Inmate Search FAQ
Inmate Search
Q: How can I find an inmate in Broward County Jail?
A: To find an inmate in Broward County Jail, you can use the online inmate search tool available on the Broward County Sheriff's Office website. You must provide the inmate's name or booking number to search for them. If you don't have this information, contact the jail's inmate information line at (954) 831-5900.
Q: Can I find out an inmate's release date through the inmate search tool?
A: Yes, you can find out an inmate's release date through the inmate search tool. However, remember that release dates are subject to change due to various factors, such as good behavior, pending charges, or court orders.
Q: What if I can't find the inmate I'm looking for in the online search tool?
A: If you can't find the inmate you're looking for in the online search tool, they were probably recently booked, and their information hasn't been updated yet. You can try again later or contact the jail's inmate information line for assistance. It's also possible that the inmate has been transferred to another facility or released.
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Inmate Calls
Q: Can inmates make phone calls from Broward County Jail?
A: Yes, inmates can make phone calls from Broward County Jail using a prepaid phone account. Inmates are not allowed to receive incoming calls or messages, but they can make collect calls or use a prepaid phone account to call approved numbers.
Q: How can I set up a prepaid phone account for an inmate?
A: You can set up a prepaid phone account for an inmate by visiting the GTL ConnectNetwork website or by calling GTL's customer service at 1-866-607-6006. You will need the inmate's name, booking number, and facility location to set up the account. You can fund the account using a credit or debit card or by sending a money order or cashier's check to GTL.
Q: What if I have issues with the inmate phone system or need assistance with my prepaid phone account?
A: If you have issues with the inmate phone system or need assistance with your prepaid phone account, contact GTL's customer service at 1-866-607-6006. They can help you with issues such as setting up, funding your account, or resolving technical problems.
Visitation
Q: Can I visit an inmate at Broward County Jail?
A: Yes, you can visit an inmate at Broward County Jail, but you must schedule a visit in advance. You can schedule a visit using the online visitation system or by calling the jail's visitation line at (954) 831-5900. Visitors must follow the jail's dress code and visitation rules.
Q: What are the visitation hours at Broward County Jail?
A: The visitation hours at Broward County Jail vary depending on the inmate's housing location and classification. You can find out the visitation hours for a specific inmate online or by calling the jail's visitation line at (954) 831-5900.
Q: What documents do I need to bring for a jail visitation?
A: Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID for jail visitation, such as a driver's license or passport. Minors must accompany a parent or legal guardian and provide a birth certificate or legal guardianship paperwork. Visitors should also dress appropriately and avoid bringing any prohibited items, such as cell phones, purses, or weapons
Sending Mail
Q: Can I send mail to an inmate at Broward County Jail?
A: Yes, you can send mail to an inmate at Broward County Jail. All correspondence must be addressed to the inmate using their full name and booking number and sent to the jail's mailing address. The mailing address is on the Broward County Sheriff's Office website.
Q: What are the restrictions on mail sent to inmates at Broward County Jail?
A: There are certain restrictions on mail sent to inmates at Broward County Jail. All correspondence is subject to inspection and must comply with the jail's mail regulations. Prohibited items include gang-related material, sexually explicit material, and any items that could be used as weapons. Additionally, all mail must be written in pencil or blue or black ink on plain white paper, with no stickers, labels, or drawings.
Q: Can I send books or magazines to an inmate at Broward County Jail?
A: Yes, you can send books or magazines to an inmate at Broward County Jail, but they must be sent directly from a publisher or an authorized distributor, such as Amazon. Used or altered books or magazines are not allowed. Additionally, the jail may restrict the number of books or magazines inmates can have.
Care Packages
Q: How can I send a care package to an inmate in Broward County Jail?
A: You can send a care package to an inmate in Broward County Jail using a vendor the jail has approved. These vendors provide pre-approved packages that can be sent directly to the inmate. You can find a list of approved vendors on the jail's website.
Q: What items are allowed in a care package sent to an inmate in Broward County Jail?
A: The items allowed in a care package sent to an inmate in Broward County Jail vary depending on the vendor you use. However, generally, these items include hygiene products, snacks, and stationery.
Q: Can I send homemade food in a care package to an inmate in Broward County Jail?
