Nashville-Metro-Area County Jail is the main detention center for Davidson County, Tennessee. It holds people waiting for court or serving short sentences. The facility focuses on safety, care, and helping inmates get ready to return to the community. It offers programs for education, job training, and mental health support. Families and friends can stay in touch through visits, phone calls, and mail. The jail works with local police and courts to keep the public safe. This page gives clear, up-to-date information about how the jail works, how to find an inmate, visit, send money, and use services.
How to Find an Inmate in Nashville-Metro-Area County Jail
Finding someone in the Nashville-Metro-Area County Jail is fast and easy. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office runs an online search tool. It shows current inmates, their charges, booking date, bond amount, and court dates. You can search by name or inmate ID. The list updates daily. This helps families, lawyers, and others stay informed.
Using the Online Inmate Search Tool
Go to the official Davidson County Sheriff’s Office website. Look for the “Inmate Roster” or “Jail Search” link. Type the person’s full name or ID number. The results will show:
- Full name and photo
- Booking date and time
- Charges and case status
- Bond amount (if set)
- Next court date
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
If you don’t find a name, check the spelling. Try a partial name or nickname. If still no results, call the jail. The system may lag by a few hours after booking.
Calling or Visiting to Check on an Inmate
You can call the jail at (615) 862-8123. Ask for the booking office. Have the person’s full name and date of birth ready. Staff can confirm if they are in custody. You can also visit in person at 511 2nd Ave South, Nashville, TN 37210. Bring a photo ID. Staff will help you search the public roster.
Nashville Jail Roster and Public Records
The Nashville jail roster is a public list of everyone currently in custody. It includes names, charges, and booking details. The roster is updated every day. It helps people track cases and plan visits. The list does not include sensitive personal info like medical records.
What’s on the Jail Roster
The roster shows:
- Inmate name and photo (mugshot)
- Booking number
- Date and time of arrest
- Charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Bond amount and type
- Court date and location
Mugshots are public records. They stay online even after release unless removed by court order. Some people request removal if charges are dropped.
How to Get Mugshots or Jail Records
To get a mugshot or record, file a public records request. Use the Tennessee Open Records Act. Send a written request to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office. Include the person’s name and booking date. There may be a small fee. You can also view records at the jail’s public kiosk.
Visiting Someone at Nashville-Metro-Area County Jail
Visits help inmates stay connected. The jail offers in-person and video visits. All visits must be scheduled ahead of time. Visitors must follow rules for safety and order.
In-Person Visitation Rules
Visits happen Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. You must book online or by phone. Walk-ins are not allowed. When you arrive, go through security. You’ll be checked for weapons or drugs. Dress properly: no shorts, tank tops, hats, or sunglasses. No phones or bags allowed in the visiting room.
Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Only two visitors at a time. Children under 17 must be with an adult. Food, gifts, or money cannot be passed during visits.
Video Visits from Home
Video visits are a good option if you can’t come in person. Use the jail’s online system to schedule a call. You’ll need a computer or phone with a camera and internet. Calls last 20 minutes. They cost a small fee, paid online. Video visits follow the same rules as in-person visits.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Inmates can buy food, hygiene items, and phone time from the jail commissary. Family and friends can send money to their account. Funds are safe and tracked.
Ways to Send Money
You can send money three ways:
- Online: Use the jail’s payment partner. Go to the Sheriff’s Office website. Enter the inmate’s name and ID. Pay with a credit or debit card.
- Kiosk: Visit the jail lobby. Use the kiosk to add cash or card funds.
- Mail: Send a money order. Make it payable to the inmate. Write their full name and ID on the memo line. Do not send cash or personal checks.
Money shows up in 1–2 hours online or at the kiosk. Mail takes 3–5 days. Keep your receipt.
How Inmates Use the Money
Inmates can spend funds on:
- Snacks and drinks from commissary
- Phone calls to approved numbers
- Personal hygiene items
- Writing supplies
- Medical co-pays (if needed)
They cannot buy tobacco, electronics, or outside food. All purchases are logged.
Phone Calls and Mail for Inmates
Staying in touch is important. Inmates can call family and friends. They can also send and receive mail. All communication is monitored for safety.
Making Phone Calls
Inmates make calls from jail phones. They can only call numbers on their approved list. Calls are limited to 15–20 minutes. They cost about $0.25 per minute. Families can prepay online or at kiosks. Inmates cannot receive calls. All calls are recorded.
Sending and Receiving Mail
Inmates can send and get letters. Mail must follow rules:
- Use plain white paper and standard envelopes
- No stickers, drawings, or Polaroids
- No cash, checks, or gift cards
- Books and magazines must come from Amazon or approved stores
All mail is opened and checked. Staff look for hidden items. Mail takes 2–3 days to arrive.
Commissary: What Inmates Can Buy
The jail has a commissary where inmates buy extra items. It helps them feel more comfortable. Orders are placed weekly. Items are delivered to their housing unit.
