St. Clair County Inmate Search

Finding reliable, up-to-date custody information in St. Clair County can feel urgent and confusing at the same time. This article walks you through how the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office publishes its inmate roster, what each part of a booking record means, how to filter and read the roster effectively, and what to know about bonds, mail, inmate accounts, and official points of contact. We focus tightly on the county’s official processes and the Sheriff’s Office website so you can move quickly, avoid guesswork, and understand the rules that apply in Pell City and Ashville.

Use the Official Roster First: Where the St Clair County Alabama Inmate Search Lives

When you need to look someone up, your starting point is the Sheriff’s Office inmate roster. The county maintains an online list of people currently in custody and a tab for those who’ve been released. To check custody status, open the St. Clair County inmate roster published by the Sheriff’s Office at the county level. You can reach it by visiting the inmate roster page from the Sheriff’s site; it’s the authoritative source for booking status, charges, and bond amounts as they are recorded by the jail.

For immediate searches, go straight to the inmate roster and then use the on-page Search By Name field or the sorting controls. You can access the official inmate roster through the Sheriff’s Office at “Inmate Roster” (use the on-page filter controls when it loads): inmate roster.

Get Oriented Fast: What You’ll See on the Roster and How to Navigate It

Scan booking cards and paging controls

The roster loads as a series of booking cards (one for each person). Each card typically displays:

Name (last name, first name)

Booking number

Age

Booking date and time

Charges (often multiple)

Bond (amount or “$0.00” if none set)

A “View Profile >>>” link that opens the full booking detail for that individual

At the top of the roster you’ll find tools that keep the list manageable:

Sort by Name or Date (booking time), either newest-to-oldest or oldest-to-newest.
Toggle between Current and Released categories.
Use page numbers (1, 2, 3, …) and Next/Last to move through the full set.

Understand “Current,” “Released,” and “Archived”

Current shows people presently in custody at the St. Clair County Jail (Pell City).

Released lists people who were recently in custody and have since been released.

You may also see a link to older archived inmates; this is for historical lookups and isn’t part of day-to-day current status checks.

Use name search effectively

The search box supports partial strings; try last name only first, then refine with a first name or an initial if the list is long.

Watch spelling variations and hyphenated names. If you’re not finding a person, try a shorter fragment of the last name to catch alternate spellings.

Read a Booking Entry Like a Pro: Decoding Fields and Common Terms

Booking number vs. case number

Booking number is assigned by the jail when someone is taken into custody; it helps the detention center track housing and status.

Case numbers are court-assigned and do not appear on every roster entry; if you need case-specific paperwork, you’ll coordinate later through the courts or via public records channels.

Charge descriptions and stacking

Charges are listed line-by-line. Multiple counts or related offenses will display separately (for example, separate entries for possession charges and paraphernalia).

Some entries will say FTA (Failure to Appear), Probation Revocation, or Hold (for another county or agency). A hold means St. Clair County is detaining the person for another jurisdiction’s request.

Bond amounts and “$0.00”

A dollar amount indicates the bond set at that moment. “$0.00” doesn’t automatically mean “no bond ever”; it can also mean the court hasn’t set a bond yet, a hold exists, or the person must see a judge.

The roster includes a standing notice that charges and bail amounts may change after court appearances. Treat the roster as a snapshot.

“View Profile >>>” and why it matters

Clicking View Profile >>> opens a detailed page that can include gender, race, arresting agency, booking date/time, charge list (sometimes repeating for multiple counts), and a full bond breakdown. This is the best place to verify the most complete information the jail has posted for that person.

Step-By-Step: How to Perform a St Clair County Alabama Inmate Search Quickly

Open the official roster: use the inmate roster page hosted by the Sheriff’s Office: inmate roster.

Pick your view: confirm the Current tab for people in custody now. If you’re confirming a release, switch to Released.

Search by name: enter the last name; if there are many results, add a first name or initial.

Sort if needed: use Name (A→Z) or Date to bring the most recent bookings to the top.

Open the profile: click View Profile >>> to confirm identity and read the full charge list and bond.

Record the booking number: if you plan to call or visit, noting the booking number will help staff assist you faster.

“Current” vs. “Released”: How to Confirm Real-Time Status

Current means the person is in custody at the moment the page loaded.

Released indicates prior custody that ended; release times typically display in descending order (most recent first).

If you’ve been told someone was arrested hours ago and they’re missing from Current, try Released in case they bonded out. Also refresh and try again—bookings and releases are time-sensitive.

Bonding Basics in St. Clair County: Property, Surety, and Cash

The Sheriff’s Office publishes a Property Bond Policy with rules on where to make bonds, who can sign, and the type of property accepted. While the roster shows bond amounts, understanding the type of bond is crucial:

Property bonds (local property)

Property bonds must be made at the Sheriff’s Office (Pell City or Ashville).

Only St. Clair County property qualifies for on-site approval by the Sheriff. Property in another Alabama county must be approved by that county’s Sheriff first; large bonds over $50,000 then require additional approval by a Captain or above.

