Dallam County Jail serves as the primary detention center for people arrested within the county lines of Dallam, Texas. This facility operates through a joint agreement between Dallam and Hartley counties to manage local law enforcement needs. The detention center holds people who wait for court dates or those serving short sentences for minor crimes. Sheriff Shane Stevenson leads the office that manages the daily operations and safety of the building. The jail keeps a public record of every person currently in a cell to help family members and lawyers find them easily.
Dallam County Jail stays open 24 hours a day to take in new arrests from the Dalhart Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The facility follows strict rules set by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to keep both staff and inmates safe. Every person brought to the jail goes through a booking process where staff record their name, physical traits, and the reason for their arrest. This data goes into the public roster so the community can see who is in custody. The jail can hold dozens of people at once in different housing units based on their behavior and crime level.
Search the Dallam County Jail Inmate Roster
The jail maintains an online list of people in custody. You can see the full legal name of each person on the roster. The list shows the date of birth and what the person looks like, such as height and weight. Each entry has a booking photograph, often called a mugshot. You can see the date the police arrested the person and the specific criminal charges they face. The roster includes the bond amount needed for the person to leave jail before their court date. It also lists the unique booking number for every arrest.
Staff at the sheriff’s office update the roster several times every day. This keeps the data fresh for lawyers and bondsmen. You can search the list by typing a last name or a booking number into the search box. The portal also tells you if a person can have visitors or if they can get mail. Knowing the booking number is the fastest way to find a person if they have a common name. If you cannot find a name online, you can call the jail office directly to ask about a specific person.
Dallam-Hartley County Joint Jail Facility
The Dallam-Hartley County Jail is a shared space for two counties. It sits at 501 Denver Avenue in Dalhart, Texas. Administrator Diane Guffy manages the staff who work inside the jail. This joint setup helps both counties save money on guards and food. The building has secure walls and cameras to watch every room. People from both Dallam and Hartley counties go here after an arrest. The facility follows the Texas Department of Criminal Justice rules for housing people. This means every person gets a bed, meals, and medical help when they need it.
The jail works with local courts to move people to their hearings on time. Most people in this facility stay for less than a year. Some stay for only a few days if they can pay their bail. The jail staff checks each person for health problems as soon as they arrive. They also check for mental health needs to prevent accidents or harm. The joint facility allows the sheriff to focus more deputies on patrolling the streets while the jail staff handles the inmates. This cooperation keeps the entire region safer for everyone who lives there.
Rules for Visiting Inmates at Dallam County Jail
Visiting a person in jail requires following specific rules. You must have a valid ID card from the government, like a driver’s license. The jail staff checks your background before they let you inside the visiting room. You cannot bring cell phones, bags, or weapons into the building. Children can visit but they must stay with an adult at all times. The jail has a schedule that tells you which days and times you can come. Visits usually last about twenty to thirty minutes depending on how many people are waiting in line.
The staff can stop a visit if anyone breaks the rules. You must wear modest clothes that do not show too much skin. You cannot give items directly to an inmate during a visit. If you want to give them something, you must use the official channels like the commissary or the mail room. Some visits happen through a glass window or a video screen to keep everyone safe. It is smart to call the jail before you drive there to make sure the person is still in the facility and allowed to have visitors that day.
How to Send Mail to Inmates
Writing letters is a good way to stay in touch with someone in jail. All mail must go through the United States Postal Service. You must write the inmate’s full name and their booking number on the envelope. Use the jail address at P.O. Box 520, Dalhart, TX 79022. Jail staff opens and reads all mail to check for items that are not allowed. They look for drugs, maps, or plans to escape. You cannot send cash or checks in a letter. Use a money order if you want to put money on an inmate’s account.
Do not put stickers, perfume, or glitter on your letters. These items can hide dangerous things. You can send photos, but they must not show illegal acts or nudity. Most jails only allow four or five photos in one envelope. If you send a book, it must come directly from a store like Amazon or a publisher. The book must have a soft cover because hard covers can be used as weapons. Mail helps inmates stay calm and connected to their families while they wait for their trial.
