About Marion County Jail, Indiana
History
MCSO Jail 1900
The first Marion County Jail was a log cabin built on the northwest corner of the intersection of Market and Delaware in downtown, Indianapolis. The county had to pay $59 to have the woods at the corner cleared before construction could begin. The first jail in Indianapolis cost the county $312. It lasted for eleven years until it was burned down by an inmate incarcerated on a theft charge during an escape attempt. Learning the lessons of history the second Marion County Jail was built of brick and relocated to the southwest corner of Alabama and Market Street. This jail cost the county $60,000 but it did provide a second floor for the Sheriff’s living quarters. In 1852 the third Marion County Jail was built. Located on the East side of Alabama Street between Market and Washington Street the structure was made of stone. This cost of this jail was $100,000.
On January 29th, 1879 the jail was stormed by citizens of Marion County. Three inmates were taken from the jail and lynched. One of the three had killed a woman and a child, another poisoned a school teacher with strychnine. By the late 1880’s it was determined that the jail was again outdated and the county needed additional space. In 1891 the fourth Marion County Jail (above) was constructed. The building was built at the intersection of Alabama Street and Maryland- just south of Washington Street. The cost of this jail was $150,000 and it was designed to house 150 prisoners, the various administrative, executive and law enforcement offices of MCSD as well as the living accommodations for the Sheriff and his family. The image you see here is the oldest known photograph of any Marion County Jail. It is believed that this picture was taken sometime soon after the completion of the structure during the late 1890’s or early in the 20th century. By the year 1930 the space allotted for 150 inmates in the Marion County Jail was now being shared by more than 200 persons. By 1940 the jail was holding an daily average of 291 and by 1958 the average count was approaching 500- more than 300 percent above the designed population limits of the Jail.
1964 Jail
In December of 1963, under Sheriff Robert H. Fields, ground was broken for the 5th Marion County Jail and it was opened in August, 1965. The new jail’s inmate capacity was 648 and increased again to 778 in 1978. Total cost of the facility was $4,000,000- financed by a bond issue.
Current Jail
In 1985, under Sheriff Jim Wells, the size of the jail was more than doubled with a five story addition to the Jail (below). Approximately three hundred new cells and several new jail offices were added- including medical and dental offices, visitation areas, recreation and an inmate’s law library.
Marion County IN Jail Inmate Search
There are two automated services in Indiana that allow you to track the custody status of offenders incarcerated. By registering with either of these programs, you can be notified by telephone and/or email if the custody status of the offender changes.
The “VINElink” service contains information on offenders in the custody of the Marion County Sheriff as well as several other counties in Indiana. The “Indiana SAVIN” service contains information on offenders in the custody of the Marion County Sheriff, several other counties in Indiana, as well as those offenders in the custody of the Indiana Department of Corrections. Neither of these programs is administered by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office assumes no liability for the use of either system. It is suggested victims search for offenders and register with both services to ensure they are contacted as offender status changes.
SAVIN (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification)
1-866-891-0330
http://indianasavin.in.gov
Indiana SAVIN stands for Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification. The Indiana SAVIN program is a free and anonymous automated service that provides crime victims with vital information and notification 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This service will allow you to obtain offender information and register for notification of a change in offender status, such as offender release.
All registrations through Indiana SAVIN are kept completed and confidential.
How do I use the service?
- Visit http://indianasavin.in.gov or call (866) 891-0330 to register.
- You can register to be notified when an offender’s status changes
- To change your registration, you can either visit http://indianasavin.in.gov or call (866) 891-0330
Property
The facility, Marion County Jail, does not accept property and property cannot be dropped off for inmates. Property may be released only if an inmate has filled out a property release form listing the authorized person picking up the property. The person picking up the property must have two pieces of identification, one being a photo id. Property may be picked up at the Marion County Jail Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM until 10:30 AM.
Sending Money
Deposits can be made to commissary accounts of inmates currently in the Marion County Jail via the U.S. Mail but only Postal Prepaid Money Orders, other accredited prepaid money orders, and U.S. government checks are accepted. Cash, personal or payroll checks, and credit card numbers are not accepted. All money orders received for deposit on inmate accounts must be made payable to Marion County Jail Commissary. The inmate’s name, cell housing unit (cell block number), date of birth and Gallery number must appear on the money order and the name must be the one that the inmate used whey they were processed into the jail. Money orders without the necessary information will be returned to the sender. Please use this address format when sending money orders to the jail.
Inmate Account Manager
Inmate’s name & Gallery #
Cell Housing Number
Marion County Jail
40 South Alabama Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Cash deposits can be made to Jail I commissary accounts using our kiosks at the following 2 locations:
- Jail Lobby 40 S Alabama Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- 24 hour access at the Jail 40 S. Alabama
Cash deposits can also be made to Jail II CCA Commissary accounts at the following location:
- Main lobby of Jail II CCA 730 E. Washington
Deposits can be made to all inmate’s commissary accounts using credit cards by calling 1-888-988-4768 or via the Internet at offenderconnect.com. The site ID is 82.
