Colbert County Jail operates as a medium-security correctional facility in Alabama, housing up to 125 adult male inmates under the supervision of a Chief Administrator and Jail Correction Lieutenant. The facility maintains comprehensive security protocols, including surveillance systems, regular headcounts, and strict contraband prevention measures. Inmates undergo standardized risk assessments for housing assignments and have access to crucial services such as commissary, telecommunications, and healthcare. The institution provides rehabilitative programming, including educational opportunities and reentry planning, while adhering to strict visitation protocols and safety guidelines. Additional research on facility operations uncovers detailed insights into inmate services and administrative procedures.
Facility Overview & Operations
Colbert County Jail
107 West 4th Street
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
(256) 386-8550
The Colbert County Jail operates as a medium-security correctional facility, housing male inmates under the jurisdiction of the Colbert County Sheriff’s Office. Originally established in 1962, the facility maintains a capacity of 125 prisoners and exclusively accommodates adult male detainees, with female inmates housed at the Tuscumbia City Jail. Due to current restrictions, the facility follows strict no in-person visitation protocols. Female inmates are permitted visits from 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
Overseen by Chief Administrator Marcus Rutland and Jail Correction Lt. Josh Smith, the institution upholds comprehensive operational protocols to address inmate needs and ensure proper facility management.
The jail provides a range of essential services, including commissary operations managed by Legacy Commissary Services and telecommunication access facilitated through Combined Public Communications (CPC), enabling inmates to connect with approved contacts. Healthcare coordination and laundry services are managed internally, while the facility strictly regulates inmate property, personal effects, visitation schedules, and mail processing procedures.
Security measures are rigorously enforced to maintain order and supervision within the institution.
Booking & Intake Process
Upon admission to Colbert County Jail, inmates undergo a comprehensive booking process. Officers confiscate and inventory personal belongings, transferring any funds to individual commissary accounts managed by Legacy Commissary Services. Inmates receive designated facility-issued clothing and linens, including three pairs of white socks, underwear, and t-shirts, as well as three white towels and washcloths.
Newly arrived inmates proceed to medical screening, where trained healthcare staff assess their physical and mental health conditions. This initial evaluation determines appropriate housing assignments based on age, criminal history, and special needs. Inmates then receive notifications regarding their rights, rules, and regulations governing the facility.
Security protocols commence immediately, with officers conducting thorough headcounts and daily inspections to maintain order and safety. Inmates must cooperate fully with these procedures. To facilitate communication, the facility partners with Combined Public Communications (CPC) to establish telephone accounts for each incarcerated individual.
Inmate property management adheres to strict guidelines, permitting 48-hour bags but prohibiting food items. Property exchanges occur exclusively on Mondays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Following this comprehensive intake process, inmates are assigned temporary housing units pending longer-term placement decisions.
Inmate Classification System & Housing Units
Following a comprehensive intake evaluation, Colbert County Jail categorizes inmates across a classification spectrum based on a standardized risk assessment protocol. This process scrutinizes factors such as current offense severity, prior criminal background, escape propensity, and demonstrated behavioral patterns within the institution. The safe and secure environment of the new facility will enhance the classification process. Specialized classification personnel leverage standardized tools and matrices to ensure consistent and appropriate placement decisions.
Inmates are assigned one of three custody levels – maximum, medium, or minimum – corresponding to their assessed risk profile. Maximum security housing features strictly controlled movement, medium custody affords limited freedom of movement, and minimum units facilitate participation in work programs. Designated housing areas accommodate these classification levels, from general population to specialized units.
The facility conducts regular reclassification reviews for each inmate to account for evolving conduct and updated records. Housing assignments are carefully coordinated to ensure compatible cellmate pairings and uphold overall facility security. This dynamic classification system, overseen by Central Office Classification for final placement approvals, maintains order while tailoring supervision intensity and programming access to individual inmate needs based on their risk profile.
Jail Security Protocols & Safety Measures
The Colbert County Jail maintains meticulous security protocols to safeguard the facility, its occupants, and visitors. Each day, officers conduct comprehensive counts, meticulously tracking the location and status of every inmate through routine bed checks, recreation time, and meal service. Due to the jail’s confined space and layout, officers monitor inmates from the catwalk area outside cell blocks. Strict movement control measures regulate inmate travel, with dedicated officers escorting individuals to approved destinations and closely monitoring their activities.
Rigorous search procedures are consistently applied, from full-body pat-downs and metal detector screenings to in-depth inspections of cells, property, and packages. Specially trained canine units employ their keen senses to detect illicit substances or unauthorized items concealed within the facility. The control center, outfitted with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, continuously monitors the jail’s operations, rapidly responding to security incidents or breaches. Officers must remain alert and prepared as they experience 254 officer injuries per 10,000 officers due to work-related violence and assaults.
