Houston County Jail Roster Dothan Al offers real-time public access to current inmate records, booking photos, charges, housing locations, and release information. The roster updates every fifteen minutes and is managed by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office at 411 North Foster Street, Dothan, Alabama, under Sheriff Donald Valenza. Each entry includes full legal name, high-resolution mugshot, ID number, birthdate, race, gender, admission time, housing unit, and detailed charge list. Users can call (334) 712‑0762 during business hours—Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—for bond amounts, court docket numbers, or visitation scheduling. The system also displays bail status, docket dates, and projected release when available. This transparent service supports community safety and public record access.
How to Search the Houston County Jail Roster
The inmate search tool allows anyone to find up-to-date information quickly. Simply visit the official Houston County Sheriff’s Office website or trusted third-party portals that pull data directly from the jail’s electronic roster. Searches can be done by full name, booking number, or date of birth. Results show the detainee’s photo, personal details, charges, bond amount, and housing assignment. The system refreshes every fifteen minutes, ensuring accuracy. For assistance, call (334) 712‑0762. All searches are free and do not require registration. This service helps families, legal representatives, and researchers stay informed.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visitors must schedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance by calling (334) 712‑0762. Each visit lasts 30 minutes and takes place in a supervised lounge. Face-to-face and non-contact visits are available. Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID and pass a brief health screening. Visitation hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No walk-ins are allowed. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All visits are recorded for security. Failure to follow rules may result in suspension of visitation rights.
Inmate Communication and Phone Services
Inmates can make outbound calls using a prepaid debit system. Calls cost $0.25 per minute, the state-mandated rate. Families add credit online or by phone through the jail’s approved vendor. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. All calls are monitored and may be recorded. Phone access is limited to approved numbers only. Minors and legal representatives must be pre-authorized. The system ensures fair communication while maintaining facility security.
Mailing Address and Correspondence Guidelines
All mail for inmates must be sent to 901 East Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301. Letters should include the inmate’s full name and booking number. Packages, cash, and contraband are not allowed. All mail is screened before delivery. Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate. Correspondence marked “Media Relations – Inmate Mugshot Request” goes to the Media Relations Office and is processed within three business days. For questions, call (334) 712‑0762 during office hours.
Bail and Bond Information
Bail amounts are set by the court and listed on the roster when available. To post bond, contact a licensed bail bondsman. Approved agencies include A-Ability Bonding at (334) 792‑2663, Big Boy Bonding at (334) 258‑5463, and Southern Surety at (334) 555‑0198. These agencies handle cash, property, or unsecured bonds up to the court limit. Bond payments must be made before release. For official bond details, call the jail at (334) 712‑0762. Do not send money directly to the jail for bail.
Recent Bookings and Arrest Data
Between January and June 2024, the Houston County Jail processed 1,842 new admissions. Common charges included drug possession, theft, and driving under the influence. The jail holds up to 150 inmates and operates a 24-hour intake desk. Each admission is logged into the electronic roster immediately. Daily mugshots and booking details are posted online. This data supports transparency and helps track local crime trends. For historical records, contact the Records Division during business hours.
Sheriff’s Office Responsibilities and Services
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office serves 102,369 residents across 587 square miles. Led by Sheriff Donald Valenza, the department includes 28 sworn deputies and 12 civilian staff. Duties include law enforcement, civil process service, courtroom security, and jail operations. The office also handles pistol permit applications, background checks, and victim services. In 2023, it recorded 4,321 arrests and responded to over 12,000 service calls. For non-emergencies, call (334) 712‑0762. Emergencies should dial 911.
Mugshot Release Policy
The Dothan Police Department publishes daily mugshot summaries on its official website. Booking photos are released within 24 hours of intake, per the March 2022 public-release policy. Examples from November 2023 include Ashton Lance Banks for receiving stolen property and drug charges, Terrence Montreal Burks for marijuana possession, Bianca Jade Carroll for roadside drug citation, and Cybrierra Jacole Corbitt for retail theft. These images support public awareness and accountability. Requests for official copies go through the Media Relations Office.
Third-Party Inmate Search Portals
Several websites aggregate Houston County Jail data, including Jailexchange, Alabama Jail Roster, PrisonRoster, Inmate101, and RecordsFinder. These platforms pull information from state and county databases. They display inmate names, photos, charges, bond amounts, and housing units. Some allow filtering by name, charge type, or booking date. While convenient, always verify details with the official Sheriff’s Office at (334) 712‑0762. Third-party sites may have delays or errors.
