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Dougherty Co Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: June 27,2024


Visitation Hours

The County Jail provides on-site and online visitation options to help inmates maintain contact with family and friends.

On-Site Visitation Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Holidays - call for available times and reserve yours as these days are the busiest times of the year

Visitors must follow the dress code and behavior guidelines whether they are visiting here or from their computer/smartphone. Violations may result in the termination of the visit.

Online Video Visitation
Online visits can be scheduled in advance, allowing remote connection from home or work. Visitors must set up an account and adhere to dress and behavior guidelines. Visits cost a minimum of $0.25 per minute and are monitored for security.

General Information
Visitation hours and policies are subject to change. Call the facility at 229-430-6500 for updates. For more information and to set up an online visitation account.

General Visitation Information

Visitation will be open 24/7 however visits will be limited to fifteen (15) minutes in length. Inmates are limited to three visitors per week, provided they are approved in the system. All visits are recorded and subject to monitoring by staff. Any inappropriate behavior by either the inmate or visitor may be grounds for the visit to be terminated.

Video visitation is initiated by the inmate to those who have created an account at HomeWAV.com or have downloaded the mobile app and are currently logged onto the system. HomeWAV charges a fee for such remote visitation. Visitors who would like to have a video visit without paying a fee may do so by coming to the jail and using a visitation kiosk in the jail lobby. Such on-site visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance via HomeWAV.com or the HomeWAV app. (Note: the inmate must accept the requested time for the visit to be scheduled. It is the inmate’s responsibility to ensure that such a visit will occur during the inmate’s normally scheduled time out of cell.) On-site visits will only be conducted from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily.

The rules for on-site visitation at the Dougherty County Jail Facility require visitors to adhere to specific regulations to maintain security and order. Weapons, food, drinks, alcoholic beverages, and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited on the premises. Visitors who appear to be under the influence or smell of drugs or alcohol will be denied entry. All visitors are subject to search at any time, and they must be at least sixteen years of age or older. Children under sixteen must not be left unattended in the lobby or parking lot, as doing so will result in the immediate termination of the visit and potentially other sanctions, depending on the incident's severity. Disruptive, argumentative, or unruly behavior from visitors can lead to the immediate termination of their visit and possibly permanent restriction from further visits.

Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code: head coverings such as hats, ball caps, and scarves are not permitted inside the premises, except for medical or religious reasons. Clothing must be appropriate and not excessively tight. Shorts, capris, skirts, and dresses must extend to mid-thigh or lower. Low-cut shirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, midriffs, and see-through clothing are not allowed. Pants must be worn at waist level, without sagging or exposure of undergarments. Clothing with rips, holes, or tears, or any that display alcohol, drugs, gang signs, vulgarity, or offensive writing or images, is prohibited. Pajama or lounge pants and bedroom slippers are not acceptable attire. Non-compliance with these rules will result in the immediate termination of the visit and potential temporary or permanent barring from future visitation.

Visiting Inmates at Dougherty County Jail

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this Albany GA location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Dougherty Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Dougherty County Jail, located in Albany, GA, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.