Smith County Inmate Search

We are glad you came to this page. We will strive to help you with your Smith County Inmate Search. Our goal is to give you the facts you need in a clear way. We want to make your search as easy as it can be.

To begin your Smith County Inmate Search immediately, visit https://texasinmaterecords.com/smith-county-inmate-search/. This site may assist you in finding the individual you are seeking. It can be a valuable first step in your quest for information. Explore their tools to determine if they possess the facts you require.

Performing a Smith County Inmate Search

To find a person in jail in Smith County, you have a few paths. Official groups run these tools. They help you find out if someone is in jail.

Official Smith County Inmate Search Tools

It is best to use the real, official sites. These provide the most up-to-date facts. You can trust what they show.

Smith County Sheriff's Office Resources

The Smith County Sheriff's Office is a key place for jail information. They keep records of who is in their jails. You can check their website or call them for help. Their main site may have a link to search for an inmate. Look for "Jail" or "Inmate Lookup" links. The Sheriff's Office is at 227 North Spring Avenue, Tyler, Texas 75702. You can call them at (903) 590-2600. Their staff work hard to keep good records. Sometimes their site may be down for maintenance. If so, try calling them or checking back soon. The Sheriff's website is often the first place to look. It can give you rules and search methods.

City of Tyler Police Department Inmate Information

The City of Tyler Police Department also provides some inmate information. This is for individuals booked by Tyler PD, who will be incarcerated in the Smith County Jail. The Tyler Police website has a page for this: City of Tyler Inmate Search. This page states that if Tyler PD arrests an adult (17 years of age or older), they are taken to the Smith County Jail. So, their search may direct you to the same Smith County system. It is still a good source to check. It helps you know where to look.

Information Needed for a Search

To conduct an effective search, you need some information. The more details you have, the better. This helps the system find the correct person.

• You will need the person's last name. Most search tools require this.

• It is good to have at least the first initial of their first name. A full first name is even better.

• If you know the TDCJ number, that can help. This is for state prison inmates, but sometimes it is used in county systems too. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) uses this.

• A SID (State Identification) number is another good piece of data. Not all people have one, but if they do, it can make the search quick.

Having these facts makes your search smooth. It helps to rule out people with similar names. Always check the spelling of names. A small error can result in no matches. Some search tools also allow you to enter a date of birth. This can help narrow down the search significantly.

Understanding Search Results

When you find a match, you will see some information. These facts tell you more about the person and their case.

• Booking Information: This shows when the person entered jail. It will include a date and time. It may also have a booking number, which is unique to their jail stay.

• Charges: This part lists why the person is in jail. It will show the crimes they are accused of. Sometimes it will indicate if it is a misdemeanor or a felony.

• Inmate Location: This will tell you which jail holds the person. Smith County has more than one jail. It might say "Main Jail" or "Low-Risk Facility." This is key if you want to visit or send mail. The search result might also show the bond amount, if set, and the court they will attend. These details help you understand their full situation.

Smith County Jail Facilities: Locations and Contact Information

Smith County has jails where inmates are kept. Each facility has its own rules. It is good to know where an inmate is held. This helps if you want to call, write, or visit. There are key locations for adults and juveniles.

Smith County Main Downtown Jail

The Smith County Main Downtown Jail is a primary detention center. It is where many arrested in the county first go. This jail holds people with all types of charges. It is a secure facility. Staff work here day and night.

• Address: 206 East Elm Street, Tyler, Texas 75702. This is in the heart of Tyler.

• Phone Number(s): You can reach the jail at (903) 590-2800. This number is often used for general questions. For specific inmate needs, there might be other numbers.

• Primary Functions/Types of Inmates Housed: This jail holds both men and women. Many are awaiting trial. Some may be there for short stays after a judicial decision. It houses individuals charged with both minor and serious crimes. It is built to be secure and maintain custody. New arrestees are brought here for booking. This means their fingerprints and photographs are taken, and they are informed of their charges. Then they await court or bond.

Smith County Low/Medium Risk Facility (North Jail / Low-Risk Facility)

Smith County also operates a Low/Medium Risk Facility. Some call it the North Jail or simply the Low-Risk Facility. As the name suggests, it holds inmates who are considered a lower risk. This can mean those with less serious charges or those with good behavior.

• Address: 2811 Public Road, Tyler, Texas 75701. This site is not at the same location as the main jail.

• Phone Number(s): The phone for this jail is also listed as (903) 590-2800 by some sources. It is wise to verify which number is best for this specific facility. Sometimes the Sheriff's main line (903) 590-2600 can direct you to the correct contact.

• Primary Functions/Types of Inmates Housed: This facility tends to hold inmates with shorter sentences or those who have been adjudicated for less serious crimes. It might have work programs or other duties for inmates. All visitation for Smith County inmates is reportedly conducted here via video link. This means less risk and more convenience for some. It is still a secure jail, and the rules are strict.

Smith County Juvenile Detention Center

While most searches are for adults, sometimes people look for juveniles. Smith County has a facility for them too. It is not part of the adult jail system.

• Address: 2630 Morningside Drive, Tyler, Texas 75708.

