Jefferson County Bessemer Jail

You can support your loved ones at Bessemer Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 205-481-4160.

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 Bessemer Jail is a detention center located at 1822 2nd Ave N Bessemer, AL 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, Bessemer 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 Bessemer Jefferson County Jail serves as one of the two primary detention centers within Jefferson County, sharing responsibility with the Birmingham facility. Together, these jails accommodate an average of 1,000 inmates at any given time, with Bessemer contributing significantly to the management of those awaiting trial or transfer to the Alabama Department of Corrections. Annually, the Corrections Division oversees the processing of approximately 43,000 inmates, a considerable undertaking facilitated by the 185 Deputies stationed across both locations.

The Bessemer Jail prioritizes safety, security, and the provision of essential services for its inmates. On-site medical care is available, ensuring that inmates' physical health needs are addressed promptly. While the primary focus is on secure confinement, the facility works in close coordination with the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Release Office, which assists in the release of inmates who meet specific criteria. This office also supports the public by helping them post bonds for individuals who do not qualify for pre-trial release. Though Bessemer does not offer educational services or law libraries directly, it remains a critical component of the county’s correctional operations.

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.

Inmates are permitted three white t-shirts, three pairs of white socks, and three pairs of white underwear. Female inmates may also have three sports bras, provided they are wire-free. These items must be dropped off at the front desk within the first seven days of the inmate’s stay, and each item must be marked with the inmate’s name in permanent ink. After seven days, inmates must purchase these items through the commissary. Personal hygiene products are also obtained from the commissary, with indigent inmates receiving an indigent package.

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.