Pickens County Inmate Search

This guide walks you through the Pickens County, Alabama inmate search from start to finish. You’ll learn how to view the official jail roster, check recent releases, understand visitation and phone rules at the detention facility, and know exactly who to contact for help. Everything below is based on official information from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and is written for families, friends, and community members who need practical, step-by-step help.

Use the Pickens County Alabama Inmate Search the Right Way

When you’re trying to confirm whether someone is in custody, your first stop should be the county’s official roster. The Sheriff’s Office maintains an online list of people currently held at the Pickens County Detention Facility. This jail roster is the most direct, county-run resource you can use.

Jump straight to the official roster

Start your lookup on the county’s current inmates roster. The page presents entries maintained by the Sheriff’s Office and organized for public viewing to assist families and the community. To proceed, visit the current inmates page using this official link to the roster.
Access the current inmates roster on the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office website: current inmates roster.

Expand your search to recent releases

If you didn’t find the person you’re looking for in the current list, they may have been released. The Sheriff’s Office provides a dedicated 48-hour release list so you can quickly scan who left the facility in the past two days. Use it to rule out timing issues and confirm a status change promptly.
Check the official 48-hour release list here: 48-hour releases.

Know the two paths the roster page offers

The Sheriff’s Office also provides a helpful overview page that points you to “Current Inmates” or the “48 Hour Release” list. If you’re just orienting yourself or need an explanation of what each option does, this is a good place to start.
See the county’s inmate roster overview: Inmates overview page.

Read the Roster Like a Pro: Practical Tips for Families

The roster is built for quick scanning, but a few habits can save time and confusion:

Check frequently. The Sheriff’s Office notes that roster information is provided for public convenience and may change quickly due to bookings, releases, or court activity. Refresh the page and revisit later if something seems off.

Cross-reference names carefully. Many people share similar names. If entries list booking dates or other descriptors, use these to tell similar names apart.

Use recent releases to rule out timing. If your search misses someone you believe was taken into custody, the 48-hour release list can clarify whether they were released shortly after booking.

If you’re still unsure or you need to verify a detail, contact the Sheriff’s Office directly for clarification using the official contact channel: contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Understand the Jail: Location, Hours, and How Operations Work

Knowing a few basics about the Detention Facility helps you plan outreach and visits correctly and avoid showing up at the wrong time or with prohibited items.

Where the jail is and how it’s administered

The Pickens County Detention Facility operates under the Sheriff’s Office in Carrollton, Alabama. Administrative office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the main line is staffed 24 hours. For general jail information, policies, or administrative questions, start with the county’s official jail page.
Review essential facility details here: Jail information.

What to expect during booking and the initial call

Once someone completes the booking process, facility policy provides an opportunity to make a collect telephone call to secure counsel, arrange bond, or notify family—provided safety and security aren’t affected. This first call can be brief and may come from a number you don’t recognize. If you’re a family member, be ready to accept a collect call or set up the appropriate phone service (details below).

Plan a Visit Without Guesswork: Visitation Scheduling, Lists, and Rules

Visitation at the Pickens County Detention Facility follows a structured process to limit wait times and keep the schedule moving.

Book your slot—appointments are required

All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not have an appointment, you won’t be allowed to visit. Only individuals on the inmate’s approved visitation list are eligible to schedule.
Read the full rules, schedule, and how to set your appointment on the official Visitation Information page: Visitation information.

Understand the visitation list

Every inmate maintains a list that includes three family members and one minister. Only two family members may visit per session. If your name isn’t on the list, you cannot add yourself—only the inmate can make that change. Attorneys may visit without an appointment, subject to the same time regulations.

Confirm days, times, and frequency limits

Visitation runs Monday–Friday (except holidays and court days) during morning and afternoon blocks. Each inmate is allowed two visits per month, each up to 30 minutes. For visitors traveling more than 300 miles, a one-hour non-contact visit may be approved. Attorneys can request to go into the jail side of visitation when needed.

Come prepared with ID and follow attire rules

All visitors 18 and older must bring a valid state or federal photo ID with a current address and will be asked to sign a visitor log. Background checks are performed on all visitors, and the facility may request a Social Security Number prior to visiting. Dress conservatively: no revealing, see-through, or short garments, and no clothing with obscene or gang-related messaging. Undergarments must be worn.

