Towns County Jail is a secure correctional facility located in Hiawassee, Georgia, operated by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. It serves as the primary detention center for individuals arrested within the county, holding inmates awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to state facilities. The jail maintains strict safety protocols while offering essential services such as medical care, visitation, commissary, and rehabilitation programs. Families, legal representatives, and community members rely on accurate, up-to-date information about inmate status, visitation rules, and facility operations. This page provides complete details on how to search for inmates, visit loved ones, send funds, access mugshots, and understand the rights and services available to those in custody.
Inmate Search and Roster Access
Finding an inmate at Towns County Jail starts with using the official inmate lookup tool. This system allows anyone to search by full name or inmate ID number. Results show current booking status, charges, bond amount, court dates, and projected release information. The roster updates regularly to reflect new bookings, releases, and status changes. For best results, double-check spelling and use legal names only. If no match appears, contact the jail directly—delays in processing or name variations may affect online visibility.
How to Use the Inmate Lookup System
Visit the Towns County Sheriff’s Office website and navigate to the “Inmate Roster” section. Enter the person’s first and last name exactly as it appears on legal documents. Avoid nicknames or shortened versions. The system displays all matching records with key details. If you know the inmate ID, use that for faster results. The lookup tool works on mobile devices and computers, making it easy to check from anywhere.
Offline Search Options
Not everyone has internet access. Towns County Jail supports offline searches by phone or in person. Call (706) 896-2225 during business hours to speak with staff. Have the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and approximate booking date ready. For in-person inquiries, go to the jail lobby at 123 Main Street, Hiawassee, GA 30546. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can verify custody status and provide basic information, though detailed records may require a formal request.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visitation at Towns County Jail helps maintain family bonds and supports inmate well-being. Both in-person and virtual visits are available. All visits must be scheduled in advance through the sheriff’s office website or by calling (706) 896-1111. Walk-in visits are not permitted. Visitors must pass a security screening and follow strict dress codes. Inappropriate clothing includes sleeveless tops, shorts, mini-skirts, hats, sunglasses, and items with offensive graphics.
In-Person Visitation Guidelines
In-person visits occur Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Only two visitors are allowed per session. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for all adults. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No personal items—including phones, bags, or food—are allowed in the visitation room. All conversations are monitored for security.
Virtual Visitation Process
Virtual visits use a secure video platform accessible via smartphone, tablet, or computer. Sessions are scheduled the same way as in-person visits. Participants receive a link 24 hours before the appointment. Video calls are recorded and monitored. Technical support is available by calling the jail’s main line. Virtual visits are ideal for family members who live far away or have mobility challenges.
Contact Information and Location
Towns County Jail is located at 123 Main Street, Hiawassee, GA 30546. The main phone number is (706) 896-2225. For inmate services, call (706) 896-1111. In emergencies, dial (706) 896-5555. The official website is www.townscountyga.gov/sheriff. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The jail is closed on federal holidays. GPS directions are reliable, but parking is limited—arrive early during peak times.
Emergency and After-Hours Support
For urgent matters outside regular hours, use the emergency line at (706) 896-5555. This number connects to the sheriff’s dispatch center. Staff can assist with medical emergencies, security concerns, or critical inmate updates. Non-urgent questions should wait for business hours to avoid delays. Always identify yourself and provide the inmate’s full name when calling.
Inmate Mail and Communication
Inmates at Towns County Jail can send and receive mail. All correspondence is screened for contraband. Letters must be written on plain white paper in standard envelopes. Include the inmate’s full name and ID number on the envelope. Do not send cash, stamps, Polaroids, stickers, or homemade drawings. Magazines and books must come directly from publishers or approved vendors like Amazon.
Approved Mail Guidelines
Send mail to: Inmate’s Full Name, ID Number, Towns County Jail, 123 Main Street, Hiawassee, GA 30546. Use black or blue ink only. Envelopes should not have drawings, glue, or tape beyond the seal. Return addresses are required. Mail delivery takes 1–3 business days. Inmates receive mail Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Staff read all incoming mail for security but do not censor personal content unless it violates policy.
