Jail

This in-depth guide explains how the Tarrant County TX Jail system works, what to expect from intake through release, and how to handle the essentials—finding someone in custody, planning a visit, sending mail, adding money, arranging bonds, and understanding health, library, and re-entry services. It is written for residents and visitors who need clear, step-by-step information centered on the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office Detention Bureau and the facilities it operates in Fort Worth, Texas.

Navigate the Tarrant County Jail System Confidently

Tarrant County’s jail operations are led by the Sheriff’s Office Detention Bureau. The system books approximately 35,000 people per year, houses roughly 5,000 inmates across multiple facilities, and moves hundreds of inmates to court each week. Operations are centralized at the Tarrant County Corrections Center in downtown Fort Worth, where intake, identification, and initial classification occur. The Detention Bureau is staffed by about 1,000 certified detention officers and peace officers and has consistently met state jail standards, reflecting a focus on safety, security, health care, and rehabilitative access such as education and library services.

To orient yourself, begin at the official Detention Bureau overview. The page details facilities, standards, and core services in one place and is the County’s authoritative starting point for all custody-related questions. Visit the County’s Detention Bureau page via the Detention Bureau link on the Sheriff’s site.

Explore the official Detention Bureau page for a current overview of facilities, standards, and services.

Use the Official Inmate Search to Find a Person in Custody

When you need to confirm whether someone is held in Tarrant County custody, the County provides an official database. The inmate roster is updated by the Sheriff’s Office and includes booking details that help you verify identity and status before you take your next step—planning a visit, sending correspondence, or consulting bond information.

Search by name to confirm whether a person is currently booked.
Review identifying details to ensure you have the correct person.
Use results to prepare for visitation check-in (matching ID details helps avoid delays).

Access the official Inmate Search tool to locate individuals currently in Tarrant County custody.

Plan Jail Visits the Right Way: Hours, Sign-Up, and Dress Code

Tarrant County maintains a uniform visitation schedule across its jail facilities, with last-name scheduling to balance access and security. The County’s published rules set expectations on hours, arrival, ID, dress code, and conduct. Adhering closely to the rules helps prevent last-minute denials and makes your visit smoother for everyone.

Key points from the County’s published guidance include:

General hours and sign-up: Visitor sign-ups begin 30 minutes before visiting hours start, and processing stops 30 minutes before closing. Arrive early with time to park, pass security, and sign in.

Last-name schedule: Visiting days are split by inmate last-name (A–L vs. M–Z) to reduce crowding and streamline processing.

Visit length and weekly limits: Local visitors are typically limited to a 30-minute visit per day and up to three visits per week (excluding attorney or professional visits). Extended 40-minute visits may be allowed for out-of-town residents (150+ miles), subject to verification.

Capacity per visit: A maximum of two adults may visit at one time, and no more than two children (17 or younger) may accompany them, with an adult responsible for children’s conduct at all times.

ID requirements: Adults 18+ must present government-issued photo identification acceptable under the County’s rules. Minors with valid school IDs may be admitted when accompanied by an adult.

Dress code: A conservative dress code is enforced. Clothing considered revealing or suggestive will result in denial of visitation. Institutional-style clothing (e.g., khaki or green uniforms) is not permitted for visitors.

Prohibited items: Leave all tobacco, lighters, matches, cameras, recording devices, cell phones, bags, and unlabeled medications at home or in your vehicle. Food and drink are not allowed except limited infant items that fit inside a diaper bag and pass inspection.

For the complete schedule, rules, and identification standards, use Visitation.

Understand Intake, Booking, and Identification

All inmates are centrally received at the Tarrant County Corrections Center, where they are photographed and enrolled by iris scan. Centralized intake supports accurate identity verification, housing assignments, court scheduling, and property handling. During booking:

Photographing and iris enrollment create a unique biometric record to improve safety and reduce misidentifications across facilities.

Initial classification places inmates according to security needs and programming eligibility.

Property logging ensures personal items are accounted for under jail policy, with separate procedures for property and money release when someone is transferred or discharged.

