Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, AL: Inmate Roster, Jail & Services
If you need the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office in Decatur, the fastest answer depends on what you are actually trying to do. Current inmate custody, warrants, jail visits, inmate money, court records, incident reports, fingerprints, civil papers and public-record requests are handled through different routes.
This guide puts those routes in one place and adds the local details that matter when you are trying to help a family member, verify a warrant, request a record or avoid a wasted trip to Lee Street.
Which Morgan County Service Should You Use?
Calling the main office for everything can slow you down. Start with the office or system that actually controls the information.
If you need… |
Best starting point |
Prepare first |
Common wrong turn |
|---|---|---|---|
Current jail custody |
MCSO Inmate Roster |
Legal name and approximate arrest date |
Using an old mugshot or social post as proof of current custody |
Recent release |
48 Hour Release roster |
Legal name |
Assuming a missing current-inmate record means the arrest never happened |
Current bond |
Morgan County Jail |
Booking number, charges and case numbers |
Paying from an old roster amount without confirmation |
Criminal court record |
Morgan County Circuit Clerk |
Case number or correct legal identity |
Treating the jail charge as the final court outcome |
Active warrant |
MCSO Warrant Search |
Correct legal name |
Paying anyone who contacts you first |
Incident report copy |
Sheriff Clerk’s Office |
Report number, date and ID |
Using a broad public-record request when a simple report copy is enough |
Broader county public records |
Morgan County Commission |
Specific record description and required residency documentation |
Sending an unsolicited email request |
Civil paper service |
Sheriff Clerk / Civil Division |
Court-issued documents and correct service address |
Sending unofficial papers directly to a deputy |
Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Phone Number, Address & Hours
Service |
Contact |
Best use |
|---|---|---|
Emergency |
911 |
Crime in progress, immediate danger, medical or life-threatening emergency |
Main Sheriff’s Office |
Administration, Clerk services and office routing |
|
Non-emergency dispatch |
Crime already occurred and no emergency exists |
|
Morgan County Jail |
Custody, charges, current bond and jail questions |
|
Sheriff’s Office location |
119 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601 |
Administration, Clerk services and jail-related visits to the facility |
Administrative office hours
- Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Use the top-level service that matches your task.
- Check Inmate Roster for custody.
- Check Warrants for warrant information.
- Use Corrections for inmate mail, funds, visits and release information.
- Confirm the current telephone number before making a special trip.
What to Know About the Morgan County Jail
The current Morgan County jail facility opened in 2006. The Sheriff’s jail page says the original facility had 550 beds and that a later annex added another 444 beds, creating capacity for up to 994 inmates.
The same county page describes a daily inmate population around 620 when its facility overview was written. Use the live inmate roster—not that population figure—when you need to know who is actually in custody today.
The jail also runs inmate-worker and work-release related programs and works with outside partners on educational, recovery and religious programming.
- Choose the exact inmate service you need.
- Use Inmate Funds only for commissary money.
- Review the current mail page before sending a letter or book.
- Check visitation before creating a vendor account.
- Read the release information before driving to pick someone up.
How to Search the Morgan County Jail Inmate Roster
MCSO provides both a current-inmate roster and a 48-hour release list. The current roster can be searched by first or last name and displays booking information, arresting agency, charges and available bond information.
- Select Current Inmates.
- Search the legal last name.
- Open the correct profile.
- Write down the booking number.
- Record the arresting agency, charges and bond entries.
- Use the 48 Hour Release option when the person recently disappeared from the current roster.
- Call 256-351-4825 before acting on time-sensitive bond information.
Why a Recent Morgan County Arrest May Not Show Yet
Situation |
Possible reason |
What to do next |
|---|---|---|
Arrest happened very recently |
Booking may still be underway |
Recheck the roster, then call 256-351-4825 when timing matters |
Exact-name search fails |
Booked spelling, middle name or suffix may differ |
Search the last name only |
Person was listed earlier but is gone |
Release or transfer may have occurred |
Use the 48 Hour Release list and VINE |
Another police agency made arrest |
Transport or processing may still be taking place |
Confirm where the arresting agency transported the person |
Court case exists but inmate is not listed |
Custody may have ended while the case continues |
Use the Circuit Clerk for the continuing case |
Verify Morgan County Bond With the Jail Before Paying
The roster can show a bond amount, but MCSO warns on inmate profiles that charges and bail amounts can change after court appearances. The Sheriff specifically directs bond companies and people posting bail to contact detention staff for the correct amount, charges and case numbers.
