Dallas County North Tower Jail (Lew Sterrett Jail) Guide
Overview of the Facility
The Dallas County North Tower Jail, also known as Lew Sterrett Jail, is a correctional facility located in Dallas, Texas. It is part of the Dallas County Jail system and serves as a detention center for individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
Contact Information
Address: 111 W. Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: (214) 653-6000
Website: Dallas County Sheriff's Department - Jail Information
Inmate Locator
To locate an inmate, visit the Dallas County Jail Lookup website. You will need the inmate's name or booking number to search for their information.
Visitation Information
Visitation hours vary depending on the inmate's housing unit. Generally, visitation is available seven days a week, including holidays. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visitation period. For specific visitation schedules, contact the facility directly.
Sending Money to Inmates
You can send money to inmates through the following methods:
- Online: TouchPay
- Lobby Kiosk: Available 24/7 in the jail lobby
- Phone: Call 1-888-288-9835
- Mail: Send a money order to the inmate's name and booking number
Phone Calls and Video Visitation
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Family and friends can set up accounts through GTL's Getting Out service. Video visitation is available through the same service.
Inmate Services and Programs
The facility offers various services and programs, including:
- Medical and mental health care
- Educational programs
- Religious services
- Substance abuse treatment
- Vocational training
History of the Facility
The Lew Sterrett Justice Center, which includes the North Tower Jail, was named after Lew Sterrett, a former Dallas County Judge. The facility was built in the 1960s and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate the growing inmate population.
Security and Management
The Dallas County Sheriff's Department manages the facility. It employs various security measures, including surveillance cameras, regular cell checks, and controlled access points to ensure the safety of inmates and staff.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can meet with their attorneys during regular business hours. They also have the right to receive visits from family and friends, subject to the facility's visitation policies and schedules.
Booking and Release Process
Upon arrival, inmates go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a medical screening. The release process typically occurs after an inmate has served their sentence, posted bail, or been ordered released by a judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring to visitation?
Visitors are allowed to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and car keys. All other personal items, including cell phones, must be left in your vehicle or a locker provided in the lobby.
How do I post bail for an inmate?
Bail can be posted at the Bond Desk located in the lobby of the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Cash, cashier's checks, and money orders are accepted. You can also use a bail bondsman if you cannot afford the full bail amount.
Can I send mail to an inmate?
Yes, you can send mail to inmates. Address the envelope with the inmate's full name, booking number, and the jail's address. All mail is inspected for contraband before being delivered to inmates.
Notable Inmates
While specific information about famous prisoners is not readily available, the Dallas County Jail system has housed several high-profile inmates over the years. Some notable cases include:
- Erykah Badu - Singer, arrested for disorderly conduct in 2010
- Nolan Ryan - Former MLB pitcher, arrested for misdemeanor assault in 1993
- Deion Sanders - Former NFL player, arrested for misdemeanor assault in 2012
- Josh Brent - Former Dallas Cowboys player, arrested for intoxication manslaughter in 2012
- Johnny Manziel - Former NFL quarterback, arrested for domestic violence in 2016
Note: These individuals may have been held in various facilities within the Dallas County Jail system, not necessarily in the North Tower specifically.
