Jail

The Harris County Jail, managed by the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), is the third-largest jail system in the United States. It plays a crucial role in the county's criminal justice system and serves a population of over 4.1 million residents. This article provides an in-depth look into the operations, facilities, visitation processes, inmate care, and other vital aspects of the Harris County Jail system.

Overview of Harris County Jail System

Harris County, located in the southeastern part of Texas, is home to the largest sheriff's office in the state and the third-largest in the nation. The Harris County Jail system includes multiple facilities designed to house individuals arrested and awaiting trial or sentencing. The system operates with an emphasis on security, humane conditions, and providing services that aim to assist inmates during their incarceration.

Harris County Jail Locations and Contact Information

Harris County Jail comprises several facilities strategically located throughout the county. The main jail, along with several annexes, ensures proper management and housing of inmates.

700 N. San Jacinto Street – Houston, TX 77002
701 N. San Jacinto Street – Houston, TX 77002
711 N. San Jacinto Street – Houston, TX 77002
1200 Baker Street – Houston, TX 77002
1307 Baker Street – Houston, TX 77002

The main phone number for inmate information is (713) 755-5300, and for general inquiries, the number is (346) 286-1600. For non-emergency situations, individuals can reach out at (713) 221-6000.

Jail Facilities and Their Roles

The Harris County Jail system is made up of various buildings designed to serve different purposes, such as intake, housing, and special handling areas. The facilities are located at the following addresses:

700 N. San Jacinto (JA14) – The primary intake and processing facility.

701 N. San Jacinto (JA07) – A housing facility for inmates awaiting trial.

711 N. San Jacinto (JA07) – Similar to the other buildings, this facility houses individuals pending legal proceedings.

1200 Baker Street (JA09) – Another major housing facility.

1307 Baker Street (JA04) – Another facility dedicated to housing inmates.

Each of these facilities works in conjunction with others to provide secure housing and various inmate services.

Inmate Visitation Process

Visitation is an essential service that allows family members and friends to maintain contact with inmates. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been certain adjustments to visitation procedures to protect both inmates and visitors.

In-Person Visitation

In-person visitation at Harris County Jail resumed on a limited basis starting in 2022. It is essential for visitors to register in advance to ensure their visit is scheduled. Visitors can plan up to seven days in advance and may be subject to restrictions due to capacity or health protocols.

Visitation Days: Tuesday to Sunday
Visitation Hours: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

It is important to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled visit to complete ID verification. Only visitors over the age of 17 with valid identification will be allowed. Additionally, all visitors are required to wear a mask and undergo a temperature screening upon entry.

Video Visitation

Harris County Jail offers remote video visitation, enabling individuals to connect with inmates without being physically present. This is an excellent alternative for those who cannot visit in person. The video visitation service is available through Securus and provides a secure means for maintaining contact.

Off-Site Video Visits: Available for inmates housed at 700 N. San Jacinto St.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $5.99 for a 20-minute session

Inmate Care and Quality of Life

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office places a significant emphasis on the well-being of its incarcerated individuals. The jail system follows stringent protocols to ensure that inmates have access to necessary services, including medical and mental health care.

Health and Mental Health Services

Inmates at the Harris County Jail receive medical care through the jail’s health services division. This includes general medical care, mental health services, and emergency medical attention. Inmate care is a priority, with a system in place to address any urgent health concerns.

Quality of Life Concerns

The HCSO has established a direct line for family members and attorneys to submit Quality of Life concerns. These concerns may relate to an inmate’s access to medical care, food services, sanitation, or any other aspect of jail conditions. The public is encouraged to provide as much detail as possible to help the sheriff’s office address these matters.

Inmate Mail and Communication

Effective June 16, 2025, personal mail to inmates will no longer be accepted. Instead, all personal mail must be sent to the Securus Digital Mail Center. This service allows personal letters, drawings, and pictures to be digitally scanned and made available to inmates via eMessaging tablets or kiosks.

