Sheriff's Office

The purpose of this article is to give residents, victims, defendants, attorneys, and community partners a clear, practical guide to the Tarrant County TX Sheriff’s Office. Below you will find in-depth explanations of core public safety services—ranging from the jail (Detention Bureau), inmate search and visitation, patrol and 9-1-1 response in unincorporated areas, criminal investigations and warrants, records requests, and courtroom security—along with step-by-step pointers for common tasks and where to go for official help. Each section is crafted to answer the “what, why, and how” in plain language so you can navigate county services confidently.

Understand the Sheriff’s Office at a Glance

The Sheriff’s Office is Tarrant County’s primary countywide law-enforcement agency. It manages the county jails, provides patrol and emergency response in unincorporated areas, serves court security and judicial processes, and conducts criminal investigations and warrants enforcement. Its mission and daily responsibilities touch residents whether they live in the county’s unincorporated communities or one of its 41 cities through jail operations, inmate transport, courthouse safety, and specialized investigative support.

To orient yourself quickly:

Detention Bureau operates the jail system, inmate intake and release, inmate medical coordination, property and money release, and visitation rules.

Operations Bureau encompasses patrol, criminal investigations, judicial services, communications and technology (including records), and professional development and training.

Administration sets policy, ensures compliance with state and federal mandates, and oversees public information.

A good starting point for navigation and program overviews is the Sheriff’s Office homepage, which centralizes divisions, programs, and public-facing forms (see Sheriff’s Office on the official county website).

Navigate the Official Sheriff’s Office Website Efficiently

The official Sheriff’s Office portal consolidates links to inmate services, detention policies, criminal investigations, patrol services, judicial services, training, and administrative information. It is the authoritative location for forms, operating hours, addresses, and phone numbers.

Explore the department overview, public guidance, and division pages via the Sheriff’s Office hub (visit the official Sheriff’s Office page: Sheriff’s Office).

Within that hub, major service lines are grouped in intuitive categories—Detention, Operations, and Administration—so you can jump directly to what you need without searching across unrelated pages.

Prioritize Time-Sensitive Needs: Inmates, Visitation, and Release

Use the Inmate Search and Confirm Custody Status

When time is short—after an arrest, before a court date, or when arranging visitation—the Inmate Search is the fastest official way to confirm custody and facility location. The tool provides booking details, facility assignment, and identifiers that help you make deposits, arrange correspondence, or check visitation schedules.

Search custody status and location using the official Inmate Search system: Inmate Search.

Once you confirm where a person is housed, proceed to the appropriate detention information pages for rules, times, and required identification for visits.

Prepare for a Jail Visit: Know the Rules Before You Go

Every detention facility has precise standards for visitor identification, dress code, prohibited items, and conduct. Reading the rules beforehand prevents wasted trips and ensures your visit proceeds smoothly. The county posts detailed guidance, including registration, check-in timelines, and expectations for adult and minor visitors.

Review current rules and schedules on Inmate Visitation: Inmate Visitation Guidance.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, arrive early to pass security screening, and be prepared to follow staff instructions. If you are assisting a minor or a person with accessibility needs, scan the published rules for any extra documentation or check-in steps.

Understand Bond Options and Release Processes

When a person is booked, bond eligibility depends on the charging instrument, magistrate decisions, and any holds. Knowing where to find official bond procedures helps families and counsel coordinate safe, timely release.

For eligibility, payment types, and where to post bond, consult official Bond Information: Bond Information.

Carefully review any restrictions or waiting periods noted on the county’s pages. If a detainee has multiple cases or holds from another jurisdiction, anticipate additional verification and transfer time before release.

Manage Daily Needs in the Jail: Money, Mail, Health, and Reports

Deposit Money Correctly and Track Account Use

If you support an inmate with commissary funds, use the approved deposit options and include required identifiers so the funds post properly. Posting guidelines also explain holds or fees associated with deposits.

For approved methods and posting details, visit Money Deposits on the detention pages linked from the Detention Bureau hub (accessible through the Detention Bureau link below).

Follow the Rules for Inmate Correspondence

Mail remains a critical communication channel, and compliance matters. Addressing format, enclosures, and limits are strictly defined for safety and contraband prevention. Improper mail can be returned or destroyed depending on policy.

See the official Inmate Correspondence rules from the Detention Bureau pages (available from the Detention Bureau hub below).

Access Daily Booked-In and Bond Reports for Timely Updates

Families, advocates, and legal teams benefit from the county’s daily reports. These summaries help verify recent bookings and bond actions without calling the jail.