Deposits can be made to telephone accounts for all inmates at any of our kiosks or by calling 1-888-288-9879 or via the Internet at payment.pcstelcom.com/payments. The facility number is 00246.
Sending Mail
Inmates in the Marion County Jail can receive mail during the time they are incarcerated. All mail is delivered in person, as it is received, to those for who it is addressed. Mail is distributed Monday through Friday. No delivery is made on weekends or holidays. Mail is not delivered to inmates who are unable to produce a valid and legible Jail identification armband. All mail, with the exception of “legal mail”, is opened and inspected for contraband and security breaches according to federal guidelines. Mail pertaining to legal matters is opened in the presence of the inmate whom it is addressed.
The inmates address for incoming mail must consist of the inmate’s name as used at the time of the arrest and processing, their Jail ID number, cell housing number and the Marion County Jail in the following format:
Inmate’s Name & Jail ID
Cell Housing Number
Marion County Jail
40 South Alabama Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Jail Visitations
Regular visits are taken by appointment only, The Appointment Scheduling Line is open from 11:30 AM, Monday through Friday, until all available appointments are booked or 2:30 PM whichever comes first. The Appointment Scheduling Line phone number is 317-639-9300.
There are also some special categories other than regular visits that the Jail can accommodate. These special categories are listed below:
Information for Jail Visitors
Once a visitor has arrived in the visitation check-in office, they are not allowed to leave the room for any reason, or the visit is canceled.
No unattended children will be allowed in the building at any time.
During K-9 searches if a dog indicates on the visitor or clothing, the visitor who owns the property contained therein will be subject to a thorough outside body search. Any smell of contraband detected by an Officer and the K-9 will result in that visit being canceled. Visitors who leave during a K-9 search will loose future visitation privileges.
While in the visitation office and rooms, absolutely no smoking, eating, or drinking is permitted. A visitor shall have no objects in their mouth at anytime.
Visitors who wish to cancel an appointment may do so by calling 327-1554. If a visitor cancels by phone, they must do so within 2 hours of the scheduled appointment. The visit still counts towards the inmate’s two (2) allotted visits for the week. Any visitor that does not appear for a scheduled appointment twice, without calling to cancel, in a thirty (30) day period, or misses three (3) consecutive appointments during any time period, will be suspended from visiting for a period of thirty (30) days.
Attorney Jail Visits
Attorney visiting hours are generally 7:00 A.M. to 11:15 A.M., 1:30 P.M. to 5:15 P.M., and 7:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M., seven days a week.
Attorneys must present a valid Supreme Court of Indiana Certificate of Good Standing, a valid identification document and a valid picture ID, in order to visit. Without these documents, an individual is not recognized as an attorney.
Attorneys can visit inmates, whom they represent, any number of times.
Inmates are provided an area for private consultation with their attorney.
Attorneys are not required to be on the inmate’s visit list.
Inmates must be properly dressed with Jail issue arm band, shirt, pants, and footwear.
Inmates may bring legal documents only, from their cell block when going to an attorney visit.
Inmates are not allowed to receive any item from an attorney or paralegal without receiving permission from the Jail Supervisor.
Family Jail Visits
The maximum number of children allowed for each family visit is one (1). Children are not counted towards the total number of visitors, but must be listed on the back of the inmate’s visitor list.
The inmate is allowed a total of two (2) family visits per month and may schedule only one of those family visits a week. The family visit counts towards the allotted two (2) visits a week for an inmate.
All children must be listed on the inmates visiting list and need to have identification for each visit. The only acceptable form of identification for children is a legal birth certificate from the appropriate government agency. The birth certificate must have the inmate listed as the parent of the child. For step children, the spouse of the inmate must accompany the child or children. The adult spouse visitor must bring the child’s, birth certificate, which must have the inmate’s spouse listed as the child’s parent, and shall provide a legal marriage certificate. Adopted children will be permitted to visit with the proper birth certificate and proper adoption paper work, in order to prove the relationship.
Disruptive, ill-mannered or misbehaving children will not be tolerated. The accompanying adult is responsible for the behavior of the children.
Inmates who are on restriction or are housed in cell blocks designated as “Disciplinary Segregation” will not be allowed to have family visits.
Wishard Hospital Visits
Regular visits are not allowed at Wishard Hospital.
Special visits may be arranged for those inmates who experience hospital stays in excess of thirty (30) days duration or for those near death. These visits may be arranged by calling (317) 630-7108.
If granted a visit at the hospital, all rules and policies pertaining to general visiting procedures apply to hospital visits.
Only adults who are an immediate family member may make a visit at the hospital.
Disciplinary Segregation (Lock-Down) Visits
Disciplinary segregation regular visits are scheduled Monday through Friday, conducted at the regular scheduled time. Disciplinary segregation visits are for inmates who are serving D.H.B. (Disciplinary Hearing Board) time.
Unless otherwise noted below, all rules and policies pertaining to general visiting procedures apply to disciplinary segregation visits.
Only adults who are an immediate family member may make an disciplinary segregation visit.
