Find Hale County Inmate Records

Hale County inmate records are kept by the sheriff's office in Greensboro. The county does not have an online jail roster. You must call the jail to check on current inmates. Hale County sits in west-central Alabama along the Black Warrior River. The sheriff's office handles all jail operations and maintains records for everyone held in custody.

Hale County Sheriff's Office

The Hale County Sheriff's Office manages the county jail and all inmate records. The office sits in Greensboro, a historic town that serves as the county seat. Sheriff Kenneth Ellis leads the department. Deputies patrol the rural roads and respond to calls across the county. The office also provides courthouse security and serves legal papers in Hale County.

The jail is a modest facility that fits the county's small population. Staff work around the clock to book inmates, handle releases, and manage day-to-day operations. Most inmates are people awaiting trial or serving sentences under one year. Those with longer sentences transfer to state prison. The jail staff can answer questions about current inmates by phone in Hale County.

Greensboro has a rich history that dates back before the Civil War. Many antebellum homes still stand in town. The courthouse square anchors the downtown area. The sheriff's office sits nearby, making it easy to visit for records requests. Understanding the local layout helps when you need to find the right office in Hale County.

How to Search Hale County Inmates

Hale County does not have an online jail roster. The sheriff's office does not post inmate lists on the internet. This is typical for smaller rural counties in Alabama. You must contact the jail directly to check on someone. A phone call is the quickest way to get answers about inmates in Hale County.

Call the sheriff's office at (334) 624-3081 to ask about inmates. Give them the name of the person. A date of birth helps if you have it. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody. They can tell you about charges and bond amounts. The jail phone is answered 24 hours a day for inmate questions in Hale County.

When you call about Hale County inmates, have this ready:

• Full legal name of the person
• Date of birth if available
• Approximate date of arrest

For court records, use Alacourt ACCESS. This statewide system costs $9.99 per name search. It shows criminal cases, charges, and court dates. Alacourt covers all Alabama counties including Hale County. This can help you find case info even when someone is no longer in jail.

For state prisoners from Hale County, try the ADOC Inmate Search. It is free to use. Enter a name or AIS number to search. The AIS is a six-digit code ADOC assigns to each state prisoner. This search only shows current state inmates. It does not include county jail data in Hale County.

Hale County Inmate Record Fees

Calling to ask about inmates is free in Hale County. The sheriff's office does not charge for basic phone questions. Fees apply when you need official copies of records. The office can tell you the current rates when you visit or call. Rural counties often have modest fees compared to large urban areas in Hale County.

Bond posting requires a trip to the Circuit Clerk. The filing fee is usually $35 in Alabama. You pay by money order or cashier's check. Personal checks are typically not accepted. Licensed bondsmen charge about 10% of the total bond. Cash bonds require the full amount paid upfront. Property bonds need a judge's approval in Hale County.

Court records through Alacourt cost $9.99 per search. ADOC charges $25 minimum for historical state prison records. This is a flat fee that is not refunded if no records exist. Copy fees at the sheriff's office run around $0.25 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. Always confirm current fees before submitting a request in Hale County.

How to Request Records in Hale County

You can request inmate records in person, by phone, or by mail in Hale County. Choose the method that fits your needs. Phone calls work for quick questions. In-person visits are best for viewing records directly. Mail requests work when you need official copies sent to your address.

To request in person, go to the sheriff's office during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Tell the staff what records you need. They can search their system and make copies for you. Older records may take time to locate. Be ready to pay fees at pickup in Hale County.

For mail requests, write a letter that includes the full name and date of birth of the inmate. Describe what records you need. Include your name, address, and phone number. Add a check or money order for any fees. Mail to the Hale County Sheriff's Office at 1001 Main Street, Greensboro, AL 36744. Expect two to four weeks for a reply in Hale County.

Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to view public records. The sheriff must acknowledge your request within 10 business days. A response is due within 15 more business days. If they deny the request, they must explain why in writing. These rules apply to all public records in Hale County.

Hale County in Alabama's Black Belt

Hale County lies in the Black Belt region of Alabama. The name comes from the dark, rich soil that once made this prime cotton country. The region stretches across central Alabama from the Mississippi line to Georgia. Hale County shares this heritage with its neighbors. Understanding the area helps explain the local justice system in Hale County.

The Black Belt counties share common traits. They have low populations and large rural areas. Agriculture remains important, though cotton is less dominant now. Cattle and timber have replaced some farm fields. Jobs are scarce compared to urban areas. The poverty rate runs higher than the state average. These factors shape how local government operates in Hale County.

Hale County was formed in 1867 during Reconstruction. It was named for Lt. Col. Stephen Hale, a Confederate officer and diplomat. Greensboro became the county seat. The town had already been established in 1816. Historic buildings from the antebellum era still line Main Street. The courthouse sits in the center of town near the sheriff's office in Hale County.

The Black Warrior River forms the eastern border of Hale County. The river provides recreation but also creates challenges for deputies responding to calls. Travel times across the rural county can be long. The small population means a smaller tax base. This limits what the sheriff's office can spend on technology like online jail rosters in Hale County.

Alabama Inmate Records Laws

Alabama law protects the right to access public records. This includes inmate records in Hale County. Several state statutes set the rules. The same laws apply in rural and urban counties. Knowing your rights helps when you need info from the sheriff's office.

Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40 creates the right to inspect public records. Jail logs and booking records are covered. You do not have to say why you want them. Under Section 36-12-41, the office must give you copies when you ask and pay the fee. These laws apply to the Hale County Sheriff.

Some records cannot be shared publicly. Youthful offender files are sealed under Section 15-19-7. A judge may grant access in rare cases. Expunged records are hidden under Sections 15-27-1 through 15-27-21. Medical info stays private under federal law. Security details about jail operations may also be blocked in Hale County.

Only Alabama residents can file formal records requests. Show proof of residency like a driver's license or voter card. People from other states may be turned down. But phone calls about current inmates are usually answered for anyone. The jail can say whether someone is in custody regardless of who is calling in Hale County.

Cities in Hale County

Hale County has several small towns. None have populations over 50,000, so there are no separate city pages on this site for Hale County. All cities rely on the county jail. Town police arrest people and bring them to the sheriff's facility. The county then handles custody and record keeping in Hale County.

Greensboro is the county seat and largest town with about 2,200 people. Other communities include Akron, Moundville, and Newbern. Moundville is known for the Moundville Archaeological Site, a major pre-Columbian settlement. These are small places with limited local government. Most policing comes from the sheriff's office. All adult inmates go to the same county jail in Hale County.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Hale County. Check them if you cannot find someone in the Hale County jail. Inmates may transfer between counties for court or housing reasons. Each county keeps separate records. You may need to call multiple offices to find the right person.