Tarrant County Cold Springs Jail

You can support your loved ones at Cold Springs Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 817-884-2972.

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 Cold Springs Jail is a detention center located at 1815 Cold Springs Rd Ft Worth, TX which is operated locally by the Tarrant 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. Tarrant County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Ft Worth 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 Texas here.

The Cold Springs Jail facility, located at 1815 Cold Springs Road, has played a pivotal role in Tarrant County's efforts to manage inmate overcrowding since the mid-1980s. Originally an old elementary school, the facility was repurposed in 1986 to serve as a minimum-security detention center, providing much-needed relief to the overcrowded Tarrant County Jail at 300 West Belknap. Over the years, the Cold Springs facility has undergone numerous modifications and expansions, making it an essential part of the county's jail system.

In its early years, the Cold Springs facility housed approximately 600 inmates in the main building and several barrack-type structures were added to the grounds. These barracks were constructed in response to the county's growing inmate population and the need for additional space. By the late 1980s, the facility had become a crucial component of Tarrant County's strategy to alleviate overcrowding in its other jail facilities.

The Cold Springs Jail was also home to the Sheriff's Office Labor Detail Program, which allowed misdemeanor defendants to perform community service hours as an alternative to incarceration. This program expanded its operations in the late 1990s, utilizing the barracks on the Cold Springs grounds. In anticipation of future overcrowding, Tarrant County made significant renovations to the main Cold Springs building, enabling it to be reactivated as a 384-bed jail on short notice.

Despite its role in easing overcrowding, the Cold Springs Jail was eventually phased out as the inmate population stabilized in the mid-1990s. However, the facility remained on standby, ready to be reactivated when needed. In 2003, the Cold Springs Jail once again became operational, housing approximately 200 inmates to relieve pressure on the county's other detention centers. The Cold Springs Jail facility has proven to be a versatile and valuable asset in Tarrant County's ongoing efforts to manage its inmate population and maintain the efficiency of its detention system.

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.