Lowndes County Sheriff and Detention Facility, Alabama

Lowndes county is in the state of Alabama, U.S. The county was formed in 1830 through a legislative act. The county seat is Hayneville. The county is named after William Lowndes, who settled near the present site of Hayneville in 1827.

Lowndes County Sheriff

The Lowndes county sheriff  office serves legal papers and warrants, enforcing court orders, protecting inmates, and maintaining public safety. The current sheriff is John “Big John” Williams. The sheriff’s office has several divisions, including the jail division, patrol division; investigation division; records division, training division, and special operations division.

Roles of Each Sheriff’s Division

A deputy chief of sergeant heads each division. Each deputy chief reports to the sheriff. There are also assistant chiefs that report directly to the sheriff. These include the administrative assistant chief and the communications assistant chief.

 

The patrol division comprises three shifts: day shift, evening shift, and night shift. A lieutenant leads each shift. The deputies assigned to each shift are divided into two teams. Each team is made up of four deputies. One team patrols inside the city limits while the other patrols outside the city limits.

The investigation division includes detectives and investigators. They work on murder, rape, burglary, robbery, theft, arson, drug trafficking, fraud, extortion, kidnapping, and weapons offenses. The investigation division also works with federal agencies and local law enforcement agencies.

The records division maintains all official documents about the sheriff’s department. This includes arrest logs, crime reports, incident reports, and property receipts. The records division also keeps track of all equipment used by the department.

The training division provides basic training to new recruits. Recruits receive instruction on handling firearms, handcuffs, batons, pepper spray, and other items. The training division also trains officers on various police procedures.

The special operations division is in charge of SWAT. SWAT handles high-risk situations where there is a threat of violence or death. The special operations division also responds to hostage situations.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office has a firm presence in the local schools, where they provide guidance to the youths and teach them about criminal justice.

Additional Professionals in the Sheriff’s Department

Apart from the deputies, the sheriff’s office has over 40 employees. Some of these employees include dispatchers, sergeants, lieutenants, captains, and majors. The major is in charge of the entire department. He/she oversees the daily activities of the department.

The sheriff’s office advertises vacancies in their jobs section. Applicants must be over 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. They must also pass a background check and drug test.

Professionals can also volunteer to work with the Sheriff’s department of Lowndes county and earn extra money.

How to Become a Sheriff in Lowndes County, Alabama

If you want to become a sheriff in Lowndes, Alabama, you need to apply for the position through an online application. You will then be required to take a written exam and a physical fitness test.

The hiring committee will interview candidates who pass both tests. If selected, you’ll be required to complete a one-year probationary period before being hired.

Here are other requirements for you to become a sheriff

●      Must not be convicted of any felony or misdemeanor

●      Must not have any violent crime within the last five years

●      Must not have been dishonorably discharged from military service

●      Must not have been arrested more than twice in the past seven years

●      No history of alcohol abuse

●      Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English

●      Be over 21 years of age

●      Have a valid driver’s license

●      Be ready for a background check

Why Contact the Sheriff’s Office

You may contact the sheriff’s office if you have questions about becoming a deputy in Lowndes county. You may call the sheriff’s office to find out information about job openings.

 

You can also visit the website of the sheriff’s office to learn more about the positions available. In addition, you can get arrest records and inmate lookup at the sheriff’s department.

 

If you wish to visit the sheriff’s office, the location is at 653 Highway 21 Hayneville, AL. Each sheriff’s department serves around 5,181 people in the area.

In case of emergency, call the department through 911 or non-emergency issues call (334) 548-2222 Fax:(334) 548-5900.

Lowndes County Detention Facility, Alabama

The Lowndes County Jail is under the sheriff’s department of Lowndes County. The facility has a capacity of 100 inmates and can hold up to 2,500 inmates per year. It is located at 653 State Highway 21 South Hayneville, AL 36040.

This medium-security prison has two housing units: the main unit and the medical/psychiatric unit. Inmates are either sentenced or awaiting trial for felony offenses. There are also some pretrial detainees who have been arrested on misdemeanor charges. The jail houses both male and female inmates.

Prisoners may be held in jail for up to 72 hours before they go through booking procedures. After that time, prisoners will be taken to court for arraignment. If convicted, the judge sets bail, and the prisoner goes back to jail until his or her trial date.

Inmates Privileges and Other Activities

When detained, inmates can feel lonely. However, this facility allows inmates access to various activities, including education programs, vocational training, religious services, arts and crafts, and recreational opportunities.

All these facilities are free of charge. However, if an inmate needs additional help, he or she can request it from their counselor. Counselors are available 24 hours a day. They can provide counseling and advice to inmates about dealing with problems such as drug abuse, depression, family issues, and sexual assault.

Inmate Rights

Inmates have certain rights while they are incarcerated. These include the right to access legal materials, the right to receive visitors, and the right to exercise.

Even though inmates have these rights, they get limited sometimes to ensure safety. For example, inmates cannot visit someone treated by a doctor because they could be contagious. Also, inmates must follow the rules when visiting others so that everyone’s health is protected.

The Lowndes County Detention Visitation Rules

If you are visiting an inmate in this facility, you need to know the following:

●      No alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, or weapons are allowed.

●      Visitors must wear clothing that covers their arms and legs.

●      Visitors may not touch any part of the inmate’s body except the handshakes.

●      You may only stay 5 minutes.

●      You cannot talk loudly or use profanity.

●      Kids may not be allowed to roam around

●      Only close and authorized members allowed

Locating an Inmate at Lowndes County Detention Facility

It is key to locate an inmate before you visit them because of the transfers every week. To find out where your loved one is, call the sheriff’s department. They should be able to tell you which unit they are currently housed in. You can then contact the warden directly.

