Search Russell County Jail Records
Russell County jail roster information is available online through the Sheriff's Office website. The county jail is called the Prentiss L. Griffith Detention Facility. It sits in Phenix City, right on the Georgia border across from Columbus. Sheriff Heath Taylor has run the office since 2011. The jail has room for 300 inmates. You can search for people in custody at any time using their online tool. The search is free and shows real time data. This page explains how to access Russell County jail records and what you can expect to find.
Russell County Quick Facts
Russell County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement for all of Russell County. The jail is at 307 Prentiss Drive in Phenix City. This is a medium security facility. It holds people who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
Sheriff Heath Taylor took office in 2011. He oversees both patrol and jail operations. The jail staff books new arrests and keeps records on each inmate. These records are public. You can ask for them in person or find them online.
| Sheriff's Office |
305 Prentiss Drive Phenix City, AL 36869 Phone: (334) 298-6535 |
|---|---|
| Jail |
Prentiss L. Griffith Detention Facility 307 Prentiss Drive Phenix City, AL 36869 Phone: (334) 298-8621 |
| Fax | (334) 291-7667 |
| Website | rcso.org |
How to Search Russell County Inmates Online
Russell County has a real time inmate search on their website. This is the best way to check if someone is in custody. The search runs all day and night. You can use it from any device.
Go to rcso.org/inCustodySearchFeed to start your search. Type in a first or last name. You can also filter by date range. The system shows everyone booked or released during that time.
The Russell County jail roster shows these details for each inmate:
- Full name and mugshot
- Booking date and time
- Age, gender, and race
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Inmate ID number
- Arresting agency
- Criminal charges filed
- Housing unit in the jail
- Bond amount if set
The data comes straight from the jail system. It updates as new bookings happen. If you do not see someone, they may have been released or moved to another facility.
Alabama Jail Record Laws
Jail rosters are public records in Alabama. Two state laws make this clear. Alabama Code Section 36-22-8 requires sheriffs to keep a book of all prisoners. The book must show the name, age, sex, race, charges, and dates. The public can view this book during office hours.
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 is the Open Records Act. It says residents can inspect and copy public records. Jail records fall under this rule. Agencies can charge reasonable fees for copies. But you can view records for free at the office.
Not all jail info is public. Medical records stay private. Juvenile records are sealed under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. If charges get dropped and the record is expunged, it comes off the roster. Expungement rules are in Alabama Code Section 15-27.
Get Jail Records In Person
You can visit the Sheriff's Office in Phenix City. Bring valid ID with you. Ask the staff to look up an inmate. They can search by name or booking number. This works well if the online search is down or you need older records.
For printed copies, expect to pay a fee. Most agencies charge around one dollar per page. Certified copies cost more. Ask the clerk for the current price list. They will tell you how to pay.
The Sheriff's Office is open on weekdays. Hours may vary. Call ahead at (334) 298-6535 to make sure they can help you when you arrive. The jail itself operates around the clock.
Prentiss L. Griffith Detention Facility
The Russell County jail is named for Prentiss L. Griffith. It is a medium security detention center. The facility can hold up to 300 people at one time. It houses both pretrial detainees and those serving misdemeanor sentences.
When someone is arrested in Russell County, they go to this jail for booking. The process includes taking photos and fingerprints. Staff record the charges and set up a case file. Arrest info must be sent to the state within 24 hours per Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-2-.03.
The jail provides meals, medical care, and phone access. Inmates can receive mail and visits. Rules vary by housing unit. Contact the jail at (334) 298-8621 for details on visits or sending money to an inmate.
What About State Prison Inmates?
The county jail holds people for short periods. If someone gets a long sentence, they go to state prison. Once transferred, they will not show on the Russell County roster.
To find state inmates, use the Alabama Department of Corrections search. Visit doc.alabama.gov/inmatesearch. You can search by name or ADOC number. The site shows where the inmate is housed.
Victims can sign up for alerts through Alabama VINE. This system sends updates when an inmate moves or gets released. Register at vinelink.com. You can get calls, texts, or emails. The service is free to use.
Russell County Court Records
Jail records show who is in custody. Court records show what happens with the case. Russell County is in the 26th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and small claims.
You can search court records on Alacourt. Go to pa.alacourt.com and search by name or case number. There is a fee for detailed results. This site covers all Alabama courts, including Russell County.
Search Russell County Records
Use the tool below to search for inmates and other public records in Russell County, Alabama.
Nearby Counties
Russell County sits on the eastern edge of Alabama. These counties are nearby. Each has its own jail and roster.