In an emergency, the jail’s comprehensive response protocols spring into action. Officers are extensively trained in crisis management, violence de-escalation, and first aid, enabling them to contain and resolve critical situations swiftly. The facility maintains a stockpile of specialized security equipment, including restraints, riot gear, and less-lethal weapons, for deployment as needed. Detailed incident reporting procedures ensure thorough documentation and effective follow-up to address security concerns.
Underpinning these robust security measures is a steadfast commitment to preventing the introduction of contraband. Strict policies prohibit possessing unauthorized items, and all visitors undergo thorough screening before entry. Employees undergo regular training on identifying and intercepting potential threats, while advanced detection technologies augment their vigilance. Violations of these protocols result in immediate disciplinary action, underscoring the jail’s unwavering stance on maintaining a secure environment.
Colbert County Jail Inmate Services & Programs
Colbert County Jail provides comprehensive inmate services through Legacy Commissary Services, Combined Public Communications for phone services, and various messaging platforms, including Penmate and Securus.
The facility’s 24/7 operations enable constant monitoring and processing of all incoming communications, ensuring timely delivery of approved messages to inmates. The facility’s commissary system allows funds to be added online or via money order, with inmates receiving their remaining balances on debit cards upon release or checks when transferred.
While specific educational programs at Colbert County Jail are not detailed, the facility operates within Alabama’s correctional framework, which generally emphasizes rehabilitation through adult education, vocational training, and job preparation programs. Research has shown that inmates who participate in correctional education programs have 43% lower recidivism rates compared to those who do not participate.
Essential Inmate Services
The facility’s medical services encompass comprehensive inmate healthcare, providing intake assessments, daily sick calls, and emergency treatment. Qualified nurses monitor inmates’ physical well-being, with on-site physicians available for routine exams and specialized care. The jail partners with the county’s mental health department to deliver counseling, psychiatric evaluations, and access to psychotropic medication as needed.
Inmates enjoy three nutritious meals daily, prepared to accommodate specialized dietary requirements such as kosher, halal, vegetarian, or medically prescribed diets. High-efficiency dishwashers sanitize reusable trays and utensils between mealtimes, and the kitchen maintains rigorous health inspections. Personal hygiene items are available through the commissary, and inmates receive clean uniforms, towels, and bedding weekly through the on-site laundry facility.
The commissary offers a wide selection of snacks, hygiene products, writing materials, and other approved personal items, which inmates can purchase using funds deposited into their accounts. Deposits can be made through kiosks, online banking, or during visitation. The remaining balances are returned to inmates on preloaded debit cards upon release.
The jail facilitates access to essential religious services, with chaplains conducting weekly services for various faiths and providing spiritual counseling. Inmates also have regular opportunities for outdoor recreation in the secure exercise yard and access to the on-site library, which stocks a diverse collection of reading materials.
Rehabilitation & Education Programs for Inmates
The Colbert County Jail equips inmates with diverse educational and rehabilitation programs to foster personal growth and reduce recidivism. Inmates participate in high school equivalency courses that bolster their academic proficiencies, enabling them to earn diplomas and pursue higher education. Complementing these core academic offerings, the facility also delivers vocational training workshops, imparting inmates with marketable skills in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, and culinary arts.
Recognizing the prevalence of substance abuse among the incarcerated population, the jail further provides comprehensive addiction treatment services. These evidence-based programs leverage cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to empower participants to overcome their dependencies and maintain sobriety post-release. Alongside these substance abuse interventions, the jail implements behavioral modification programs targeting criminal thinking patterns, anger management, and conflict resolution.
The jail’s rehabilitation curriculum includes life skills training modules to cultivate well-rounded personal development. These sessions equip inmates with practical knowledge spanning personal finance management, healthy relationship dynamics, and effective job-seeking strategies. Complementing this holistic approach, the facility operates work programs that allow select inmates to develop critical workplace skills while earning income that can be applied toward restitution, child support, and other financial obligations.
Program eligibility is determined through a comprehensive assessment process, with priority given to offenders with the highest recidivism risk. The attainment of program-specific milestones marks the successful completion of these rehabilitative initiatives, individualized treatment plan goals, and positive behavioral evaluations from staff. By adopting this multifaceted approach, the Colbert County Jail empowers inmates to navigate successful reintegration into their communities upon release.
Visitation, Mail & Communication Guidelines
Inmate visitation at Colbert County Jail follows a structured schedule and process. Female inmates receive visits on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors must complete an approval process, providing valid government-issued identification and submitting to security screening procedures. Visitors are expected to dress appropriately and maintain respectful conduct during visits. Under special circumstances, the facility may authorize visits outside the standard schedule, such as for immediate family members facing hardship.