Commissary Accounts and Money Deposits
Inmates use commissary accounts to buy extra items like snacks, soap, and stamps. The jail provides basic food and clothes, but many people want better items. You can put money into an account using a kiosk in the jail lobby or by going online. Some people use a phone service to add funds. The jail uses a secure system to make sure the money goes to the right person. Inmates can shop once or twice a week. They fill out a list, and the staff brings the items to their cell.
There is a limit on how much an inmate can spend each week. This prevents one person from having too much power over others. If an inmate owes money for medical visits or damaged property, the jail might take some of the deposit to pay those debts. Family members can see a history of what the inmate bought if they have the right login info. Providing commissary funds can make a person’s stay in jail much more comfortable. It also gives them a way to call home if the jail uses a paid phone system.
Booking and Release Procedures
When the police bring a person to the jail, the booking process starts immediately. Staff take the person’s fingerprints and photos. They record any tattoos or scars to identify the person later. The staff takes all the person’s money, jewelry, and clothes and puts them in a safe bag. The inmate gets a orange or striped uniform to wear. A nurse or guard asks questions about their health and drugs they might take. This part of the day can take several hours depending on how busy the jail is.
Release happens after a judge says the person can go or after they finish their time. If a person pays bail, the jail staff must verify the money before letting them out. This can take a few hours to finish the paperwork. Once cleared, the inmate gets their personal clothes and items back. They sign a paper saying everything was returned. The jail does not provide rides home, so the person must have a friend or family member pick them up. The release time can happen at any hour of the day or night.
Medical Care and Mental Health Services
Every inmate has a right to basic medical care. The Dallam County Jail has medical staff who visit the cells. They give out medicine for things like heart problems or infections. If an inmate feels sick, they can write a request to see the doctor. For big emergencies, the jail sends the person to a local hospital under guard. The jail staff also watches for signs of sadness or fear. They have mental health experts who talk to inmates to make sure they do not hurt themselves.
Health screenings happen as soon as a person walks in the door. This prevents diseases from spreading to other inmates and staff. The jail keeps records of all medical visits. Inmates might have to pay a small fee for some visits, which comes out of their commissary account. If they have no money, the jail still provides the care. Keeping inmates healthy is a legal requirement in Texas. It also helps the jail run smoothly because healthy people are less likely to cause trouble or get angry.
Bail Bonds and Court Dates
Bail is the money a person pays to leave jail while they wait for their court date. A judge sets the bail amount based on how serious the crime is. If the bail is $1,000, the person can pay the full amount to the court. They get this money back if they go to every court hearing. If they cannot pay the full amount, they can hire a bail bondsman. The bondsman usually charges 10 percent of the total bail. This fee is money you do not get back. The bondsman then promises the court that the person will show up for trial.
Some people get out on a “personal recognizance” bond. This means they do not have to pay money. They just sign a paper promising to come back to court. This usually happens for people with no criminal past who live in the area. If a person misses their court date, the judge issues a warrant for their arrest. The police will find them and bring them back to jail. Then, they might not get another chance to leave until the trial ends. Checking the jail roster helps you see if a judge has set a bond yet.
The Role of the Dallam County Sheriff
The Sheriff is the top law man in the county. In Dallam County, Shane Stevenson holds this job. He is elected by the people who live there. His job is to make sure the jail follows all state laws. He hires the guards and makes sure they have the right training. The Sheriff also manages the police who patrol the roads outside the city. He works with the District Attorney to make sure criminals stay in jail. The Sheriff’s office is also in charge of serving legal papers like lawsuits or eviction notices.