• Phone Number: The contact for Juvenile Services is (903) 535-0850.

• This facility holds those under 17 years of age who are arrested. The rules and procedures here are different from adult jails. They focus on the needs of young people. If you need information on a juvenile, you must call this number. Their records are often kept private to protect the minors.

Contacting and Visiting Inmates in Smith County

If you know someone in a Smith County jail, you may want to reach out. There are rules for calls, mail, and visits. It is crucial to know these rules. This will help ensure your efforts to contact them are successful.

Inmate Phone Calls

Inmates can often make phone calls, but they cannot receive incoming calls. The jail uses a set system for this.

• System Used: Jails use special phone services that allow inmates to call out. Family and friends may need to set up an account with this service. You should check with the Smith County Jail to confirm which phone service they use.

• Setting Up Phone Contact: You may need to add funds to an account. The inmate then uses these funds to call. The jail will have rules on who an inmate can call and may also have set times for calls.

• Cost/Restrictions: Calls from jail cost money. The rates are set by the phone service and the jail. Calls are most likely recorded. There are also limits on call duration. Three-way calling is not permitted.

Inmate Mail

You can send mail to an inmate. This is a good way to keep in touch. All mail is inspected by jail staff before the inmate receives it.

• Mailing Address for Inmates: It is very important to use the correct address. Sometimes, all mail for inmates goes to one central processing location. A search result indicated an address in Fort Worth for Smith County Jail mail:

  • Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#

  • c/o Smith County Jail

  • 2830 S. Hulen St. Box 809

  • Fort Worth, TX 76109 You must verify if this is the most current and correct address. Call the jail at (903) 590-2800 or the Sheriff's Office at (903) 590-2600 to be sure. Ask them for the proper mailing procedure and obtain the inmate's ID number.

• Content Restrictions and Prohibited Items: There are strict rules about what you can send. You cannot send items like staples, paper clips, or hardcover books (unless sent directly from a publisher or vendor). No food or cash. Photographs are often allowed but not if they are too large or depict inappropriate content. No items that could be a threat to safety. A full list of prohibited items should be available on the Sheriff's website, or you can ask when you call. Not following these rules means the mail will not reach the inmate.

Visitation Rules and Hours

Visits are a key way to support an inmate. Smith County has set rules for all visits. All inmate visitation uses a video link and is conducted at the Low-Risk Facility.

• Location of Visitation: All visits occur at the Low-Risk Facility, located at 2811 Public Road, Tyler, Texas. This applies even if the inmate is housed at the Main Jail.

• Type of Visitation: Visits are conducted by video link. You will see and talk to the inmate on a screen.

• Visitation Schedule: The days and times for visits vary based on whether the inmate is male, female, or a trustee.

  • Men: Monday and Saturday, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

  • Women: Tuesday and Sunday, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

  • Trustee Visitation: Reportedly daily from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. (One source indicates this, while another suggests sign-up is 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM with visits from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for trustees. It is best to verify this.)

• Visitor Sign-Up Process: You must sign up for a visit on the day of the visit. This is done at the Low-Risk Facility.

  • For men's and women's visits: Sign-up is between 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM.

  • For trustee visits: Sign-up appears to be from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

• Duration of Visits: Each visit is short, limited to 20 minutes.

• Visitor Requirements: You will need a valid picture ID. All forms of government-issued ID cards are acceptable. Visitors may be subject to a search. Authorities may also check for outstanding warrants. You must generally be 18 years or older to visit. A dress code may be in effect. Call or check the website for these rules.

• Items Allowed/Not Allowed for Visitors: Do not bring items like cell phones, bags, food, or drinks to the visitation area. No drugs or weapons. If possible, bring only your ID and keys. This maintains jail security. Violating these rules may result in denial of visitation and could also lead to legal action.

Accessing Smith County Arrest Records and Public Information

In Texas, many government records are public, including arrest records. You have a right to request these, but there are rules and laws to understand.

Understanding Public Arrest Records in Texas

The law grants you the right to see most arrest information. This promotes transparency.

Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552)

This law is crucial. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552) states that the public generally has the right to access government records. You do not have to state why you want them. Certain information is kept private by law, but arrest details are mostly open. This law helps ensure that people can see what their government is doing. It sets the rules for how you can request records and how quickly they should be provided.

What Information is Public

When someone is arrested, some facts are made public. This can include:

• The person's full name.

• Their date of birth.

• A physical description.

• The charges they face (i.e., what crime they are alleged to have committed).

• Booking information. This includes the date and time they entered jail and their booking number. Sometimes a photograph (mug shot) is part of this.

• Arrest date, time, and location.

• The name of the law enforcement agency that made the arrest (e.g., Smith County Sheriff's Office or Tyler Police Department).

This information is considered public to help people stay informed and to ensure the arrest process is transparent.

How to Request Arrest Records

There are a few ways to ask for arrest records in Smith County. You can go directly to the source.

Smith County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office is a primary source for arrest records, as they either made the arrest or operate the jail.

• Contact: (903) 590-2600.

