Ellis County Jail

Thank you for visiting this page. We will strive to give you the best facts for your Ellis County Jails search. Our goal is to help you find what you need.

For quick access to information regarding Ellis County Jails, you might want to start your search at https://elliscountyjails.org/. This site can be a good place to find a range of facts. It may help you learn more right now. Many use it to check on folks in jail. It is a tool for the public to use.

Core Ellis County Jail Facilities & Key Contacts

Understanding where Ellis County Jails are is key. There are main spots and city spots. Each has its own rules and staff. You need to know who to call and where to go. This will help you deal with jail needs.

Ellis County Sheriff's Office Detention Center (Wayne McCollum Detention Center)

The main jail is run by the Ellis County Sheriff. It is a large place. Many folks are held here. It has tight rules. You must know them to visit or send mail. The staff work all day, all night.

• Location Address: 300 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, TX 75165

• Main Phone Number: (972) 825-4901 (Sheriff's Office General Line)

• Jail/Detention Specific Contact: (972) 825-4931 (Jail Information)

• Sheriff's Office Administrative Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The jail itself runs 24/7.

This site holds those with big and small crimes. Long term stays can be here. It is the hub for the area. All main jail work flows from here. The Sheriff makes sure it runs right by state law. He aims for a safe place for all. This means safe for staff and those in jail too. They check all who come in. They track all who are there. They feed all who stay. This is a big job with lots of parts. If you need to know if someone is there, call the jail line. They can tell you how to find out. They also have rules for bonds. And rules for how to send funds. You must ask for these rules. Or look them up on the website.

City Jails within Ellis County (Holding Facilities)

Some towns in Ellis County have small jails. These are for short stays. Most folk move to the main jail fast. These spots are run by city cops. They are not for long term holds. They are a first stop for most.

Ennis Police Department Detention Center

The Ennis Police Department has a jail. It is for those caught in Ennis. It is not as big as the main jail. They have set rules for this site.

• Address: 1700 Lake Bardwell Drive, Ennis, TX, 75119

• Phone Number: (972) 875-4455 (Ennis Police Dept.). A prior listing showed (817) 290-5070 for a Detention Supervisor; confirm with the main police department line if needed.

• Operational Hours/Notes: The jail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Arraignments are often in the morn. No visits are allowed till new word is given. They take script meds if they are in the right bottle with a clear name.

This jail holds folks for a short time. If a crime is small, they may stay here. If it is big, they go to the main jail in Waxahachie. The staff here book folks in. They take their goods. They let them make one free call. This is a key step in the whole process. You can ask them how to pay fines for some small crimes. Or how to post a bond. They will have facts on this. But they cannot tell you what bond firm to use. You must find that on your own. This keeps things fair for all. They work hard to keep this place safe.

Red Oak Police Department Holding Facility

Red Oak also has a place to hold folks. It is part of their cop shop. Like Ennis, it’s for short stays.

• Address: 547 N. Methodist, Red Oak, Texas 75154

• Phone Number: (972) 617-7632 (Records clerk, M-F 8 AM-5 PM for some info)

• Operational Hours/Notes: The jail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No visitation is allowed at this holding spot. They do take cash, card, or funds for Class C fines at the Red Oak court.

This spot is small. It is just for folks caught in Red Oak. They get booked in. Their things are stored. They may see a judge there for small stuff. If they need to stay long, they move to the Ellis County Sheriff's jail. You can pay some fines at the Red Oak cop shop. But not for all crimes. Ask the staff there. They will tell you what you can do. They also let folks make a free call when they get booked in. This is a state rule. It helps folks call for help or tell their kin where they are. The rules are strict here too. No items can be brought in for those held.

Understanding the Arrest and Booking Process in Ellis County

When a person is put in jail, there is a set way things go. Cops bring them in. Then jail staff take over. This is the booking phase. It is how they add a person to the jail.

Initial Arrest and Transport

First, a cop makes an arrest. This means they think a law was broken. The person is then taken to a jail. This might be a city jail or the main Ellis County Jail. It depends on where the arrest was made. And what the charge is. The ride to jail is in a cop car. They are kept safe.

