Gwinnett County Jail

You can support your loved ones at Gwinnett Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 770-619-6500.

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 Gwinnett Co Jail is a detention center located at 2900 University Pkwy NE Lawrenceville, GA which is operated locally by the Gwinnett 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. Gwinnett County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Lawrenceville 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 Georgia here.

The Gwinnett County Jail, the largest division within the Sheriff's Department, operates as a direct supervision pretrial detention facility. Constructed in 1991 to address overcrowding from the 1980s, it replaced the earlier linear jail used since 1974. Initially, the facility had a capacity of 576 inmates. By 1997, the need to accommodate more inmates led to double-bunking non-specialty beds, and in 2002, the gymnasium was converted to add 182 beds, increasing capacity to 1,274 inmates.

To further alleviate overcrowding, the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department inaugurated the "Wimberly" Tower in late 2006, a four-level addition named in honor of Deputy Ken Wimberly, who was killed in the line of duty. This tower was part of a larger expansion plan, which will eventually include another tower. The initial floor of the Wimberly Tower began housing inmates on October 23, 2006, with the rest of the inmates, previously accommodated by other agencies due to overcrowding, moving in by February 27, 2007. This new addition brought 1,440 more beds, including 102 specialty beds for maximum-security, medical, and disciplinary inmates. As of 2008, the total capacity of the jail reached 2,765 beds, following the addition of 21 more specialty beds. Currently, the facility houses over 2,600 inmates.

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.

The Gwinnett County Department of Corrections offers a comprehensive vocational training program for qualifying inmates, designed to equip them with valuable skills for reintegration into the workforce. This program includes classroom and practical instruction in combination welding, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), building maintenance, and computer science. Delivered through a collaboration between the department, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and the Center of Industry and Technology, the program is funded by a federal grant under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

Recognized for its innovative approach to job training, the program has garnered several awards and has been featured on Georgia Public Television. Inmates enrolled in vocational training are required to complete their standard work assignments and attend classes during their off-duty hours, ensuring they gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.

Beyond vocational training, the department also provides Literacy and GED classes, with GED testing available on-site to facilitate inmates' educational advancement. Additional self-help programs offered include Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Family Violence, and Victim Impact courses, alongside voluntary religious services, all aimed at supporting inmates in their personal development and rehabilitation.

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 receive all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

The Gwinnett County Department of Corrections also administers the Work Alternative Program (WAP), an alternative sentencing option for minor offenders. Instead of full-time incarceration or participating in the Work Release Program, eligible individuals can serve their sentences through community service work. Participants report daily to the Comprehensive Correctional Complex in Lawrenceville, where they perform tasks such as packing meals for seniors, assisting at Animal Control, and maintaining public areas by removing trash. They are required to pay a one-time administrative fee and daily charges to support the program's costs.

The Work Alternative Program operates with an orientation every Thursday at noon, and work is available from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm daily. Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the WAP office at 750 Hi Hope Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. Proper attire includes full-length pants, closed-toed shoes, and shirts with sleeves. All participants are subject to searches while in custody, and any found in possession of contraband or under the influence of drugs or alcohol will face disciplinary action or criminal charges.