• Address: 227 North Spring Avenue, Tyler, Texas 75702.

• Procedure for Request: You can often request records in person at their office. Sometimes requests can be made by mail. You can call them to ask about their preferred method for receiving requests. You may need to fill out a form. Be clear about the record you seek. Provide as much detail as possible, such as the person's name and date of arrest if known. This will help them find the correct documents quickly.

Smith County Public Information Request Portal

Smith County has a website for public information requests, which can be an easy way to submit a request.

• The portal is at https://smithcountytx.justfoia.com/publicportal.

• Online Form Submission: You can fill out a form on their website. This sends your request to the appropriate personnel in the county.

• Tracking Requests: After you submit your request, the system may provide you with a number. You can use this number to check the status of your request. This helps you see if it is being processed.

Fees and Processing Time

Obtaining copies of records might involve a fee. There are also timeframes for agencies to respond.

• Potential Costs for Copies: If you just want to inspect records, it may be free. If you want copies, there can be a charge. The Texas Government Code (§ 552.261 and § 552.2615) has rules on this. If the cost to provide the information is more than $40, they must give you an itemized estimate before they complete the work. Fees should be reasonable and based on the actual cost of making the copies.

• Response Time: By law, a governmental body must act promptly when you request public information. They have about 10 business days to do one of three things: 1) provide the information; 2) inform you in writing when they will provide it, if it will take longer, and why; or 3) ask the Attorney General for an opinion if they believe the information should be kept private. If they do not do this, the information is presumed to be open.

Distinction: Arrest Records vs. Criminal Court Records

It is important to know that arrest records are not the same as criminal court records. An arrest record shows that someone was taken into custody. Court records show what happened in court with a case.

• Smith County Court Records Inquiry: Smith County may have an online method for searching court records. Check the Smith County website, particularly the pages for the District Clerk or County Clerk. News from late 2023 indicated a judicial search site was back online, allowing public access to court and jail records.

• Obtaining records from District Clerk or County Clerk: You can get court records from the District Clerk's office or the County Clerk's office in Smith County. There are often fees to obtain copies of these records, which are set by law. Court records will show information such as what a person was formally charged with in court, if they went to trial, and the court's judgment. These provide a comprehensive picture of a legal case.

Additional Resources and Information

Beyond just finding an inmate or getting an arrest record, there are other helpful resources. These can provide more context or assistance in specific ways. Knowing these can aid your search or understanding of how things work in Smith County and Texas.

Smith County Sheriff's Office Divisions

The Smith County Sheriff's Office has different divisions, each with specific responsibilities. These divisions work to keep the jails running effectively and the public safe.

Jail Operations

This is the primary division within the Sheriff's Office that manages the jails. They ensure the jails are safe for staff and inmates. They oversee daily tasks, such as feeding inmates, healthcare, and maintaining order. They strive to meet all state and federal regulations for jails. The Sheriff's Office phone number, (903) 590-2600, can connect you to someone in Jail Operations if you have questions about how the jail is run.

Inmate Classification Section

This section is crucial in the jail system. When an inmate enters the jail, this group decides on their housing assignment. They consider factors like the inmate's charges, their criminal history, and whether they might pose a risk to themselves or others. This helps maintain safety and order within the jail.

• Contact: The general Sheriff's Office number (903) 590-2600 or the jail information number (903) 590-2800 may reach them. One search result also lists (903) 590-2661 as a contact for Inmate Classification.

• This team ensures that inmates who might cause trouble are housed in more secure parts of the jail. Those who are low risk may be assigned to facilities like the Low-Risk Facility. Their work is ongoing; if an inmate's case or behavior changes, their classification might also change.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)

Sometimes, a person you are looking for is not in a county jail but in a state prison. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) operates the state prisons.

State-Level Inmate Search

If you cannot find someone in the Smith County jail, they might be in a TDCJ facility. TDCJ has its own online search tool.

• You can find it at https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/.

• This search is for inmates in the state prison system. These are usually individuals who have been convicted of felony crimes and sentenced to prison for a significant period. The search will require the person's name, TDCJ number, or SID number.

• It is important to understand that county jails and state prisons are different. County jails typically hold people awaiting trial or those with shorter sentences. State prisons house those who have been sentenced for more serious crimes.

TDCJ Contact for Classification

If you have questions about an inmate in the state system, TDCJ has contact methods.

• For questions about classification or an inmate's status in TDCJ, you can email: classify@tdcj.texas.gov.

• This is not for county jail inmates, only for those in TDCJ state facilities.

Victim Services

If you are a victim of a crime, there are services to help you. These can provide information and support.

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday)

VINE is a free service that helps victims of crime. It allows them to know the custody status of an offender.

• You can check their website, which is generally www.vinelink.com.

• Through VINE, you can register to receive calls, texts, or emails when an offender's jail status changes—for example, if they are moved, released, or escape.

• This service aims to give victims peace of mind and help them stay safe by keeping them informed. You can search for an offender in VINE by their name or ID number. Check if Smith County, Texas, participates in the VINE program; most jurisdictions in the U.S. do. This is a valuable tool for those affected by crime.