You can also use the inmate lookup tool to locate the inmate using their names and birth dates. This tool is located online.

How to Pay For an Inmate

There are different ways to pay for an inmate. Some people choose to send money via Western Union or MoneyGram. Others prefer to make payments through credit cards. You can still confirm through the sheriff’s office regarding the payment methods that are accepted.

Payments made through a credit card are usually processed within three days. The cost of sending money varies depending on the amount sent. It ranges between $5-$10 per transaction. In addition, there is a fee charged by the institution.

There is also a limit to what amount you can pay per month. In order to send money, you will need to fill out a form and submit it to the correctional facility. You will also need to give your name, address, phone number, email address, and the amount you want to send.

Phone Calls

Inmates may make phone calls at Lowndes detention facility. However, they must first ask permission from the warden. If the warden allows it, the inmate may call anyone listed in his/her contacts. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and are charged from $10.

When making phone calls, inmates are monitored closely. Guards listen to all conversations. They record the conversation and report anything inappropriate.

Mail Service

Inmates can send letters and packages to friends and relatives. There are two options for mailing services. One option is to mail items yourself. Another option is to hire a private company to do it for you. Both options are expensive.

Prisoners can send up to 10 pounds of mail each month. Each pound costs approximately $20. In addition, there are additional charges for shipping and handling.

The Lowndes County Detention Facility is named after the former Sheriff of Lowndes County John Hulett. Mr. Hulett was the first black person to register to vote in Lowndes County and later went on to be the first black elected sheriff and probate judge of Lowndes County. Mr. Hulett is considered to be a Black Belt Civil Rights Pioneer.
The facility was built in 1999, and was considered a modern, state of the art facility which housed up to 119 inmates. The facility is the only detention facility which is located in Lowndes County. The facility houses all Sheriff Department’s inmates and local law enforcement agencies within the county borders, to include the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency inmates when an arrest is made within the county lines.

Phones:

The facility utilizes AmTel for the inmate’s phone system. Just click on the company name above and it will connect you with the AmTel website. You will first have to set up an account prior to being able to accept calls from the friend or loved one which is currently incarcerated in the Lowndes County Detention Facility.

Commissary:

The facility utilizes Stacy Williams Company, as the commissary specialist for the inmates. The Stacy Williams Company provides a full line of products that include Candy, Chips, Snacks, Groceries, Pastries, Health-Beauty Care, boxers, T-Shirts and beverages for the inmates. You can click the link above to learn more about the Stacy Williams Company.
No care packages are accepted by the facility for an inmate. All items MUST be purchased from the commissary, unless otherwise approved by the Sheriff or Jail Administrator.
Money Orders:

There will be NO cash or money orders accepted at the facility. The only money order which will be accepted at the facility will be those which are submitted for a bonding fee and at NO time will cash ever be accepted. All other money orders which are being submitted to be placed on inmate’s accounts will have to be mailed to:

(Inmate Name)
653 State Highway 21 S.
Hayneville, AL. 36040

Ensure when mailing a money order the following information is on either the envelope &/or the money order:

*Inmate’s Full Name
*Sender’s Full Name & Return Address
Incomplete money orders Will Not be accepted & returned to the sender.

Any individual, who enters the Lowndes County Detention Facility, is subject to search of person & property & is giving their consent to do so by entering the lobby.

Visitation:

Visitation will be held every Thursday and Sunday, unless otherwise stated.
This facility reserves the right to cancel visitation days at any time, for the safety of inmates and officers, without prior notification. This facility will do everything possible to maintain the listed days for visitation.

Visitation hours are as follows:
9:30 am-11:00 am- Inmates whose last names beginning with A-M.
1:00 pm- 3:00pm- Inmates whose last names beginning with N-Z.
3:00 pm- 3:30 pm- All female inmates.

Each inmate will be allowed a total of one (1) hour visitation (three (3) twenty (20) minute visits) per day.

Rules for Visitation:

• No child under the age of 18 will be allowed inside the facility during inmate visitation hours.
• No child will be left outside the facility or in a vehicle without adult supervision.
• All visitors are required to present a current state or federal ID or driver’s license, with a photograph, at time of visit.
• All visitors will be checked for outstanding warrants or restraining orders.
• You must be listed on the inmate’s visitor list.
• Visitor must not have been incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail within the last six (6) months.
• All items, to include purses, bags, cell phones recording devices, writing instruments, weapons or any device which can be construed as a weapon, are to be left secured in the vehicle. You may be charged if found in possession with any of the devices listed, inside the facility.
• No food or drinks allowed in the visitation room.

• No packages, mail, money orders, notes, or photographs will be accepted for an inmate before, during, or after visitation.
• All special visit requests require seventy-two (72) hours advance notice.
• No loud or profane language is to be used during visitation nor inside or outside of the facility.
• Visitors will be required to sit during visitation time and not wander around the inside of the visitation room.
• There will be only one (1) visitor for each inmate inside the visitation room at a time.
• No revealing, and/or see-thru clothing, no sleeveless or low cut shirts allowed during visitation time.
• Dresses, skirts, or shorts shall not exceed more/ higher than one inch (1”) above the knee.
• No spandex (shirts/pants), tight fitting clothing, or fish net shirts are to be worn during visitation.
• No hats or clothing shall be worn which displays obscene/ offensive language or gestures.
• All visitors to the facility shall use the front parking area and enter the facility thru the front lobby area.

If at any time during the visitation, if any rules are not being adhered to, the officer will terminate your visit and ask you to leave. Your visitation privileges will be suspended until you make contact with the Jail Administrator and he reinstates the privileges.

Bonds:

Bonds are done Monday-Friday from 8:00am- 4:00 pm.

All personal Inmate information & bonding information will not be discussed over the phone, but will be done in person with a valid picture ID.