Jail and Inmates FAQ

Can I mail a care package to the inmate?
Care packages are not accepted at our facility. Please read our Mailing or Bringing Items and Contraband page for more information.

How can I send mail to an inmate?
Mail letters or correspondence to:

SCSO-SCH
Inmate’s Name - Booking Number (ID Number)
PO Box 1907
Pinellas Park, Florida 33780
The Inmates’ Name and Booking number must be clearly printed on the outside of the envelope or postcard to ensure the mail is posted to the correct account. Please read our Mailing or Bringing Items and Contraband page for more information.

How can I give money to an inmate and know that he/she received it?
Please see our Inmate Accounts page for instructions.

How can I bond someone out of jail?
Please see our Posting Bond page for more details. Bond payments are accepted in Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card or Surety Bond (through a bonding agent). Purge payments for child support or civil cases are accepted in Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card or Cashier’s Check. There are three ways to pay with a Credit or Debit Card: Online, by phone or in person. Once payment information is received the inmate’s release is initiated.
Can inmates receive telephone calls?
Please see our Phone Accounts page for more details. Incoming calls or messages to the inmate will not be accepted. However inmates have access to telephones during the day and can only call you collect. In the case of a serious medical emergency or death within the inmate's family the chaplain may be notified and will handle all communications.

How and when can I visit an inmate?
Review our Inmate Visitation page for complete information on how, when, and where to visit an inmate. Car keys and a Photo I.D. are the only items which you are allowed to bring in with you during visitation. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Appropriate attire must be worn during visitation, any suggestive or clothing, see-through fabrics, shorts, mini-shirts and hats may not be worn. Failure to follow these rules or any of the guidelines will result in loss of visitation privileges for the visitor.

I'm here to pick someone up, how long will it take?
All releases have various factors which may impede the process. For example if an inmate has been to court and he is released by a Judge, the process cannot start until the paperwork authorizing the release is received by the booking department at the facility. Once the proper paperwork is received, then the inmates release will be processed as quickly as possible. If the inmate has been to Initial Appearance and was released, once again the release process will not start until the paperwork authorizing the release is received by booking. Court paperwork for both Regular Courts and Initial Appearance is received all at once and not in the order which a defendant was seen by a Judge.

If a Cash Bond, Surety Bond or Cash Purge has been posted for release of an inmate, the process will be expedited as quickly as possible. Anyone that is being released from custody due to End of Sentence (EOS) will start exiting the facility shortly after 8:00 AM. Though there may be situations when a release may take several hours due to some extenuating circumstances, all efforts will be made to expedite the process.

Can I bring in clothing and hygiene items for the inmate?
Inmates are provided clothing for the duration of their incarceration. Upon classification, a packet consisting of a comb, toothbrush, soap, and toothpaste is provided to the inmate. Additionally, all feminine hygiene items will be available for female inmates. Items may be purchased by the inmate from the Commissary. In cases where an inmate is indigent some hygiene products and writing materials will be provided.

If an inmate is going to appear in court and you wish to bring him/ her clothes for trial, you can deliver the Court Clothing 72 hours prior to the actual court date. These items may be dropped of at the main Control Room located at the main entrance to the facility.

We do not provide a free deodorant.

What if an inmate needs a doctor or dentist?
There is a qualified Healthcare professional available at all times to respond to emergencies. The dentist makes on-site visits twice a week and doctor's sick call is held at each facility five times a week. In addition, a full compliment of nursing staff is always on duty to dispense medications and address any medical issue or question an inmate may have.

I've been sentenced to "do time" on weekends, what do I do now?
If you have been sentenced to do time on the weekends or have been court ordered to report to the jail on a specific day and time, ensure that you bring with you the copy of the court work and Photo Identification. Report to the main entrance of the facility at least 15 minutes prior to admission time specified on your court work.

Can I bring or send reading and/or religious materials for the inmate?
A supply of donated religious material and other reading material is available in the facility and will be provided to any inmate who makes a request to the Chaplain's Office. Any Religious or spiritual material donated to the Chaplain's Office will be dispersed randomly.