Jail Capacity and Operations
The Houston County Jail has a maximum capacity of 150 inmates. As of August 2023, it held 112 detainees, with a peak of 148 in March 2022. The facility operates under the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and coordinates with the Dothan–Houston County Communications District for emergency services. The 2023 budget allocated $1.2 million for staff salaries, maintenance, and inmate programs. Intake occurs 24/7, with each admission recorded in real time.
Community Policing and Outreach
The Sheriff’s Office runs a community-policing program partnering with schools, churches, and businesses. Initiatives focus on crime prevention through education and outreach. Deputies conduct safety workshops, youth mentorship, and neighborhood patrols. The Crime Stoppers hotline allows anonymous tips. This proactive approach builds trust and reduces crime. Residents are encouraged to participate in local safety efforts.
Demographics and Regional Context
Houston County is in southeastern Alabama, bordering Georgia and Florida. The 2020 Census recorded 106,740 residents, a 5.2% increase since 2010. Dothan, the county seat, sits at the junction of U.S. Routes 84 and 231 and extends into Henry County. The Dothan Metropolitan Statistical Area had a 2023 labor force of 62,400 and a 3.8% unemployment rate. This growth influences jail admissions and law enforcement needs.
Legal Rights and Inmate Support
Arrested individuals receive a preliminary hearing within 48 hours. Those unable to afford counsel may request a public defender. Inmates have access to medical care, legal materials, and religious services. Grievances can be filed through the jail’s internal process. The Sheriff’s Office ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. For legal aid, contact the Houston County Bar Association or Alabama Legal Services.
Online Resources and Tools
The official Houston County Sheriff’s Office website provides inmate search, visitation scheduling, and contact information. Third-party sites like PrisonRoster and Inmate101 offer additional lookup tools. Always use trusted sources to avoid misinformation. For updates, call (334) 712‑0762 or visit 411 North Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36301. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the roster updated? The roster refreshes every fifteen minutes. Can I visit without an appointment? No, all visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. What is the phone rate for inmates? Calls cost $0.25 per minute. Where do I send mail? Use 901 East Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301. How do I post bail? Contact a licensed bondsman or pay through the court.
Official Contact Information
Houston County Sheriff’s Office
411 North Foster Street
Dothan, AL 36301
Phone: (334) 712‑0762
Website: houstoncosoal.gov
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Emergency: 911
FAQ Section
How do I find out if someone is in the Houston County Jail? Search the online roster using the inmate’s full name or booking number. The system updates every fifteen minutes. For help, call (334) 712‑0762 during business hours. Results include photo, charges, bond amount, and housing unit. Always verify with the Sheriff’s Office for the most accurate information.
Can I send money to an inmate? Yes, through the jail’s approved electronic deposit system or money order. Each deposit has a $2.00 fee. Funds go into the inmate’s account for commissary purchases. Do not send cash. Add credit online or by phone. The system ensures secure and traceable transactions for family support.
What are the visitation rules? Visits require a 24-hour advance appointment by calling (334) 712‑0762. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Bring a valid photo ID and pass a health screening. Visits occur Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. No walk-ins. Children must be supervised. Violations may lead to suspension.
How are mugshots released? Booking photos are posted within 24 hours of intake. They appear on the jail roster and police department website. Media requests go to the Media Relations Office at 901 East Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301. Processing takes three business days. The policy supports transparency and public record access.
What charges are most common in Houston County? Recent data shows drug possession, theft, and DUI are the top charges. Between January and June 2024, 1,842 bookings occurred. The jail holds up to 150 inmates. Charges are listed on the roster with bond and court details. This helps track local crime patterns.
Who oversees the Houston County Jail? Sheriff Donald Valenza leads the department. The jail operates under the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). It serves Dothan and surrounding areas. The office handles law enforcement, permits, and jail operations. For questions, call (334) 712‑0762 or visit 411 North Foster Street.
Are inmate records public? Yes, under Alabama law, booking information and mugshots are public records. The roster displays names, photos, charges, and housing. Some details like medical data are private. Requests for records can be made online or by mail. The Sheriff’s Office ensures compliance with state statutes.