Travis County Jail / Central Booking Facility Guide
Overview of the Facility
Travis County Jail, also known as Central Booking Facility, is the main detention center for Travis County, Texas. It is operated by the Travis County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary intake facility for individuals arrested in the county.
Contact Information
Address: 500 W 10th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 854-9889
Website: https://www.tcsheriff.org/inmate-jail-info
Email: Not available
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate, you can use the online inmate search tool provided by the Travis County Sheriff's Office. Visit their Inmate Search page and enter the inmate's name or booking number.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation is currently conducted through video visitation only. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance through the GTL VisitMe Scheduler. Visitation hours vary depending on the inmate's housing unit and can be found on the scheduler website.
How to Send Money
There are several ways to send money to inmates:
- Online: Through Jail ATM
- By Phone: Call 1-888-988-4768
- At Kiosk: Located in the lobby of the Central Booking Facility
- By Mail: Send money order to Inmate Trust Fund, P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Family and friends can set up accounts through GTL. Video visitation is available through the same system used for scheduling visits.
Inmate Services and Programs
Travis County Jail offers various programs including:
- Educational programs
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Religious services
- Vocational training
History of the Facility
The current Central Booking Facility opened in 1990 and has undergone several expansions and renovations since then to accommodate the growing inmate population of Travis County.
Security and Management Information
The facility is managed by the Travis County Sheriff's Office and employs various security measures, including video surveillance, regular cell checks, and controlled access points.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal representation and can meet with their attorneys. All inmates are entitled to video visitation, subject to the facility's schedule and rules.
Booking and Release Process
Upon arrest, individuals are brought to the Central Booking Facility for processing. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a health screening. Release occurs after posting bail, completing a sentence, or by court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring during visitation?
As visitation is conducted through video, no items are allowed during visits. Personal belongings should be left in your vehicle or at home.
How often can inmates receive visits?
Inmates are typically allowed two 20-minute video visits per week. The exact schedule depends on the inmate's housing unit.
Can I send mail to an inmate?
Yes, you can send mail to inmates. Address the envelope with the inmate's full name and booking number to: Travis County Jail, 500 W 10th St, Austin, TX 78701.
Famous Prisoners
While Travis County Jail has housed many inmates over the years, it's important to note that it's primarily a local detention facility and not typically used for long-term incarceration of high-profile prisoners. However, some notable individuals who have been briefly held at the facility include:
- Lance Armstrong - Former professional cyclist, held briefly in 2018 after a traffic incident.
- Alex Jones - Conspiracy theorist and media personality, arrested in 2020 for DWI.
- Rashad Charjuan Owens - Convicted of capital murder for the 2014 SXSW crash.
- Shia LaBeouf - Actor, arrested in 2015 for public intoxication.
- Matthew McConaughey - Actor, arrested in 1999 for marijuana possession and resisting arrest.