Items Sold at Commissary
Common items include:
- Chips, candy, coffee, and soda
- Toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and shampoo
- Pens, paper, and envelopes
- Socks, undershirts, and blankets (approved types)
Prices are low. Inmates get a list each week. They order by filling out a form. Delivery happens within 24–48 hours.
Healthcare and Mental Health Services
The jail gives medical care to all inmates. Doctors, nurses, and mental health staff work on-site. Care starts at booking.
Medical Care
When someone enters jail, they get a health check. This includes:
- Blood pressure and temperature
- Review of medications
- Screenings for infections or injuries
Inmates can see a nurse or doctor if sick. Chronic conditions like diabetes are managed. Prescriptions are given as needed. Dental and eye care are available for serious issues.
Mental Health Support
Mental health is a top focus. Staff offer:
- One-on-one counseling
- Group therapy for anger, trauma, or addiction
- Substance abuse treatment
- Crisis help for suicidal thoughts
Inmates can request help at any time. Staff check on high-risk people daily.
Education and Job Training Programs
The jail helps inmates prepare for life after release. Programs teach skills and build confidence. They reduce the chance of returning to jail.
School and GED Classes
Inmates can earn a GED. Classes are free. Teachers help with reading, math, and science. Many finish their high school level in 6–12 months. Getting a GED improves job chances.
Vocational Training
Job skills programs include:
- Carpentry and construction basics
- Plumbing and electrical safety
- Computer skills and typing
- Food service training
These are taught by local experts. Some programs offer certificates. Inmates can use them to find work after release.
Bail and Release Process
Bail lets someone leave jail before trial. It’s like a promise to return to court. The judge sets the amount based on the crime and risk.
How to Post Bail
To post bail:
- Call the booking office at (615) 862-8123 to confirm the amount
- Pay with cash, credit card, or through a bail bondsman
- Go to the jail or use the online payment system
Once paid, the inmate is released after paperwork. If they miss court, bail is lost.
Release from Jail
People leave jail when:
- Bail is posted
- Sentence is complete
- Charges are dropped
- They are transferred to another facility
Release happens within hours of approval. Inmates get their belongings back. They may get a bus ticket if needed.
Safety and Security at the Jail
The jail uses strong safety rules to protect everyone. Staff train regularly. Systems monitor activity 24/7.
Security Measures
Key safety tools include:
- Cameras in all areas
- Electronic wristbands to track movement
- Regular headcounts
- Staff patrols every hour
- Emergency plans for fires or fights
Inmates are grouped by risk level. High-risk people are watched more closely. Staff use de-escalation to prevent fights.
How the Jail Works with the Community
The Nashville-Metro-Area County Jail partners with local groups. These efforts help inmates and the public.
Community Programs
The jail offers:
- Tours for schools and civic groups
- Job fairs with local employers
- Support for crime victims
- Public talks on justice and safety
These programs build trust. They help people understand how the jail works.
Contact Information
For questions or help, use these details:
- Name: Davidson County Sheriff’s Office – Nashville Jail
- Address: 511 2nd Ave South, Nashville, TN 37210
- Phone: (615) 862-8123
- Website: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/sheriff
- Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the Nashville-Metro-Area County Jail. This info helps families, friends, and legal teams act quickly and correctly.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in Nashville?
Use the online inmate search on the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. The system shows current inmates, charges, and court dates. If you can’t find them, call (615) 862-8123. Have their name and date of birth ready. The roster updates daily, but new bookings may take a few hours to appear.
Can I visit an inmate the same day they are booked?
No, you must wait 24–48 hours after booking. The jail needs time to process the person, run checks, and assign housing. Once cleared, you can schedule a visit online or by phone. Walk-ins are not allowed. Check the website for the inmate’s status first.
What happens if an inmate gets sick or hurt in jail?
All inmates get a health screening at booking. If someone feels sick later, they can ask to see medical staff. Nurses and doctors are on-site. Serious issues go to a hospital. Families are told if there’s a major health problem. The jail follows state health rules.
Can inmates keep their personal items?
No. All personal items are stored safely. Inmates get jail-issued clothes, bedding, and hygiene kits. They can buy extra items from commissary. Valuables like phones or jewelry are kept in a locked box. Items are returned at release.
How long do people usually stay in the Nashville jail?
Most stay a few days to a few weeks. If bail is posted, they leave quickly. If not, they wait for court. Sentenced inmates may stay up to 11 months. Longer sentences go to state prison. The jail only holds people for short terms or pretrial.
Can I send clothes or food to an inmate?
No. Inmates get all meals from the jail kitchen. They wear jail uniforms. You can send money for commissary snacks. Do not mail food, clothes, or gifts. These will be returned or thrown away. Only approved mail and funds are allowed.
What programs help inmates get jobs after release?
The jail offers GED classes, job training, and counseling. Programs teach carpentry, plumbing, computers, and more. Some inmates earn certificates. Local groups help with resumes and interviews. These skills reduce re-arrest rates and support successful reentry.