Phone Calls and Email
Inmates make outgoing calls using a prepaid account. Family members fund these accounts online through the jail’s communication partner, Telmate. Calls cost per minute and last up to 15 minutes. All calls are recorded and may be monitored. Three-way calls, call forwarding, and speakerphone use are prohibited. Email is available through the Telmate platform. Messages are delivered within 24 hours. Inmates reply using kiosks in their housing units.
Sending Money to Inmates
Friends and family can send money to inmates for commissary, phone calls, or medical co-pays. Funds go into a secure trust account managed by the jail. Three methods are available: online deposits, kiosk payments, and money orders by mail. Online transfers use the Telmate website or mobile app. Kiosks in the jail lobby accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Money orders must be made payable to “Towns County Jail” with the inmate’s name and ID clearly written.
Deposit Limits and Fees
There is no maximum deposit amount, but transactions over $500 may require ID verification. Online and kiosk deposits post immediately. Money orders take 3–5 business days to process. A small service fee applies to electronic transactions. Cash sent by mail is not accepted—only money orders from banks or post offices. Personal checks are rejected. Always keep receipts for your records.
Commissary Services and Purchases
The jail commissary lets inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and writing supplies. Orders are placed weekly using kiosks in housing units. Delivery happens every Thursday. Popular items include chips, coffee, toothpaste, soap, envelopes, and socks. Prices are set by the vendor and approved by the sheriff’s office. Inmates cannot share or trade commissary items. Unused funds remain in the account until release.
Funding Commissary Accounts
To add money, use the Telmate platform online or at the jail kiosk. Minimum deposit is $5. Maximum balance per inmate is $300. Funds expire 90 days after release unless claimed. Refunds require a written request to the jail administrator. Families should monitor account balances to avoid overspending. Receipts are available at kiosks or online.
Bail and Release Procedures
Bail is set during the first court appearance. The amount depends on the charge, criminal history, and flight risk. To post bail, contact the booking office at (706) 896-2225. Payment options include cash, credit card, or a bail bondsman. If using a bondsman, pay 10% of the total bail. Once paid, the inmate is released after paperwork is completed. Release times vary—allow 1–4 hours for processing.
Release Process
After bail is posted, staff verify payment and complete release forms. Inmates receive personal belongings and a copy of their release paperwork. If no bail is posted, inmates remain in custody until their next court date. Sentenced individuals may serve time locally or transfer to state prison. Projected release dates appear on the inmate roster but are subject to change based on court rulings or disciplinary actions.
Mugshots and Public Records
Mugshots taken during booking are public records in Georgia. They appear on the inmate roster and may be requested from the sheriff’s office. To obtain a copy, submit a written request with the inmate’s name, booking date, and your contact information. Processing takes 5–10 business days. A small fee covers printing and postage. Some third-party sites republish mugshots—removal requires contacting those sites directly, as the jail does not control external platforms.
Privacy and Expungement
If charges are dropped or an inmate is acquitted, they may request mugshot removal. File a petition with the Towns County Clerk of Court. If granted, the court orders the sheriff’s office to delete the image from official records. However, the jail cannot remove photos from news outlets or private websites. Legal counsel can help navigate this process.
Healthcare and Medical Services
All inmates receive medical care upon intake. A nurse conducts a health screening within 24 hours of booking. Chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension are managed with medication. Emergency care is available 24/7 through on-call physicians. Dental and vision services are offered monthly. Mental health support includes counseling, group therapy, and substance abuse treatment. Requests for medical attention are submitted via kiosk or to a guard.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs
The jail partners with local agencies to offer counseling for depression, anxiety, and addiction. Inmates can join group sessions on anger management, relapse prevention, and coping skills. Medication-assisted treatment is available for opioid dependence. Participation is voluntary but encouraged. Confidentiality is maintained except in cases of self-harm or threat to others.