Owners/signers listed on the deed/tax record must be present with identification. The defendant cannot use their own property for their bond.

Surety bonds

An arrested person may use a licensed bonding company to post a surety bond. The company charges non-refundable fees for the service. Jail and Sheriff’s Office personnel cannot recommend any specific bonding company.

Cash bonds

A cash bond is posted in full and is held by the court pending the case’s outcome. This isn’t a payment of fines; it’s security for appearance.

Why the roster bond amount can shift

Bond amounts can change after the first appearance or later court hearings. That’s why the Sheriff’s site caution notes that “charges and bail amounts may change after court appearances.”

The Jail Facility: Where People Are Housed and What the Mission Says

St. Clair County operates one jail facility in Pell City. The stated mission is to provide safe, secure confinement and to ensure all inmates are treated according to United States and Alabama law. The lobby is open to the public 24/7 (with any special arrangements requiring approval by Sheriff Billy J. Murray and the Jail Administrator).

To learn more about the jail’s role within the Sheriff’s Office and its operating standards, the county publishes a Corrections section with facility information and procedures. For a deeper overview of the detention unit and its policies, refer to the Sheriff’s Office Corrections page: corrections overview.

Mail, Money, and Calls: What Families Should Know Before You Act

Important: Do not bring cash or money orders to the jail for commissary deposits; the Sheriff’s Office specifies accepted deposit methods and timelines. Because the roster is the central focus for search, the key here is understanding the basics that affect custody and communication.

Mail

Inmate mail is delivered to the jail’s Pell City address. Incoming mail is subject to search, except legal mail.

Accepted items are limited to legal mail, standard postcards (3" × 5"), and photos (with the envelope clearly marked “photos”).

Always include the inmate’s name and booking number to ensure delivery.

Commissary and funds

The Sheriff’s Office outlines that commissary ordering occurs weekly, and inmates receive orders on Fridays (subject to change for holidays). Funds are deposited through the methods the jail authorizes; deposits may be applied first to any inmate debts or negative balances.

Upon release, any remaining funds are returned to the inmate (commonly via debit card or check).

Phone system and video visitation

Inmate calls are provided through the jail’s contracted phone system vendor. Families can set up accounts and schedule video visitation through the methods the Sheriff’s Office publishes.

Calls and visits have rules on timing, identification, and account setup. Check the facility’s posted instructions to avoid interruptions or cancellations.

Practical Tips to Avoid Search Mistakes (and Save Time)

Confirm spelling and nicknames

If you don’t find a person, check for common variations (Smith/Jones with middle initials or hyphenations). Try just the last name; broaden first-name spelling (Jon/John/Jonathan).

Compare by age and booking date

When multiple entries share similar names, verify age and booking date against what you know (recent arrest vs. older release).

Use the detail page as the tiebreaker

Click View Profile >>> whenever the card doesn’t give enough context. Arresting agency, multiple counts, and bond structure are often clearer inside the profile.

When you suspect a release

If you saw someone in Current earlier and they’re gone, check Released, then refresh again. Bookings can change quickly after bond posting or court appearances.

What “FTA,” “Hold,” and Other Abbreviations Mean for Your Search

FTA (Failure to Appear): The person missed a scheduled court date, and a warrant or pickup order followed. FTAs often carry separate bond amounts.

Hold for [Agency]: The inmate is being held for another county or law enforcement agency; release may require that agency’s clearance, even if local charges are resolved.

Possession vs. Paraphernalia: Expect separate lines for controlled-substance charges and paraphernalia. Bond totals can be the sum of multiple lines.

Domestic Violence (Harassment) and similar descriptors tell you the general category; the exact level (e.g., 3rd degree) might appear in court paperwork rather than the roster card.

Public Records: When You Need Documents Beyond the Roster

The roster gives you custody status and charge/bond snapshots. If you need copies—for example, incident reports or records that are releasable under law—use the Sheriff’s Office public request channel. The county provides an online pathway for residents to ask for records that are available for release. Start your request on the Sheriff’s Office website under Public Records Request: public records request.

Keep in mind:

Not all records are public, and certain case materials are restricted by law.
Timeframes and fees (if any) depend on the type of record and the scope of the request.

When You Need People, Not Pages: How to Reach the Right Unit

Most search questions resolve with the roster. But when you need human help—clarifying a bond total, confirming a booking number before visiting, or asking about approved property bond documents—the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office lists official points of contact and operating hours on its site. For general questions or to reach the administration during business hours, use the Sheriff’s published Contact Us page to find the appropriate office and form of communication: contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Use the roster details (full name, booking number, booking date) when you call. That information helps staff find the correct file quickly and reduces back-and-forth.

Visiting the Jail: Expect Identification, Security, and Rules

Even though this article centers on search, many readers are heading to the facility next. A few critical points:

Bring valid ID. Everyone entering the lobby is subject to identification checks and security screening.

Follow dress and property rules. The jail enforces restrictions on personal items and apparel in the lobby area.

Arrive early. If you’re posting a property bond or coordinating special paperwork, give yourself time for review and approval.