Call 256-351-4825 before paying or signing anything.
How bond amounts are set
Morgan County’s Sheriff explains that Alabama courts generally use the state bail schedule as a starting point, but the actual bond can vary based on the offense, criminal history, other pending cases, alleged violence, community ties, risk of nonappearance and court orders.
Possible release forms can include a secured bond, cash bond, property bond or release on recognizance when legally available. Some charges can result in no bond unless or until a judge makes a further determination.
- Read the explanation of Alabama’s bond schedule.
- Do not treat an example range as the defendant’s actual bond.
- Review the factors that can affect an individual amount.
- Check whether the person has additional cases or holds.
- Call the jail for the current amount before paying.
Release can take several hours
MCSO says the jail must receive complete court paperwork before it can begin the release process. Court paperwork is often received around 5:00 p.m., and an inmate may know that release is coming before the jail has received the required documents.
The Sheriff’s release page says processing can take up to five hours because of new arrests, warrant checks, headcounts, lockdowns or other jail operations.
- Confirm the court has actually sent the release paperwork.
- Do not leave home only because the inmate says release was ordered.
- Ask the jail whether release processing has started.
- Allow time for warrant and facility checks.
- Confirm pickup timing before waiting outside the jail for several hours.
Move From the Jail Record to the Morgan County Court Case
The Morgan County Circuit Clerk is part of Alabama’s 8th Judicial Circuit and maintains Morgan County Circuit and District Court records.
The Clerk’s Criminal/Traffic Division handles misdemeanor, felony and traffic matters. Civil and family divisions use the same main number with separate menu options.
- Choose Criminal when you are following a criminal court case.
- Use the defendant’s case number whenever possible.
- Review the Clerk’s current records-access instructions.
- Use official court forms when a filing is required.
- Call 256-351-4790, option 2, when the public information does not answer a criminal or traffic question.
Morgan County Jail Uses Online Video Visitation
MCSO describes the jail as a non-contact facility and directs inmate visits through JailATM.
- Follow the county’s JailATM link.
- Create your own account using accurate information.
- Choose the Morgan County facility.
- Match the inmate carefully.
- Review current scheduling availability.
- Check the current provider charge before paying.
- Keep the appointment confirmation.
Use Only the JailATM or Lobby-Kiosk Route for Inmate Funds
MCSO specifically warns about social-media sites and other services that claim they can add money to a Morgan County inmate account.
The county currently recognizes two ways to add commissary funds:
- Cash deposit through the MCSO lobby kiosk.
- Credit/debit-card deposit online through JailATM.
MCSO states that money orders, cash and other certified funds are not accepted through the mail or as an ordinary in-person payment for inmate accounts.
- Use the JailATM link provided by MCSO.
- Select the correct facility.
- Match the inmate’s full identity.
- Review the transaction fee.
- Confirm the amount before submitting.
- Keep the payment confirmation.
Do Not Send Ordinary Inmate Letters to the Decatur Jail Address
Morgan County changed its general inmate-mail process on April 1, 2025. Physical personal mail now goes through a mail-management provider, where it is photocopied and delivered to the jail electronically.
The envelope must contain the sender’s complete first and last name, full return address, the inmate’s complete name, inmate ID and the full correctional-facility name. MCSO warns that incomplete envelopes can be rejected unopened.
- Choose handwritten physical mail or JailATM electronic messaging.
- Copy the current mailing address exactly.
- Include the inmate ID.
- Use complete sender information—initials are not enough.
- Review unacceptable mail before sending anything other than a basic letter.
- Follow the separate rules for books and legal mail.
Books and reading material
MCSO currently says books must be paperback and delivered directly by a distributor such as a bookseller. Inmates are limited to two books in their assigned housing area, including educational, legal and religious books.
Visitors cannot directly deliver books, newspapers or publications to an inmate.
Morgan County Inmate Property Pickup Is a Weekend Process
MCSO currently says inmate property may be picked up on Saturdays and Sundays. The Sheriff provides an online property-pickup notification so staff can know someone is coming.
- Read the current pickup instructions.
- Use the Property Pickup Notification before travelling.
- Confirm that the inmate has authorized any required release.
- Bring the identification required by the jail.
- Call the jail if you are making a long trip and need same-day confirmation.
Cash in an inmate’s possession at booking is placed into the jail account used for commissary rather than held as ordinary property for pickup.
Use VINE When You Need Ongoing Morgan County Custody Notifications
Morgan County Jail participates in VINE, a free victim-information and notification service.
VINE can help users check custody information and register for automated notification when an offender is released, transferred or escapes.
- Follow the VINELink route.
- Find the correct offender.
- Compare identifying information.
- Register your preferred notification method.
- Keep your contact information current.
Search Morgan County Warrants by Name
MCSO maintains a large online warrant list that can be searched by first or last name. The results can show age, issue date, charge and available bond information.
The Sheriff’s Records unit says it maintains roughly 20,000 warrants overall, including warrants that may not all be publicly displayed. Grand-jury warrants are an example of records that are not handled like ordinary public warrant listings.
- Search the legal last name.
- Add the first name to narrow several results.
- Compare age and charge.
- Note the issue date and displayed bond type.
- Do not assume a similar name is the correct person.
- Contact an Alabama attorney for case-specific legal advice about a warrant.
How to seek a warrant after reporting an offense
MCSO’s FAQ explains that the warrant process begins with an incident/offense report. The report is then taken to the Circuit Clerk when seeking a warrant. For a felony allegation, an investigator may assist with the process.
Sheriff Report Copies, Local Criminal Histories and Fingerprinting
The Sheriff Clerk’s Office is on the second floor at 119 Lee Street NE and handles report copies, fingerprinting, local criminal-history services, permits and civil-process support.
Service |
Published fee |
Important detail |
|---|---|---|
Copy of Sheriff report |
$5 |
Sheriff’s Clerk Office; bring ID |
Local criminal history |
$10 |
Morgan County local search only |
Fingerprint card |
$20 per card |
Cash only; applicant supplies fingerprint card |
Out-of-state civil paper |
$50 |
Different civil-process rules apply; see Civil Process section below |
Fingerprinting hours are narrower than normal office hours
MCSO currently provides fingerprinting Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. The Sheriff does not supply the fingerprint card.
The current procedure is to pay the cash fee in the second-floor Clerk’s Office and then follow directions to the jail lobby for fingerprinting.
- Bring the fingerprint card required by the requesting organization.
- Bring identification.
- Bring the current cash fee.
- Arrive during the published Monday–Thursday fingerprint window.
- Complete payment at the second-floor Clerk’s Office first.
Morgan County Public Records Requests Now Route Through the County Commission
The Sheriff Clerk and Public Information pages direct broader public-record requests to the Morgan County Commission.
The Commission’s current Open Records procedure says standard requests must use the county’s request form, identify the requested record with reasonable specificity and include the required proof that the requester qualifies as an Alabama resident under the county’s policy.
The current procedure directs in-person submission to:
Morgan County CommissionMorgan County Courthouse, 5th Floor
302 Lee Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Questions about the procedure can be directed to the county Public Officer at 256-351-4735.
- Open the current Public Records Request Procedures.
- Download the county request form.
- Describe a specific record or defined group of records.
- Prepare the residency documentation required by the current procedure.
- Submit it using the county’s current delivery instructions.
- Wait for any fee estimate before assuming the request will be processed immediately.
For a request estimated to require more than eight hours of staff work, the Commission’s policy allows an estimated administrative fee to be required before the search begins.
Civil Papers, Evictions, Garnishments and Protection Orders
The Sheriff’s Civil Division serves subpoenas, evictions, garnishments, divorce papers, small-claims documents, writs, executions, Protection From Abuse orders and other court process.
The Sheriff says its Civil Division has historically handled roughly 15,000–20,000 documents in busy years, which is one reason correct paperwork and service addresses matter.
Out-of-state civil papers
MCSO currently publishes a $50 fee to serve an out-of-state civil paper for a sender other than another law-enforcement agency.
The Sheriff says it accepts legal documents for service from the courts or law-enforcement agencies from which the documents originated.
- Identify the type of paper being served.
- Confirm the court has issued the document correctly.
- Verify the Morgan County service address.
- Check the current number of copies required.
- Confirm the current service fee before mailing an out-of-state paper.
Evictions start with the Circuit Clerk, not with a deputy
The Sheriff’s eviction guidance says the court process begins through the Morgan County Circuit Clerk. The Sheriff becomes involved in service and enforcement after the appropriate court documents are issued.
- Read the current notice requirements.
- Follow the Circuit Clerk instructions for filing an unlawful-detainer action.
- Do not ask a deputy to remove a tenant without the required court process.
- Follow the court instructions for a Writ of Possession after judgment when applicable.
- Consult an Alabama attorney when you need legal advice rather than procedural information.
Protection From Abuse petitions
MCSO says the Protection From Abuse process begins through the Circuit Clerk on the fourth floor of the Morgan County Courthouse. After filing, a Sheriff’s deputy must serve the petition on the respondent.
- Review the court filing instructions.
- Prepare specific dates, places and circumstances of the alleged abuse.
- File through the Circuit Clerk.
- Let the Sheriff handle official service after filing.
- Call 911 when there is an immediate threat rather than waiting for civil paperwork.
Community Corrections Handles Work Release and Related Programs
Work Release is not handled as a normal jail-customer-service request. MCSO directs it through Morgan County Community Corrections.
The Community Corrections office also handles programs including Adult Drug Court, Court Referral, Misdemeanor Probation, drug testing and electronic monitoring.
- Confirm which program applies.
- Use the Community Corrections contact rather than the general jail line for program-specific questions.
- Have the court case number ready when possible.
- Follow court orders and Community Corrections instructions rather than assuming eligibility.
Morgan County Concealed Carry Permit Services
MCSO continues to offer Alabama concealed-carry permits for qualifying Morgan County residents through its office and online application system.
Permit term |
Published fee |
|---|---|
1 year |
$20 |
5 years |
$125 |
Lifetime — over age 60 |
$150 |
Lifetime — under age 60 |
$300 |
Online transaction or processing charges can apply depending on payment and ordering method.
- Read the current eligibility requirements.
- Choose the permit term.
- Apply online or follow the in-office route.
- Use a current email address because MCSO sends application-status communication electronically.
- Review the current pickup instructions and office hours after approval.
Morgan County Sex Offender Search and Registration Information
MCSO maintains a public sex-offender section and also points users to state and national registries.
The Sheriff explains that registered offenders must report required residence, vehicle and employment information and that deputies conduct compliance checks.
- Search the relevant name or area using the available tools.
- Review the identity carefully.
- Remember that an address can become outdated if an offender fails to report correctly.
- Use the state or national registry link when you need broader coverage.
- Report suspected information errors to the responsible law-enforcement agency.
Morgan County Jail and Sheriff Career Information
MCSO maintains recruiting information for law-enforcement and correctional career opportunities. Its jail recruiting page specifically highlights correctional-officer positions and links applicants to current career opportunities.
- Open the current Career Opportunities link.
- Choose the position you are interested in.
- Review current qualifications and benefits.
- Complete only the current official application.
- Use the recruiting contact listed on the live page for hiring-process questions.
The Sheriff also maintains a Reserve Deputy program with its own eligibility, training and application period.
Morgan County Sheriff Data That Helps Explain the Office’s Workload
The Sheriff’s published 2024 operational recap provides useful context for the volume of court and civil work handled by the office. These are historical 2024 figures—not 2026 live counts.
2024 activity |
Published count |
|---|---|
Court actions processed |
11,257 |
New warrants logged |
5,839 |
Evictions managed |
374 |
Civil papers served |
928 |
Inmate court transports |
2,953 |
Federal court transports |
479 |
State transports |
382 |
Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Map
Decatur, AL 35601
Main: 256-351-4800
Non-emergency dispatch: 256-350-4613
Jail: 256-351-4825
Ten-Minute Morgan County Sheriff Checklist
Morgan County Sheriff’s Office FAQs
What is the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office phone number?
The Sheriff’s main office number is 256-351-4800. Non-emergency dispatch is 256-350-4613, and Morgan County Jail information is available at 256-351-4825. Call 911 for an active emergency.
Where is the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama?
The Sheriff’s Office and jail are at 119 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601. Current administrative hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
How do I search for an inmate in Morgan County Jail?
Use the official MCSO inmate roster. Select Current Inmates, search the legal name and open the matching profile. Verify the booking number, age, arresting agency, charges and available bond information before relying on the result.
How can I tell if a Morgan County inmate was recently released?
The Sheriff’s roster provides a separate 48 Hour Release option. Use it when a person no longer appears on the current-inmate list. VINE can also provide continuing release or transfer notifications.
How long can release processing take at Morgan County Jail?
MCSO says the jail must receive complete court paperwork before processing release and that release processing can take up to five hours because of warrants, new arrests, headcounts, lockdowns and other operational needs.
How do I send money to a Morgan County inmate?
MCSO currently accepts inmate-account deposits through the Sheriff’s lobby kiosk or online through JailATM. The Sheriff warns against social-media payment offers and says money orders, cash and other certified funds are not accepted through inmate mail.
What address do I use for Morgan County inmate mail?
General physical inmate mail should be addressed to Morgan County Jail, the inmate’s full name and ID, PO Box 16060, Jonesboro, AR 72401. The county began using this mail-management process April 1, 2025.
How do I search Morgan County Alabama warrants?
Use the official MCSO warrant search by legal first or last name. Compare the person’s age, issue date and charge carefully. Do not send payment to anyone who contacts you by phone claiming you must immediately pay a warrant.
How much are Morgan County Sheriff report copies and fingerprints?
The Sheriff Clerk’s Office currently publishes $5 for a report copy, $10 for a local criminal history and $20 per fingerprint card. Fingerprinting is cash only and the applicant must supply the fingerprint card.
Where do I request broader Morgan County public records?
The Sheriff’s current guidance directs broader public-record requests to the Morgan County Commission. The current county procedure uses a standard request form and in-person submission at the Morgan County Courthouse, 5th Floor, 302 Lee Street NE, Decatur.
Morgan County and Alabama Resources
Main Sheriff, jail, warrant, permit and public-safety resource.
Open official Sheriff websiteCurrent inmates and 48-hour release information.
Open official inmate rosterMail, funds, property, release, visitation, VINE and work-release information.
Open official jail servicesPublic Sheriff warrant listings.
Open warrant searchCircuit, District, criminal, traffic, civil and family court information.
Open Circuit ClerkCurrent county public-record request procedures and forms.
Open Morgan County CommissionCustody-information and notification guidance.
Open VINE informationSubpoenas, evictions, garnishments, writs, PFAs and other legal process.
Open Civil ProcessEditorial review: this guide was re-audited against current Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Commission and Alabama Judicial System resources on September 27, 2026.
Freshness: inmate status, bond amounts, office hours, provider systems, permit fees, civil-process fees, jail mail rules and public-record procedures can change. Recheck the responsible official page before travelling, mailing documents or paying money.
Arrest versus conviction: an arrest, warrant entry, jail roster listing or booking photograph does not establish guilt. Court filings and case dispositions can differ from booking-stage information.
Legal and privacy notice: juvenile, sealed, confidential and otherwise protected records may not be publicly available. This page provides informational guidance and is not legal advice.
FCRA notice: do not use an inmate roster, Sheriff local criminal-history search or informal public-record lookup as a substitute for a legally compliant consumer report when making employment, housing, credit, insurance or another decision governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act or similar law.
If there is an immediate threat to life, violence in progress or another emergency, call 911.
Find Jail Info, Inmate Search Steps, Visitation Rules, Bond Help, Warrants and Official Sheriff Links
Use this free tool before calling a sheriff office, searching a jail roster, checking arrest records, visiting an inmate, asking about bond, requesting a report, or looking for official county sheriff resources. It does not collect names, case numbers, booking numbers, or personal information.
What sheriff office task do you need help with?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest next step, what to prepare, and which official resource to check first.
Start with the official sheriff or jail roster, confirm custody by phone only when needed, then check court records for hearings or case details.
Do not pay anyone who calls demanding gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or urgent warrant payment. Verify through official sheriff channels.
Inmate Search Step Helper
Use this before searching a jail roster or inmate lookup portal. It helps you choose the best search method and avoid wrong-person matches.
Bond, Release and Custody Status Helper
Use this to organize what to check before asking about bond, release timing, facility location or court status.
Visitation, Phone and Mail Checklist
Use this before planning a jail visit, video visit, inmate phone setup, commissary deposit, or mail delivery.
Warrant Information Safety Helper
Use this if you are trying to understand warrant information safely. This tool does not confirm warrants and does not provide legal advice.
Sheriff Report and Arrest Record Request Helper
Use this before requesting accident reports, incident reports, arrest records, jail records, public records or background-related information.
Sheriff Call / Warrant Payment Scam Checker
Use this if someone called, texted, emailed or messaged you claiming to be from a sheriff office, court, jail, deputy or warrant unit.
Official Sheriff Office Resource Finder
Enter county and state to create safe searches for official sheriff websites, jail rosters, inmate lookup, warrants, visitation, records requests, court records and this site’s guide.
Sheriff Office vs Court vs Jail
- Sheriff/Jail: custody, booking, jail roster, visitation, inmate mail, some warrants.
- Court/Clerk: case status, hearings, court records, fines, court dates.
- Attorney: legal advice, warrant risk, criminal charges, bond strategy.
Best sitewide placement
Add this tool after the first inmate-search or contact section, or before FAQs. It turns a normal guide into a practical action page.
Important safety note
This tool is educational only. It is not a sheriff office, jail, court, legal service, emergency service, or official records portal. For emergencies, call 911.