Use the detention pages for Daily Booked-In and Daily Bond reports (available from the Detention Bureau hub below).

Detention Bureau: Standards, Safety, and Facility Operations

Tarrant County’s Detention Bureau operates under the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which mandates strict construction, staffing, safety, and health protocols. The Tarrant County facilities have a long history of compliance, which underpins detainee safety, officer safety, and lawful operations. The Bureau’s official pages provide facility addresses, phone numbers, program instructions (property release, chaplaincy, health services), and the process for visitation and deposits.

Start with the official Detention Bureau hub for policies, facilities, and services: Detention Bureau.

Expect a structured environment: all visitors pass through security screening, personal property rules are enforced, and detainee medical care triage follows established clinical pathways with documentation and privacy protections as defined in policy. Operational transparency—daily reports, posted visitation rules, and published locations—helps families plan appropriately while supporting facility safety.

Criminal Investigations: From Crime Scene to Case Support

Understand the Investigative Pipeline

The Criminal Investigations Division handles specialized investigative functions that often extend beyond an initial patrol response. The division’s published responsibilities include crime scene processing, detective casework, sex offender registration and compliance, internal affairs, victim assistance, and warrants. The aim is thorough documentation, lawful evidence handling, and support for prosecutorial review.

Read the scope and sub-units of official Criminal Investigations: Criminal Investigations.

The Crime Scene Unit operates 24/7, responding countywide to document scenes, photograph evidence, collect and package physical items, and lift or compare latent prints under established protocols. Parallel teams coordinate with municipal agencies throughout the county, bringing county resources where needed.

Register and Monitor as Required: Sex Offender Compliance

Texas law mandates strict registration schedules and updates for qualifying offenders. Tarrant County detectives ensure individuals comply with registration frequency and required updates, and they submit changes to the Texas Department of Public Safety database.

Review local procedures and expectations on Sex Offender Registration: Sex Offender Registration.

Individuals should bring identification, court documents, and any registration instructions issued by DPS or the court. Failing to comply can carry criminal penalties.

Support for Victims: Navigate Rights and Services

Victims often need help understanding case status, protective orders, and the path through criminal court. The Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance team helps explain rights, clarify law enforcement processes, and assist with the Texas Attorney General Crime Victim Compensation application. Staff can also coordinate referrals to justice partners and ensure victims know how to stay informed about case milestones.

The Human Trafficking unit—highlighted on the Sheriff’s Office site—collaborates with regional, state, and federal partners to identify victims, stabilize immediate needs, and pursue offenders through targeted operations, with a victim-centered approach embedded in the unit’s mission and training.

Internal Affairs: File Concerns the Right Way

Professional accountability is non-negotiable. If you need to report officer conduct or request a review, the Sheriff’s Office page for internal affairs explains how to submit information for evaluation under departmental policies and state law. Use the official form and provide as much detail as possible for a timely, fair inquiry.

Patrol and Community Safety in Unincorporated Areas

Patrol Coverage and Specialized Programs

The Patrol Division answers calls for service in the county’s unincorporated areas, which span roughly 100 square miles. Beyond traditional response, patrol oversees programs that address the realities of rural, suburban, and mixed-use areas:

Livestock Estray Enforcement Program (LEEP) recovers and reunites stray livestock, preventing roadway hazards.

Sheriff’s Environmental Enforcement Division (SEED) targets illegal dumping and environmental damage that threaten neighborhoods and waterways.

Sheriff’s Community-Oriented Policing and Education (SCOPE) builds partnerships with neighborhoods to prevent crime and solve recurring problems.

Courtesy Patrol enhances community presence and offers additional safety support in designated zones.

The division also contracts with certain municipalities for law-enforcement services, expanding coverage where cities elect to partner with the county.

Learn about coverage, programs, and service options on the Patrol Division page: Patrol Division.

Plan for Travel and Property Security

Residents heading out of town can request enhanced checks on their property through programs like Vacation Watch (available from Patrol’s pages). For neighborhood traffic concerns—speeding, stop-sign violations, cut-through traffic—Patrol provides a structured way to report issues so supervisors can assess patterns and assign targeted responses or traffic enforcement.

Judicial Services: Keep Courts Secure and Cases Moving

Courtroom safety and orderly proceedings are essential. Judicial Services supplies trained bailiffs for 60 courtrooms and secures seven county facilities. Staff coordinate inmate transport, courthouse screening, and logistics for jury movement. The division also operates Labor Detail, which organizes community service for court-ordered individuals at the Cold Springs Correction Facility. Efficient scheduling and strict screening protocols reduce delays and help judges and juries focus on cases rather than disruptions.

