What Happens to Personal Items and Cash During Booking at Etowah County Detention Center
Booking moves fast. It's hard to know what's happening to a loved one's wallet, phone, or cash while they're being processed. Here's what Etowah County Detention Center says happens during intake—and what you can do if you need details.
At Etowah County Detention Center, booking is where everyone enters and exits the jail. First, staff search the person. Then their belongings are inventoried while they're present, and the property gets secured. Staff also collect personal information and emergency contacts, and take photographs (mug shots). To confirm identity, the jail runs identification number checks and fingerprinting - this also shows whether the person is wanted by another law enforcement agency.
Personal items go through the property inventory process during booking. The detention center's procedure: belongings are inventoried in front of the inmate or detainee, then secured. The public information doesn't spell out exactly when or how secured property gets released or picked up - so if you're planning ahead, confirm those details directly with the booking office.
If your loved one has cash on them at booking, that money goes into a kiosk. The kiosk creates an account the inmate or detainee can use to buy items from the detention center.
Need information about someone in custody? Trying to track down what happened to property or cash? Contact the detention booking office at 256-549-5408 or booking@etowahcounty.org. Have the person's name and any booking details handy (like the date they were brought in) - it helps staff locate the right record faster.
Gaps Questions Checklist
- ✓ Can you confirm what property was inventoried and secured during booking, and how it will be released later?
- ✓ Is an inventory receipt provided to the inmate/detainee, and can a family member get confirmation of what was logged?
- ✓ If cash was placed into the kiosk, where is the kiosk receipt or record kept?
- ✓ How can I confirm the current balance of the kiosk-created account used for detention center purchases?
- ✓ If additional funds are needed, what are the approved ways to add money to that account (and are there any limits or holds)?
Tip: When you call or email the booking office (256-549-5408, booking@etowahcounty.org), have the inmate’s full name, the booking date, and your questions written down so you can get clear answers quickly.
Find an Inmate at Etowah County Detention Center
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