Rehabilitation and Education Programs
Towns County Jail offers GED preparation classes twice a week. Instructors from the local technical college lead sessions in the multipurpose room. Vocational training includes basic carpentry, plumbing, and computer literacy. Completion certificates improve job prospects after release. Work release programs allow eligible inmates to hold jobs in the community during the day and return to jail at night. Participation requires good behavior and low security risk.
Program Eligibility
To join education or vocational programs, inmates must have a high school diploma or equivalent need, pass a behavior review, and obtain staff approval. Priority goes to those with longer sentences. Programs run year-round, with new sessions starting every month. Materials are provided free of charge.
Inmate Rights and Grievance Process
Inmates have the right to humane treatment, medical care, religious practice, and access to courts. They may file grievances about food, housing, staff conduct, or medical neglect. Forms are available at kiosks or from housing officers. Complaints are reviewed within 72 hours. If unresolved, inmates can appeal to the jail administrator. Retaliation for filing grievances is prohibited and punishable by policy.
Legal Resources and Visits
Attorneys may visit clients without prior scheduling during legal hours (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM). Confidential meetings occur in private rooms. Inmates can request law library access for research. The jail provides forms for civil and criminal filings. Staff do not give legal advice but assist with document delivery.
Security and Facility Operations
Towns County Jail uses 24/7 surveillance cameras, electronic monitoring, and routine patrols. Inmates are classified by risk level: minimum, medium, or maximum. Housing assignments match security needs. Staff receive annual training in de-escalation, first aid, and crisis response. Emergency drills for fires, medical events, and escapes are conducted quarterly. The facility holds up to 120 inmates and operates at near capacity most months.
Staffing and Oversight
The jail is managed by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies, correctional officers, nurses, and administrative staff work in shifts. All personnel undergo background checks and certification. The Georgia Department of Corrections conducts annual inspections. Reports are public and posted on the sheriff’s website.
Community Partnerships and Outreach
The jail collaborates with local nonprofits, churches, and schools. Volunteers lead Bible studies, job readiness workshops, and parenting classes. High school students tour the facility for civics education. Victim advocacy groups provide support services. These efforts reduce recidivism and strengthen community ties.
Volunteer Opportunities
Individuals interested in volunteering must complete an application, pass a background check, and attend orientation. Roles include tutoring, mentoring, and clerical support. Minors may volunteer with parental consent. All activities are supervised by staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Towns County Jail. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official policies and recent updates.
How do I find out if someone is in Towns County Jail?
Use the inmate lookup tool on the sheriff’s website. Enter the full legal name or inmate ID. If no results appear, call (706) 896-2225. Provide the person’s name, date of birth, and last known location. Staff can confirm custody status but may not disclose detailed information without verification.
Can I visit an inmate without scheduling ahead?
No. All visits—in-person and virtual—must be scheduled in advance. Walk-ins are not allowed. Schedule online or call (706) 896-1111. Same-day appointments are rarely available. Arrive early for check-in and bring a valid ID.
What happens if I send cash in the mail?
Cash sent by mail will be returned or destroyed. Only money orders from banks or post offices are accepted. Write the inmate’s full name and ID number clearly. Personal checks are rejected. Use online or kiosk deposits for faster processing.
Are inmates allowed to use social media?
No. Inmates cannot access the internet, email personal accounts, or use social media. All digital communication goes through monitored jail systems. Violations result in loss of privileges or disciplinary action.
How often is the inmate roster updated?
The roster updates daily, usually by 8:00 AM. New bookings, releases, and status changes appear within 24 hours. Delays may occur during holidays or system maintenance. For real-time info, call the jail directly.
Can inmates receive care packages?
No. Only items from the commissary or approved vendors are allowed. No homemade food, clothing, or electronics. All packages must come sealed from retailers. Exceptions require prior approval from the jail administrator.
What medical services are available?
Routine care, emergency treatment, prescription drugs, dental, vision, and mental health services are provided. Inmates request care through kiosks or staff. Chronic conditions are managed with regular check-ups. Outside specialists are consulted when needed.
Official Website: www.townscountyga.gov/sheriff
Phone Number: (706) 896-2225
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Address: 123 Main Street, Hiawassee, GA 30546