Mobile County Jail Roster Search

Mobile County inmate records are kept by the sheriff's office. The Metro Jail holds over 1,500 inmates each day. This is one of the largest jail systems in Alabama. The sheriff runs a free online roster called "Who's in Jail" where you can search current inmates. Mobile County serves as the home to Alabama's second largest city and handles thousands of bookings each year.

Mobile County Sheriff's Office

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office runs the Metro Jail and handles all inmate records in the county. Sheriff Paul Burch leads the department. The office employs hundreds of deputies and corrections staff. They work around the clock to keep the jail running. The main office sits on Government Boulevard near downtown Mobile. This is where you go for in-person record requests.

The Metro Jail is a large facility. It holds more than 1,500 people on a typical day. Staff process new inmates at all hours. The jail has booking, housing, and release divisions. Medical staff work on site to care for inmates. Food service and maintenance crews keep the place running. Mobile County invests heavily in the jail due to the high volume of inmates.

You can contact the sheriff's office by phone or visit in person. The main office has regular business hours. The jail itself never closes. Call ahead if you need to speak with the records division. They can tell you what info is available and what fees apply. Most basic questions can be answered over the phone in Mobile County.

How to Search Mobile County Inmates Online

Mobile County has a free online search tool. It is called "Who's in Jail." This portal shows all current inmates at the Metro Jail. You can search by name to find someone. Results show mugshots, charges, and bond info. The roster updates often as new inmates arrive in Mobile County.

Go to mobileso.com/whos-in-jail to start your search. Enter a first or last name in the search box. The system pulls up matching inmates. Click on a name to see full details. You will see the booking date, current charges, and bond amounts. The site also shows the inmate's housing unit in Mobile County.

To search Mobile County inmates online, you need this info:

• First name or last name of the person
• Approximate booking date helps narrow results
• Spelling variations if name is common

The "Who's in Jail" portal is user friendly. It loads fast and shows clear results. Each profile has a recent mugshot. Charges list the offense and bond for each count. Some inmates have holds from other agencies. This means they cannot bond out until the hold is cleared. The site is free for anyone to use. You do not need an account to search inmates in Mobile County.

For state prisoners from Mobile County, use the ADOC Inmate Search instead. The county roster only shows current jail inmates. People who get sentences over one year go to state prison. ADOC keeps those records in a separate system.

Mobile County Inmate Record Fees

The online jail roster is free. You pay nothing to search who is in jail. Fees apply when you need official copies of records. The sheriff's office can print booking documents for a fee. Background checks also cost money. Call ahead to ask about current prices in Mobile County.

Bond filing has a standard fee. Most bonds require a $35 filing cost paid to the Circuit Clerk. This goes on top of the bond amount. Licensed bondsmen charge about 10% of the total bond. If the bond is $5,000, the bondsman fee is $500. Cash bonds need the full amount upfront. Property bonds require court approval in Mobile County.

For court records connected to criminal cases, try Alacourt ACCESS. This statewide system costs $9.99 per name search. You get access to case files, charges, and court outcomes. Document images cost extra. This helps when you need more than what the jail roster shows in Mobile County.

ADOC charges $25 minimum for historical state inmate records. Use Form 23-A for these requests. County background checks typically run $5 to $25. Copy fees at the sheriff's office range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. Always confirm fees before you submit a request in Mobile County.

How to Request Records in Mobile County

You can request inmate records several ways in Mobile County. In-person requests work best for urgent needs. Phone calls handle quick questions. Mail requests work for official copies. The method depends on what type of record you need and how fast you need it.

For in-person requests, visit the sheriff's office during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk what records you need. Staff can search the system and print copies while you wait. Some older records may take longer to find. Be ready to pay any fees at the time of your visit in Mobile County.

For mail requests, send a letter to the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. Include the full name of the inmate and any other details you know. List what records you need. Provide your contact info and a check or money order for fees. Mail to 510 South Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36603. Allow two to three weeks for a response.

Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40 gives residents the right to see public records. The agency must acknowledge your request within 10 business days. They must respond within 15 business days. If they deny access, they must explain why in writing. Most inmate records are public in Mobile County.

Mobile County Metro Jail

The Metro Jail is Mobile County's main detention facility. It holds more than 1,500 inmates on any given day. This makes it one of the busiest jails in Alabama. The facility sits on Saint Emanuel Street in downtown Mobile. It serves the entire county and takes inmates from all local police agencies.

Operations run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The jail never closes. Booking staff process new arrivals around the clock. Release staff handle bonds and discharges at all hours. This constant operation is needed due to the high volume. Mobile is Alabama's second largest city. The population creates steady demand for jail space in Mobile County.

The "Who's in Jail" portal sets Mobile County apart. Not every Alabama county offers such an easy search tool. You can look up inmates from your phone or computer. The site shows current data with frequent updates. Families use it to check on loved ones. Attorneys use it to find clients. Bail bondsmen use it to reach potential customers. The tool has become a key resource for the community in Mobile County.

The Metro Jail has programs for inmates. Education and job training help some prepare for release. Medical and mental health staff provide care. The goal is to reduce repeat offenses. Still, the jail stays crowded due to steady arrests. Mobile County continues to invest in the facility to meet demand.

Alabama Inmate Records Laws

Alabama law protects the public's right to access inmate records. Several statutes apply in Mobile County. Knowing these rules helps when you make a request or want to understand what data you can get.

Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40 says residents can inspect public records. This covers jail rosters, booking logs, and most inmate files. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The law applies to all agencies in Mobile County. Section 36-12-41 requires agencies to provide copies for a fair fee.

Some records stay sealed. Youthful offender files are protected under Section 15-19-7. Courts can allow access in special cases. Expunged records are hidden under Sections 15-27-1 through 15-27-21. Medical data stays private due to federal HIPAA rules. Some security info about jail operations may also be blocked in Mobile County.

Formal records requests require proof of Alabama residency. Show a driver's license or voter card. Non-residents may face denial of mail requests. But the online "Who's in Jail" roster is open to everyone. Anyone with internet access can search current inmates in Mobile County.

Cities in Mobile County

Mobile County has several cities and towns. All of them use the Metro Jail for inmates. City police make arrests and transport people to the county jail. Mobile is the county seat and the largest city. It is also Alabama's second largest city by population. The city of Mobile does not run its own jail. All inmates go to the Metro Jail in Mobile County.

Other cities in the county include Prichard, Saraland, Chickasaw, Citronelle, and Satsuma. Each has its own police force. All share the county jail. If someone is arrested in any of these cities, they end up at the Metro Jail. Search the "Who's in Jail" portal to find inmates from anywhere in Mobile County.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Mobile County. If you cannot find someone in the Mobile jail, try nearby counties. Inmates sometimes transfer between jurisdictions. Each county has its own jail and roster system. Check multiple locations if you are not sure where someone is held.