Wells County IN Jail

County Jail

Last Updated: November 25, 2024
Address
1615 W Western Ave, Bluffton, IN 46714
Beds
98
County
Wells
Phone
260-824-3426
Fax
260-824-6424
Email
admin@wellscountysheriff.com

Wells Co Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Combined Public Communications (CPC), to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is InmateCanteen.com. There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Wells County IN Jail

You can support your loved ones at Wells Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 260-824-3426.

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 Wells Co Jail is a detention center located at 1615 W Western Ave Bluffton, IN which is operated locally by the Wells 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. Wells County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Bluffton 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 first Wells County Jail, built in the mid-1800s by Bluffton farmer David Whitman, was a two-story timber structure located near the original courthouse. Both the jail and courthouse were destroyed by fire in 1845. A replacement brick jail was constructed south of the new courthouse in 1855-56 but was later condemned and demolished to make way for the current courthouse in 1889.

In 1880, a new jail, designed by architect Edgar J. Hodgson, was constructed for $21,400. By the 1960s, the aging facility faced numerous security issues, including several jailbreaks that exposed its inadequacies. Following public criticism and a report from the State Jail Inspector, a major renovation project was undertaken in 1961, modernizing the facility and improving its safety standards. The current facility was built in 1985 and houses 98 inmates and is overseen by Sheriff Scott Holliday.

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.

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.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Indiana. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Wells County IN Jail.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

Scheduling a visit with an inmate at the facility requires at least 24 hours notice and can be arranged through InmateSales.com or by calling 1-866-340-7879. The facility offers both on-site and off-site video visitation, each governed by specific rules to ensure security and order. Visitors must adhere to all guidelines, and failure to do so may result in termination of the visit or a ban on future visitation privileges.

During on-site video visitation, inmates may receive up to two adult visitors and one child per session. If the inmate has more than one child, all children may attend together. Visitors must secure unauthorized items in the provided lockers located in the lobby. Bringing contraband into the facility will result in immediate termination of the visit and potential prosecution. Visitors are required to maintain a moderate volume during conversations and conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Proper attire, as outlined in the dress code, must be worn at all times. The use of cell phones, computers, cameras, or recording devices is strictly prohibited. Any violation, including the use of electronic devices during a visit, may result in the visit's termination and a possible ban. Visitors must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and children must not be left unattended on the property or in vehicles. Both the inmate and visitor are expected to follow all rules, as the facility prioritizes the safety and security of all parties.

For off-site video visitation, visitors and inmates are also required to wear proper clothing at all times. Exposing oneself during a visit will result in an immediate ban from future visitations. Visitors are prohibited from using cell phones or other electronic devices to record the visit or make three-way calls. Disorderly conduct or any behavior jeopardizing security may lead to visit termination and a ban on future visits. As with on-site visits, visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted, and all visitation privileges are subject to revocation if rules are not followed.

The dress code for jail visitation is strictly enforced. Shirts must have sleeves, fully cover the midriff, and adequately conceal cleavage. Shorts, dresses, and skirts must reach knee length, and pants must be fitted to prevent underwear from being visible. Hats and sunglasses are not allowed during visitation and must be removed upon entering the facility. Cell phones must be stored in the lobby lockers, which operate with a quarter that is refunded upon retrieving items. Visitors dressed inappropriately will be denied visitation for the day, and all facility rules are subject to change at the discretion of jail staff. Visitors are encouraged to exercise common sense when preparing for a visit to ensure compliance with all guidelines.

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