Search Etowah County Inmate Records

Etowah County inmate records are kept by the sheriff's office in Gadsden. The county jail holds up to 950 inmates, making it one of the largest in north Alabama. Sheriff Jonathon Horton runs the department and maintains a free online roster using SmartWeb software. You can search current inmates at etowahcountysheriff.com. Jail staff process bookings and releases around the clock in Etowah County.

Etowah County Sheriff's Office

The Etowah County Sheriff's Office handles all jail operations and inmate records. Sheriff Jonathon Horton leads the department. The main office and jail sit in Gadsden, the county seat. Deputies patrol the highways and communities across Etowah County. The jail staff manage a large population and keep detailed records on every inmate.

Etowah County sits in northeast Alabama along the Coosa River. Gadsden is the largest city with about 33,000 residents. The county has around 104,000 people total. This population generates steady law enforcement activity. The 950-bed jail handles inmates from across the region in Etowah County.

The jail runs 24 hours a day. The sheriff's office keeps regular business hours for administrative matters. Call anytime to check on an inmate. Staff answer questions about bonds, charges, visitation, and release dates. They help families find information in the Etowah County system.

How to Search Etowah County Inmates Online

Etowah County provides a free online jail roster. Go to etowahcountysheriff.com/roster.php to search. The system runs on SmartWeb software. You can enter a name to find someone or browse the full inmate list. Results update throughout the day in Etowah County.

The SmartWeb system shows detailed inmate info. Each listing has the full name and booking date. You see all charges with bond amounts listed. Mugshots appear for most inmates. The system also shows housing assignments within the jail. This level of detail helps families track inmates in Etowah County.

To search Etowah County inmates, you need:

• First or last name of the person
• Approximate booking date if known
• Any aliases they might use

The roster shows current inmates. Released people are removed from the list. For past records, contact the sheriff's office. Staff can search historical bookings. This requires a formal request and may involve fees in Etowah County.

State prisoners from Etowah County are tracked elsewhere. Use the ADOC Inmate Search for sentences over one year. The county roster covers local jail inmates. People with long sentences transfer to state prison after sentencing.

Etowah County Inmate Record Fees

The online roster is free to search. You pay nothing to view current inmates in Etowah County. Fees apply for official copies and certified documents. Background checks have costs too. Contact the sheriff's office for current fee amounts.

Bond posting requires payment to the Circuit Clerk. The standard filing fee is around $35 in Etowah County. You pay by money order or cash. Licensed bondsmen charge about 10% of the bond. Cash bonds need the full amount. Property bonds must get court approval in Etowah County.

Court records are on Alacourt ACCESS. This costs $9.99 per name search. You get criminal, civil, and traffic case info. This adds to what the jail roster provides in Etowah County.

ADOC charges $25 minimum for historical state inmate records. Local copy fees run $0.25 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. These fees cover the costs of processing requests in Etowah County.

How to Request Records in Etowah County

You can request Etowah County inmate records several ways. The online roster gives current info fast. Phone calls handle simple questions. In-person visits allow direct access. Mail requests work for official copies.

For in-person requests, visit the sheriff's office in Gadsden. Bring photo ID with you. Tell staff what records you need. They can search and print copies. Older records may take longer to find. Be prepared to pay any fees during your visit in Etowah County.

To request by mail, write a letter with the inmate's full name and birth date. Explain what records you want. Include your contact info and a check or money order for fees. Mail to the Etowah County Sheriff's Office at 827 Forrest Avenue, Gadsden, AL 35901. Expect two to three weeks for a reply.

Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40 protects your right to access public records. Agencies must acknowledge requests in 10 business days. They have 15 more days to respond. Denials need a written explanation in Etowah County.

Etowah County Jail Capacity

The Etowah County Jail has 950 beds. This makes it one of the largest county jails in Alabama. Only Jefferson, Mobile, Montgomery, and Madison counties have more capacity. The large facility serves not just Etowah County but sometimes houses inmates from other jurisdictions too.

The jail sits on Forrest Avenue in Gadsden. It has been expanded over the years to reach current capacity. Multiple housing units separate inmates by security level and gender. The facility has medical services, kitchen operations, and booking areas. Staff work around the clock to manage this large population in Etowah County.

SmartWeb software powers the jail management system. This is the same system Madison County uses. It tracks every inmate from booking to release. The software generates the online roster automatically. When staff enter new booking data, it appears on the website soon after in Etowah County.

The large jail reflects the area's population and needs. Gadsden was once a major industrial city. Though the economy has changed, the county still has significant law enforcement activity. The 950-bed capacity ensures room for current inmates and growth in Etowah County.

Alabama Inmate Records Laws

Alabama law gives residents access to public records including jail data. Several statutes govern records in Etowah County. These laws explain your rights when searching for or requesting records.

Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40 establishes the right to inspect public records. This covers jail rosters and booking data. No reason is required for a request. The law applies to all agencies in Etowah County. Section 36-12-41 requires copies for a reasonable fee.

Certain records stay protected. Youthful offender files are sealed under Section 15-19-7. Expunged records are hidden under Sections 15-27-1 through 15-27-21. Medical info is private under HIPAA. Security details about jail operations may be blocked in Etowah County.

Only Alabama residents can make formal records requests. Prove residency with a driver's license or voter card. The online roster is public. Anyone can view current inmates without a formal request in Etowah County.

Cities in Etowah County

Etowah County has several cities and towns. All use the county jail. City police make arrests and bring people to the jail in Gadsden. Major cities include Gadsden, Attalla, Rainbow City, Southside, and Glencoe. None has a population over 50,000.

Gadsden is the county seat and largest city. It has about 33,000 residents. Attalla and Rainbow City are the next largest. Each has its own police department. But all inmates from across the county go to the same Etowah County jail.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Etowah County. Check their jails if you cannot find someone locally. Inmates may transfer between counties. Each keeps its own roster.