Chatham County Jail is a secure detention facility in Savannah, Georgia, run by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. It holds people who are waiting for trial or serving short sentences. The jail focuses on safety, care, and helping inmates prepare for life after release. It offers medical care, education, job training, and ways for inmates to stay in touch with family. Whether you need to find an inmate, visit a loved one, or learn about jail services, this page gives you clear, up-to-date information. Everything here comes from official sources and follows current jail policies.
Chatham County Jail Inmate Search and Roster
Looking for someone in Chatham County Jail? The fastest way is to use the online inmate search tool. It shows who is currently in custody, their charges, booking date, bond amount, and court dates. You can search by name or inmate ID. Results update daily. If you can’t find the person online, call the jail or visit in person. Always have the full name and date of birth ready to help staff help you faster.
How to Use the Online Inmate Search Tool
Go to the official Chatham County Sheriff’s Office website. Click on “Inmate Roster” or “Jail Search.” Type the person’s first and last name. You can also use their inmate number if you have it. The system will show matching names. Click on the name to see full details. The roster includes booking date, charges, bond status, and next court date. It does not show medical or legal records. The tool works on phones, tablets, and computers. It is free to use and available 24/7.
Search Tips for Better Results
Spelling matters. Use the exact legal name. Try common nicknames if the first search fails. If no results appear, the person may not be in custody or could be in another jail. Call (912) 652-7700 to confirm. You can also visit the jail at 500 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401. Bring a photo ID. Staff will help you search using their system. This is helpful if the website is slow or down.
What Information Is Public?
Georgia law allows public access to basic jail records. This includes name, booking photo (mugshot), charges, bond amount, and court dates. Medical, mental health, and legal case details are private. Mugshots are public but may be removed if charges are dropped or the person is found not guilty. To request a mugshot, contact the Sheriff’s Office Records Division. There may be a small fee. You can also file a public records request online.
Chatham County Jail Visitation Hours and Rules
Visiting someone at Chatham County Jail helps them stay connected. The jail offers both in-person and video visits. All visits must be scheduled ahead of time. Walk-ins are not allowed. Visitors must follow strict rules to keep the jail safe. This includes dress code, ID checks, and no phones or bags during visits.
In-Person Visitation Guidelines
In-person visits happen Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Only two visitors are allowed per inmate per day. You must sign up online or call the visitation office at least 24 hours before your visit. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. No children under 17 can visit unless they are the inmate’s child and are with a parent or guardian.
Dress Code and Allowed Items
Visitors must wear modest clothing. No tank tops, shorts, mini-skirts, or clothing with bad words or images. No hats, sunglasses, or hoodies. You can bring one clear plastic bag with ID and car keys. No phones, cameras, food, or gifts. All items go through a scanner. If you break the rules, staff will end your visit and you may lose future visiting rights.
Video Visitation Option
Video visits let you talk face-to-face from home. Use a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet. Schedule visits the same way as in-person. Video calls last 20 minutes. They cost $7.50 per call, paid online with a credit card. The inmate must accept the call. Video visits are recorded for safety. They are a good choice if you live far away or can’t visit in person.
Chatham County Jail Phone Number, Address, and Contact Info
Need to reach Chatham County Jail? Use these official contact details. The main phone line connects you to the front desk. For inmate lookup, call the same number and ask for the booking office. The jail is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Address: 500 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
- Phone Number: (912) 652-7700
- Website: https://www.chathamcountyga.gov/government/departments/sheriff/jail
- Visitation Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Booking Office Hours: 24/7
For emergencies, call (912) 652-7700. For non-urgent questions, email jailinfo@chathamcountyga.gov. The website has forms for visitation, money deposits, and public records. Always check the site before visiting, as rules can change.
Chatham County Jail Booking, Bail, and Release Process
When someone is arrested in Chatham County, they go to the jail for booking. This takes 1–4 hours. During booking, staff take fingerprints, a photo, and basic info. They also do a health check. After booking, the person sees a judge within 48 hours. The judge sets bail if the charge allows it.
