Which Jefferson County Jail Is Your Loved One In — Birmingham or Bessemer?
Jefferson County runs two jail facilities—one in downtown Birmingham, one in Bessemer. Trying to figure out where your loved one is being held? Here's how to narrow it down fast.
Jefferson County operates two separate jail facilities: one in downtown Birmingham and one in Bessemer. With an average daily population of about 1,000 inmates split between the two locations, it's common for families not to know which building their loved one is in.
The system also moves a lot of people through. The Corrections Division processes approximately 43,000 inmates in and out each year, so you'll want to confirm the exact housing location before you visit, send mail, or call with questions.
Addresses Contact
- ✓ Birmingham Headquarters (mailing address): 2200 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr., Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
- ✓ Bessemer facility address: 1822 2nd Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020
- ✓ County contact email: info@jeffcosheriffal.com
The most reliable way to find out whether someone is at the Birmingham jail or the Bessemer jail is the Sheriff's online inmate inquiry. Pull up the person's record and look for the field labeled "Housing Facility." That tells you which location is currently holding them.
- Open the Sheriff’s inmate inquiry page - This is the public search tool for current custody information.
- Search for your loved one - Use the name or any identifying number the system accepts.
- Check “Housing Facility” - That field is where you’ll see whether they’re housed at the Birmingham location or the Bessemer location.
If the inmate inquiry doesn't clear things up, reach out through official county contact channels for non-urgent questions. You can email info@jeffcosheriffal.com or send mail to the correct address: Birmingham Headquarters is at 2200 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr., Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203, and the Bessemer facility is at 1822 2nd Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020.
Emergency: The department directory lists “Communications Emergency 911.” Use 911 for emergencies only.
Knowing the correct facility saves you a wasted trip. Jefferson County's average population is split between Birmingham and Bessemer, so showing up at the wrong one means turning around and starting over. With roughly 43,000 people cycling through the system each year, inmates can also be moved. Check the "Housing Facility" field before you make plans.
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