The centralized system helps coordinate an average of 10,250 daily meals for all five jail facilities and the weekly movement of approximately 600 inmates to and from courts. These logistics rely on consistent identification, accurate records, and predictable schedules for transportation and hearings.

Send Mail the Correct Way: Scanning, Legal Mail, Books, and Photos

Tarrant County permits inmates to send and receive mail, with important distinctions between general correspondence and legal mail. The County has implemented scanning for general mail to speed delivery to inmate tablets and reduce contraband risks. Strict package rules keep security tight while preserving access to reading materials.

General correspondence: Letters are mailed to an outside processing address and scanned into a secure electronic system. After approval by mailroom personnel, they become available on inmate tablets.

Legal mail: Legal mail continues to be sent directly to the Corrections Center’s physical address. This preserves confidentiality and chain-of-custody for attorney–client and court communications under applicable rules.

Writing supplies: Inmates can obtain paper, envelopes, pens, and stamps through commissary; indigent inmates are provided basic writing supplies.

Photos and enclosures: The only permitted item enclosed with a letter is up to 10 unframed photographs no larger than 4"×6". Contraband will be returned to the sender consistent with jail policy.

Books and magazines: New, soft-back books must ship directly from a publisher. Magazines and puzzle books must be subscriptions from a publisher. The jail does not accept books or magazines from distributors and will return items that raise health, safety, or well-being concerns.

Scanning limits: General postcards, letters, and greeting cards are scanned for viewing on tablets. Traditional delivery of these items to housing units is not used, reducing contraband pathways.

Review address formats, scanning details, and the list of prohibited mail items on Inmate Correspondence.

Deposit Money to an Inmate Account via Officially Supported Options

Tarrant County supports several County-approved methods to place funds on an inmate’s money account. Options described by the Sheriff’s Office include in-lobby kiosks at jail facilities and additional channels described on the official Money Deposits page. Because costs and options are subject to change, always use the County’s page to confirm current procedures, locations, and fee information before sending funds.

Lobby kiosks: On-site kiosks provide a simple cash-accepting option for in-person deposits at jail facility lobbies.

Other approved channels: The County identifies additional official methods on its Money Deposits page. Before using any online or phone service, verify that it is listed and current on the County’s site.

Receipts and posting: Keep your receipt and confirm the inmate’s identifying details to ensure proper crediting.

Confirm available deposit methods and current instructions on Money Deposits.

Navigate Bonding and Release: Key Steps and County Guidance

When a person is eligible for release on bond, accurate information and timely action matter. Tarrant County publishes bond guidance so families and defendants know what to expect. While the details of each case depend on the type of charge, court orders, and bond amount set by a judge or magistrate, the County’s overview helps you prepare:

Verify custody and charge status using the inmate search and, where applicable, court docket information.

Identify the bond type (e.g., cash, surety, personal recognizance if authorized).

Follow County procedures for presenting payments or paperwork, observing identification and documentation requirements.

Allow processing time after bond is posted. Release timing depends on verification steps and facility workload.

Coordinate transportation and property release to avoid delays at the jail lobby during high-volume periods.

Review the County’s official guidance at Bond Information.

Health Care and Special Needs Services Inside the Jail

Tarrant County provides access to medical and psychological services within its facilities, including special-diet meal plans overseen by a registered dietician. Inmates with medical, dietary, or religious requirements can receive appropriate meals, and the County’s clinical services coordinate care needs that arise during custody.

Routine and urgent care: Requests for medical attention are routed through jail health services, which evaluate and treat according to medical necessity and security procedures.

Medication management: Prescription medications are handled under clinical supervision, with rules that prohibit visitors from bringing medications into visitation areas.

Hospital and intensive care visitation: The County publishes a separate hospital visitation policy for inmates admitted to hospitals, with limits tailored to each hospital’s rules and the inmate’s care unit.

For health-related procedures and expectations, consult Inmate Health Services.

Leverage the Jail Law Library and Recreational Library

Legal access is a critical part of jail operations. Tarrant County ensures inmates can prepare their own legal documents by providing access to a law library, and the recreational library helps maintain pro-social routines through reading and learning materials. Together with education programs such as GED and English as a Second Language (ESL), these resources support rehabilitation and constructive use of time.

