Etowah County Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Etowah Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 256-549-5410.

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 Etowah Co Jail is a detention center located at 827 Forrest Ave Gadsden, AL which is operated locally by the Etowah 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. Etowah County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Gadsden 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 Alabama here.

The Etowah County Sheriff's Office Detention Operations Division stands as a dedicated team of professionals committed to upholding integrity and accountability while ensuring safe, secure, and standardized detention services for Etowah County, Alabama.

As the largest division within the Sheriff's Office, the Operations Division plays a pivotal role in the daily management of the detention center. Comprising three sections—Custody, Programs, and Compliance—the Operations Division, with the support of the Logistics Division, oversees the facility's operations.

The Custody Section assumes responsibility for inmate and detainee custody and care, from initial intake to release. Serving as a liaison to the Courts for scheduling inmate court appearances and coordinating transportation to and from the Alabama Department of Corrections, the Custody Section plays a critical role in the detention process.

Booking serves as the entry and exit point of the Detention Center, where all individuals undergo thorough searches and inventory procedures. Personal and emergency contact information is recorded, and identification checks, including fingerprinting, are conducted to ascertain the inmate's true identity and any outstanding warrants.

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.

For those ineligible for release, further assessments are conducted, including medical and mental health evaluations, security classification, and housing unit assignment. Inmates' personal belongings are inventoried and stored, and cash is deposited into individual accounts for purchases within the detention center.

For inquiries about inmates in custody, individuals may contact 256-549-5408 or email bookingeto@wahcounty.org. Following the booking process, inmates are assigned to one of ten housing units, employing a direct supervision approach in minimum and medium custody units to foster positive behavior and maintain control.

The Program Section oversees a diverse range of inmate programming, including educational, therapeutic, religious, social, recreational, special needs, and community service activities. Supervised by Sgt. Carrie McClung, the Program Section collaborates with over 125 volunteers from educational, religious, and civic organizations to facilitate programs and sessions aimed at inmate rehabilitation and skill development. Sgt. Carrie McClung can be reached directly by telephone at 256-549-2194.