Unit Two comprises the Pre-Trial Jail and the Tower Jail, with a combined capacity of 850 beds. The Pre-Trial Jail includes 29 separation cells, 5 medical separation cells, 6 linear supervision housing units (each with a capacity of 8), and eight 48-bed direct supervision dorms, totaling 466 beds. The Tower Jail features a Special Needs Unit with 24 beds, three 72-bed dorms, and three 48-bed dorms, totaling 384 beds.

Unit Two is tasked with maintaining safety and security standards per Texas Jail Standards while ensuring efficient operations. The Pre-Trial facility includes the book-in area, classification, and mail room, and provides a dock for receiving supplies, a small staff break room, and a front lobby for public services.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.