Jefferson County IN Jail

You can support your loved ones at Jefferson Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 812-265-2649.

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 Jefferson Co Jail is a detention center located at 317 Walnut St Madison, IN which is operated locally by the Jefferson 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. Jefferson County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Madison 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 Indiana here.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Jail Division serves as a critical component of the county's criminal justice system, employing a dedicated team of 14 full-time Jail Officers and two contracted Nurses provided by Advance Correctional Health. The Jail Commander oversees the division's daily operations, ensuring the facility runs smoothly and efficiently. Key offices within the division, including the Office of Professional Standards and the Office of Inmate Responsibility, play vital roles in maintaining operational integrity and inmate welfare, each led by a Lieutenant.

When individuals are arrested in Jefferson County, they are processed through the Jail Division, marking the start of their journey within the criminal justice system. The facility, operational since 2006 following a 2005 renovation, includes 109 beds distributed across seven housing units. It houses a diverse inmate population, ranging from those detained for minor infractions like shoplifting or public intoxication to individuals charged with severe offenses such as rape, burglary, and murder. Jail Officers ensure the care, custody, and safety of all inmates, underscoring their essential role in the facility's operation.

As a self-contained unit, the jail minimizes reliance on external resources by providing essential services in-house. These include laundry services, meal preparation, and most medical and dental care, ensuring that inmates' needs are met efficiently within the facility's infrastructure.

In 2021, Jefferson County broke ground on a new Sheriff's Office and Jail facility, designed to house up to 300 inmates. The modern facility, now operational, addresses the growing demands of the county's correctional system and reflects a forward-thinking approach to inmate management and community safety.

While many inmates are held temporarily, others remain in custody from arrest through trial and sentencing. Post-sentencing, inmates often stay in the county jail for several months awaiting transfer to state institutions. With an average daily population of 160 to 200 inmates, the Jefferson County Jail navigates the challenges of managing a diverse and fluctuating inmate population while maintaining its commitment to safety, security, and professionalism.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

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.

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.

The Corrections Division also employs a transport officer and an inmate work crew supervisor. The transport officer is responsible for the safe transfer of adult and juvenile offenders between facilities or when picked up by other agencies. Meanwhile, the inmate work crew supervisor oversees inmates participating in the work crew program, ensuring productivity and compliance while carrying out community-related tasks.

Inmate workers are selected for community service programs based on their demonstrated good conduct, cooperation with facility staff, and adherence to institutional rules. These criteria ensure that only individuals who exhibit responsibility, reliability, and a commitment to positive behavior are allowed to participate. Participation in these programs not only benefits the community through valuable labor contributions but also offers inmates the chance to develop a strong work ethic, learn transferable job skills, and build a sense of accountability.

In certain cases, involvement in community service programs can contribute to a reduction in an inmate's sentence. This incentive reinforces the importance of maintaining good behavior while incarcerated and highlights the program's dual role in supporting both the community and the inmate's journey toward reintegration.