SHELBY COUNTY JAIL, AL

Shelby County Jail allows inmates one scheduled visit per week. All non-attorney visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through www.ncic.com, by calling 1-800-943-2189, or at the visitation kiosk in the Sheriff's Office. On-site video visits are free for both inmates and visitors. Before your visit, you'll need to be on the approved visitor list and bring a valid state or government-issued ID. Keep in mind that all visits except privileged attorney visits may be recorded and monitored. Attorneys get separate access—they can visit seven days a week during specified time blocks, and their visits won't bump previously scheduled non-attorney visits. On the day of your visit, sign in and follow staff instructions at the kiosk or assigned visitation station.

Staying in touch with someone at Shelby County Jail means waiting for them to reach out first. Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls—they'll need to call you. Most calls from the jail are recorded and monitored, except calls to an inmate's attorney. Phone service runs through NCIC Inmate Communications, which publishes rates and service details. The jail also offers an inmate voicemail option at $1.50 for a three-minute message. To pay for call time, inmates can add prepaid minutes using funds from their inmate account through the jail's commissary kiosks. For technical or billing issues, contact NCIC customer service.

Shelby County Jail accepts cash deposits through a Lobby Kiosk in the video visitation area. The kiosk takes $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills, with a $3 fee per transaction. Paying a cash bond? You'll need a money order or cashier's check made payable to Mary Harris, Clerk of Court. Beyond the on-site kiosk, third-party vendors typically offer online, phone, or retail cash-pay options—each with their own processing fees and posting times. Whichever method you choose, double-check the incarcerated person's name and ID and follow the deposit instructions carefully so the funds land in the right account.

Shelby County Jail's Jail Division is led by Commander Captain Denver McCool and staffed by 79 jail deputies plus support personnel. Inmates receive on-site medical, dental, social work, and mental-health services during their confinement. The Sheriff's Office also provides free fingerprinting for Shelby County residents by appointment at the Main Office (380 McDow Road, Columbiana) and the North Substation (19220 US Highway 280, Birmingham). Need an incident or offense report? Pick one up during regular business hours (8:00 am–4:30 pm) with a photo ID, or mail a written request with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Pistol permits cost $20.00 per year and require annual renewal.