How Bail Works at Chatham County Jail
Bail is money paid to get out of jail while waiting for trial. The amount depends on the crime, past record, and risk of not showing up in court. You can pay bail in three ways: cash, credit card, or through a bail bondsman. If you use a bondsman, you pay 10% of the bail amount. The bondsman pays the rest. If the person shows up to all court dates, the bail money is returned. If they don’t, the money is lost.
Release Procedures
Once bail is paid, the inmate signs release papers and gets their personal items back. They must leave within one hour. If no bail is set or paid, the person stays in jail until their court date. Release times vary. Most happen between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Overnight releases are rare and only for medical or safety reasons. Family will be notified when possible.
Chatham County Jail Inmate Services and Programs
Chatham County Jail offers many services to help inmates stay healthy and prepare for life after jail. These include medical care, mental health support, education, and job training. The goal is to reduce repeat crimes and help people succeed when they return home.
Medical and Mental Health Care
All inmates get a health check when they arrive. Doctors, nurses, and counselors work on-site. They treat illnesses, give medications, and handle emergencies. Mental health services include one-on-one therapy, group sessions, and addiction treatment. Inmates with serious needs may be sent to a hospital. Prescription drugs are given daily. Dental and eye care are available for serious issues.
Education and Vocational Training
Inmates can earn a GED while in jail. Classes are free and held five days a week. Teachers help with reading, math, and test prep. Job training programs teach skills like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and computer basics. These programs are run with local trade schools and nonprofits. Completing a program gives inmates a certificate they can use to find work after release.
Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Programs
Many inmates struggle with drugs or alcohol. The jail offers detox support, counseling, and recovery groups. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meet weekly. Staff help inmates make a plan for treatment after release. This reduces the chance of using drugs again and helps them stay out of jail.
Chatham County Jail Commissary, Money, and Phone Calls
Inmates can buy snacks, hygiene items, and clothes from the jail commissary. They need money in their account to shop. Family and friends can add money online, by phone, or at a kiosk in the jail lobby. Phone calls are allowed but cost money and are limited in time.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
You can add money to an inmate’s account in three ways:
- Online: Use Access Corrections at www.accesscorrections.com. Create an account, enter the inmate’s info, and pay with a credit or debit card.
- Kiosk: Visit the jail lobby. Use cash, card, or money order at the kiosk. It takes 10 minutes to process.
- Mail: Send a money order to Chatham County Jail, 500 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401. Write the inmate’s full name and ID number on the memo line. Do not send cash or personal checks.
Funds are available within one hour for online and kiosk deposits. Mail takes 3–5 days. Inmates can spend up to $100 per week at commissary.
Commissary Items Available
Inmates can buy:
- Snacks: Chips, cookies, crackers, and instant noodles
- Drinks: Coffee, tea, soda, and juice pouches
- Hygiene: Toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and razors
- Clothing: Socks, underwear, and thermal shirts
- Supplies: Paper, envelopes, pens, and stamps
Orders are placed once a week. Items arrive in 2–3 days. All purchases come from the inmate’s account. No outside food or gifts are allowed.
Phone Calls and Communication Rules
Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers. Calls cost $0.23 per minute. Family must set up a prepaid account with Securus Technologies. Calls last 15 minutes and can be extended if funds allow. All calls are recorded and monitored. Inmates cannot receive calls. If a call is dropped, it can be redialed once. Legal calls to lawyers are free and not recorded.
Chatham County Jail Mail Policy
Inmates can send and receive letters. Mail helps them stay close to family and friends. All mail is opened and checked for safety. Some items are not allowed. Follow the rules to avoid delays or rejection.
How to Send Mail to an Inmate
Address letters like this:
[Inmate’s Full Name and ID Number]
Chatham County Jail
500 W Oglethorpe Ave
Savannah, GA 31401
Use plain white paper and a standard envelope. Write clearly. Include your return address. Do not send cash, photos with borders, stickers, or drawings. Books and magazines must come directly from the publisher or a store like Amazon. No used books or newspapers. Mail is delivered Monday to Friday. It takes 2–4 days to reach the inmate.
