Dekalb County Jail visitation operates through a secure video kiosk system that allows up to twelve simultaneous sessions each day. The platform runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 9:50 p.m., giving inmates two 30-minute video calls per week. Visitors must use any internet-connected device, show a government-issued photo ID, and pay with a credit card, PayPal, or electronic funds transfer. Each session requires a short online orientation covering conduct rules, background checks, and technical help. A visitation party can include up to three people, with at least one adult present. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult or provide a notarized consent form. All callers must be 17 or older unless they have proper documentation. Slots are booked through www.inmatesales.com or by calling 866-340-7879. The facility at 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032 follows strict health rules from the Georgia Department of Public Health, including mask use, temperature checks, and regular cleaning of kiosks.
How to Schedule a Video Visit at Dekalb County Jail
To schedule a visit, go to www.inmatesales.com or call 866-340-7879. You will need the inmate’s full name and booking number. Create a free account or log in if you already have one. Choose “Dekalb County Jail” from the list of facilities. Pick an available time slot during the two daily windows: 8:00–11:45 a.m. or 4:00–9:50 p.m. Each 30-minute session costs between $5.00 and $15.00, depending on demand and day of the week. Payment is accepted via major credit cards, PayPal, or prepaid vouchers. After payment, you’ll get a confirmation email with a unique link to join the call. Make sure your device has a working camera, microphone, and stable internet. Test your connection 15 minutes before the session starts. If you have trouble, use the troubleshooting guide in the orientation or contact support through the website.
Visitation Rules and Eligibility Requirements
All visitors must be at least 17 years old or have a notarized consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian. Each visit can include up to three people, but at least one must be an adult. Children under 17 are allowed only if they are with an adult. No more than two adults can visit together unless children are part of the group, in which case the total stays at three. All participants must pass a background check before the first visit. This check looks for active warrants, restraining orders, or past violations of jail rules. If someone fails the check, they will be blocked from future visits. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. The name on the ID must match the name used during registration. Fake or borrowed IDs will result in permanent bans. Dress code rules apply: no revealing clothing, hats, or sunglasses during the call.
Health and Safety Protocols at the Facility
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office follows all directives from the Georgia Department of Public Health. Staff and visitors must wear masks at all times inside the facility. Daily temperature checks are required for anyone entering the building. Kiosks are sanitized after every use with hospital-grade disinfectant. Over 800 sworn officers and civilian staff receive weekly training on health protocols. These include proper handwashing, social distancing, and symptom reporting. The jail also limits the number of people in waiting areas and enforces one-way traffic flow. If a visitor shows signs of illness, they will be denied entry and asked to reschedule. All video calls are recorded for safety and quality control. The system logs call duration, participant names, and any technical issues. These records help resolve disputes and improve service.
Inmate Lookup and Housing Information
To find an inmate, use the online search tool at www.inmatesearchgeorgia.org/DeKalb_County.html. Enter the person’s full name, date of birth, or booking number. Results show current housing unit, projected release date, and upcoming court dates. If the website is down, call the jail’s Records Division at (404) 298-8515 during business hours. The physical address is 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. The main phone number is (404) 298-8500. The jail operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals. Rehabilitation programs include GED classes, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling. Inmates can earn privileges based on behavior. These include extra phone time, access to commissary, and participation in work programs. All services are managed by the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Funding Inmate Accounts and Commissary
Families can add money to an inmate’s account in three ways. First, call 866-232-1899 to deposit funds by phone. Second, visit www.touchpaydirect.com to send money online using a credit card or bank transfer. Third, mail a money order to the jail. Only Western Union or U.S. Postal Service money orders up to $75 are accepted. Write “INMATE ACCOUNTING” clearly on the envelope. Include the inmate’s full name and ID number. Deposits take one business day to process. A receipt is mailed to the sender. Funds can buy hygiene items, snacks, and prepaid phone minutes. Inmates cannot receive cash or personal checks. All transactions are tracked and audited monthly. If a deposit is lost or delayed, contact the accounting office at (404) 298-8515.
Inmate Phone and Communication Options
Inmates can receive calls through the Jail Exchange system. To set up a call, go to www.jailexchange.com and select “Dekalb County Jail.” Enter the inmate’s ID number and your billing information. You can fund the account with a minimum of $5.00. Options include prepaid and post-paid plans. Calls are monitored and recorded as required by law. The jail also has a self-service kiosk in the lobby for cash deposits. This kiosk gives instant credit to the inmate’s phone account. Each call lasts up to 15 minutes and costs between $0.20 and $0.50 per minute. Inmates can make collect calls, but these are more expensive. Families should set up an account to avoid high fees. All calls are limited to approved numbers only. If a number is blocked, the inmate must submit a request form to the housing unit supervisor.
Alternative Visitation Platforms and Services
Some families use www.icsolutions.com to schedule visits. This platform requires registration and ID verification. After confirming identity with a driver’s license or passport scan, users pick a time slot and pay securely online. The system sends a confirmation email with a unique link. Another option is Jail Exchange, which shows real-time availability and pricing. Both platforms follow the same jail rules and hours. Costs vary by provider but stay within the $5–$15 range per session. Some sites offer discounts for multiple visits or prepaid packages. Always check the official DeKalb County Sheriff’s website for updates. Third-party services may change fees or policies without notice. Never share login details or payment info with unverified sources.