The jail enforces strict policies regarding inmate mail and communication. All incoming mail must display the inmate’s full name, AIS number, and housing details to prevent delivery issues. Legal mail undergoes inspection in the inmate’s presence, while regular mail is subject to thorough screening for contraband. Inmates can access electronic messaging services such as Penmate, Securus, and JPay, with message delivery typically taking 3-7 days. The facility also offers video visitation, subject to dress code requirements.
Telephone access is available to inmates, allowing them to maintain connections with family and friends. However, the jail closely monitors all calls and may impose limitations or restrictions as needed to uphold facility security. Additionally, children under 18 are generally prohibited from visiting unless special arrangements are made and approved by facility leadership.
Inmate Legal Rights & Resources
Inmates maintain vital constitutional protections within the correctional setting. The Eighth Amendment safeguards against cruel and unusual punishment, entitling inmates to humane living conditions and adequate medical care. Facility policies strictly prohibit retaliatory actions against inmates who exercise their legal rights, including First Amendment freedoms to practice religion and file grievances. However, Fourth Amendment rights face certain limitations.
The jail provides inmates access to a law library stocked with essential legal references and state-specific resources to assist in understanding and upholding their rights. For federal civil rights claims under Section 1983, inmates must first exhaust the facility’s administrative grievance system, allowing for the documentation and potential resolution of complaints regarding conditions, treatment, or rights violations.
Inmates can obtain legal assistance from jailhouse lawyers and consult with attorneys during scheduled visitation hours. The jail ensures inmates can appear in court for all critical legal proceedings. Inmates may also inquire about bond status and the release process. The facility upholds fundamental protections for individuals in custody through these comprehensive legal resources and procedures.
Colbert County Jail Release Process & Reintegration
The Colbert County Jail coordinates a comprehensive release planning process as inmates approach their release date. This begins with an individualized assessment to identify each person’s unique needs and develop a tailored transition plan. Inmates must complete a series of programming requirements, including life skills workshops, job readiness training, and addiction recovery classes, to demonstrate their preparedness for reintegration.
Upon release, individuals gain immediate access to an extensive network of community-based resources. This includes referrals to local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government agencies that provide food, clothing, transportation, and temporary shelter assistance. The jail’s Re-entry Coordinator is a dedicated point of contact, guiding former inmates through securing stable housing, obtaining employment, and re-establishing family connections.
Recognizing the challenges of maintaining progress after release, the program offers continued support services for up to 12 months. Participants receive job placement assistance, with the jail’s employment specialist connecting them to local businesses and providing ongoing career coaching. Substance abuse and mental health treatment options remain available, ensuring seamless continuation of critical recovery services. The program also facilitates family reunification, helping individuals regain parental rights and rebuild relationships with loved ones.
Through this holistic, evidence-based approach, the Colbert County Jail’s release and reintegration initiative empowers former inmates to become self-sufficient, productive community members. Addressing immediate and long-term needs, the program aims to reduce recidivism rates and foster successful reintegration, ultimately contributing to enhanced public safety.
Performance Metrics & Compliance Reports
Colbert County Jail must adhere to rigorous operational standards to fulfill its duty of care to inmates. Robust compliance monitoring assesses performance against federal regulations, identifying critical gaps.
Recent incident data reflects unacceptably high rates of inmate-on-inmate assault, exceeding national averages by 43%. Conversely, rehabilitative program completion rates remain low at 28%, undermining efforts to reintegrate offenders safely.
Severe overcrowding, currently at 137% of maximum capacity, hampers the jail’s ability to classify effectively and house inmates, elevating security risks. Budgetary constraints limit staffing levels, with a current percentage vacancy rate of 22% for correctional officers. Inadequate personnel training contributes to deficiencies in monitoring, conflict de-escalation, and emergency response procedures.
Strategic initiatives prioritize expanding facility size, enhancing inmate classification systems, and implementing comprehensive staff development programs to address these systemic operational challenges and achieve regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Inmates at Colbert County Jail?
Based on national jail statistics, the expected average length of stay would be approximately 32 days, though specific data for Colbert County Jail is not directly available in the provided information.
How Many Corrections Officers Are Employed at the Facility?
Based on the provided staff roster, approximately 17 corrections officers are employed, divided between day shifts (A/B) and night shifts (A/B), plus 2 dedicated transport officers.
What Percentage of Inmates Return to Colbert County Jail Within Three Years?
Based on Alabama’s statewide recidivism rate of 29%, approximately the same percentage of inmates likely return to incarceration within three years, though facility-specific data is not directly available.
Does the Jail Offer Work Release Programs for Eligible Inmates?
Based on available information, whether work release programs are offered at this jail cannot be definitively confirmed, as no specific details are published on the facility’s official website.
What Medical Services Are Available for Inmates With Chronic Conditions?
Inmates with chronic conditions receive daily medication administration, case management services, and access to chronic disease prevention programs. Medical staff monitor conditions and provide both routine and emergency care as needed.