Important Changes: Pictures and drawings exceeding 8.5 x 11 inches will not be accepted for scanning.

Legal Mail: Legal correspondence must be sent directly to the specific facility where the inmate is housed.

For details regarding the mailing process, including acceptable and prohibited items, visit the official Harris County Jail Inmate Mail page.

Bonding and Inmate Release Process

Inmates at Harris County Jail can be released through several bonding methods, including cash bonds, surety bonds, and personal recognizance bonds.

Cash Bond

A cash bond is paid directly to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, either in cash or through a cashier’s check. The bond amount is refundable, minus any processing fees once the case is resolved.

Surety Bond

Surety bonds are posted through approved bonding companies. The cost of these bonds is typically a percentage of the total bond amount and is non-refundable.

Personal Bond

A personal bond does not require any financial guarantee, but the defendant must promise to appear in court for all scheduled hearings. A judge must approve this bond.

For information on posting bonds, you can visit the Harris County Jail Bonding Information page.

Contact Information for Harris County Jail Facilities

Here’s the contact information for Harris County Jail facilities:

Harris County Sheriff's Office
1200 Baker Street, Houston, TX 77002
Emergency: 9-1-1
Incarcerated Person Information: (713) 755-5300
General Information: (346) 286-1600
Non-Emergency: (713) 221-6000
Email: Sheriff.Gonzalez@sheriff.hctx.net

700 N. San Jacinto (JA14)
Phone: (713) 755-5300

701 N. San Jacinto (JA07)
Phone: (346) 286-2840

711 N. San Jacinto (JA07)
Phone: (346) 286-2998

1200 Baker Street (JA09)
Phone: (346) 286-2211

1307 Baker Street (JA04)
Phone: (346) 286-2600

For additional information on inmate phone calls, visitation, and more, visit the official Harris County Jail Information page.

Harris County Jail FAQs

How Do I Visit an Inmate at Harris County Jail?

Visiting an inmate at Harris County Jail requires prior registration. Visitors must use the online scheduling platform, which allows visits to be planned up to seven days in advance. You can check the available visiting slots by visiting the official Harris County Jail visitation page. Ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to complete ID verification. Each visit lasts approximately 20 minutes, and only one visitor is allowed per session. Masking and temperature screenings are mandatory.

Can I Send Mail to Inmates at Harris County Jail?

As of June 16, 2025, all personal mail sent to inmates must be addressed to the Securus Digital Mail Center. This service scans and makes the mail available digitally on inmate tablets or kiosks. Physical mail, including packages, food, or money orders, will not be accepted. For legal mail, it must be sent directly to the specific facility housing the inmate. You can find more detailed instructions on the Harris County Jail Inmate Mail page.

What Are the Inmate Bonding Options?

To post a bond for an inmate at Harris County Jail, you can choose from several options, including cash bonds, surety bonds, and personal bonds. Cash bonds can be paid in full either in person at the facility or online via AllPaid.com. Surety bonds are arranged through authorized bonding companies. A personal bond, which does not require a monetary deposit, is granted based on the defendant's promise to appear in court. More information about the bonding process can be found on the Harris County Bonding Information page.

How Can I Contact an Inmate at Harris County Jail?

Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls. However, they can place collect calls to phone numbers that accept such calls. You can set up an Advance Pay account with Securus to facilitate this. Additionally, video calls are available for inmates housed at the 700 N. San Jacinto location. For more details on how to set up phone calls or video visits, refer to the Harris County Jail Inmate Phone Calls page.

How Can I Report Quality of Life Concerns for an Inmate?

If you have concerns regarding an inmate's access to services, conditions, or care, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office provides a direct platform for submitting Quality of Life concerns. This can include issues like medical care, mental health services, or visitation problems. Visit the Quality of Life page to submit your concerns with detailed information about the issue, inmate name, and facility.