Staff Training and Operational Oversight
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office employs more than 800 staff members, including sworn officers and civilian workers. They receive weekly briefings on health, safety, and policy changes. Training covers emergency response, inmate rights, and communication protocols. Supervisors conduct random audits of visitation logs and call recordings. These checks ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Staff also monitor for signs of abuse, contraband, or unauthorized behavior. Any violation is reported immediately to the internal affairs unit. The jail’s warden reports directly to the Georgia Department of Corrections. Public updates are posted on official social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter. Families can follow these accounts for real-time alerts about closures, policy changes, or system outages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dekalb County Jail Visitation
Many people ask how often they can visit. Each inmate gets two 30-minute video calls per week. These can be split into shorter sessions or used back-to-back. Others wonder if in-person visits are allowed. Currently, only remote video visits are approved. On-site visits are suspended due to health guidelines. Some families ask about costs. Prices range from $5 to $15 per session, depending on the provider and time of day. Payment is required before scheduling. What if the call drops? The system logs technical issues and may offer a free reschedule. Always report problems through the support link in your confirmation email. Can children visit alone? No. Anyone under 17 must be with an adult or have a notarized form. Is there a dress code? Yes. Avoid hats, sunglasses, or revealing clothes during the call.
Can I visit more than twice a week?
No. Each inmate is limited to two 30-minute video visits per week. This rule applies to all visitors combined. If three people visit together, it still counts as one session. Extra visits are not allowed, even if you pay more. The system tracks usage by inmate ID, not by visitor. This ensures fairness and prevents overcrowding. If you miss a scheduled visit, it still counts toward the weekly limit unless canceled 24 hours in advance. Some families try to work around this by using different names or devices, but the jail uses facial recognition and ID matching to stop fraud. Violations can lead to permanent bans. The best way to stay connected is to use phone calls or messaging services between visits.
What happens if my ID is expired?
An expired ID will not be accepted. The system requires a current government-issued photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport. If your ID has expired, renew it before scheduling a visit. Some people try to use student IDs or work badges, but these are not accepted. The name on the ID must exactly match the name used during registration. Minor spelling errors can be corrected by contacting support, but major mismatches require re-verification. If you lose your ID, visit your local DMV or passport office to get a replacement. Keep a digital copy on your phone for quick access. Never use someone else’s ID—this is considered identity fraud and can result in legal action.
Are video calls private?
No. All video calls are recorded and monitored by jail staff. The recordings are stored for 90 days and may be reviewed for safety, security, or investigation purposes. Conversations about legal matters should be handled through a lawyer, not during visitation. Do not discuss escape plans, contraband, or threats—these can lead to criminal charges. The system also logs technical data like call duration, IP address, and device type. This helps troubleshoot issues and prevent abuse. While the content is not shared publicly, it may be used in court if needed. Families should speak respectfully and avoid sensitive topics. Remember, the goal is to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Can I send gifts or packages during a visit?
No. You cannot send physical items during a video visit. All gifts must go through the commissary system. Buy approved items online or by phone, and they will be delivered to the inmate’s housing unit. Do not mail packages directly to the jail unless they are from an approved vendor. Items like books, photos, or clothing must follow strict guidelines. For example, books must be new and sent from a bookstore or publisher. Photos must be 4×6 inches or smaller and not contain inappropriate content. Cash, drugs, weapons, or electronics are never allowed. If you try to pass items during a call, the session will be terminated, and you may lose visitation rights. Always check the latest rules on the sheriff’s website before sending anything.
What if the inmate is transferred or released?
If an inmate is moved to another facility, visitation rights end at Dekalb County Jail. You must contact the new location to learn their rules and schedule. If the person is released, all accounts are closed, and unused funds are refunded within 10 business days. Call the accounting office at (404) 298-8515 to request a refund. Keep your receipt as proof of deposit. If the inmate returns to Dekalb County Jail later, you’ll need to re-register and pass another background check. Transfers happen quickly, so check the online roster daily. Set up email alerts if the system offers them. Never assume the inmate is still at the same location—always verify before scheduling a visit.
How do I report a problem with a staff member?
To report misconduct, call the internal affairs unit at (404) 298-8500 ext. 3. You can also submit a written complaint by mail to 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Include your name, contact info, date of the incident, and a detailed description. All reports are confidential and investigated within 30 days. If you fear retaliation, ask to speak with a supervisor or the warden. The sheriff’s office takes all complaints seriously and follows state law. Do not post accusations on social media—this can delay the process and harm your case. For urgent issues, dial 911. Keep records of all interactions, including names, times, and what was said.
Is there a waiting list for visits?
No. Visits are first-come, first-served based on available time slots. Popular times, like weekends or evenings, fill up fast. Book as early as possible—some families schedule weeks in advance. The system does not hold spots or allow reservations without payment. If a slot is full, try again later or choose a different day. Off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings, often have more openings. The jail does not prioritize visitors by relationship or need. All requests are treated equally. If the system crashes or goes offline, check the sheriff’s social media for updates. Do not call the jail repeatedly—this can overload the lines and delay service for others.
Official Website: https://www.dekalbsheriff.org/bonding-inmate-services/inmate-visitation/
Phone: (404) 298-8515
Visiting Hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 9:50 p.m. (Video Only)
Address: 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032