Vanderburgh County Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Vanderburgh Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 812-421-6200.

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 Vanderburgh Co Jail is a detention center located at 3500 N Harlan Ave Evansville, IN which is operated locally by the Vanderburgh 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. Vanderburgh County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Evansville 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 Vanderburgh County Jail, commanded by Captain David Guetling, is a modern correctional facility employing 103 full-time officers to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates. Spanning an impressive 156,722 square feet, the jail can accommodate up to 600 inmates. While many prisoners are held for short durations, some remain in custody from arrest through trial and sentencing. Due to bed space limitations at state institutions, some inmates may serve extended periods in the county jail even after sentencing.

Equipped with state-of-the-art security features, the facility boasts pneumatically controlled doors and locks, a computerized touchscreen security system integrated with internal communications, and over 130 cameras that monitor activity 24/7. Video visitation systems enable both onsite and remote visits, while a video arraignment system streamlines judicial proceedings.

When individuals are arrested in Vanderburgh County, they are brought to the jail for processing. The inmate population comprises individuals charged with offenses ranging from theft and public intoxication to serious crimes such as rape, burglary, and murder. Jail staff are tasked with the care, custody, and safety of inmates, maintaining a secure environment while ensuring inmates' basic needs are met. The facility operates as a self-contained unit, providing essential services such as laundry, meal preparation, and medical and dental care. The kitchen is capable of producing up to 3,500 meals daily, underscoring the operational efficiency of this vital community institution.

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.

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.