If you have a court date, arrive early to pass security, plan for screening of personal items, and follow posted rules in lobbies and hallways. If you require accommodations, check county accessibility resources beforehand so screening and seating are set up correctly.

Communications & Technology and the Public Records You May Need

Request Public Records the Right Way

Transparency includes lawful access to public records. The Sheriff’s Office processes records under Texas law and county policy. Whether you need an accident report, a letter of incarceration for employment or housing, or other permissible records, you should request them through the official, centralized portal. Provide complete details (names, dates, locations, incident numbers if known) to reduce back-and-forth and speed up processing.

Submit a request using the official Public Records Request page: Public Records Request.

Some records have statutory restrictions (juvenile information, active investigations, protected personal identifiers). If something is redacted or withheld, it is generally due to legal constraints designed to protect ongoing investigations or privacy.

Alarm Permits: Stay Compliant, Prevent False Alarm Fees

If you operate a monitored alarm in an area served by the Sheriff’s Office, you may need to register the alarm to comply with county rules that curb false alarms and prioritize true emergencies. Registration streamlines response and helps dispatchers confirm valid contact information.

You can apply, renew, or review your status on the county’s Alarm Permits pages accessible from the Sheriff’s Office menu. Keep your contact list updated and learn the steps to reduce false alarms, which can carry fines and place unnecessary strain on emergency systems.

Professional Development and Training: Standards Behind the Badge

The Professional Development and Training Division operates the Training Academy, supports continuing education, and conducts background investigations for hiring. This work ensures deputies and detention officers stay current on evolving legal standards, tactics, de-escalation practices, emergency medical response, and technologies that improve safety and accountability.

Internships and cadet opportunities reflect a pipeline philosophy: attract and develop local talent, uphold standards, and maintain a culture of integrity and service. The Training Academy publishes location and contact information for prospective candidates, and it is the right place to ask about prerequisite certifications and testing.

Employment: Careers that Serve the Community

The Sheriff’s Office periodically posts job openings for Detention Officers, Deputy Sheriffs (Texas Peace Officer certification required), and support roles across operations and administration. Competitive compensation and benefits packages aim to recruit and retain qualified professionals dedicated to community safety. If you are considering a move into county public safety, explore current opportunities through the Sheriff’s Office recruiting pages from the department site and the county’s employment portal.

Applicants should prepare to meet background standards, medical and psychological evaluations as applicable, and academy or field training requirements. Use the posted job descriptions to tailor your application and understand testing sequences.

Community Programs: Take Part in Prevention and Preparedness

Community safety improves when residents participate. The Sheriff’s Office promotes Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, and crime-prevention presentations through the Patrol Division and SCOPE. These programs teach situational awareness, home security basics, and how to spot and report suspicious activity responsibly. They also build neighbor-to-neighbor familiarity, an underrated deterrent against property crime.

Specialized enforcement programs—such as environmental enforcement and livestock estray—reflect the county’s blend of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Reporting dumping, securing gates and fencing, and communicating promptly about loose livestock are concrete ways property owners help deputies keep roads safe and neighborhoods clean.

Leadership and Accountability

Sheriff Bill E. Waybourn has served since 2017, emphasizing a service-first philosophy with core values of honorable character, empowerment through mutual trust, leadership, team priority, and continuous pursuit of excellence. Leadership statements and a full biography are published on the county’s site, offering residents insight into the agency’s direction and priorities.

Read the Sheriff’s background and leadership principles on the official Sheriff’s Biography page: Sheriff’s Biography.

Those values inform training curricula, supervisory standards, and how the organization addresses public complaints, racial profiling data reporting, and compliance with state mandates. The result is a framework that balances safety, rights, and transparency.

Crime Data Tools and Public Awareness

The Sheriff’s Office posts Interactive Crime Mapping and a Most Wanted list from its Criminal Investigations menu to raise awareness and encourage lawful tips to law enforcement. These tools provide context about public safety trends and specific offenders sought by authorities. When engaging with any public alert, never attempt to apprehend someone yourself; instead, use the proper law-enforcement channels described on the official pages to share observations that may help investigators.

Warrants and Court-Related Questions

If you believe a warrant may exist for yourself or another person, the Sheriff’s Office Warrants page within Criminal Investigations outlines how to verify status and the appropriate steps to resolve the matter lawfully. Because warrants may involve multiple jurisdictions or conditions, use the official guidance and call before traveling to a facility to address a warrant. Bring government-issued identification and any legal documents you received.

