Chatham County GA Detention Center

County Jail

Last Updated: May 01, 2025
Address
1050 Carl Griffin Dr, Savannah, GA 31405
Beds
2000
County
Chatham
Phone
912-652-7634
Fax
912-652-7660
Mailing Address
925B Peachtree Street, NE, Box 2062, Atlanta, GA 30309

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Chatham Co Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is PayTel, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is JailATM™ There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Chatham County GA Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Chatham Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 912-652-7634.

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 Chatham Co Jail is a detention center located at 1050 Carl Griffin Dr Savannah, GA which is operated locally by the Chatham 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. Chatham County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Savannah 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 Georgia here.

The Corrections Bureau of the Chatham County Sheriff's Office has undergone significant changes over the past three decades. Initially, for 90 years, the jail was situated on Habersham Street adjacent to the Police Department, with a capacity of approximately 300 inmates and an average daily occupancy of about 270. The daily female inmate population was around 18, a figure that contrasts sharply with the 167 average daily female population recorded in 2004.

In 1978, the jail was relocated to Montgomery Street beside the Chatham County Judicial Complex, offering a capacity of 381 inmates. However, this facility quickly proved inadequate, leading to the imposition of a federal court order that capped the inmate population. To comply, an expansion was necessary. By 1988, the Chatham County Detention Center was established off Chatham Parkway, followed by an expansion in 1989 to accommodate the growing influx of inmates.

Recognizing the persistent issue of overcrowding, a state-of-the-art facility was planned and constructed adjacent to the Detention Center. The Chatham County Sheriff's Complex, completed in 1993, integrated the Detention Center into a unified five-unit facility with a capacity of 1,224 beds. This was expected to manage the inmate population adequately until 2010. However, the facility has been operating at or above capacity since 1999, prompting the Sheriff's Office to explore alternatives to incarceration.

In response to the escalating population, Chatham County contracted with Deboer Vining in 2005 to provide a 300-bed temporary housing unit, aimed at alleviating overcrowding. At that time, the average daily population at the Detention Center had surged to 1,455 inmates, exceeding the facility’s designed capacity by 231. This temporary measure was intended as a stopgap solution.

As the inmate population continued to rise, the Sheriff's Office and the Board of Commissioners initiated efforts to secure funding for a more permanent expansion. A comprehensive evaluation and needs assessment conducted by the Facility Group in collaboration with the Polote Corporation identified a phased approach to expanding the Detention Center's capacity. The plan proposed adding 769 beds in the initial phase to the existing 1,224 permanent beds, aiming for a total capacity of 1,993 beds by the completion of this phase, anticipated for late 2011 or early 2012. Ultimately, the goal is to expand the total inmate capacity to 2,774 beds by 2025.

The expansion project not only includes the construction of additional bed space but also encompasses necessary enhancements to programmatic and support areas. This includes increased kitchen capacity, warehouse space, commissary, medical facilities, a Receiving and Discharge Unit, laundry, and engineering services. Significant features of the expansion include the addition of a Video Visitation Center and two courtrooms with public access, as well as expanded space for work environments strained by the rising inmate population and staff levels.

By 2008, the average daily population at the Chatham County Detention Center had reached 1,739 inmates. In response, the Sheriff's Office continues to plan for future needs while also exploring diversion programs such as work release and mental health treatment alternatives to reduce incarceration rates.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

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. The Jail enforces 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. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

The Chatham County Sheriff's Department Work Release Program, initiated in November 2007 under the leadership of the late Sheriff Al St. Lawrence, operates as a critical division within the Department. Its primary mission is to foster an environment where participants learn responsibility and engage in lawful employment. This program is part of a broader suite of initiatives aimed at promoting discipline, personal growth, education, and responsibility among detainees.

Participants in the Work Release Program must meet specific qualifications. Eligibility is extended to individuals who are delinquent in child support payments and who have been recommended by the courts. Prospective participants must have completed at least seventy-two hours at the Sheriff's Complex, possess no “holds” or retainers from other jurisdictions, including other states, counties, probation, or parole. They must not be the subject of any active criminal investigation and should have no violent felony or drug trafficking charges. Additionally, candidates must pass both a medical physical and mental health evaluation conducted at the Sheriff's Complex.

Once accepted into the program, participants are required to adhere to a set of guidelines designed to ensure accountability and success. They must submit to regular alcohol and drug screenings and are expected to secure and maintain gainful employment within thirty days. Continued employment is mandatory until their release by the courts. Case managers are authorized to visit work sites to monitor compliance and progress. Participants are required to show respect and cooperate with the Sheriff's Department staff and fellow program participants, abide by all departmental rules and regulations, and commit to achieving the goals set by the courts.

The Work Release Program is supported by Sheriff John T. Wilcher and the dedicated staff of the Chatham County Sheriff's Department, who are committed to the well-being of the community and to building relationships with employers. The program not only facilitates the personal development of detainees but also benefits their families and the broader community by enabling a constructive and rehabilitative approach to incarceration.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Georgia. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Chatham County GA Detention Center.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

Video Visitation:
Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cashier's Booth - Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Main Lobby:
Monday through Thursday, 6:00 pm to 9:00 am
Friday, 6:00 pm through Monday 9:00 am

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Frequently Asked Questions

Chatham County GA Detention Center - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Chatham County GA Detention Center?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Chatham County GA Detention Center, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Chatham County GA Detention Center directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Chatham County GA Detention Center?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Chatham County GA Detention Center?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Chatham Co Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Chatham Co Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Chatham Co Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Chatham County GA Detention Center?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Chatham Co Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Chatham Co Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Chatham County GA Detention Center before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Chatham Co Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Chatham Co Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Chatham Co Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Chatham Co Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Chatham Co Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Chatham Co Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Chatham County GA Detention Center?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Chatham County GA Detention Center?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Chatham Co Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Chatham Co Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Chatham County GA Detention Center?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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