The Booking Procedure

Booking is when a person is made a part of the jail. It has many steps. All these steps are on forms. They keep good track of all who come in. This helps keep things in order. It is done for all folks, no matter the charge. It is a must do step.

1. Personal Information Collection: Jail staff ask for the person's name. They ask for their birth date. They ask where they live. They note if they have health needs. All this goes in a file. This helps them know who is in their jail.

2. Property Inventory: All things the person has are taken. This means keys, phone, cash, and rings. Each thing is put on a list. The person signs the list. The goods are kept safe till they leave. This stops loss and theft.

3. Photographs and Fingerprints: A picture is taken of the person. This is oft called a mug shot. Their finger prints are taken too. These help the cops know who they are. It is part of the arrest record.

Arraignment Process

After booking, the next big step is arraignment. This is when they see a judge. It is a short meeting. But it is very important for the person in jail. The judge tells them their rights.

1. Purpose of Arraignment: The judge makes sure the person knows why they are in jail. They check if the arrest was by the book. It is a key check on how things are done.

2. Notification of Charges: The judge will read the charge or charges. These are the crimes the state says they did. The person gets a copy of these.

3. Rights Advised: The judge tells them their rights. One right is to stay silent. One right is to have a lawyer. If they have no cash for one, the court may give one.

4. Bail Setting: The judge will set bail if the crime allows it. Bail is cash paid to get out of jail till the court date. The judge looks at how bad the crime is. They see if the person might run. They check past crimes too.

5. Typical Arraignment Times/Frequency: Arraignments are held each day. In most Ellis County jails, this is in the morning. Some small city jails may have set times by a city judge.

Inmate Locator and Information

It is key to know how to find someone in Ellis County Jails. There are ways to check. The Sheriff's Office has tools. You need some facts to look.

How to Find Someone in an Ellis County Jail

If you think a friend or loved one is in an Ellis County Jail, do not guess. There are official ways to check. The best way is to use the tools the county gives. This will give you the right facts. Make sure to look for Ellis County, Texas, as there is an Ellis County in Kansas too.

Official Ellis County Inmate Search Tools/Methods

• Online Portals: Ellis County, Texas, may have an online inmate roster or search tool. A good place to start a search for such a tool is the Ellis County Sheriff's Office website: https://elliscountysheriff.com/. Look for links that say "Inmate Search," "Jail Roster," or "Inmate Listing." These tools are often updated.

• Phone Inquiry Procedures and Numbers: You can call the Ellis County Detention Center directly for inmate information. The number for Jail Information is (972) 825-4931. Be ready to give the full name and birth date of the person you seek. Staff can tell you if they are there.

Information Required for Search

To find someone, you need their full name. A birth date helps lots too. The more facts you have, the more sure the search will be. Sometimes a booking number helps, if you have it.

Frequency of Database Updates

Online jail lists are oft updated one or two times a day. Booking is a long process. So a person may not show up right after arrest. Wait a few hours. Then check the site or call. This gives time for their facts to be put in the system.

Inmate Communication Services

Folks in jail need to talk to those outside. There are rules for calls and mail. These rules keep the jail safe and in good order. All talk is watched.

Telephone Calls

Inmates cannot get calls in. But they can make calls out. There are costs for these calls. The jail has a set phone firm for this.

1. Outgoing Calls Only: People in jail can only make calls out. No one can call in to speak to an inmate. Jail staff will not pass on notes for calls.

2. Free Initial Call: Some jails, like the one in Ennis and Red Oak, say an inmate gets one free call. This is oft a local call. It is made when the booking process is done. This helps them tell someone where they are or ask for help with bail.

3. Collect Calls: System Provider: Most calls are made collect. This means the person who gets the call pays for it. Ellis County Sheriff's Office states their phone service is with Securus Technologies. You can find information about Securus at https://securustech.net/.

4. Pre-Paid Accounts: Setup and Management: To not pay high collect call rates, you can set up a prepaid account. You put funds in this account. The inmate can then use these funds to call you. You can set this up through the phone service provider (e.g., Securus). Check their website or call their customer care line.

