Jefferson County Recent Bookings
Jefferson County recent bookings are handled by the county sheriff's office at two jail facilities. This is Alabama's most populous county with over 674,000 residents. The sheriff runs jails in both Birmingham and Bessemer. Together they process about 43,000 bookings each year. Jefferson County provides a free online jail roster where you can search current inmates and recent releases. This guide shows you how to find booking records in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County Jail Quick Facts
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office runs the jail system and maintains all booking records. Sheriff Mark Pettway leads the department. The office has over 700 employees and serves the largest population in Alabama.
Jefferson County has two jail facilities. The Birmingham Jail is the main facility. The Bessemer Jail serves the western part of the county. Both jails book and hold inmates. Records from both facilities appear on the same online roster.
| Main Office |
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 2200 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 325-5700 |
|---|---|
| Birmingham Jail | Phone: (205) 325-5670 |
| Bessemer Jail | Phone: (205) 481-4160 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | jeffcosheriffal.com |
How to Search Jefferson County Bookings Online
Jefferson County offers a free online jail roster. You can search it any time. The roster shows current inmates at both Birmingham and Bessemer jails. It also shows recent releases.
The search uses Tyler Technologies software. Go to the sheriff's website and click on inmate inquiry. Enter a name to search. You can also browse all current inmates. Results show mugshots, charges, bond amounts, and booking dates.
To search Jefferson County recent bookings, you need this info:
- First and last name of the person
- Date of birth helps narrow results
- Booking number if you have it
Direct link to search: Jefferson County Inmate Search
The roster updates daily. New bookings appear within hours. Check back if you do not see someone right away. They may still be in processing.
Jefferson County Booking Record Fees
Most Jefferson County booking searches are free. The online roster costs nothing to use. You can view mugshots, charges, and bond info at no charge.
Getting copies may cost a small fee. Here are typical costs:
- Online roster search: Free
- Copy of booking record: $0.10 per page
- Background check via ALEA: $25.00
- Court record search: $9.99 via Alacourt
Call the sheriff's office at (205) 325-5700 to confirm current fees.
How to Request Records in Jefferson County
You can get Jefferson County booking records several ways. The method depends on what you need.
Online is the fastest option. Use the jail roster to view current inmates. Screenshots are allowed. For older records or official copies, use other methods.
In person visits work well for detailed requests. Go to 2200 Rev Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd in Birmingham. Bring valid ID. Staff can search records and make copies. The office is open weekdays.
By phone, call (205) 325-5670 for Birmingham jail or (205) 481-4160 for Bessemer. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody. They can tell you charges and bond amounts. Have the full name ready.
Jefferson County also uses NextRequest for formal records requests. Visit jeffersoncounty.nextrequest.com to submit a request. This works for bulk requests or older records.
Jefferson County's Two Jail System
Jefferson County runs a complex jail system. It has the largest jail population in Alabama. Two main facilities serve the county. About 20 smaller municipal jails also exist across 35 cities.
The Birmingham Jail is the primary facility. Most county arrests go here. It sits next to the courthouse downtown. The Bessemer Jail serves western Jefferson County. Cities like Bessemer, Hueytown, and Pleasant Grove use this facility.
Birmingham also has its own city jail. This is separate from the county jail. The city jail has 76 beds. It holds people on city charges. County charges go to the sheriff's jail. If you need Birmingham booking records, check both facilities.
The jail has historical importance too. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail" while held here in 1963. A marker now stands at the historic site.
Note: Birmingham City Jail records are separate from Jefferson County Sheriff records. Check both if needed.
Alabama Booking Records Laws
Alabama law makes jail records public. Code of Alabama Section 36-22-8 requires sheriffs to keep a record book of all prisoners. This book must be open for public inspection.
Section 36-22-13 says these records must be available free of charge. You do not need a reason to view them. Anyone can ask to see jail logs during office hours.
The Alabama Open Records Act also protects your right to access. You can request copies of booking records in writing. The sheriff must respond in a reasonable time.
Search Jefferson County Jail Roster
Use the search tool below to find recent bookings and inmate information in Jefferson County.
Cities in Jefferson County
Jefferson County has over 35 cities and towns. Most city police arrests go to the county jail for booking. Birmingham has its own city jail as well.
Other cities in Jefferson County include Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Trussville, Gardendale, Center Point, Hueytown, and Irondale. Arrests in these cities typically go to the Jefferson County Jail.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Jefferson County. Check the correct county if you are near a border.