The Sheriff must keep the jail budget in check. He uses tax money to pay for food, power, and repairs for the building. Every few years, he must run for election again. This means he must answer to the public about how he runs the jail. If the jail is dirty or unsafe, the voters might choose someone else. Sheriff Stevenson and his team also help with big events and emergencies like floods or bad storms. They are the main line of defense for people living in the rural parts of Dallam County.
Daily Life and Inmate Programs
Life inside the jail follows a strict routine. Inmates wake up early for breakfast. They must keep their cells clean and follow the orders of the guards. Some inmates have jobs inside the jail. They might work in the kitchen to cook meals or in the laundry room to wash clothes. Working helps the time pass faster and can sometimes earn the inmate “good time” credits. These credits can shorten a person’s sentence if they behave well and work hard. The jail also offers religious services for different faiths.
Educational programs are available for people who want to improve their lives. Some inmates study for their GED while they are in a cell. This helps them find a job when they leave. There are also classes about how to stop using drugs or alcohol. These programs aim to lower the chance of a person coming back to jail later. The jail has a small library where inmates can check out books. Having things to do keeps the jail quiet and safe for everyone. Without these programs, inmates might get bored and start fights.
Legal Rights of People in Jail
Every person in jail has rights under the United States Constitution. They have the right to a lawyer. If they cannot afford one, the court will give them a lawyer for free. They have the right to stay silent so they do not say things that make them look guilty. Inmates have the right to be safe from cruel treatment or bad food. They can practice their religion as long as it does not cause a safety problem. Lawyers can visit their clients in jail at almost any time to talk about the case.
If an inmate feels their rights are being ignored, they can file a grievance. This is a formal complaint that the jail staff must read and answer. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards also listens to complaints from inmates and their families. This system makes sure that no one is treated unfairly. Inmates can also receive mail from the courts or their lawyers without staff reading it. This is called “legal mail” and it is private. Protecting these rights is a key part of the American justice system.
Facility Statistics and Capacity
Dallam County Jail is a small to medium facility compared to big cities. It houses an average of 51 inmates every day. Over a year, the jail handles about 1,020 arrests. The population is mostly men, but about 24 percent of the inmates are women. The jail serves a total county population of just over 7,000 residents. Because the area is large but the population is small, the jail has plenty of space for the inmates it receives. This prevents overcrowding, which is a big problem in larger Texas counties.
The incarceration rate in the county is about 311 people for every 1,000 residents. This number includes everyone from local drunks to people waiting for major trials. The jail must report these numbers to the state government every month. These stats help the state decide if the county needs more money for a new jail or more staff. Most people arrested in Dallam County are there for non-violent crimes like drug possession or driving with a revoked license. The small staff knows many of the people who come in, which can sometimes make the process calmer.
Security and Safety Protocols
Safety is the most important goal for the jail staff. They use heavy steel doors and locks that only open with a computer or a special key. Guards walk through the halls every hour to check on every inmate. This is called a “well-being check.” They look for signs of sickness or fighting. The jail uses cameras to watch the common areas and the hallways. If a fight starts, the guards have tools like pepper spray to stop it quickly. They also wear vests to protect themselves from harm.
Every person who enters the jail must go through a metal detector. This includes lawyers and staff. The jail also uses dogs sometimes to sniff for drugs in the cells. When inmates move from one room to another, they are often handcuffed for safety. The jail has a plan for fires and other emergencies. They practice these plans so everyone knows where to go if a siren sounds. Strict safety rules help keep the inmates, the staff, and the people of Dalhart safe from accidents or escapes.
Contact and Location Information
If you need to reach the jail, use the information below. The jail staff can answer questions about bail, visitation, and mail rules. They cannot give legal advice or tell you when a person will be released until the paperwork is finished.