5. Call Monitoring and Recording Notice: All calls, save for ones to a lawyer, are watched and may be taped. Both the inmate and the person they call should know this. This is for jail safety.

6. Call Schedules/Hours of Availability: Inmates can use phones at set times. These times are oft posted in their living area. Calls are not allowed late at night or early in the morn. This keeps the jail calm.

Mail Correspondence

Sending mail is a good way to keep in touch. There are strict rules for mail. All mail is checked for things not allowed. This keeps the jail safe.

1. Mailing Address for Inmates: To send mail to an inmate at the main Ellis County Detention Center, use this type of address: Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number (if known) Ellis County Sheriff's Office c/o Wayne McCollum Detention Center 300 S. Jackson St. Waxahachie, TX 75165 Always check the Sheriff's Office website for the most current mail rules and address before sending. For city jails, ask them for their mail rules if an inmate is there for more than a day or two.

2. Prohibited Items in Mail (Contraband): Do not send things like staples, paper clips, glue, glitter, stickers, or cash. These are not allowed. Other things not allowed include drugs, blades, or porn. If you send such things, the mail will be sent back or thrown out. You could face charges too.

3. Content Restrictions: Letters should be on plain paper. Some jails do not allow cards. Or they may have rules on the type of ink. Check the rules.

4. Photo Allowance and Rules: Most jails let inmates have a few photos. Photos must not be too big. They must not show nude folks or gang signs. The Ellis County Sheriff's Office states up to 3 pictures may be included in mail.

5. Inspection of Mail: All mail sent to an inmate (except legal mail from a lawyer) is opened and checked. Staff look for things not allowed. This is part of jail safety.

Visitation at Ellis County Jails

Seeing someone in jail is key for them and their kin. The Ellis County Sheriff's Office Detention Center has rules for this. City jails may not have visits, or just for a short time.

Ellis County Sheriff's Office Detention Center Visitation

The main jail in Waxahachie has set times and rules for who can visit. And how visits work. These rules help keep order and safety. You must follow them all. Or you may not be let in. Always check the official Ellis County Sheriff's Office website for the latest visit rules. Things can change.

• Visitation Hours and Days: The Ellis County Sheriff's Office website states visitation is Tuesday - Saturday: 2 P.M. to 10 P.M. (Last sign in is at 9:30 P.M.). However, it also notes that visit times are subject to change without notice.

• Scheduling Visits: Visits are on a first come, first serve basis. Some jails now use online systems to set up visits. Check the Sheriff's website for a link or more facts on this. The site mentions wait times may affect the ability to sign in.

• Visitor Eligibility and ID Requirements: Each adult visitor (18 or older) must show a good ID with a picture. This can be a driver's license (not past due by more than 6 months), a state ID, or a military ID. People with warrants may not be allowed to visit.

• Number of Visitors Allowed: Only two (2) adults are allowed per visit. One child per adult may be allowed in the visit area.

• Visit Duration and Frequency: Inmates are allowed two (2) 20-minute visits per week. Visitors may sign up for one (1) visit per day.

• Dress Code for Visitors: You must dress right. No short skirts, tank tops, biker shorts, or see through clothes. Shorts must be no shorter than 1 or 2 inches above the knee. If you do not dress right, you will not be let in.

• Prohibited Items During Visitation: Do not bring cell phones, bags, packs, food, or drinks into the visit area. These things must be left outside or in your car. Visitors may be searched.

• Video Visitation Options: While the Texas ECSO site for visitation rules doesn't explicitly detail on-site video visitation in the same way as some other counties, it's increasingly common. Always confirm current options with the Ellis County, Texas Sheriff's Office directly or through their website (https://elliscountysheriff.com/). If video visitation is offered, there will be specific rules for scheduling and conduct.

City Jail Visitation Policies (Ennis, Red Oak)

Small city jails often have different rules. Some do not allow visits at all. This is because folks are only there for a short time.

• Ennis Detention Center: Their site said, "No visitations are allowed until further notice." This means you cannot visit folks there for now.

