Mobile Jail Roster Records
Mobile jail roster records are kept by the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. The county runs the Metro Jail, which holds inmates from across the area. Mobile is the second largest city in Alabama with over 200,000 people. When someone is arrested in Mobile, they go to the county jail for booking. The Mobile County jail roster is public and free to search online. This page shows you how to find Mobile jail records and what facts they contain.
Mobile Quick Facts
Where Mobile Arrests Are Held
People arrested in Mobile go to the Mobile County Metro Jail. This is the main jail for the area. It is a medium security facility that holds people before trial, during sentencing, and for short terms.
The Mobile Police Department has a city jail for short stays. Arrests made by city police may start at the city jail. But most inmates move to the county Metro Jail within a day or two. Once there, their data shows on the county jail roster.
The Metro Jail holds about 1,500 inmates on any given day. It houses adult males and females. The sheriff's office runs the facility and keeps all records.
| Facility | Mobile County Metro Jail |
|---|---|
| Address | 450 St. Emanuel Street, Mobile, AL 36603 |
| Jail Phone | (251) 574-6412 |
| Sheriff's Office | (251) 574-8633 |
| Website | mobileso.com |
The jail is open 24 hours for bookings. Staff process new arrests at all hours. Family and friends can call the jail phone line to ask if someone is in custody.
How to Search Mobile Jail Records
The Mobile County Sheriff has an online tool called "Who's In Jail." This lets you search the jail roster from home. It is free and works any time.
Go to mobileso.com/whos-in-jail to start. You can search by name, booking number, or date of birth. The system also lets you filter by arresting agency and date range.
The search shows current inmates at the Metro Jail. Results include booking date, charges, and mugshot. Bond info shows if set. You can see which agency made the arrest.
To find someone on the Mobile jail roster, you need the following:
- First name or last name of the person
- Date of birth if you have it
- Booking number if known
- Date range of when they may have been booked
The search is simple. Enter what you know and hit search. If you do not find them, they may have been released or never booked at this jail.
What Mobile Jail Roster Records Contain
Jail roster records in Mobile contain key facts about each inmate. This data is public under Alabama law.
Alabama Code Section 36-22-8 requires sheriffs to keep a public jail book. The book must list each inmate with their name, age, sex, race, charges, and dates. Mobile County follows this law with their online roster.
A typical entry on the Mobile jail roster shows the following:
- Full legal name of the inmate
- Booking photo taken at intake
- Age, gender, and race
- All charges filed
- Arresting agency
- Bond amount if set by the court
- Booking date and time
Some facts stay private. Medical records are not shown. Mental health info is kept out of public view. Juvenile cases do not appear on the adult jail roster. These rules come from state and federal privacy laws.
Note: If someone was arrested but their record is gone, they may have been released or had their case expunged.
Mobile Police Department
The Mobile Police Department makes arrests in the city. They serve about 250,000 residents with over 500 officers. When police arrest someone, that person is booked into jail.
Mobile Police can help with records requests for arrests they made. The Records Unit handles these requests. You can also get fingerprints done at the police department.
| Department | Mobile Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 2460 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL 36606 |
| Main Phone | (251) 208-1700 |
| Non-Emergency | (251) 208-7211 |
| Records Unit | (251) 208-1991 |
| Hours | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, weekdays |
For forms and more info, visit mobilepd.org/records-forms. The site has links to request forms and explains how to get records.
Are Mobile Jail Records Public
Yes. Mobile jail records are public. Alabama law gives everyone the right to view these records.
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 is the state open records act. It says residents can inspect and copy public records. You do not need to give a reason. The sheriff must let you see the jail book during business hours.
The online Who's In Jail tool is the modern jail book. It meets the public access rules. Anyone can use it to search for inmates in Mobile County.
There are some limits. Juvenile records stay sealed under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. Medical details are private under federal HIPAA rules. Data that could harm jail security may be held back. But the basic facts about arrests and bookings in Mobile are public.
Under Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-2-.03, jails must report arrests to the state within 24 hours of booking. This keeps statewide records current.
Visiting Inmates at Mobile County Jail
Mobile County Metro Jail offers video visitation. You can visit on site or from home using remote video. One free on site visit per week is allowed.
All visits must be scheduled in advance. You cannot just show up. The jail uses a video system for all visits. This applies to both local and long distance visitors.
To set up a visit, go to the jail's website or call. You will need to register and pick a time slot. Rules are strict about what you can wear and bring. Check the jail website for current policies.
Note: Visitation rules change often. Call ahead to confirm current hours and rules.
Mobile Inmate Notification Service
You can get alerts when an inmate's status changes. VINE is a free service that sends calls, texts, or emails. When someone is released or moved, you will know right away.
VINE works for inmates at Mobile County Metro Jail. To sign up, go to vinelink.com and select Alabama. Search for the inmate, then register for alerts. You can also call AlaVINE at 1-877-846-3425 any time.
This service is helpful for victims of crime. It is also used by family who want to know when someone gets out. Registration is free and takes just a few minutes.
Fees for Mobile Jail Records
Searching the Mobile jail roster online is free. You pay nothing to look up inmates or view their data. This is the fastest and cheapest way to get info.
Fees apply if you want paper copies. The sheriff's office can charge for copies of records. Rates vary but are usually around one dollar per page. Certified copies cost more.
For full background checks, you may need to go through ALEA. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency charges $25 for a criminal history check. This takes several weeks and requires fingerprints.
Most people just need the free online search. Paper copies are needed for court, legal, or job reasons.
Search Mobile Inmates Now
Use our search tool to find jail records for Mobile. You can search by name to find booking data, charges, and mugshots.
Mobile County Jail Roster
Mobile is in Mobile County. All jail records for the city are kept by the Mobile County Sheriff. For more details on county jail operations, visitation, and fees, visit the Mobile County page.
Other Alabama Cities
Looking for jail roster records in other Alabama cities? These major cities also have dedicated pages.