Law Library: Inmates can research legal topics, access forms, and draft documents as allowed by policy and scheduling.

Recreational Library: Reading materials are available to encourage literacy, reflection, and routine during custody.

Education programs: GED and ESL courses help inmates achieve academic milestones that can assist with re-entry success.

Read more about access and policies at Recreational and Law Libraries.

Understand Inmate Phone Service and Communication Norms

Telephone access is an important part of maintaining family ties and preparing for court. Tarrant County’s inmate phone service operates under policies that balance communication needs with safety and security. Calls may be monitored or recorded consistent with law and jail rules, and certain numbers (e.g., legal counsel lines arranged under policy) may be handled differently.

Calling rules: Expect time limits and call monitoring. Three-way calling, call forwarding, and similar workarounds are generally prohibited and can lead to disciplinary action.

Account setup: The County outlines how phone usage works inside the facility; always rely on the Sheriff’s official phone service page for current details.

Professional calls: Attorneys have additional access windows and procedures set by the County to support legal representation.

(For specifics, refer to the phone service information accessible from the Detention Bureau pages.)

Property and Money Release: What Families Should Know

When a person in custody needs to release property or money to an outside party—or when someone is discharged—the County follows set procedures to protect both the inmate and the recipient. Expect identity verification, form completion, and processing windows that vary with facility traffic.

Authorized recipients: Only approved individuals with valid identification may receive property or money.

Timing: Release requests are processed during designated hours, and processing can take longer during peak periods.

Documentation: Bring identification that meets County standards to avoid repeat trips.

Review steps and timing on Property and Money Release.

Daily Booked-In and Daily Bond Reports: Track Recent Activity

The Sheriff’s Office publishes near-term activity reports that help families, counsel, and the public follow recent bookings and bond actions. These reports complement the inmate search by showing daily movement in and out of custody.

Daily Booked-In: Shows who was booked into the jail on a given day, useful for confirming new arrests and initiating contact or legal representation.

Daily Bond Reports: Reflects bond activity for recent dates, helping you understand whether someone has posted bond or remains in custody pending court.

See recent booking activity on Daily Booked in Reports, and navigate from the Detention Bureau to bond reports as needed.

Weekender / Work Release: Structured Custody Alternatives

Tarrant County’s Weekender/Work Release program provides structured options for eligible individuals to serve sentences while maintaining employment or meeting court-ordered schedules. Eligibility, reporting times, and compliance requirements are strictly enforced. Participants should coordinate early with program administrators to confirm reporting instructions, items allowed, and any fees or documentation required. Because program terms may change, always confirm current rules via the Detention Bureau’s program page.

Food Service and Special Diets: How Meals Are Planned and Delivered

Meals for all jail facilities are prepared in a centralized 14,000-square-foot kitchen located in the Lon Evans Corrections Center. The Sheriff’s Office serves approximately 10,250 hot meals per day. A registered dietician plans menus to ensure nutritionally balanced meals appropriate for a correctional setting. The County also accommodates medically necessary diets and certain religious dietary rules consistent with policy and security.

Central preparation: A single kitchen supports five facilities for consistency and efficiency.

Dietary accommodations: Medical, religious, and other approved special diets are addressed through jail health services and food service policies.

Quality and safety: Menu planning follows professional dietary standards, and the County’s LEED Gold-certified facility underscores its commitment to efficient resource use in operations.

Facility Standards and Certifications: What This Means for You

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards sets minimum rules for the construction, maintenance, and operation of county jails. Tarrant County’s Detention Bureau has passed state certification consistently since the mid-1990s, indicating ongoing compliance with safety, staffing, training, and facility requirements. Additionally, the Lon Evans Correction Center’s LEED Gold certification reflects energy-efficient design and resource conservation.

State oversight: Certification means the jail meets or exceeds state safety and operations standards.

Professional staffing: Detention and peace officers are certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), reflecting formal training and continuing education.

Modern facilities: The Lon Evans maximum-security facility is a five-story, 207,700-square-foot building designed to support secure housing and modern jail operations.