A: No, homemade food is not allowed in a care package sent to an inmate in Broward County Jail. Only pre-approved items from the approved vendors are allowed. This is to ensure the safety and security of all inmates.
Sending Money
Q: How can I send money to an inmate in Broward County Jail?
A: You can send money to an inmate in Broward County Jail using the jail's approved deposit service. You can also deposit online, over the phone, or by visiting a kiosk at the jail. You will need the inmate's full name and booking number to make the deposit.
Q: Are there any fees associated with sending money to an inmate in Broward County Jail?
A: Yes, there are fees associated with sending money to an inmate in Broward County Jail. The fees vary depending on the deposit service you use. It's essential to check with the deposit service to determine the costs associated with your transaction.
Q: Can I send cash or a personal check to an inmate in Broward County Jail?
No, you cannot send cash or a personal check to an inmate in Broward County Jail. The jail only accepts deposits made through the approved deposit service. This is to ensure that all transactions are secure and accounted for.
Jail Bookings
Q: How long does it take for an inmate to be booked into Broward County Jail?
A: The booking process at Broward County Jail can take several hours, depending on the number of inmates being processed and the complexity of the charges. Sometimes, it may take several days for an inmate to be fully processed and placed in a housing unit.
Q: Can I get information about an inmate's charges during the booking process?
A: The booking process is generally not open to the public, and information about an inmate's charges may not be available until they appear in court or are released. However, you can contact the jail's inmate information line at (954) 831-5900 for general information about an inmate's status and location.
Q: What happens to an inmate's personal belongings during the booking process?
A: An inmate's personal belongings, such as clothing, jewelry, and money, are confiscated during the booking process and stored in a secure location. Inmates receive a standard uniform and basic hygiene products until they can access their personal property.
Posting Bond
Q: Can I use a credit card to post bond for an inmate at Broward County Jail?
A: No, Broward County Jail does not accept credit cards for bond payments. You can pay the bond amount in cash, certified check, or money order at the jail's bond window. Alternatively, you can use a bail bond agent to post the bond for you, but this will require paying the bondsman a non-refundable fee of 10% of the bond amount.
Q: How long does it take for an inmate to be released after bond is posted?
A: The release process after posting bond can take several hours, depending on the number of inmates being processed and the time of day. Generally, inmates are released during business hours on weekdays. However, some factors, such as pending charges or warrants from other jurisdictions, may delay the release process.
Q: Can I get a refund on a posted bond if the inmate does not appear in court?
A: No, if the inmate fails to appear in court, the bond will be forfeited to the court as a penalty. This means that you will not receive a refund on the bond amount, and you may be responsible for paying the full amount of the bond if the inmate does not appear in court.
Legal Assistance For Inmates
Q: Can inmates at Broward County Jail receive legal assistance?
A: Yes, inmates at Broward County Jail can receive legal assistance from an attorney or public defender. The jail also provides a law library with legal resources that inmates can access to research their cases.
Q: How can an inmate at Broward County Jail contact an attorney or public defender?
A: Inmates at Broward County Jail can contact an attorney or public defender by submitting a written request to the jail's legal services department or by calling the jail's inmate information line for assistance. The jail also provides free access to legal phone calls for inmates to communicate with their attorneys.
Q: Are there any resources available to inmates who cannot afford an attorney?
A: Yes, inmates who cannot afford an attorney may be eligible for free legal services through the Broward County Legal Aid Service or other nonprofit legal aid organizations. Inmates can contact the jail's legal services department for more information on available resources.
Inmate Release
Q: How are inmates released from Broward County Jail?
A: Inmates are typically released from Broward County Jail through one of the following methods: posting bond, serving their sentence, being released on probation or parole, or being transferred to another facility. Depending on the circumstances, the release process may take several hours or days.
Q: Can inmates be released early from Broward County Jail?
A: Inmates may be eligible for early release or sentence reduction programs, such as work release or community service, depending on the nature of their charges and their criminal history. However, early release is not guaranteed, and inmates must meet specific criteria and complete the requirements to qualify.
Q: What happens to inmates' personal property when released from Broward County Jail?
A: An inmate's personal property is returned to them when released from Broward County Jail. This includes any clothing, jewelry, and money confiscated during the booking process. Inmates are responsible for ensuring that all their personal property is accounted for before they leave the facility.