• Red Oak Police Department Holding Facility: Their site says, "No visitation is allowed." This is a clear rule for this holding spot.

Funding Inmate Accounts (Commissary & Other Uses)

Folks in jail can buy some things. Like snacks, soap, or stamps. They use funds from an account set up for them. Kin and friends can put cash in these accounts.

Methods for Depositing Money

There are a few ways to send funds to someone in an Ellis County Jail. The Sheriff's Office has clear ways to do this. They want to make sure the funds go to the right person.

1. Online Deposits: You can often send funds online. The Ellis County Sheriff's Office website mentions TouchPay. You can use a credit or debit card. Their website is https://touchpayonline.com/ or you can call (866) 232-1899. You will need the inmate's name and ID number.

2. Kiosk Deposits at Facility: There may be a machine (kiosk) at the Sheriff's Office lobby. You can put cash or use a card there. The lobby at 300 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, TX 75165 might have one. Check their hours for this.

3. Mail-in Money Orders: Some jails let you mail in a money order. Make it out to the inmate. Put their full name and booking number on it. Check the Sheriff's Office website. See if they take these. And get the right mailing address. Do not send cash in the mail.

Use of Inmate Funds

The funds in an inmate's account can be used for things they need or want. This makes their time in jail a bit more easy. All buys are from the jail store, called commissary.

• Commissary Purchases: Inmates can buy food items like chips or sweets. They can buy drinks. They can get things like soap, a tooth brush, or a comb. They can also buy paper, pens, and stamps to write letters.

• Phone Time: Funds can be used to pay for phone calls. This is key for them to stay in touch with kin and their lawyer.

• Other Approved Uses: Sometimes funds can be used for other things. Like medical co-pays or fees. The jail will have a list of what is allowed.

Restrictions and Collections

There are some rules on funds. The jail may take some funds if the inmate owes cash for things. Like court fees or fines. Or for damage to jail things. The funds are meant to help the inmate. But the jail can take what is owed first. This is a rule in most jails.

Bail and Release Procedures in Ellis County

When someone is in jail, bail is a way to get them out till their court date. There are types of bail. And rules for how to pay it. This helps make sure they come back to court.

Understanding Bail

Bail is not a fine. It is cash or a bond put up. It is like a pledge. A pledge that the person will show up for all court dates. If they do, the cash bail may be given back. Less some fees.

1. Purpose of Bail: The main goal of bail is to make sure the person comes to court. It lets them be out of jail while their case goes on. This helps them work and live with their kin.

2. How Bail Amounts Are Determined: A judge sets the bail sum. The judge looks at the crime. More grave crimes get high bail. They look at the person's past record. And if they might be a risk to others. Or if they might flee and not come to court. Texas law guides how judges set bail. See the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 17 for more: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.17.htm.

Types of Bail/Bonds

There is more than one way to post bail in Ellis County. The type used can depend on the crime. And what the judge says. And what the person can afford.

• Cash Bond: This means the full sum of the bail is paid in cash. If the person goes to all court dates, most of this cash is returned at the end of the case.

• Surety Bond (Bail Bondsmen): A bail bondsman can post bail for a fee. This fee is oft 10 to 15 percent of the full bail sum. This fee is not given back. The bondsman takes the risk if the person does not show up in court.

• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: Sometimes a judge lets a person out on a PR bond. This means they do not have to pay cash. They just sign a paper. They promise to come to court. This is for folks who are not a flight risk. And have ties to the town.

• Capias Warrants vs. Alias Warrants: The type of warrant can change how bail works. An Alias warrant is when no plea was made. A bond can be posted. A Capias warrant is when a plea was made but the person did not do what the court said. For these, oft the fine must be paid in full. Or the person must serve time. This was noted by the City of Ennis.

Posting Bail

Once bail is set, it must be paid at the right place. The Ellis County Sheriff's Office can tell you where. And what types of pay they take.