Leave personal items behind

No personal items are permitted in the visitation area—including purses, bags, phones, recording devices, keys, writing instruments, food, drinks, or tobacco. Items should be secured in your vehicle; keys may be left with the front office secretaries. Visitors’ property is subject to search and seizure. Physical contact is not permitted during visits, and visitors must leave when the session ends or when directed by staff.

Call Policies That Actually Work: Phone Access, Time Limits, and Accounts

Contact by phone is a central part of staying connected, and the facility’s policies aim to balance security and access.

When calls can be made and for how long

After booking, inmates have three days to provide the phone numbers they intend to call. Those numbers can be changed every three months. Calls are limited to 15 minutes to ensure fair access and can be placed from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Calls are recorded, and the facility restricts non-typical collect calls, 3-way calls, and unwanted calls.

How charges work and what to expect if you receive a call

Family and friends must be willing to accept collect charges or use the facility’s designated prepaid phone options. If you receive a call, you’ll hear prompts allowing you to accept, hang up, block that inmate, or block all inmate calls from the facility. Rates for collect calls are set by state authorities, and the facility does not control those rates.

Phone account options and prepaid services

The Detention Facility utilizes a contracted outside telephone service provider for prepaid accounts. Families may set up an account directly with the provider referenced by the Sheriff’s Office, or inmates can fund an Inmate Debit account via commissary transfers. The facility also offers phone cards from a lobby machine in set dollar amounts; the machine does not give change. For the most current phone procedures and policy language from the Sheriff’s Office, consult the county’s Telephone Service page: Telephone Service.

Keep in the Loop: Alerts, Crime Tips, Press Releases, and Sheriff Updates

Staying informed can help you plan visits, track public safety updates, and reach the right office when you need help.

Sign up for official alerts. The Sheriff’s Office provides a notification system for important updates. Enroll through the county’s page: Sign up for alerts.

Submit tips securely. If you have information that could assist an investigation or enhance public safety, use the official tip channel: Submit a crime tip.

Read public updates. For community news directly from the Sheriff’s Office, check the county’s feed: Press releases.

Learn the Sheriff’s priorities. For leadership updates and office direction, read the Sheriff’s message: Message from the Sheriff.

Understand What the Roster Is—and Isn’t

The Sheriff’s Office publishes a clear disclaimer: roster information is collected and maintained for the convenience of the public, and while efforts are made to keep it accurate and up-to-date, the county cannot certify absolute accuracy or authenticity at every moment. That means you should avoid making critical decisions based solely on a roster snapshot.

If timing is sensitive, call the Sheriff’s Office for confirmation.

If legal matters are involved, rely on court records and official communications.

If you spot errors, contact the office via the official channel: Contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Use Auxiliary Official Pages When Your Search Touches Related Issues

When an inmate search intersects with other public safety lookups—such as seeing who’s on a county “most wanted” list or checking registered sex offenders within the county—the Sheriff’s Office maintains separate official pages.

Browse the county’s official Most Wanted page published by the Sheriff’s Office: Most Wanted.

View the county’s official Sex Offenders page: Sex Offenders.

These pages are run by the same office that maintains the inmate roster, which keeps your research within official county information.

Prepare for Your Visit Step-by-Step (So You Don’t Get Turned Away)

Visitation rules are detailed for a reason—showing up unprepared often leads to denied entry. Here’s how to get it right the first time:

Confirm the inmate’s status

Use the current inmates roster first. If the name isn’t listed, verify against the 48-hour releases list. If you’re still uncertain, call the jail line for confirmation.

Make sure you’re on the inmate’s visitation list

Only those the inmate has listed may schedule a visit. If you’re not on the list, the inmate must add you. The facility cannot add you, and you cannot add yourself.

Book your appointment 24 hours ahead

No appointment, no visit. Appointments are required; plan early to get a time within the Monday–Friday visitation blocks. See the rules and schedule on the county’s Visitation Information page: Visitation information.

