Why You Can't Visit in Person at Lauderdale County Detention Center (And What to Do Instead)

At Lauderdale County Detention Center, in-person visits are limited to attorneys and their authorized staff. Family and friends can't come inside for face-to-face visits the way you might expect at other jails.

One narrow exception exists: representatives from approved Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centers can sometimes visit in person for assessment purposes. But even this requires prior approval from the Director of Corrections - don't count on it without that clearance already in place.

If someone mentions a "face-to-face" or contact visit at Lauderdale County Detention Center, they're describing a rare exception - not a normal visiting option. These visits are typically reserved for emergencies or death notifications.

Think your situation warrants a special visit? Requests are reviewed individually. You'll need to demonstrate a valid emergency - a strong preference to visit in person won't be enough.

For most families, staying connected means non-contact video visits and phone calls through inmate-issued tablets. ViaPath Communications runs the service at $0.25 per minute. If you've been searching for "visiting hours," this is the system to set up - it's how you'll actually get time with your loved one.

1. Go to ConnectNetwork and choose “CREATE ACCOUNT” - follow the site’s step-by-step prompts to register.
2. Set up your visitor-funded account - this is the account you’ll use as the visitor to pay for and manage your video visits and calls.
3. Schedule and complete visits on your device - once you’re set up, you can schedule and conduct video visits using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Need something more flexible than a live call? Lauderdale County Detention Center offers messaging through GettingOut. Once you create an account, you can send text messages and pictures to your loved one.

• ✓ Use the kiosk located in the Detention Center lobby to deposit money to an inmate’s account
• ✓ Bring cash if you want to pay in cash
• ✓ Bring a debit card if you prefer to pay by card

If you have a true emergency and want to request an exception, call the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office at 256-760-5757. Be ready to explain what's happening and why you need special visitation.

If you’re asked to send information in writing, the public fax number for the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office is 256-760-5765.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ Create your ConnectNetwork account and follow the “CREATE ACCOUNT” prompts to get set up for video visits and calls
• ✓ Plan for the ViaPath tablet video/phone rate of $0.25 per minute when budgeting call time
• ✓ If your loved one needs funds added to their account, use the lobby kiosk (cash or debit)
• ✓ If you believe your situation is an emergency, call the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office at 256-760-5757 and request special visitation
• ✓ Use GettingOut if you need to send text messages or photos instead of (or in addition to) live calls