Montgomery County Inmate Search

This guide explains, in plain language, how to do a Montgomery County Alabama Inmate Search, what information appears in the official jail roster, how “recent arrests” are recorded, and how to interpret booking numbers, charges, bond information, and release updates. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for using the Sheriff’s Office inmate tools, practical tips to avoid common search mistakes, and answers to frequent questions about visitation, mail, and professional access. Everything here focuses on the official resources used by Montgomery County.

Start Here: Use the Official Montgomery County Inmate Search Portal

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office maintains the county jail roster and warrants information through an official online system. For the current daily roster, go straight to the Current Inmates page of the Sheriff’s Office online portal; that page displays the live list of people housed at the Mac Sim Butler Detention Facility with names, booking numbers, booking dates, and related details. You can access the county’s official roster via the Current Inmates tool on the Sheriff’s system: Current Inmates.

What you’ll see on the official roster

When you open the roster, entries are presented in rows that typically include:

Book Num (Booking Number): The unique identifier assigned when a person is booked into the jail.

Name: The person’s legal name as recorded at intake.

Date of Birth: Used to help distinguish people with similar or identical names.

Booking Date and Time: When the person was officially booked.

A “View” link per person: This opens the individual record with additional details and charges when available.

The roster is paginated. You can jump between pages and change “items per page” to see more entries at once. If you’re searching on a phone, scrolling and pagination controls may sit at the bottom of the list.

Recognize live updates vs. historical snapshots

The Current Inmates page reflects who is in custody now. People can be added or removed throughout the day as arrests occur or as individuals are released, transferred, or bond out. If a name you saw earlier has disappeared, that usually means the person’s custody status changed. You can use the Recent Arrests area in the same system to check whether someone was booked within the last several days.

Recent Arrests: See Who Was Booked in the Last 96 Hours

The Sheriff’s Office also provides a Recent Arrests view within the official inmate and warrant search system. This section is designed to show arrests within the last 96 hours, which is especially helpful if you believe someone was booked very recently but they don’t yet appear in wider statewide systems.

Expect to see Book Num, Name, Gender, Race, Age, Date of Birth, and Booking Date/Time.

If an entry moves from “Recent Arrests” to “Current Inmates,” that means the person remains in custody after the initial booking.

If you no longer see a name under either view, the person may have been released, transferred, or otherwise updated in the system.

You can reach Recent Arrests from the main inmate and warrant portal referenced above. If you’re already on the Current Inmates page, use the in-site navigation to switch views.

Understand Each Record: Booking Numbers, Charges, and Bond

Booking number (why it matters)

The booking number is the fastest way to locate a specific record in Montgomery County’s system. Because names can be common or spelled differently across documents, the booking number keeps your search precise. If you plan to send mail or check on a case with jail staff, the booking number helps ensure you’re referencing the correct person.

Charges and legal descriptions

Individual records may list specific charges using Alabama’s statutory language (for example, “Promote Prison Contraband,” “Capital Murder,” or “Murder (Intentionally Cause Death)”). Charge wording on the jail roster is meant to mirror official criminal code descriptions or the arresting agency’s offense language. Keep in mind:

The jail roster is an administrative record of custody, not a court verdict.

Charges can be added, removed, or amended as a case moves forward.

For authoritative case status beyond custody, always consult the appropriate court records.

Bond information and release

Where available, a record may display a bond amount. That figure reflects the amount ordered to secure release from custody (subject to court and statutory conditions). If “no bond” appears, a person may be held pending court review or under a charge that does not allow bond at that stage. Release information updates as soon as processing is complete; until then, someone who has posted bond might still show in the roster briefly.

Navigate the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Official Website for Jail Information

Beyond the inmate roster, the Sheriff’s Office website includes dedicated pages about the jail and public-facing procedures. If you need official facility context, the structure and responsibilities of the detention division, or public safety programs, use the county’s site directly.

