Inmate Guide: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Jail System
Overview of the Facility
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Jail System is one of the largest in the United States, consisting of several facilities throughout Maricopa County, Arizona. The system includes the 4th Avenue Jail, Lower Buckeye Jail, Towers Jail, Estrella Jail, and Durango Jail.
Contact Information
Address: 550 W Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 876-1000
Website: https://www.mcso.org/jail-information
Email: Not publicly available
How to Locate an Inmate
To find an inmate, use the MCSO Inmate Lookup tool available on their website. You'll need the inmate's full name or booking number. Visit: https://www.mcso.org/i-want-to/locate-an-inmate
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation policies vary by facility. Generally, visits are scheduled online through the MCSO website. Inmates are typically allowed two 30-minute video visits per week. In-person visits are limited to professional visits. Check the MCSO website for specific visitation schedules and rules.
How to Send Money
Money can be added to an inmate's account through several methods:
- Online: JailATM
- Phone: Call 1-866-345-1884
- Kiosk: Available at jail lobbies
- Mail: Send money orders to Inmate Funds, MCSO Inmate Accounts, 3250 W. Lower Buckeye Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85009
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Video visitation is available through the MCSO website. Family and friends can set up accounts through Telmate.
Inmate Services and Programs
MCSO offers various programs including:
- Education and GED classes
- Substance abuse treatment
- Religious services
- Vocational training
- Mental health services
History of the Facility
The Maricopa County Jail System has been operating for several decades, with some facilities dating back to the 1960s. The system has undergone various expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate the growing inmate population.
Security and Management Information
The MCSO Jail System employs a multi-tiered security approach, including perimeter security, surveillance cameras, and trained correctional officers. The facilities are managed by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office under the leadership of the elected Sheriff.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. They also have the right to receive mail, make phone calls, and have video visitations within the jail's guidelines. Religious rights are also protected, with various faith-based services available.
Booking and Release Process
Upon arrest, individuals are booked at one of the jail facilities. This process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Release can occur through posting bail, court order, or completion of sentence. Personal property is returned upon release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I send to an inmate?
Inmates can receive letters and postcards. Books and magazines must be sent directly from the publisher. No personal items, food, or clothing can be sent.
How often can inmates make phone calls?
Inmates have access to phones during designated times, typically daily. The frequency and duration of calls may be limited based on facility rules and inmate classification.
Can I visit an inmate in person?
In-person visits are generally limited to professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.). Most visitations are conducted via video visitation systems.
Famous Prisoners
- Jodi Arias - Convicted of first-degree murder in 2013
- Steven Steinberg - Acquitted of murdering his wife in a landmark 1982 case
- Ernesto Miranda - Arrested in 1963, leading to the landmark Miranda v. Arizona Supreme Court case
- Mark Goudeau - Known as the "Baseline Killer," convicted of multiple murders in 2011
- Robert Fisher - Suspected of killing his family in 2001, still on FBI's Most Wanted list