Bring ID and leave personal items in your car

Arrive with a valid government photo ID and adhere to the attire policy. Don’t bring phones, bags, or other items into the visitation area. Be prepared for property search and compliance requests from staff.

Respect conduct rules

Visits are non-contact. Unruly behavior, intoxication, or policy violations can end a visit and lead to further action.

Navigate Phone Contact Without Confusion

Phone communication can be smooth if you handle setup and expectations ahead of time.

Add your number and expect recorded calls

The inmate must list phone numbers within three days of booking; these lists are locked for three months before they can be changed. Calls are recorded for security, and time limits ensure fair use among inmates.

Choose the right payment option

Decide whether to accept collect calls or fund a prepaid option via the provider described on the Sheriff’s Office Telephone Service page. If you don’t want to receive inmate calls, use call prompts to block them.

Keep sessions short and plan for call windows

Calls can be placed between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and are capped at 15 minutes. If you miss a call, the inmate may try again later—be mindful of these hours so you can pick up.

For complete, official phone rules and setup guidance from the county, see: Telephone Service.

When You Need Help Fast: Non-Emergency and 911

The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that 911 is for emergencies only. For non-emergency matters—such as general roster questions, visitation policy clarifications, or non-urgent concerns—use the main Sheriff’s Office number. If you’re unsure whether something is an emergency, err on the side of caution and dial 911.

Keep Your Search Organized With Official Tools

The Sheriff’s Office hosts several pages that make it easier to navigate services and updates:

App download: If the office’s mobile app is mentioned by staff or on the site, this page points you to official sources for the application: Download our app.

Site structure: To find related pages faster, use the county’s structured index: Site map.

Reach the Sheriff’s Office Directly for Clarification

If you run into conflicting information or can’t find the person you’re searching for, go to the source. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a contact page with official channels for getting questions answered, submitting forms, or requesting follow-up: Contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Related Services You Might Need After an Inmate Search

If your search confirms a loved one is in custody, your next step is usually planning a visit or setting up phone contact. Here’s how to approach those tasks:

If you plan to visit

Verify status on the current inmates page.
Ensure you’re on the list; the inmate controls their visitation list.
Book your appointment (minimum 24 hours ahead).
Prepare your documents and attire; bring ID, follow dress code.
Arrive early to allow time for check-in and any required verification.

If you plan to call

Decide on a payment method (collect vs. prepaid provider).

Share the best phone number with the inmate through mail or during a visit so they can add it within the three-day window after booking.

Expect recorded, 15-minute calls between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Use call prompts to accept or block calls as needed.

Common Situations and How to Handle Them

“I missed the call—how do I get another one?”

Inmates control their call attempts. Make sure your number is approved, your phone can receive collect or prepaid calls, and keep your ringer on during call windows. If technical issues persist, review the county’s Telephone Service guidance and adjust your setup.

“I’m not on the visitation list—how can I visit?”

You cannot add yourself. Contact the inmate by mail or during a phone call and ask them to list you. Once they do, you may schedule a visit.

“I came from out of state—can I get a longer visit?”

If you travel more than 300 miles, you may request a one-hour, non-contact visit. The facility determines eligibility.

“What if the roster looks wrong?”

The roster is maintained for convenience and can change quickly. If you have concerns, call the Sheriff’s Office directly using the main line and ask to confirm the person’s status.

A Few Best Practices to Keep Your Search Smooth

Double-check spelling of names on the roster.
Use both the current roster and 48-hour release list to cover timing.
Stick to official Sheriff’s Office pages to avoid outdated or incorrect data.
Respect facility rules; these are designed to keep staff, inmates, and visitors safe.
Plan ahead—book visits 24 hours in advance and review attire and item restrictions.

Departments and Offices (with Addresses and Phones)

Pickens County Sheriff’s Office — 188 Cemetery Street, Carrollton, AL 35447 — (205) 367-2000

Pickens County Detention Facility — P.O. Box 226, Carrollton, AL 35447; Physical Address: 188 Cemetery Street, Carrollton, AL 35447 — (205) 367-2000

Detention Facility Visitation Office — 188 Cemetery Street, Carrollton, AL 35447 — (205) 367-2006

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