To get an overview of the Sheriff’s Office and public programs, visit the Sheriff’s Office site at the county domain: Sheriff’s Office site.

For detention-specific information—capacity, day-to-day operations, and core details about the jail—use the MAC Sim Butler Detention Facility division page: MAC Sim Butler Detention Facility.

For detailed rules covering mail, identification requirements, permitted items, and visitation rules, the Sheriff’s Office publishes Inmate Contact Information with the official mailing format and scheduling standards: Inmate Contact Information.

For department phone lines that relate to inmate records, warrants, and permits, the Sheriff lists official numbers on the Sheriff’s Office Contacts page: Sheriff’s Office Contacts.

Step-by-Step: Run a Montgomery County Alabama Inmate Search Like a Pro

Step 1 — Open the official roster

Go to the Current Inmates page on the county’s inmate and warrant system. This is the authoritative list for the Mac Sim Butler Detention Facility. Bookmark the page for quick return access: Current Inmates.

Step 2 — Scan or filter by name

Browse the list and use any in-page controls to move between pages. If a search box is provided, enter the person’s last name first for best results. Keep an eye out for alternate spellings (Mc/Mac; hyphenated last names), nicknames vs. legal names, and punctuation that might differ across records.

Step 3 — Match Date of Birth and booking date

Because names can repeat across the county, pay close attention to the Date of Birth and Booking Date/Time. Matching by DOB ensures accuracy; matching by booking date helps contextualize how recent a custody change is.

Step 4 — Open the “View” record

Select View to open the person’s profile. This is where you’ll typically see charge information, physical descriptors, and, when available, bond details or next steps affecting custody. If bond appears but the person still shows as in custody, it may mean release processing is pending or that other holds apply.

Step 5 — Check “Recent Arrests” if you don’t see the name

If the Current Inmates list doesn’t show the person you’re seeking, switch to Recent Arrests in the same system. The last 96-hour window is frequently where new bookings appear first. If you see an entry there but not in Current Inmates, the person may have been processed and released quickly or moved to a different status (for example, transferred).

Step 6 — Note the booking number for any follow-up

Record the booking number. If you later contact the detention facility or need to reference the record for mail, visitation, or professional services, this number helps staff locate the correct file immediately.

What the Jail Roster Does and Doesn’t Do

It shows custody status—not case outcomes

The jail roster confirms that the Sheriff’s Office has a person in custody and lists the jail’s understanding of current charges. It does not determine guilt, and it does not show every court action or scheduled hearing. For docket details and case filings, you must consult the court.

It refreshes often, but processing takes time

Arrests happen day and night. Records staff publish updates as quickly as possible, but processing time can create short windows where a person’s status hasn’t yet appeared or been removed. If a legal deadline or appearance is approaching, confirm with the relevant court or agency.

It’s specific to Montgomery County custody

If you’re searching for someone who might be in a different county jail, the Montgomery County roster won’t include them. If the person was transferred, they may drop off the Montgomery County list and appear in the receiving agency’s list.

Read the Fine Print: Names, Aliases, and Data Quality

Spellings can vary between arrest paperwork, court documents, and driver’s licenses. A hyphenated last name might be recorded with or without the hyphen; “Mc” and “Mac” prefixes are a frequent source of variation. Always compare:

Full name vs. known aliases
Date of birth
Physical characteristics (height, weight, hair color)
Booking number

If multiple entries look similar, rely on the booking number and DOB to avoid confusion. For minors charged as adults, the roster will reflect the legal charging context at booking.

Visitation Basics for Montgomery County Jail

Video visitation is the norm for the Mac Sim Butler Detention Facility. The Sheriff’s Office outlines both on-site and remote off-site video visitation windows and underscores that all visits must be scheduled and approved. Registration and scheduling occur through the official video visitation portal referenced by the Sheriff’s Office. To schedule, follow the instructions provided by the Sheriff’s Office through the authorized platform: Video visitation scheduling portal.

