Alachua County Jail

You can support your loved ones at Alachua Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 352-491-4444.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Alachua Co Jail is a detention center located at 3333 NE 39th Ave Gainesville, FL which is operated locally by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Alachua County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Gainesville Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals. You can see all the arrest records for Florida here.

The Department of the Jail, a facility encompassing 314,000 square feet and certified to house 1,148 beds, is designed for incarcerating adult male and female offenders for up to one year. The core of this facility was completed in January 1994, with subsequent upgrades in 2007 and 2009, optimizing the inmate capacity to 975. The institution places significant emphasis on inmate rehabilitation and education, offering several programs aimed at improving the skills and prospects of incarcerated individuals. A full description of the rules and regulations may be found in the Inmate Handbook and/or Manual del Preso (Espanol).

The Adult Education Program, in collaboration with the Alachua County School Board, enables inmates to enhance their reading, mathematics, and language skills. New students are assessed using the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Those testing at or above the ninth-grade level receive GED preparation, and proficient inmates can take the GED test while still in custody.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate.

The Life Skills program, facilitated by the Salvation Army, spans 12 weeks and equips inmates with essential skills for productive living post-release. This course covers various topics, including money management, job seeking, resume writing, parenting skills, life planning, and goal setting.

Substance Abuse Intervention is a weekly group session led by Meridian counselors, focusing on educating inmates about making better life choices and overcoming addiction. This initiative aims to address and mitigate substance abuse issues among the incarcerated population.

Anger Management courses are conducted weekly to assist inmates in identifying triggers, managing stress, and effectively resolving conflicts. Similarly, Domestic Violence sessions, led by a Peaceful Paths victim advocate, educate inmates about domestic violence, safety planning, and provide intervention and referrals to community resources.

The Bridges to Prosperity program, in partnership with Catholic Charities, offers weekly sessions focusing on financial literacy, including saving, budgeting, future planning, and overall financial fitness.

The Inmate Re-Entry Programs are comprehensive efforts aimed at reducing recidivism. The Inmate Transition Program, designed for high-risk male inmates with at least 60 days left to serve, includes courses such as Reasoning and Rehabilitation 2, Treating All Dependencies, and Employability Skills. Participants receive case management services for reentry planning and are referred to community agencies. Post-release follow-ups ensure continued support and data collection on outcomes.

The Paws On Parole Unleashed program, available to female inmates cleared for trusty status, pairs inmates with adoptable dogs from Alachua County Animal Services. Inmates provide obedience training to the dogs, which enhances both the dogs' and inmates' prospects. Upon graduation, the dogs are adopted by families, and the inmates acquire skills beneficial for working in animal service-related environments, such as veterinary offices and grooming salons.