Inmates who are housed in disciplinary segregation units shall be belly-chained or handcuffed during a visit.
No clothing exchange is allowed.
Administrative Segregation Visits
Administrative segregation regular visits are scheduled Monday through Friday, in conjunction with the Jail visiting schedule. Out-of-state visits are conducted at the regular scheduled time. Administrative segregation visits are for those inmates who are locked down for self-protection or who are classified as permanent lock-down status.
Unless otherwise noted below, all rules and policies pertaining to general visiting procedures apply to administrative segregation visits.
Inmates who are housed in administrative segregation units may have visits from any active adult visitor and may have clothing exchanged.
Inmates who are housed in administrative segregation on a permanent status, due to their prior conduct and, or, escape risk classification, shall be belly-chained or handcuffed during a visit.
Inmates who are housed in the suicide prevention block are not allowed visitation.
Out-of-State Visits
Out-of-state visits are for those visitors who reside outside of Indiana. These visits are available six (6) days a week. An out-of-state visitor may visit Monday through Friday during regular appointment times. On Saturdays out-of-state visits are at 3:30 P.M.
Unless otherwise noted below, all rules and policies pertaining to general visiting procedures apply to out-of-state visits.
Appointments are necessary for out-of-state visitors and you must arrive 45 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Out of state visitors may call the visitation office to schedule an appointment (317-327-1554) All out-of-state visitors must be listed on the inmate’s visiting list.
Out-of-state visitors must provide two (2) forms of identification. The first ID is that which is required for a regular visit. The second type of acceptable ID must be one of the following: a valid vehicle registration in the visitor’s name, a bus, train, or plane ticket showing visitor name and travel date, a current residence utility bill (gas, power, water, telephone, or cable) in the visitor’s name, or a piece of mail which is addressed to the visitor and is postmarked within thirty (30) days of the visit. These documents are required to show proof the visitor actually lives out-of-state.
An inmate is allowed two (2) out-of-state visits a week.
Adult College or University students, who temporarily reside out-of-state, qualify for an out-of-state visit. This applies only when school is in session. Along with the standard required ID, students must bring a valid school ID and a Bursar’s receipt for the current term.
An appointment is needed for all out-of-state children before they can visit. To schedule an appointment, visitors will have to follow the family visitation procedures to get a visit.
Marion County Jail Chaplain
Chaplain Michael A. Wolley is the Senior Chaplain for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. His staff is comprised of chaplain assistants and numerous volunteer chaplain assistants from various socioeconomic, religious and cultural back grounds. There are approximately 30 religious institutions that conduct classes and worship services on a weekly or monthly basis.
Chaplain Wolley and his staff are responsible for approximately 3000 inmates in four facilities. The chaplains department provides one on one counseling for inmates as well as staff in the Administration Division, Jail Division, Communication Division, Civil Division and Law Enforcement Division. They also conduct religious services, baptismal services and marriage ceremonies. The chaplains staff is available twenty-four hours a day to provide bereavement counseling for inmates that lose their loved ones while incarcerated.
Chaplain Wolley’s extensive experience as an ordained clergyman, law enforcement officer and a program director for a jail, has equipped him to oversee the needs of the inmates. As an active minister in the greater Indianapolis community, he has developed partnerships with community organizations in order to develop pre-release programs that inmates can be placed in upon release from the jail in order to facilitate them in their transition back into society.
About Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is the largest sheriff’s office in Indiana. We employ over a thousand sworn, merit, civil, and special deputies and communications, correctional and civilian personnel. These outstanding Civilians and Deputies serve public safety in the Jail Division, Communications Division, Civil Division, Administration Division, and Criminal Division. Since 1822, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has dedicated its personnel to better serve and protect the citizens of Marion County. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office also has a large contingent of unpaid reserve deputies volunteering their time to the county. The Marion County Jail is the largest jail in Indiana.
Communications Division
The Communications Division is on the front-lines of public safety in Marion County, serving as the initial Public Safety Answering Point for all emergency and non-emergency calls. When a citizen dials 911, MCSO dispatchers coordinate and assign the calls within seconds to patrol and investigations units for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and 25 other departments with police powers. The Communications Division also are the first point of citizen contact for the Indianapolis Fire Departments.
The Division’s 911 Center processes nearly two million communications transactions with the public each year. On average, emergency and non-emergency communications are consistently answered within seconds of receiving the call.
The Communications Division personnel are continually evaluating their service delivery in an effort to constantly improve response times. A well-trained team of approximately 128 telecommunicators work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, to serve the public. In 2009, the Division added 12 part-time professionals to answer the County’s non-emergency line. This allowed dispatchers to focus solely on 911 calls especially during the peak times of Noon to Midnight.
The Communication Division also offers Non-English speaking residents and visitors use of the Kucenko Language Line. Named for Mr. Nikolay Kucenko, the Language Line allows the dispatcher to immediately connect with an interpreter. The Language Line interpreters can translate 150 languages. The caller, dispatcher, and interpreter remain on the line together until the call is completed.