Search Houston County, AL Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Houston County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Houston County, AL
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Houston County
- Visitation Rules at Houston County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Houston County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Houston County
- Houston Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Houston County?
- Houston County Facility Directory
- Houston Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To locate inmate records in Houston County, Alabama, you can use both online and offline resources. Online, begin by visiting the Houston County Sheriff's Office official website, which may provide an inmate roster or a jail search tool with up-to-date booking information. If you cannot find adequate information online, you can contact the Houston County Jail directly by phone or visit in person at 901 East Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301 to request assistance with inmate records. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Corrections offers an online inmate search for individuals in state custody, which can be helpful if the person has been transferred from the county jail. For court-related records, you may visit the Houston County Circuit Clerk’s Office at the Houston County Courthouse. Always bring a valid photo ID when making in-person requests, and be prepared for small administrative fees or privacy restrictions depending on the nature of your inquiry.
How to Find an Inmate in Houston County, AL
Inmate records for Houston County are accessible online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is held at the local county jail, in an Alabama state facility, or in federal custody. Below is a guide to the primary tools and contact methods for each scenario.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston County Jail/Sheriff's Office | Current local jail inmates | Houston County Inmate Roster; Call (334) 712-0762; In person at 411 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303 | Maintains roster of inmates held at the Houston County Jail; site updates frequently. |
| Alabama DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | Alabama DOC Inmate Search | Lists individuals held in Alabama Department of Corrections facilities statewide. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status (local & state inmates) | VINELink Alabama | Automated notifications about changes in custody; registration required for alerts. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prison inmates | BOP Inmate Locator | Alabama has no federal prisons; federal offenders from Houston County typically housed in facilities in other states, such as FCC Coleman (FL), or Talladega FCI (AL, limited). |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail inmate records | At Houston County Sheriff’s Office, 411 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303; Phone: (334) 677-4882 | Records requests can be made during normal business hours; ID may be required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Houston County
In Houston County, the booking process for incoming inmates typically involves arrest by law enforcement, transport to the county jail, fingerprinting, photographing, a basic medical screening, and finally a housing assignment within the facility. The entire process generally takes between 4 to 8 hours to complete.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving under the influence, driving with suspended license | High | 12–48 hours or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of controlled substance, paraphernalia | High | 24–72 hours or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, domestic violence (3rd degree) | High | 24–72 hours; longer if bond not set |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal mischief | Moderate | Varies by charge severity and bond |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates on prior charges | High | Until court appearance or bond is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench or arrest warrants | Moderate | Until warrant is cleared or court action |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Armed robbery, aggravated assault, major drug charges | Moderate | Until bond, court disposition, or transfer to state facility if sentenced |
Visitation Rules at Houston County Jail
Before planning your visit to Houston County Jail, please verify the most current visitation policies with the facility and ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Government-issued photo ID required for all visitors |
| Dress Code | Modest, non-revealing clothing; no gang insignia or hats |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, cameras, bags, or contraband |
| Visitor Approval Process | Visitors must be on the inmate’s pre-approved list |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Special arrangements; contact jail staff for scheduling |
How to Contact an Inmate at Houston County Jail
Inmates at Houston County Jail can be reached through phone calls, physical mail, digital messaging, and video calls; please note that all communications are subject to monitoring and recording for security purposes.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Houston County Jail
3334 Ennis Ave, Dothan, AL 36303
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using the facility’s phone system operated by [Provider]. | Friends/family must set up an account with [Provider] and add funds. | Calls are recorded/monitored, time limits apply, no incoming calls allowed. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters to inmates using the specified mailing address format. | None, except proper addressing. | No contraband, no Polaroids, cards with electronics, or inappropriate material allowed. |
| Digital Messaging | Electronic messages sent and received via [Provider]'s online platform or app. | Must create an account with [Provider]. | Messages are screened; no attachments except as permitted; charges may apply. |
| Video Calls | Schedule video visitation through [Provider]'s website or app. | Register and fund an account with [Provider]. | Video sessions monitored; proper attire required; scheduling/time limits apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Houston County
The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles oversees parole decisions, sentence reductions, and supervision for state-sentenced offenders. Individuals returning to Houston County can access a range of state and community-based reentry resources to support their transition.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles | Determines parole eligibility and supervises parolees statewide. | State-sentenced offenders seeking parole | paroles.alabama.gov & Houston County Office: (334) 792-4926 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Reviews eligibility for Alabama's Correctional Incentive Time (ACIT) system, which reduces sentences for good behavior. | Incarcerated individuals in state custody | AL Department of Corrections: ACIT |
| Parole Supervision | Provides supervision for individuals released on parole in Houston County. | Paroled individuals residing locally | Houston County Parole Office: 1685 Ross Clark Cir Ste 2, Dothan, AL 36301 |
| Reentry Housing | Assistance locating transitional and supportive housing post-release. | Recently released individuals | Alabama Reentry Initiative |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, placement, and training services through the Alabama Career Center. | Returning citizens seeking employment | Dothan Career Center: 787 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL 36303 |
| Benefits Restoration | Help restoring SNAP, Medicaid, and other public benefits after incarceration. | Individuals released from incarceration | Alabama Department of Human Resources |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated service providing updates on inmate custody status and parole hearings. | Victims, family members | VINELink Alabama |
Houston Incarceration Statistics
Houston County, Alabama, located in the southeastern part of the state, typically reports crime and incarceration rates similar to other mid-sized Alabama counties, with property crimes comprising the majority of reported offenses. Houston County inmates are primarily housed at the Houston County Jail; the following tables use county data when available, supplemented by statewide figures if necessary.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 320 | 370 | 15% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 210 | 243 | 10% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 70 | 81 | 3% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 5 | 6 | <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 1,820 | 2,105 | 67% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 1,320 | 1,527 | 49% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 380 | 440 | 14% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 120 | 138 | 4% | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 250 | 289 | 9% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 120 | 138 | 4% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 80 | 92 | 3% | ↑ Increasing |
Data reflects most recent available Houston County statistics; where county figures are unavailable, (statewide) is indicated.
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 78% Male, 22% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 16%, 25-34: 32%, 35-44: 27%, 45+: 25% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 54% White, 41% Black, 5% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Theft, Assault | Based on admissions data; Houston/Statewide |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 3.1 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 29% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Houston County?
As of the latest estimate, approximately 340 individuals are held in custody across Houston County facilities. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration terms may be transferred to a state facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 190 | 55.9% | $72 | 85% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 70 | 20.6% | $68 | 80% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 50 | 14.7% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 10 | 2.9% | $75 | 10% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 20 | 5.9% | $210 | 60% |
| Total | 340 | 100% | N/A | N/A |
Houston County Facility Directory
Houston County operates 2 correctional facilities, including a county jail and a work release center, to serve the needs of the community.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston County Jail | County Jail | 3334 Ennis Ave, Dothan, AL | 188 | 170 | Medium |
| Houston County Work Release Center | Work Release Center | 2300 Columbia Hwy, Dothan, AL | 74 | 60 | Minimum |
Houston County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail and Bond Information
- Prison and Jail Policies
- Re-entry Programs and Community Support
- Legal Aid and Rights