Special arrangements require approval by Sheriff Billy J. Murray and the Jail Administrator. Plan ahead and contact the jail before you drive if you need an exception.

Property Bonds in Detail: What Signers and Owners Must Prepare

Before you go to Pell City or Ashville to post a property bond, make sure you meet the owner and documentation requirements:

Ownership must match the county deed/tax record; the listed owner(s) must sign in person with valid ID.

The defendant cannot use their own property.

Felony charges require two property owners as signers (they may be co-owners of one parcel).

Property must be located in St. Clair County for on-site approval by the Sheriff; out-of-county Alabama property must first be approved by that county’s Sheriff, and bonds over $50,000 also need approval by a Captain or above in St. Clair County.

Out-of-state property isn’t accepted.

If you’re a signer who needs to come off a bond later, obtain a bondsman process from the circuit clerk’s office, surrender the defendant at the jail, and return paperwork to the clerk.

Money and Accounts: What Happens to Funds on Release

If an inmate has a negative balance, new deposits may be applied to those debts first. After release, the remaining balance is returned via debit card or check. If you’re unsure how a deposit was applied, speak with the jail’s administrative contact listed by the Sheriff’s Office and have the booking number ready.

Safe Expectations: Why the Roster Is a Snapshot, Not a Court Docket

Because bond amounts and even charges can change after a first appearance or later hearings, the inmate roster should be treated as a live snapshot of the jail’s current information. Courts operate on their own schedules, with updates that may post after proceedings conclude. If you need the most recent court-validated details for filings or hearings, use the Public Records Request channel for releasable reports and verify next steps with counsel.

Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them

“The name is there, but the bond line says $0.00.”

This could mean no bond is set yet, a hold exists from another agency, or a judge must review the case. Check the profile page for clues like “Hold for [Agency]” or multiple charges. If timing is critical (e.g., arranging a property bond once a judge sets an amount), check the roster periodically and be ready with documentation.

“I can’t find the person, but I know they were arrested today.”

Start with Current, then confirm spelling. Sort by Date to bring the newest bookings to the top. If nothing appears, try again later; processing variations (transport, medical clearance, intake steps) can delay the public posting.

“I saw the person earlier on Current, and now they’re gone.”

Switch to Released and sort by Date. People can bond out fast—occasionally the same day. If you still don’t see the entry, refresh again; paging through several screens helps if there were many releases.

“The profile shows several charge lines—are these separate cases?”

Not necessarily. It often reflects multiple charges arising from a single arrest. The court decides how they’re grouped in case management; the roster simply lists them for custody and bond purposes.

Sheriff’s Office Website Sections That Matter for Searches and Next Steps

For the live Inmate Roster, use the official county page: inmate roster.

For the jail’s role, rules, mission, and operations, read the Corrections overview: corrections overview.

For getting in touch with the correct office or submitting a message, use Contact Us: contact the Sheriff’s Office.

For requesting releasable documents connected to a booking or incident, submit via Public Records Request: public records request.

To see how the Sheriff’s Office organizes units and resources, check Departments & Resources for context: departments and resources.

These are all official Sheriff’s Office pages designed to help residents navigate custody information without relying on third-party sites.

Keep Your Notes Straight: What to Write Down from the Roster

When you find the person you’re searching for, capture:

Full Name (as displayed)
Booking Number
Booking Date/Time
Bond Amount(s) (and whether multiple charges show separate bonds)
Any Hold notices or probation entries

Having these ready speeds up any phone conversation with the detention center or administrative staff.

How the Jail’s 24/7 Lobby Affects Your Timeline

Because the lobby is open 24/7, immediate needs like confirming a recent intake or asking about identification requirements can be addressed in person. For process-heavy tasks such as property bonds with out-of-county property approvals, it’s smart to call during weekday business hours so you can coordinate with the right personnel (and avoid repeat visits).

Key Takeaways for Fast, Accurate Inmate Searches

Start at the official roster and use Current/Released toggles and Date sorting to orient yourself.

Click View Profile >>> to resolve identity questions and read all charges and bond lines.

Treat the roster as a snapshot; bond and charge details may change after court events.

Use the Sheriff’s Office Contact page for office-specific questions and the Public Records page for records requests.

Keep booking numbers handy; they’re the fastest shortcut when speaking with jail staff.

St Clair County Alabama Inmate Search — Relevant Departments and Official Contact Details

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office — Pell City Administrative Office
1610 Cogswell Avenue, Suite 206, Pell City, AL 35125
Phone: 205-884-6840
Fax: 205-884-6846

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office — Ashville Administrative Office
48 6th Street, Suite 300, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: 205-594-2140
Fax: 205-594-2146

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office — Dispatch (Non-Emergency)
Phone: 205-884-3333

St. Clair County Jail / Detention Center (Pell City)
100 18th Street North, Pell City, AL 35125
Phone: 205-814-3525
Fax: 205-814-3676

Emergency
Phone: 911

Administrative Hours (Sheriff’s Offices)
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

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