Education, Work, and Skill-Building Opportunities

Beyond day-to-day housing, Tarrant County emphasizes constructive programming. Education opportunities (GED and ESL) build academic credentials, while the Jail Industries unit provides on-the-job training in sewing and light manufacturing under officer supervision.

GED and ESL: Completing coursework while in custody may improve employment prospects and re-entry success.

Jail Industries: Participants produce items such as inmate mattresses, covers, clothing, and specialized leather goods used by the Sheriff’s Office. This in-house manufacturing saves taxpayer money and accelerates turnaround of needed items.

Re-Entry services: The Detention Bureau provides resources to help inmates prepare for community return, aligning with public safety goals and reducing recidivism.

(For program access and current availability, use the Detention Bureau’s re-entry services page linked from the main Detention Bureau hub.)

Court Transport, Hearings, and Daily Movement

Moving inmates to and from hearings is a major daily operation, with roughly 600 inmate transfers to various courts each week. To keep court calendars on track:

Arrive early for hearings if you are a family member planning to attend, as courthouse security and parking can add time.

Confirm docket information through the appropriate court resources and the County’s published court links.

Coordinate post-hearing communication through approved mail, phone, or visitation options, keeping in mind processing times for inmates returning from court.

Practical Tips for Families and Friends Supporting Someone in Custody

Working with a large jail system can feel daunting. These practical steps help you stay organized and avoid unnecessary trips:

Always confirm details on official County pages before you go. Hours and procedures may change with operational needs.

Keep identification and documentation ready. Visitation and property release require valid ID that matches County criteria.

Time your visit. Sign-ups begin 30 minutes before scheduled visitation windows; late arrivals may be turned away after processing cut-offs.

Use the Inmate Search to verify status before traveling. This reduces the chance of arriving on a non-visitation day based on last-name scheduling or encountering a housing change.

Respect dress code and prohibited items rules. Avoid clothing or items that can cause denial of entry.

For health or special diet concerns, keep communications concise and policy-compliant; the Inmate Health Services page explains how needs are addressed internally.

Jail-Relevant Departments and Offices (Addresses and Phone Numbers)

Tarrant County Corrections Center — 100 N. Lamar, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-3000

Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office – Detention Bureau — 100 N. Lamar, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-3000

Inmate Correspondence (Mailroom) — 100 N. Lamar Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-3116

Tarrant County Jail FAQs

How can I confirm whether someone is currently in custody?

Use the County’s official Inmate Search to look up current bookings by name. Results help you verify identity and status before planning a visit or preparing deposits. The search is maintained by the Sheriff’s Office and is the authoritative source for custody confirmation and basic booking details.

What should I know before visiting an inmate?

Tarrant County enforces a uniform schedule and strict lobby processing times: sign-ups start 30 minutes before visiting hours, and processing stops shortly before closing. Visiting days are split by last name (A–L vs. M–Z), with one 30-minute visit per day, a weekly cap, and limits on the number of adults and children per session. A conservative dress code applies, and specific government-issued IDs are required; certain clothing and items are not permitted. Review the full rules, hours, last-name rotation, dress code, and ID list on Visitation to avoid delays.

How does inmate mail and package processing work?

General correspondence is routed to an external scanning process; once approved, it’s delivered electronically to the inmate’s tablet. Size limits apply to letters, and only a small number of unframed photos are allowed as enclosures. Legal mail continues to be sent directly to the Corrections Center address listed by the County, preserving confidentiality. Book and magazine rules are strict (new softback books from a publisher; subscription magazines only). See mailing addresses, size limits, and prohibited items on Inmate Correspondence.

What are the approved ways to add funds to an inmate account?

The Sheriff’s Office supports lobby kiosks at jail facilities and additional County-approved options for online, phone, and in-person cash deposits. Fees, hours, and methods can change, so always rely on the County’s current instructions. Step-by-step deposit guidance and available channels are outlined on Money Deposits.

Where can I find official guidance on bonds and release?

Bond procedures, eligibility, and required documentation vary by case and court orders. The County provides an overview of bond types and processing so families know how to prepare and what to expect after payment. Start with the Sheriff’s official Bond Information page for current requirements and next steps.