1. Where to Pay: Bail for Ellis County charges is typically posted at the Ellis County Sheriff's Office Detention Center at 300 S. Jackson Street, Waxahachie, TX, 75165. For charges from a city court (like Ennis or Red Oak Class C Misdemeanors), you might pay at that city's court or police department. Always check with the agency that has the warrant or holds the inmate.

2. Accepted Payment Methods: Cash is usually needed for a cash bond. Bail bond firms have their own pay plans. Some courts or jails may take credit cards for some fines or bonds, but not all. Check first.

Release Process

Once bail is posted and all paper work is done, the person can be let out. This can take some time.

• Typical Timeframe After Bail is Posted: It can take a few hours for a person to be let out after bail is paid. Jail staff must check all papers. And do their own steps to let someone go.

• Property Return Upon Release: When a person is let out, their goods that were taken at booking are given back. They must sign to say they got their things.

• Pick-up Locations: The person will be let out from the jail where they are held. Ask staff where to wait to pick them up.

Accessing Arrest Records and Public Information

Arrest records in Texas are mostly public. This means you can ask to see them. The law says so. Ellis County must share these facts if asked in the right way.

Public Nature of Arrest Records

Most arrest records are open to the public. This is due to a state law. This law helps keep things clear. It lets folks see what the government does.

1. Governing Law: Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552): This law gives you the right to ask for and get public facts from state and local groups. Arrest records are part of this. You can read this law here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government/public-information-act or https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.552.htm.

How to Request Arrest Records from Ellis County Sheriff's Office

To get arrest records from the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, you must ask in writing. They have rules for how to do this. Follow them closely.

• Written Request Requirement: All asks for records must be in writing. A call is not enough.

• Submission Methods: You can send your written ask in a few ways:

  • In person: Ellis County Sheriff's Office, 300 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, TX 75165.

  • By mail: Ellis County Sheriff's Office, 300 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, TX 75165, ATTN: Open Records Clerk.

  • By fax: (972) 825-4941.

  • By email: openrecords@elliscounty.texas.gov (This email was listed on their website for open records).

• Contact Information for Open Records Clerk: The Sheriff's Office website should list who handles these. Or you can call the main line at (972) 825-4901 and ask.

• Open Records Request Form: The Ellis County Sheriff's Office provides an Open Records Request Form on their website. Using this form is not required but is helpful. Find it here: https://elliscountysheriff.com/ecso/index.php/open-records-requests.

• Potential Fees: There may be a small fee per page for copies. You will be told the cost.

• Processing Time: The law gives them a set time to give you the facts. Or tell you why they cannot. This is oft ten (10) work days. If it takes more time, they must tell you in writing. The District Attorney's Office may look over the ask to see what can be let out.

Information Included in Arrest Records

Arrest records have key facts. They show who was arrested. And why. And when.

• The full name of the person arrested. And their birth date.

• A description of the person (height, weight, race, sex).

• The date and time of the arrest.

• The charges filed against the person.

• The name of the cop or agency that made the arrest.

• Bond sum, if set.

Limitations and Exemptions to Disclosure

Not all facts can be shared. The law shields some things. This keeps folks safe. And helps cops do their jobs.

• Facts on young folks (juveniles) are oft kept secret.

• If sharing facts could mess up a case, it may be kept back till the case is done.

• Home addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers of some folks are kept private.

• Records that a judge has sealed or expunged are not public.

Inmate Rights and Jail Standards

Folks in jail still have rights. Jails in Texas must meet state rules. These rules help make sure jails are safe and fair. The rights aim to treat all with due respect.

Basic Inmate Rights

Even in jail, people have basic rights. These are key to human treatment. Ellis County Jails must uphold these rights. This is part of their job.

1. Access to Medical Care: If an inmate is sick or hurt, they have a right to see a doctor or nurse. They should tell jail staff if they need care. The jail has ways for them to ask for help. This is a must.

2. Access to Legal Counsel: All folks in jail have the right to talk to a lawyer. They can call a lawyer. Their lawyer can visit them. Calls to lawyers are kept private. This is a key U.S. right.

