Annistonoxford County Jail is a secure detention facility in Anniston, Alabama, serving both Anniston and Oxford communities under the management of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. It houses individuals awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to state prisons. The jail supports public safety while offering inmates access to medical care, education, communication, and rehabilitation programs. Families, legal representatives, and community members rely on accurate, up-to-date information about inmate status, visitation rules, bail procedures, and support services. This page delivers clear, factual details about how the jail operates, how to locate an inmate, send funds, schedule visits, and understand rights and responsibilities during incarceration.
Official Contact Information and Location
Annistonoxford County Jail is located at 150 13th Street, Anniston, AL 36201. The main phone number is (256) 241-8000. The facility operates under the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, which manages all booking, inmate records, and public inquiries. For non-emergency questions about inmates, visitation, or services, call during business hours. The jail’s official website is www.calhouncounty.org/sheriff, where visitors can access the inmate roster, commissary portal, and visitation scheduling tools. Always verify hours and procedures before visiting, as policies may change due to security or health protocols.
Inmate Search and Roster Access
Finding an inmate at Annistonoxford County Jail starts with the online inmate lookup tool. This system is updated daily and lists all individuals currently in custody. Users can search by full name or inmate ID. Results show booking date, charges, bond amount, court dates, and housing location. The roster includes both pre-trial detainees and those serving short sentences. For privacy and security, some details like full addresses or medical conditions are not displayed. If no results appear, double-check the spelling or try a partial name. The system does not include federal inmates or those transferred to state facilities.
How to Use the Inmate Lookup Tool
Go to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office website and click “Inmate Roster.” Enter the person’s first and last name. Leave the ID field blank unless you have it. Click “Search.” Results will show all matching names. Click on a name to view details. If the person was recently arrested, allow 24 hours for processing. The system refreshes every few hours but may lag during high-volume periods. For urgent cases, call the jail directly at (256) 241-8000 and ask for the booking desk.
Offline Inmate Search Options
Not everyone has internet access. In those cases, call the jail at (256) 241-8000. Provide the inmate’s full name and date of birth. Staff can confirm custody status and location. You may also visit the jail in person at 150 13th Street. Bring a photo ID and arrive during business hours. Public kiosks near the entrance display basic inmate lists. These are updated less frequently than the online system but offer a backup option.
Booking, Arrest, and Release Procedures
When someone is arrested in Anniston or Oxford, they are taken to Annistonoxford County Jail for booking. This process includes fingerprinting, mugshot capture, health screening, and background checks. Personal belongings are logged and stored. Inmates receive a uniform, bedding, and hygiene kit. Medical staff conduct a basic exam to identify urgent needs. The entire process takes 1–3 hours, depending on workload. Once booked, the inmate appears before a judge within 48 hours for an initial hearing.
Bail and Bond Information
Bail is set during the first court appearance. The amount depends on the charges, criminal history, and flight risk. If bail is granted, it can be paid in cash, credit card, or through a bail bondsman. Payments are accepted at the jail’s front desk or online via the sheriff’s payment portal. Once bail is posted, the inmate is released after paperwork is completed. This usually takes 30–90 minutes. If bail is denied, the inmate remains in custody until trial.
Release Dates and Procedures
Release dates depend on court rulings, sentence length, or bail approval. Sentenced inmates serve time locally if the term is under one year. Longer sentences are transferred to Alabama Department of Corrections facilities. Release times vary but typically occur between 6 AM and 10 PM. Families are not automatically notified. Check the inmate roster or call the jail for updates. Upon release, inmates receive their personal items and a copy of their release paperwork.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Annistonoxford County Jail offers both in-person and video visitation. All visits must be scheduled in advance. In-person visits occur on weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. Each inmate is allowed one 30-minute visit per week. Visitors must be on the approved list and pass a background check. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Virtual visits are available through the jail’s online platform and can be scheduled up to seven days ahead.
In-Person Visitation Guidelines
Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Bring a valid photo ID—driver’s license, passport, or state ID. No bags, phones, or electronic devices are allowed. Dress modestly: no tank tops, shorts, hats, or revealing clothing. Security will scan all visitors. No physical contact is permitted except for brief handshakes. Food, gifts, or contraband are strictly prohibited. Violations can result in permanent bans.
Video Visitation Details
Video visits use a secure platform accessible from home computers or mobile devices. Sessions last 20 minutes and cost $7.50 per visit. Payment is made online before the appointment. Technical support is available during business hours. Video visits do not replace in-person visits but offer flexibility for distant family members. All video calls are recorded and monitored.
Inmate Communication: Phone, Mail, and Email
Inmates can make outgoing phone calls using a prepaid account. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and can only be made to approved numbers. Family members fund the account online or at kiosks in the jail lobby. All calls are recorded and may be monitored. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Phone rates vary by time of day and destination.
Mail Policies and Restrictions
Inmates may send and receive mail. Letters must be on plain white paper in standard envelopes. No stickers, drawings, or Polaroids are allowed. Books and magazines must come directly from publishers or retailers like Amazon. Mail is inspected for contraband. Inmates receive one free letter per week. Rejected mail is returned to sender with an explanation. Address mail to: Inmate Name, Inmate ID#, 150 13th Street, Anniston, AL 36201.