Elections Integrity Complaint

The Sheriff’s Office hosts an Elections Integrity Complaint page to document potential criminal violations related to elections. Submitting accurate, good-faith information—dates, locations, names of involved parties if known—helps investigators determine whether a criminal inquiry is warranted under Texas law. If you hold video, photographs, or other materials, follow the instructions on the official page so evidence is preserved correctly.

File a report through the official Elections Integrity Complaint portal from the Sheriff’s Office site.

Records to Prove Status: Letters of Incarceration and Criminal History

For housing, employment, or licensing, you may be asked to provide a Letter of Incarceration or a record confirming criminal history or arrest information. The Sheriff’s Office records pages explain what can be released, how to request it, the identifiers required, and how long processing typically takes under law. Submitting a complete request with the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and date ranges improves accuracy and reduces turnaround time.

Practical Steps for Common Situations

If You’re Checking on a Newly Booked Person

Search custody status and facility location via Inmate Search.

Review Visitation rules to plan appropriately.

If you plan to post bond, read Bond Information and confirm the exact amount and accepted payment types.

If you need to send funds, follow Money Deposits instructions posted in the Detention Bureau pages.

If You Need a Report or Official Record

Identify the exact document (accident report, letter of incarceration, criminal history information).

Submit a detailed Public Records Request with required identifiers and time frames.

Monitor the contact information you provided for follow-up questions from records staff.

If You Have a Neighborhood Safety Concern

Report traffic issues, suspicious activity, or environmental dumping through Patrol Division contact channels listed on the Sheriff’s Office site.

Consider starting or joining Neighborhood Watch through SCOPE.

Use vacation watch programs if you will be away for an extended period.

Plan Your Visit: Addresses, Hours, and Phone Etiquette

When visiting a Sheriff’s Office location, always bring government-issued photo identification. For detention facilities, expect security screening and leave prohibited items in your vehicle. Check facility hours before you travel, as administrative offices generally operate Monday through Friday during business hours and detention facilities operate continuously with specific windows for visitation and services.

When calling, have the person’s full legal name and date of birth ready. If you are a victim or witness seeking follow-up from detectives, have your case number available if one has been assigned. For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1; for non-emergency dispatch, use the published non-emergency number listed on Sheriff’s Office pages. Administrative lines are not a substitute for dispatch.

Sheriff’s Office Locations and Key Contact Lines (For Reference While You Plan)

The county provides multiple staffed locations tailored to specific functions—administrative services, detention management, training, and judicial services. Confirm office hours on the relevant page before traveling. For fast-moving situations (e.g., release or bond), always call ahead to verify status.

Departments, Addresses, and Phone Numbers

Sheriff’s Office Administration — 200 Taylor Street, 7th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-3099

Detention Bureau Administration — 100 N. Lamar, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-3000

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

Lon Evans Jail — 600 W. Weatherford, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-3000

Green Bay Jail — 2500 Urban Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76106 — 817-884-3000

Professional Development and Training — 1500 Circle Drive, Suite 200, Fort Worth, TX 76119 — 817-531-7634

Labor Detail — 1813 Cold Springs Road, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-1638

Criminal Investigations — 200 Taylor Street, 7th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-1305

Tarrant County Sheriff's Office FAQs

How do I confirm if someone is currently in custody and where they are housed?

Use the county’s official Inmate Search to verify custody, booking details, and facility placement. Check the record carefully for identifiers (full legal name, date of birth) to avoid confusion with similar names. Once you’ve confirmed location, review the facility’s posted rules before sending funds or planning a visit to prevent processing delays or denied access.

What rules and preparation are required before an in-person jail visit?

Policies cover identification, dress code, registration, and prohibited items, and they can differ by facility. Read the county’s Inmate Visitation guidance in advance, arrive early for security screening, and ensure any accompanying minors meet documentation requirements. Visitation windows, check-in cutoffs, and locker rules are enforced strictly; noncompliant items or late arrivals can result in denied entry.

Where can I verify bond eligibility, amounts, and accepted payment methods?

Official procedures—magistrate decisions, holds, payment types, and release timelines—are outlined on Bond Information. If multiple cases or external holds exist, expect additional verification steps before release. Always confirm the current bond amount and instructions on the county page immediately prior to payment to avoid avoidable delays.

How do I obtain reports or records such as accident reports or a letter of incarceration?

Submit requests through the Sheriff’s records portal: Public Records. Provide complete details—names, dates, incident numbers (if known)—to reduce follow-up. Some records are restricted or redacted under Texas law; the portal explains allowable disclosures and the documentation you’ll need to include.