Carter County Jail is a secure detention facility located in Elizabethton, Tennessee, serving Carter County and surrounding areas. It holds individuals awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to state prisons. The jail operates under the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and follows strict state and federal guidelines to ensure safety, security, and humane treatment for all inmates. Families, legal representatives, and community members rely on accurate, up-to-date information about the jail’s operations, services, and policies. This page provides complete details on inmate search, visitation, communication, commissary, healthcare, rehabilitation programs, and more—all verified with the latest data from official sources.
Inmate Search and Roster Lookup
Finding someone in Carter County Jail starts with using the official inmate search tool. This system lets you check current inmates by name or booking number. The roster updates daily and includes key details like charges, bond amounts, court dates, and release status. To search, visit the Carter County Sheriff’s Office website and click the “Inmate Roster” link. Enter the full legal name or ID number. Results show full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, court date, and expected release if sentenced.
How to Use the Online Inmate Search
The online search is free and available 24/7. Type the inmate’s first and last name exactly as it appears on legal documents. Avoid nicknames or shortened names. If no results appear, try a partial name or check spelling. The system may not show inmates booked within the last 24 hours due to processing delays. For urgent cases, call the jail directly.
Offline Search Options
If the website is down or you prefer phone help, call (423) 542-1111. Have the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and last known address ready. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody and provide basic status updates. You can also visit the jail in person at 206 W B St, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Bring a valid photo ID. Public kiosks near the front desk may display recent bookings.
What Information Is Included
The inmate roster lists:
- Full legal name
- Booking date and time
- Current charges
- Bond amount (if set)
- Next court date
- Housing location (general area, not cell number)
- Projected release date (for sentenced inmates)
Note: Mugshots are not posted online due to privacy policies. Requests must go through the Sheriff’s Office.
Booking Process and Arrest Information
When someone is arrested in Carter County, they are brought to the jail for booking. This process takes 1–3 hours and includes several steps. First, officers take fingerprints using an electronic scanner. Next, a mugshot is taken for identification. Then, staff collect personal details like name, date of birth, address, and emergency contact. A health screening follows to check for injuries, illnesses, or substance use. Inmates receive basic medical care if needed.
Bail and Bond Procedures
Bail is set during the first court appearance, usually within 48 hours. The judge considers the crime severity, criminal history, and flight risk. If bail is granted, family or a bail bondsman can post it. Cash payments go to the jail’s finance office. Credit cards are accepted online via the sheriff’s payment portal. Bondsman fees are typically 10% of the total bail amount. Once paid, the inmate is released after paperwork is completed.
Release Dates and Status Updates
Release dates depend on court rulings, sentence length, or bail payment. Sentenced inmates may earn time off for good behavior. The jail does not predict exact release times but provides estimates based on current records. Families should check the online roster daily or call for updates. Releases often happen between 6 AM and 10 PM.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visitation helps inmates stay connected with loved ones. Carter County Jail offers both in-person and video visits. All visits must be scheduled in advance. In-person visits occur on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM. Each inmate gets one 30-minute visit per week. Visitors must arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
In-Person Visitation Guidelines
Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian present. Dress code rules apply: no tank tops, shorts, skirts above the knee, or clothing with offensive language. No hats, sunglasses, or bags are allowed. All visitors pass through a metal detector. Physical contact is limited to a brief hug at the start and end. No food, drinks, or gifts are permitted.
Video Visitation Option
Video visits are available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM. They last 20 minutes and cost $7.50 per session. Schedule online at the sheriff’s website. You’ll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and internet. The system sends a confirmation email with a link. Both parties must be on time. Late arrivals forfeit the session.
Special Visits for Attorneys
Legal visits are private and do not count toward weekly limits. Attorneys must show bar membership ID and schedule 24 hours ahead. These visits can last up to one hour and occur during regular hours or by special arrangement.
Communication: Phone Calls and Mail
Inmates can make outgoing calls but cannot receive incoming calls. All calls are monitored and recorded. They use a prepaid system managed by Securus Technologies. Family adds money online, by phone, or at a kiosk in the jail lobby. Calls cost $0.21 per minute and last 15 minutes. Inmates can call up to 15 approved numbers. Numbers must be added by the inmate during intake.
Mail Policies
Inmates may send and receive letters. All mail is opened and inspected. Use plain white paper and standard envelopes. Write the inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope. Do not include cash, stamps, stickers, or Polaroids. Books and magazines must come directly from publishers or retailers like Amazon. No used books are allowed. Mail arrives within 2–5 business days.
Email Messaging
The jail offers email through the Securus platform. Family sends messages online, and inmates reply during computer time. Emails are screened for threats or contraband talk. Attachments are not allowed. This service costs extra and requires a funded account.
