Maricopa County-Towers Jail: A Comprehensive Guide for Inmates
Overview of the Facility
The Maricopa County-Towers Jail, also known as the Lower Buckeye Jail, is a maximum-security detention facility located in Phoenix, Arizona. It is part of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) jail system and is designed to house both male and female inmates.
Contact Information
Address: 3250 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Phone Number: (602) 876-1000
Website: https://www.maricopa.gov/5452/Jails
Email: Not available for public use
How to Locate an Inmate
To find an inmate at the Maricopa County-Towers Jail, you can use the MCSO's online Inmate Information Search tool available at https://www.mcso.org/Inmate-Info. You'll need the inmate's name or booking number to perform a search.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation at the Towers Jail is conducted through video visitation. Friends and family can schedule visits online through the MCSO website. Visitation hours may vary, so it's best to check the current schedule when booking a visit.
How to Send Money
Inmates can receive money through several methods:
- Online: Use Jail ATM or Access Corrections
- By Phone: Call 1-866-345-1884 for Jail ATM or 1-866-345-1884 for Access Corrections
- In-Person: Use kiosks available in the jail lobby
- By Mail: Send money orders to Inmate's Name and Booking Number, MCSO Inmate Trust Fund, P.O. Box 6988, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6988
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use pre-paid phone accounts. Video visitation is available for scheduled visits with family and friends. For more information on phone services, visit Getting Out.
Inmate Services and Programs
The Towers Jail offers various programs and services, including:
- Educational programs
- Substance abuse treatment
- Religious services
- Library services
- Medical and mental health care
History of the Facility
The Towers Jail, opened in 2005, is a modern facility designed to improve efficiency and security in the Maricopa County jail system. It was built to address overcrowding issues in older facilities.
Security and Management Information
As a maximum-security facility, the Towers Jail employs strict security measures, including regular inmate counts, controlled movement, and surveillance systems. The jail is managed by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. Family and friend visits are conducted via video visitation to ensure safety and efficiency.
Booking and Release Process
Upon arrival, inmates go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographs, and a medical screening. Release procedures vary depending on the circumstances of each case, such as posting bail, completion of sentence, or court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are inmates allowed to have?
Inmates are provided with basic necessities. Additional approved items can be purchased through the commissary. Personal items from outside are generally not allowed.
How often can inmates shower?
Inmates typically have access to showers on a daily basis, subject to facility schedules and security considerations.
Is medical care available for inmates?
Yes, the Towers Jail provides medical and mental health care services to inmates as needed.
Can inmates receive mail?
Yes, inmates can receive mail. All incoming mail is screened for security reasons. Address mail to: Inmate's Name and Booking Number, MCSO - Towers Jail, P.O. Box 6988, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6988.
Are work programs available for inmates?
Some work programs may be available for eligible inmates, but availability can vary. Check with the jail administration for current opportunities.
Famous Prisoners
As the Towers Jail is a county detention facility primarily used for pre-trial detention and short-term sentences, it doesn't typically house many famous prisoners. High-profile cases are often transferred to state or federal facilities after sentencing. However, the Maricopa County jail system, in general, has held some notable inmates in its various facilities:
- Jodi Arias - Convicted of first-degree murder in a high-profile case.
- DMX (Earl Simmons) - Rapper who served time for probation violation.
- Glen Campbell - Country music star who served time for extreme DUI.
- Mike Tyson - Former heavyweight boxing champion who served time for a probation violation.
- Joe Arpaio - Former Maricopa County Sheriff, held briefly following a contempt of court conviction (later pardoned).
Note: These individuals may have been held in various Maricopa County facilities, not necessarily the Towers Jail specifically.