FAQ About Bessemer City Jail

The Bessemer Jail is one of two jails located in Jefferson County. Both state and federal inmates are housed at this minimum-security facility whose origins were established more than 100 years ago. With $2 million in working capital, steel magnate Henry DeBardeleben founded the city with the objective of making it a steel metropolis named after Sir Henry Bessemer, who revolutionized the process of producing steel.

On April 17, 1889, Bessemer's city council authorized the sale of bonds that would fund Bessemer's first city hall and would include an engine house for the fire department, a courtroom, various city offices, and the Bessemer City Jail. Prisoner housing began later that year, but has been expanded since then to accommodate an increased number of prisoners. Historical construction dates vary, but either 1887 or 1889 is generally accepted as accurate.

The building that houses the jail contains various other business entities, in part for the generation of revenue after the construction of a county courthouse for the outlying areas and an economic slowdown. Additional businesses located within the building include a courthouse, various markets and shops, other city offices, various professional offices, and some facilities for recreation.

Bessemer City Jail Number and Address Information

Bessemer City Jail
Jefferson County Jail
1822 2nd Avenue N
Bessemer, AL 35020

(205) 481-4160 Main Switchboard
(205) 481-8502 Administrative Office
(205) 481-8529 Pre-Trial Release

Bessemer City Jail Inmates Information

Bessemer Al Jail is a minimum-security facility and as such, doesn't accommodate a vast number of prisoners. Although the number varies, the daily count is usually less than 60 inmates, due in part to the city’s population of about 30,000. The 115 sworn and dedicated police officers of the city’s Police Department are an essential element in keeping the city safe by apprehending those who commit crimes.

Prisoners are housed at the detention center according to the severity of their infractions, their behavioral analysis, and their risk assessment. Both male and female prisoners are accommodated. A current inmate who is incarcerated at this facility can receive phone calls and mail, although it needs to be addressed to the facility on the first line with the inmate's name and identification number on the second line. If you are trying to find a Bessemer city jail inmate list, or inmate roster, you will need to conduct a Bessemer city jail inmate search. In addition to the inmate search, you can also find information on arrest records, jail records, and release date.

Bessemer Jail Visitation Hours

Visiting hours at the Bessemer City Jail vary according to the inmate's last name and the type of security, If you need further information, conduct an inmate search as described above.

Last name begins with:

A-G Saturday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM
H-Q Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 PM
R-Z Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Protective custody visitation is on Sunday from 8:00 to 10:00 AM.
Max 1 visitation is on odd Saturdays from 8:00 to 10:00 AM
Max 2 visitation is on even Sundays from 8:00 to 10:00 AM

The address of the facility is:
Jefferson County Jail
1822 2nd Ave. N
Bessemer, AL 35020

What To Expect During Visitation

Visitors may be required to submit an application and should verify its acceptance before going because an application may occasionally be rejected. The visitor should be on the inmate's list of acceptable visitors and should arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to the start of visiting hours.

Physical contact with inmates isn't permitted, and all visits will be conducted through a glass wall. Visits may be recorded, no more than two visitors per day are permitted, and only one visit per person per week. Minors must be accompanied by an adult and must present their birth certificate.

All conduct is subject to rules and regulations such as:

– Shoes and shirts are mandatory
– Miniskirts, form-fitting clothing, and bare midriffs aren't allowed
– Profanity is prohibited
– Cigarettes, medications, and drugs are prohibited

Once inside the facility, visitors must present valid identification and may be searched. Most items aren't allowed inside, except:

– One car key
– Loose change or small bills
– One baby bottle or diaper if a small child is present
– Eyeglasses

If you additional information you can visit the bessemer city jail website.

Obtaining Bond Information On Bessemer Jail Inmates

The Bessemer Jail can provide information related to the bond amount and arranging bond, charges, and any issues that have arisen. Information on individual court dates isn't available from the facility, but can be obtained from the District Court at (205) 497-8520 or the Circuit Court at (205) 497-8510. Bessemer jail number of the main switchboard is (205) 481-4160.

To arrange bond for a Bessemer City Jail inmate, contact a state-licensed Bessemer bail bondsman if the bond is secured by a private bond or surety bond. Cash bail can be posted at the jail and may be posted by cash, money order or cashier's check, but no personal checks are accepted.