Address: 501 Denver Avenue, Dalhart, TX 79022
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 520, Dalhart, TX 79022
Sheriff’s Office Phone: (806) 244-2313
Jail Administration Phone: (806) 244-2541
Administrator: Diane Guffy
Sheriff: Shane Stevenson
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ section provides answers to the most common questions people have when a friend or family member goes to jail. These answers help you navigate the rules of the Dallam County detention system without feeling lost. Most people ask about money, phone calls, and how to get someone out of a cell. This section uses the latest data from the sheriff’s office to give you clear facts. If you have a very specific question about a court case, you should contact a local lawyer who knows Texas law.
How can I find out if someone is in Dallam County Jail?
To see if a person is in the jail, you should check the online inmate roster first. This list is hosted on the sheriff’s website and is open to the public. You can search by the person’s first or last name. If the name is not on the list, it might mean the police have not finished the booking process yet. You can also call the jail directly at (806) 244-2541. The staff will ask for the person’s name and date of birth. They can tell you if the person is there and what their bond is. Keep in mind that some people are released quickly, so the list changes throughout the day.
What are the visitation hours for the jail?
Visitation happens on a set schedule that is usually divided by the inmate’s last name or their housing unit. Most visits happen on weekends, but some take place during the week. You must call the jail or check the bulletin board in the lobby to see the current times. Each inmate is typically allowed one or two visits per week. You should arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in. If you are late, the staff might not let you in. Remember to bring a photo ID and do not bring any forbidden items like bags or electronics. The staff can change visitation hours for holidays or if there is a safety issue in the jail.
How do I put money on an inmate’s commissary account?
There are three ways to add money to an account. First, you can use the kiosk machine in the jail lobby. This machine takes cash or credit cards. Second, you can go to the official website for the jail’s money service. You will need the inmate’s full name and their booking number to make sure the money goes to the right spot. Third, you can send a money order through the mail. The money order must be made out to the jail with the inmate’s name in the memo line. Do not send cash in the mail because it might get stolen or lost. The money is usually available for the inmate to spend within 24 hours.
Can I call an inmate directly in Dallam County Jail?
No, you cannot call an inmate and talk to them right away. Inmates are not allowed to receive incoming phone calls. If there is a serious family emergency, you can call the jail staff, and they might give a message to the inmate. However, inmates can make outgoing calls during their free time. These calls are usually “collect,” which means you must pay for them on your phone bill. Many jails now use a prepaid service where you can put money on a phone account. This allows the inmate to call you until the money runs out. All calls are recorded and watched by the jail staff for safety.
How do I get someone out of jail using a bail bond?
To get someone out, you first need to find out the bail amount from the jail roster or a staff member. If you have the full amount in cash, you can pay it at the court or the jail. If you do not have the money, you must contact a bail bondsman. You will pay the bondsman a fee, which is usually 10% of the total bail. The bondsman will then go to the jail and sign paperwork to release the person. The inmate must then follow all the bondsman’s rules, like checking in every week. If the inmate runs away, you might lose any property you used to back the bond. The release process can take a few hours once the bond is posted.
What items am I allowed to send in the mail?
You can send letters, cards, and photos to an inmate. Letters must be on plain white paper and written in blue or black ink. Do not use markers or crayons. Photos should not be larger than 4×6 inches. You cannot send anything that contains metal, plastic, or wood. Some jails allow you to send newspapers or magazines if they come directly from the publisher. You cannot send food, clothes, or medicine from home. The jail provides everything the inmate needs for survival. If you send something that is not allowed, the staff will either throw it away or put it in the inmate’s property bag until they are released.
Are there medical fees for inmates in Dallam County?
Texas law allows jails to charge a small fee for medical visits to prevent people from asking for a doctor when they are not sick. If an inmate asks to see a nurse or doctor, a small “co-pay” might be taken from their commissary account. However, the jail cannot refuse to treat a sick person just because they have no money. If an inmate is broke, they will still get the medicine and care they need. Emergency care is always provided immediately. If an inmate has their own health insurance, the jail might try to bill the insurance company for the cost of the care. Basic dental and eye care are also available for long-term inmates.