Harris County Sheriff's Office & Jail Administration Guide
Overview of the Facility
The Harris County Sheriff's Office operates one of the largest jail systems in the United States. The jail complex consists of several buildings located in downtown Houston, Texas. It has a capacity to house over 9,000 inmates and processes approximately 120,000 individuals annually.
Contact Information
Address: 1200 Baker Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 755-6044
Website: https://www.harriscountycj.org/
Email: [email protected]
How to Locate an Inmate
To find an inmate, you can use the online inmate search tool available on the Harris County Sheriff's Office website. You'll need the inmate's name or booking number. Alternatively, you can call the jail's information line at (713) 755-6044.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation hours vary depending on the facility and inmate housing unit. Generally, visitation is available seven days a week, including holidays. Visitors must register online or at kiosks located in the visitation lobby. Video visitation is also available.
How to Send Money
Inmates can receive money through several methods:
- Online: JailATM
- Kiosk: Located in the jail lobby
- Phone: Call 1-866-345-1884
- Mail: Send money orders to Inmate Trust Fund, 1200 Baker Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates have access to phones within their housing units. Friends and family can set up prepaid accounts through Securus Technologies. Video visitation is available through the same provider.
Inmate Services and Programs
The Harris County Jail offers various programs including:
- Educational programs
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Religious services
- Re-entry programs
History of the Facility
The Harris County Jail system has evolved significantly since its inception. The current main jail building at 1200 Baker Street opened in 1982. Over the years, additional facilities have been added to accommodate the growing inmate population.
Security and Management Information
The jail is managed by the Harris County Sheriff's Office. It employs a direct supervision model in many of its units. The facility uses modern security technology, including surveillance cameras and electronic locking systems.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can meet with their attorneys in designated areas. They also have the right to receive visitors, make phone calls, and send and receive mail, subject to security protocols.
Booking and Release Process
The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Release can occur through posting bail, completing a sentence, or by court order. The process typically takes several hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring to visitation?
Visitors are allowed to bring a valid government-issued ID and car keys. All other items must be stored in lockers provided in the lobby.
How often can inmates receive visits?
Most inmates are allowed two 20-minute visits per week. However, this may vary depending on the inmate's classification and housing unit.
Can I send books or magazines to an inmate?
Books and magazines must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor. Personal packages are not accepted.
Famous Prisoners
- Andrea Yates - Arrested in 2001 for drowning her five children.
- Clara Harris - Convicted in 2003 for running over her husband with her car.
- David Temple - Former high school football coach convicted of murdering his wife in 1999.
- Robert Durst - Real estate heir arrested in 2001 for the murder of his neighbor.
- Jeffrey Skilling - Former Enron CEO, held here briefly before transfer to federal prison.