Email and Messaging Services
The jail partners with a third-party provider for email communication. Families create an account and send messages through the platform. Inmates read and reply using tablets in their housing units. Messages are screened for inappropriate content. Attachments are not allowed. This service costs $0.25 per message. It is faster than regular mail but not private.
Sending Money to Inmates
Inmates can receive funds for commissary, phone calls, and medical co-pays. Money can be sent online, by phone, at kiosks, or via money order. Online deposits use the jail’s secure payment portal. Kiosks accept cash and credit cards. Phone deposits are available 24/7 at (866) 345-1838. Money orders must be made payable to “Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office” and include the inmate’s full name and ID. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Funds appear in the account within 24 hours.
Commissary Purchases and Limits
Inmates use funds to buy snacks, hygiene items, stationery, and clothing from the commissary. Orders are placed weekly and delivered on Tuesdays. Each inmate has a spending limit of $100 per week. Popular items include instant coffee, chips, soap, and socks. Prices are fixed and listed in the commissary catalog. Unused funds remain in the account and roll over each week.
Healthcare and Mental Health Services
All inmates receive medical care upon intake and as needed during custody. Nurses conduct initial screenings. Doctors visit weekly for consultations. Emergency care is available 24/7. Prescription medications are administered under supervision. Dental and vision services are provided for urgent issues. Mental health support includes counseling, therapy groups, and crisis intervention. Substance abuse programs offer detox and recovery resources. Inmates can request medical attention at any time.
Mental Health and Rehabilitation Programs
The jail offers counseling for anxiety, depression, and trauma. Group sessions cover anger management, addiction, and life skills. Trained counselors lead weekly meetings. Inmates with severe mental illness may be referred to specialized facilities. The goal is to reduce recidivism by addressing root causes of behavior. Participation is voluntary but encouraged.
Education and Vocational Training
Annistonoxford County Jail provides GED preparation classes and adult basic education. Instructors from local community colleges teach reading, math, and science. Upon completion, inmates take the official GED exam. Vocational programs include carpentry, welding, and computer basics. These skills improve job prospects after release. Certificates are issued upon program completion. Classes run Monday through Friday during daytime hours.
Work Release and Community Service
Eligible inmates may participate in work release programs. They leave the jail during the day for approved jobs and return in the evening. Participants must have a clean disciplinary record and low security risk. Earnings are deposited into their inmate account. Community service options include park cleanup and food bank support. These programs promote responsibility and reintegration.
Security and Facility Operations
The jail uses 24/7 surveillance, electronic monitoring, and strict classification systems. Inmates are grouped by risk level: minimum, medium, or maximum. Staff receive regular training in de-escalation, first aid, and emergency response. Fire drills and lockdown procedures are practiced monthly. The facility is inspected annually by state officials. All incidents are documented and reviewed.
Rules and Disciplinary Actions
Inmates must follow facility rules. Violations include fighting, possession of contraband, or disrespecting staff. Consequences range from loss of privileges to extended confinement. Appeals can be made through the jail administrator. Fair treatment is guaranteed under Alabama law. Grievance forms are available in each housing unit.
Community Partnerships and Support
The jail collaborates with local nonprofits, churches, and legal aid groups. Volunteers offer Bible studies, job coaching, and reentry planning. The sheriff’s office hosts public tours and school visits to educate about justice system operations. Victim assistance programs provide counseling and legal guidance. These efforts strengthen community trust and support successful reintegration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Annistonoxford County Jail. Below are answers to the most common inquiries. These cover inmate search, visitation, communication, and rights. For specific cases, contact the jail directly.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in Anniston?
Use the online inmate roster on the Calhoun County Sheriff’s website. Search by name or ID. If no results appear, call (256) 241-8000. Provide the person’s full name and date of birth. Staff can confirm custody status. The roster updates every few hours but may not include recent arrests until processed.
Can I visit an inmate without scheduling?
No. All visits must be scheduled in advance. Walk-ins are not allowed. Use the online portal or call the visitation office. In-person visits require approval and background checks. Video visits can be booked up to seven days ahead. Arrive on time and bring a valid ID.
How much does it cost to send money to an inmate?
Online and kiosk deposits have a small service fee, usually $2–$3. Phone deposits cost more. Money orders have no fee but take longer to process. Funds are available within 24 hours. There is no limit on deposit amounts, but weekly spending is capped at $100 per inmate.
Are inmates allowed to have personal items?
No. All personal items are stored during incarceration. Inmates receive jail-issued clothing, bedding, and hygiene products. Approved items from commissary can be purchased. No electronics, weapons, or contraband are allowed. Exceptions require prior approval from the warden.
What happens if an inmate gets sick?
Medical staff respond to all health concerns. Inmates can request care at any time. Routine exams, medications, and emergency treatment are provided. Serious cases are transferred to local hospitals. Families are notified only if the inmate consents or if it’s a life-threatening emergency.
Can I get a copy of an inmate’s mugshot?
Mugshots are public records. Submit a request to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Include the inmate’s name, booking date, and your contact information. There may be a processing fee. Some records are restricted if charges are dropped or expunged.
How do I report abuse or misconduct at the jail?
Contact the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division at (256) 241-8000. You can also file a complaint online. All reports are investigated. Retaliation against complainants is prohibited. For urgent concerns, call 911.
Annistonoxford County Jail
150 13th Street, Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 241-8000
Website: www.calhouncounty.org/sheriff
Visitation Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM