The Wayne County Jail system is complicated. Here is what you need to know.

It is important to be aware of the different divisions of the jail and the procedures and policies in place. This information will help anyone facing incarceration and their loved ones.

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What is the Wayne County Jail System?

The Wayne County Jail System is a network of jails that the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office operates. The system includes the following jails:

The Andrew C. Baird Detention Facility – Jail Division I – 570 Clinton St, Detroit, MI 48226. (313) 224-0797

The Wayne County Jail – Jail Division II (the “Old Wayne County Jail”) – 525 Clinton St, Detroit, MI 48226 – (313) 224-2247

Wayne County Jail – William Dickerson Detention Facility – Jail Division III – 3501 Hamtramck Drive, Hamtramck, Michigan, 48211 (313) 875-7000

Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility – 1326 St Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226 – (313) 967-2040

The Wayne County Jail System houses both pretrial and sentenced inmates. Pretrial inmates are those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or other court hearings in any of the jurisdiction’s district courts or the Wayne County Circuit Court (Frank Murphy Hall of Justice). Sentenced inmates have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and are serving a sentence of one year or less.

Search for an Inmate Here: Wayne County Jail Inmate Search

How to Get Mail, Make Calls, and Send Emails

Inmates are allowed to receive mail, make calls, and send emails. However, there are some restrictions on these activities.

Mail: Inmates can receive mail from family and friends. However, all correspondence is subject to inspection by the jail staff. All mail sent to an inmate must include the sender’s name and mailing address in the top left corner of your mail. Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail getting discarded and NOT delivered. Magazines or books should be in new condition and soft-covered. The addresses for inmates are as follows:

Inmate’s Full Name & Booking Number Wayne County Jail I 570 Clinton St. Detroit, MI 48226	Inmate’s Full Name & Booking Number Wayne County Jail II 525 Clinton St. Detroit, MI 48226
Inmate’s Full Name & Booking Number Wayne County Jail III 3501 Hamtramck Drive Hamtramck, MI 48211	Juvenile’s first and last name Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility 1326 St. Antione Street Detroit, MI 48226

Calls: Inmates can make collect calls to family and friends. However, there are limits on the length of these calls. Inmates have access to a phone from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day. The inmate phone system is provided and maintained by Securus Technologies, and services and billing information are handled by Correctional Billing Services. You can contact them 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week at (800) 844-6591

Emails: Inmates can send and receive emails, including photos, through a secure system called GTL GettingOut. You must go to https://sso.gtlconnect.com/users/sign_in, create an account, and add the inmate’s information and a credit card.

Visitation at the Wayne County Jail

Video Visitation

Wayne County Jail uses GettingOut for its remote video visitation and visitation scheduling. You must first create an account using the link above. Select the correct jail division and create a “Friends & Family Account.” You will receive prompts to verify your identity and phone number. Follow the straightforward instructions on the website to complete and schedule a video visitation appointment.

Live Visitation

Personal visits are Monday through Friday at the following times:

7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Visitors must be at least 17 years old with legal identification, such as a driver’s license, military ID card, or passport. All inmates will get one 30-minute, non-contact visit per week. Persons scheduled to visit an inmate will report to the lobby desk. Visitors are checked in LEIN to ensure that there are no court orders prohibiting contact between the inmate and the visitor. No more than two visitors for the same inmate will be allowed to visit at once, and a visitor can only see an inmate once per week.

Visitors wishing to visit an inmate must comply with a strict dress code. Undergarments are mandatory and must be fully covered. Clothing that exposes excessive skin, i.e., abdomen, breast, chest, back, thigh, etc., is prohibited. Sleeveless tops are only allowed if the armholes do not reveal the visitor’s underclothing or breast/chest.

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How to Get Bonded Out

You may be eligible for bail if you are arrested and charged with a crime. Bail is a sum of money paid to the court to secure your release from jail. If you post bail, you promise the court that you will appear for your court date.

The court will consider several factors when setting bail, including the severity of the charges, your criminal history, and your ties to the community. If you cannot afford bail, you may be able to get a bondsman to post bail for you. A bondsman is a person or company that agrees to post bail for you in exchange for a fee.

It is vital that you work with a skilled Wayne County defense attorney who knows the best strategy to ensure a low or personal bond.

How to Put Money in an Inmate Commissary

Canteen Correctional Services serves the Wayne County Jail’s inmates by selling snack foods, hygiene products, clothing, and phone time. The Commissary serves the inmates four days a week. To deposit money into an inmate’s account, visit http://www.touchpayonline.com. You must have the Wayne County Jail facility number (#248211) and the inmate’s booking number. An alternative method is to call Touchpay directly at (866) 204-1603. For the purchase of care packages, you can access https://mycarepack.com/.

How to Seek Medical Attention

A Wayne County Jail inmate needing medical attention should notify the staff immediately. The jail staff will assess their condition and determine whether they need to be seen by a doctor. If they need to see a doctor, the jail staff will arrange for medical personnel to see them at the jail or an outside hospital. The Jail Medical Health Services Program provides examination, treatment, referral, and education services to Jail inmates so they can be as healthy as possible during their incarceration. The WCJ Mental Health Unit professionals identify detainees who require intervention and care for mental health issues, including those at risk for suicide.

Anyone with information or concerns regarding the physical or mental health care of an individual in the custody of the Wayne County Jail can call and leave a message at 313-224-6442. The system triages messages on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Prison Rape Elimination Act

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has expressed its commitment to the safety and security of its jail facilities for all inmates, staff, contractors, and volunteers. The Sheriff has developed a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and harassment. Under the PREA act, the Wayne County Jail must prevent, detect, and respond to all allegations of abuse, whether such allegations are inmate-on-inmate assaults or staff, contractors, and volunteers against inmates. The statute requires the prompt investigation of all reports of sexual abuse. If you suspect an inmate is the victim of sexual abuse or harassment, call (313) 224-0797 or (313) 224-2247.

How to Survive the Wayne County Jail

Navigating time in the Wayne County Jail is challenging; however, a few tips can help inmates avoid unnecessary issues and make their time in jail more bearable. Here are a few tips:

Stay Respectful: Always show respect to both inmates and guards. An inmate doesn’t have to be submissive, but treating others with respect can go a long way in avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

Mind Your Business: Don’t get involved in other people’s affairs or disputes. Keeping to yourself and staying low-key can help you avoid unnecessary drama.

Establish a Routine: Create a daily routine to provide structure to your day. A routine might include reading, exercising, writing, or learning something new.

Stay Physically Active: Exercise and remain physically active to keep your body and mind as sharp and healthy as possible.

Educate Yourself: Take advantage of any time available in the library at the Wayne County Jail. Reading can help keep your mind out of the jail. It’s a productive way to pass the time and can help with future reintegration into society.

Build Supportive Relationships: While being cautious is good, forming respectful connections with the right people can offer security and emotional support. Always be careful about who you trust.

Avoid Gangs and Drugs: Getting involved with gangs or drugs in jail can increase your risks considerably. While it might offer short-term benefits, the long-term consequences can be dire.

Stay Connected with the Outside: Maintain contact with supportive family and friends. They can provide emotional support and help you stay grounded. Letters, phone calls, and visits can make a huge difference.

Seek Mental Health Treatment: It is normal for someone in jail to struggle emotionally or mentally. If you need help, talk to a deputy right away. Also, an inmate’s family member can call and leave a message for the Wayne County Jail’s medical support services at (313) 224-6442.

Prepare for Release: Begin planning for your release as soon as possible. A release plan might mean seeking job training, acquiring new skills, setting up a post-release support network, applying for work, ensuring you know where you will reside, etc. Reaching out to family and friends for help obtaining a job is a good idea. They will have access to resources that you don’t have while in jail, and they may be able to have you set up for a job interview or position as soon as you are released.

Finally, while jail can be a challenging experience, many people have successfully navigated their sentences and gone on to lead fulfilling lives afterward. Seeking rehabilitation, maintaining hope, and planning for the future can make a world of difference.

Your Best Defense to Criminal Charges in Wayne County

The Wayne County Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is your best hope when looking for a top defense lawyer. Utilizing our unique team approach, we can provide a high-caliber defense and consistent results unobtainable by other defense attorneys. We have a proven track record because our lawyers will do whatever it takes to achieve the best possible outcome. If you work with our team, you can expect outstanding and transparent communication, tenacious and loyal representation, fearless and skilled negotiations, and someone who will fight to protect and defend you. Call us for a free consultation. We will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and work with you to develop a winning strategy.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.