On-site video visitation typically occurs on weekends within posted hours. Remote off-site visitation is available daily, with extended hours, and is fee-based. All visitors must comply with dress code requirements and behavioral rules; violations can lead to termination of the visit and suspension of visitation privileges. Each approved visitor over age 16 is typically allotted one 30-minute session per week, subject to facility rules and availability.

Tip: Always have the booking number ready when creating or managing a visitation request—the number ensures you’re scheduling for the correct person.

Mailing Rules: Format It Exactly Right

The Sheriff’s Office sets strict formatting for incoming mail. All non-privileged mail must include a complete return address (full name, street, city, state, ZIP), and mail must be addressed to the inmate using the full legal name and booking number. Mail without a return address is destroyed, and the facility does not pay “postage due.”

Books and magazines: Hard-copy books and magazines are generally not allowed unless they come directly from the publisher and only after the inmate has obtained administrative approval. Even then, there’s a limit on the number of publications within a defined period. Mail that asks for exceptions through the envelope will be rejected.

Important: If mail arrives after a person has been released, it is typically stamped “Return to Sender, No longer here.” Use the booking number on the envelope to avoid misrouting.

Professional Access: Legal Visits and Clergy

The facility supports professional visitation during posted hours for attorneys and clergy. Legal visits are scheduled within designated daily windows; clergy access is limited to specified weekdays and times. Professional visitors must present appropriate identification and comply with facility security protocols. If you’re a licensed professional, bring your credentials and any case documentation that references the booking number to streamline entry.

Warrants and Records: Where to Direct Your Questions

Questions about warrants and document status are handled by designated sections of the Sheriff’s Office. When calling, provide the full legal name and, if available, the booking number. For records, fingerprints, and identification, the Sheriff’s Office maintains separate lines. Keep calls concise and have dates of birth and any relevant incident numbers ready. For the latest department extensions, the county posts numbers on the official Sheriff’s Office Contacts page: Sheriff’s Office Contacts.

When Your Search Doesn’t Show a Match

Even with correct details, you may not find a person on the first pass. Here’s what to check:

Time window: If the arrest occurred minutes or hours ago, the record may not be published yet. Check Recent Arrests and revisit the roster later.

Spelling variations: Try partial last names or remove punctuation.

DOB confirmation: A one-digit error in the birth year or day can hide an otherwise obvious match.

Transfers and releases: If the person was moved or released, they won’t appear in the current roster.

Multiple jurisdictions: Verify the arresting agency. If it wasn’t in Montgomery County, use the appropriate county’s official roster.

Bonding and Release: Practical Pointers

Bond types vary. You may encounter cash bonds, property bonds, or other forms permitted by Alabama law. The jail follows court-ordered bond terms.

Processing takes time. After bond is posted, release is not instantaneous—background checks, paperwork, and property return procedures must complete.

More than one hold? If a person has multiple holds, posting bond on one charge may not lead to immediate release if another jurisdiction has a detainer.

Always rely on the booking number when confirming bond status with the facility.

Court Dates and Case Tracking

The jail roster alone won’t show the complete court calendar. After an arrest and booking, the court sets the schedule for appearances. If a case is reassigned or charges are updated, the jail entry might not mirror those changes immediately. For court-level accuracy, consult the court’s official records and notices. If you’re arranging transportation for a court appearance or need to confirm a release aligned with a court order, coordinate directly with the relevant office and have the booking number and case identifiers ready.

Safety, Privacy, and Respectful Use of Jail Information

Presumption of innocence: Arrest and booking do not equal guilt.

Responsible sharing: Avoid reposting screenshots or personal information out of context; data can change quickly, and sharing outdated entries can misinform others.

Use official sources: To minimize errors, rely on the Sheriff’s website and the official inmate portal rather than informal lists.

Glossary for Montgomery County Inmate Search

Booking: The administrative process at intake—identity verification, fingerprints, photographs, and charge recording.

Booking Number: A unique identifier for each booking event. One person can have more than one booking number over time if booked on separate occasions.

