Rowan County NC Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Rowan Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 704-216-8769.

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 Rowan Co Jail is a detention center located at 115 W Liberty St Salisbury, NC which is operated locally by the Rowan 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. Rowan County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Salisbury 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 North Carolina here.

The Rowan County Detention Center operates as a dual-facility complex, with the main facility offering 210 beds and operating under a direct supervision model, primarily composed of dormitory-style housing units. Additionally, the Rowan County Detention Annex, located at 400 Grace Church Road in Salisbury, North Carolina, opened for occupancy on July 8, 2012, and is an indirect supervision facility. The Annex is specifically designed to house 160 male inmates who are classified as minimum to medium security risk. These inmates include both sentenced and pre-trial individuals.

The Annex facility is comprised of four dormitories, each accommodating 40 inmates, and provides a range of support services, including a medical component, kitchen, and laundry facilities. The Annex also utilizes a video visitation system, allowing inmates to maintain contact with family and friends remotely. The facility is commanded by a lieutenant and operates through a structured rotation, with four crews led by a Master Detention Officer, each working 12-hour day and night shifts.

Inmates housed at the Annex benefit from its self-sufficient nature, which mirrors the high level of service provided at the main detention center. The facility includes specific areas designed for non-contact professional visits, such as legal consultations and law enforcement meetings. While most transfers and releases occur at the main jail in Salisbury, the Annex handles all admission and release procedures for inmate transfers in and out of the facility for court appearances and other commitments. Together, the Rowan County Detention Center and Annex provide comprehensive services, ensuring both facilities run efficiently and securely.

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.

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.