3. Freedom from Harassment/Abuse: No one in jail should be hurt or picked on by staff or other inmates. The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) sets rules to stop sexual abuse. Jails must have ways for inmates to report such things safely. Learn more about PREA at https://www.prearesourcecenter.org/.

4. Grievance Procedures: If an inmate feels their rights are not met, or have other plaints, they can file a grievance. This is a formal way to make a plaint. The jail must have a clear way for this.

Property Regulations

When someone comes to jail, their things are taken. There are rules for this. And rules for what they can have in jail. This keeps things safe and fair.

• Permitted Personal Items: Inmates are not allowed much in their cells. They may be allowed a few religious books. Or some legal papers. All else must be bought from the jail store or is given by the jail.

• Storage of Confiscated Property: Things taken at booking are stored. Or the inmate can ask for someone to pick them up. The jail keeps a list of these things.

• Property Release Procedures: An inmate must sign a form to let someone else get their goods. The person picking them up must show ID. This makes sure the right person gets the items. Check with the specific Ellis County jail facility for their exact property release form and procedure. For instance, the Ennis Detention Center states an inmate must grant written permission, and the person claiming property needs a driver's license or government ID and must sign a release form.

Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS)

All county jails in Texas are watched by a state group. This group makes sure jails meet state rules. This helps keep jails safe for all.

1. Role and Mandate: The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) makes rules for county jails. They check jails to see if they meet these rules. Their job is to make sure jails are built right. And run right. And that inmates are treated right. You can find them here: https://www.tcjs.state.tx.us/.

2. Minimum Jail Standards: TCJS has a long list of rules. These rules cover things like how much space each inmate must have. How oft they get clean clothes. What kind of food they get. And how oft staff check on them. All Ellis County Jails must follow these. The standards are on the TCJS website.

3. Oversight of Ellis County Facilities: TCJS checks the Ellis County Detention Center. They make reports on what they find. If a jail does not meet rules, TCJS can make them fix it. This makes sure Ellis County Jails are held to a high bar.

Health and Well-being in Ellis County Jails

The health of folks in jail is a big deal. Jails must give care when it is needed. This means medical help, and a clean place to live and eat. These are core parts of running a jail well.

Medical Services

Each jail must have a plan for medical care. This means having staff who can help. Or ways to get folks to a doctor if need be. This care is for all in jail.

1. Availability of Medical Staff: Most large jails, like the one in Ellis County, have nurses on staff. Some have doctors who come in at set times. For small town jails, they may use local doctors or clinics. The goal is to have someone who can check health needs.

2. Process for Inmates to Request Medical Attention: If an inmate feels sick or is hurt, they need to tell staff. Jails have a way to ask for care. This is oft called a "sick call request." It might be a form to fill out. Or they can tell a guard. Staff should then make sure they are seen by medical staff.

3. Prescription Medication Protocol: If an inmate takes script meds, the jail has rules for this. Oft, the meds must come in the right bottle. With the inmate's name on it. And clear dose facts. The jail med staff will then give out the meds as the doctor said. The Ennis Detention Center notes that script medication will be accepted if it has the inmate's name on the bottle, the script is clear, the med in the bottle matches the label, and it is not past its use date. Old meds are not taken.

Mental Health Services

Mind health is just as key as body health. Some folks in jail have mind health needs. Jails should try to help with these needs. Or find help from outside groups. This helps keep the person and the jail safe. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has rules that touch on mind health care needs in jails. Jails must screen for these needs.

Food and Nutrition

Jails must give food to all inmates. This food should be good for health. And give them the strength they need. Meals are served at set times each day.

• The food should meet state health codes.

• The meals should have enough calories.

• Clean water must be there for them to drink.

• If an inmate has health or faith needs for a special diet, the jail should try to meet these if they can.

Sanitation Standards

A clean jail helps stop the spread of illness. Jails must keep things clean. This means cells, bathrooms, and food areas.

• Inmates should have things to keep clean. Like soap and clean clothes.

• Cells and common areas should be cleaned each day.

• Trash should be taken out oft.

• The jail should check for bugs and rats and keep them out. These rules help make the jail a safe place for all who are there. Good health and clean space are rights.

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