Bond: A court-set condition that can allow release from custody pending further proceedings.

Charge: The alleged offense under Alabama law or local ordinance.

Detainer/Hold: A request from another jurisdiction to keep a person in custody pending transfer.

Roster: The live list of individuals currently housed at the Mac Sim Butler Detention Facility.

Frequently Asked Questions (Focused on Montgomery County)

Is the online roster the same as a statewide inmate search?

No. The Current Inmates page reflects custody at the Mac Sim Butler Detention Facility only. If someone is held elsewhere in Alabama, they will appear in that jurisdiction’s roster, not Montgomery County’s.

How current is the “Recent Arrests” section?

It’s designed to display bookings within the last 96 hours. Because processing and verification are involved, entries can appear or adjust as staff complete intake procedures.

Why does a name disappear from the list?

The person may have been released, transferred, or otherwise had their custody status changed. Check Recent Arrests for a short period after to confirm the booking record.

Can I visit in person at the jail?

The facility uses video visitation (on-site terminals and remote off-site sessions). All visits must be scheduled through the authorized system linked by the Sheriff’s Office, and all visitors must follow dress and conduct rules.

What if I need to mail books?

Mail rules are strict. In general, hard-copy books must be shipped directly from the publisher, and only after administrative approval is granted to the inmate. Anything that doesn’t follow the published procedure will be rejected.

Troubleshooting Your Search: Field-Tested Tips

Start broad, then narrow. Try last name only, then add first name and DOB to refine.

Use the booking number everywhere. It’s the most reliable anchor for mail, visitation, and phone inquiries.

Refresh the page. The roster updates regularly; a quick refresh can surface new entries.

Check both views. Use Current Inmates for active custody and Recent Arrests for the last few days.

Mind the clock. Late-night arrests may not appear until processing is complete.

Don’t assume release equals case closure. Custody status changes don’t necessarily reflect final case outcomes.

Montgomery County Jail: Capacity and Operations Snapshot

The Mac Sim Butler Detention Facility is operated by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and is designed to hold approximately 1,200 inmates per day. Operations include intake and classification, housing, medical oversight, property management, transportation for court, and coordination with outside agencies for detainers and transfers. Public-facing functions, like video visitation and mail screening, run alongside security and administrative protocols that keep the facility compliant with law and policy.

Mail Formatting Example (Use the Booking Number)

When addressing inmate mail, the Sheriff’s Office requires the full legal name with the booking number clearly printed. Use the booking number exactly as shown on the roster to avoid delays or returns. Include your full return address on the envelope. The facility will return improperly labeled mail and destroy mail with no return address.

Professional and Family Contact: Plan Ahead

Whether you’re a family member, an attorney, or clergy, plan your contact in advance:

Family: Schedule video visitation in advance and follow dress/behavior rules. Verify the inmate’s booking number before you schedule.

Attorneys: Bring credentials and reference the booking number at check-in.

Clergy: Visit during posted professional hours and coordinate identification requirements.

Mail: Follow formatting rules strictly; keep in mind that items like magazines and books are restricted unless the publisher ships them directly and the inmate has prior approval.

Departments and Official Contact Lines (Montgomery County, Alabama)

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office — 115 South Perry St, Montgomery, AL 36104 — (334) 832-4980

Detention Facility (Jail) — 115 South Perry St, Montgomery, AL 36104 — (334) 832-4985

Fingerprints / Records / ID — 115 South Perry St, Montgomery, AL 36104 — (334) 832-1387; (334) 832-4206

Pistol Permits — 115 South Perry St, Montgomery, AL 36104 — (334) 832-1335; (334) 832-1337

Warrants — 115 South Perry St, Montgomery, AL 36104 — (334) 832-2516

Mac Sim Butler Detention Facility (Mailing Address for Inmate Mail) — MCDF P.O. BOX 4599, Montgomery, AL 36103 — (Use inmate’s full name and booking number)

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