What Inmates Can Send
Inmates can mail letters, greeting cards, and photos (4×6 inches, no Polaroids). They cannot send money, threats, or plans to break jail rules. All outgoing mail is checked. If it breaks rules, it is returned or destroyed. Inmates get a copy of the mail policy when they arrive.
Chatham County Jail Inmate Rights and Safety
All inmates have rights protected by law. These include the right to medical care, safety, and fair treatment. The jail must follow state and federal rules. Staff are trained to treat everyone with respect. Inmates can report problems without fear of punishment.
Basic Inmate Rights
Inmates have the right to:
- Receive medical and mental health care
- Be free from abuse or harassment
- File a grievance if they have a problem
- Practice their religion
- Speak with a lawyer
- Get three meals a day and clean clothes
If rights are violated, inmates can write to the jail administrator or contact the Georgia Department of Corrections. Complaints are reviewed within 10 days.
Safety and Security Measures
The jail uses cameras, alarms, and staff patrols to keep everyone safe. Inmates are grouped by risk level. High-risk inmates are in separate units. Staff check cells twice a day. Emergency plans cover fires, medical crises, and escapes. All staff get training in crisis response and inmate care.
Chatham County Jail COVID-19 Updates and Health Protocols
Chatham County Jail follows state health guidelines to prevent illness. During outbreaks, visitation may change. Masks, testing, and isolation are used when needed. Vaccines are offered to inmates and staff. The jail shares updates on its website and phone line.
Current Health Rules
As of 2024, the jail allows normal visitation with health checks. Visitors may be asked about symptoms. Inmates with fever or cough are tested and isolated. Cleaning is done daily in common areas. Hand sanitizer is available. These rules may change if cases rise. Check the website before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chatham County Jail
People often ask how to find an inmate, visit, or send money. Below are clear answers to the most common questions. These come from official jail sources and current policies.
How do I find out if someone is in Chatham County Jail?
Use the online inmate search tool on the Sheriff’s Office website. Enter the person’s full name or inmate ID. The roster shows current inmates, charges, and court dates. If you don’t find them, call (912) 652-7700. Have the person’s full name and date of birth ready. The jail updates the roster every morning. It does not include people in federal or state prisons.
Can I visit an inmate on weekends?
No, in-person visits are only Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Video visits can be scheduled any day, including weekends. Each visit must be booked 24 hours ahead. You can schedule up to two visits per week. All visitors must follow dress code and ID rules. Children under 17 need a parent or guardian.
How much does it cost to call an inmate?
Phone calls cost $0.23 per minute. Family must set up a prepaid account with Securus. Calls last 15 minutes but can be extended. All calls are recorded except legal calls. Inmates cannot receive calls. You can add money online or at the jail kiosk. Call quality depends on the jail’s system and may vary.
Can I send books to an inmate?
Yes, but only new books sent directly from a publisher or store like Amazon. Used books, magazines, or newspapers from home are not allowed. Books must be paperback. Hardcovers are not permitted. Address the package with the inmate’s full name and ID. It will be checked before delivery. This rule helps prevent hidden items.
What happens if an inmate gets sick?
Inmates get a health check when they arrive. Doctors and nurses are on-site daily. Prescription medicine is given as needed. In serious cases, inmates go to a hospital. Family is told if the illness is life-threatening. Mental health care is also available. The jail must provide care under the law. Complaints about medical treatment can be filed with the jail administrator.
How do I get a copy of a mugshot?
Mugshots are public records. Contact the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Records Division. You can email jailinfo@chathamcountyga.gov or call (912) 652-7700. There may be a small fee. If charges were dropped or the person was found not guilty, they can request removal. This may require a court order. The process takes 5–10 business days.
Can inmates work or earn time off their sentence?
Inmates can work in the jail kitchen, laundry, or cleaning. They earn small pay and privileges like extra phone time. Good behavior can reduce their sentence under Georgia law. This is called “good time credit.” It depends on the crime and behavior in jail. The judge and jail staff decide. Not all inmates qualify. Work programs also teach job skills for after release.
Official Website: https://www.chathamcountyga.gov/government/departments/sheriff/jail
Phone: (912) 652-7700
Address: 500 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
Visitation Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM