Rhea County Jail, TN

Before visiting anyone at Rhea County Jail, TN, you'll need to complete Tennessee's statewide Visitor Application (CR‑2152), attach a current photograph, and submit it to the facility's visiting office or designated official. Fill out every section and use a street address, not a P.O. Box. The facility runs a background check (NCIC), and approval or denial typically comes in about 30 days. Once approved, you're added to the offender-management system and can schedule visits through the facility's scheduling system (often an on-site kiosk, a vendor portal, or an app). All visits are monitored, and staff can change or cancel them at their discretion.

Start by confirming where your person is housed. The fastest way is to call the Rhea County Sheriff's Department at 423-775-7837 for current location information. In most Tennessee facilities, inmates place outbound calls from housing phones or tablets. Incoming calls are typically not accepted, and most calls are monitored and recorded. Phone service, video visits, and tablet messaging are usually run through third-party vendors. You'll add funds through the vendor's website, app, or a lobby kiosk so your loved one can call or message you. Your phone number often needs to be on the inmate's approved call list. Vendors vary by facility, so confirm the correct provider and payment steps with the sheriff's office first.

Rhea County Jail earns revenue from inmate commissary orders and the inmate telephone company. The facility reached Tier 1 accreditation in 2023, which increases the per-day payment it receives for state inmates. For people on work release, earnings are deposited into the incarcerated person's account and can go toward fines, child support, and other legal obligations. Adding money to an inmate account usually works through in-person kiosks, online portals or apps, automated phone systems, or approved trustee or tax office payment channels. Fees and timing depend on the vendor. Some deposits post right away, while others take one to two business days. Keep your receipt and contact the facility if funds don't show up as expected.