Sending Money to Inmates
Inmates need money for commissary, phone calls, and medical co-pays. Family can send funds three ways. Online deposits go through the sheriff’s website using a debit or credit card. Phone deposits call (800) 844-6591. In-person payments use the lobby kiosk with cash, card, or money order. Money orders by mail must be made payable to the inmate and sent to the jail address. Personal checks and cash are not accepted.
Commissary Services
The commissary lets inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and stationery. Orders are placed weekly on Wednesdays. Items arrive Friday morning. Popular products include chips, coffee, toothpaste, soap, pens, and socks. Prices are posted online. Balances carry over each week. Negative balances are not allowed.
Healthcare and Mental Health Support
All inmates receive medical care upon arrival. Nurses conduct health screenings within 24 hours. Chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension are managed with medication. Dental and vision care are available for serious issues. Mental health services include counseling, group therapy, and substance abuse treatment. Trained staff monitor high-risk inmates daily. Emergency care is provided immediately.
Rehabilitation and Education Programs
The jail offers GED classes, vocational training, and life skills courses. Programs include carpentry, welding, computer basics, and anger management. Completion certificates help with job placement after release. Religious services are held weekly. Volunteers from local churches lead Bible studies and counseling sessions.
Security and Facility Operations
Carter County Jail uses 24/7 surveillance, electronic monitoring, and staff patrols. Inmates are classified by risk level. Low-risk inmates live in dorm-style units. High-risk inmates stay in single cells. Emergency drills happen monthly. Staff train in crisis response, first aid, and de-escalation techniques. The facility meets state health and safety standards.
Contact Information and Official Resources
For questions, use these official contacts:
- Address: 206 W B St, Elizabethton, TN 37643
- Phone: (423) 542-1111
- Website: www.cartercountysheriff.com
- Visitation Hours: Tue, Thu, Sat – 9 AM to 3 PM
- Emergency Line: (423) 542-1112
Check the website for updates on policies, inmate roster, and payment portals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Carter County Jail. Below are clear, direct answers based on current policies and procedures. These help families, attorneys, and community members get accurate information fast.
How do I find out if someone is in Carter County Jail?
Use the online inmate roster on the Carter County Sheriff’s website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. If no results appear, call (423) 542-1111. Have their full name and date of birth ready. The jail updates the roster every 24 hours, so recent bookings may not show immediately. You can also visit in person with a photo ID. Staff will check their system and confirm custody status. Avoid third-party sites—they often have outdated or incorrect data.
Can I visit an inmate without scheduling ahead?
No. All visits must be scheduled in advance. Walk-in visits are not allowed. For in-person visits, sign up online or call the visitation office at least 24 hours before. Video visits also require booking through the Securus portal. Late arrivals lose their slot. Each inmate gets one in-person visit per week and unlimited video visits (paid per session). Always bring a valid ID and follow the dress code.
How much does it cost to add money to an inmate’s account?
There is no fee to add money online or by phone using a debit card. Credit cards may have a small processing charge (usually under $3). Kiosk payments in the lobby accept cash with no extra cost. Money orders by mail are free but take 3–5 days to process. Funds appear in the account within one hour for online deposits. The minimum deposit is $10, and the maximum is $200 per transaction.
Are mugshots available to the public?
Mugshots are not posted online due to Tennessee privacy laws. To request one, submit a public records request to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office. Include the inmate’s full name, booking date, and your contact information. There may be a small fee for processing. If charges are dropped or the person is acquitted, they can request removal of the mugshot from public databases. This requires a court order in most cases.
What happens if an inmate gets sick or injured?
All inmates receive a medical screening within 24 hours of booking. Serious conditions are treated immediately. The jail has a nurse on duty daily and contracts with local clinics for advanced care. Prescription medications are administered as prescribed. In emergencies, inmates are taken to Johnson City Medical Center. Families are notified if the situation is life-threatening. Mental health crises are handled by trained counselors and, if needed, psychiatric professionals.
Can inmates get books or magazines?
Yes, but only if sent directly from a publisher, bookstore, or online retailer like Amazon. Used books, library books, or hand-me-downs are not allowed. Magazines must be new and sealed. No adult content, violence, or escape-related material is permitted. All items are inspected before delivery. Inmates can have up to five books at a time. Request a current approved vendor list from the jail or check the website.
How do I post bail for someone in Carter County Jail?
First, confirm the bail amount by calling (423) 542-1111 or checking the inmate roster online. You can pay cash at the jail’s finance office during business hours. Credit cards are accepted online via the sheriff’s payment portal. Alternatively, hire a licensed bail bondsman who will post the full amount for a non-refundable fee (usually 10%). Once paid, the inmate is released after completing release paperwork, which takes 30–90 minutes.