Dallas County Jail North Tower is a medium-security detention center operated by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Located at 111 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201, it serves as one of three main jail facilities in the county. The North Tower primarily houses individuals awaiting trial, pending sentencing, or serving short-term sentences. With an average daily population of about 650 inmates, the facility provides essential services including medical care, mental health support, and commissary access. Families, attorneys, and the public can use the official online inmate lookup system to find real-time custody details, including housing location, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. The system updates every 30 minutes, ensuring accurate and timely information.
How to Search for an Inmate in Dallas County Jail North Tower
Anyone can search for an inmate currently held at the Dallas County Jail North Tower using the official online portal. The system requires one of three search terms: the inmate’s full legal name, their booking number, or their date of birth. Once entered, the portal displays key details such as current housing unit, pending charges, bond amount, and estimated release date. This service is available 24/7 and refreshes data every 30 minutes to reflect the most recent custody status. The lookup tool is hosted on the Dallas County government website and complies with Texas public records laws. It is free to use and does not require registration.
The inmate search portal also integrates with SecurePak, allowing authorized family members to view and purchase approved commissary items online. This feature helps inmates maintain access to hygiene products, snacks, and other essentials during their stay. For assistance, users can contact the Sheriff’s Office records division at 214-749-0400 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on business days. The FAQ section includes step-by-step instructions, downloadable guides, and screenshots to help users navigate the system easily.
https://www.dallascounty.org/jaillookup/search.jsp
Facility Details and Security Classification
The North Tower Detention Facility is classified as a medium-security institution. It is part of the larger Lew Sterrett Justice Center complex, which also includes the West Tower and the Suzanne L. Kays Center. While all three facilities share a common mailing address at P.O. Box 660334, Dallas, TX 75266-0334, the North Tower is physically located at 111 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201. The building operates under strict security protocols, including electronic badge access, 24-hour surveillance, and controlled entry points.
Inmates are assigned to housing units based on risk assessment and behavior. The facility includes 188 single-occupancy cells and supports a maximum capacity of up to 3,292 inmates under certain conditions. A dedicated three-floor medical wing provides emergency care, routine health screenings, mental health evaluations, dental services, and a short-stay infirmary. These services ensure compliance with state and federal health standards for incarcerated individuals.
Visitation Rules and Procedures
Visiting an inmate at the Dallas County Jail North Tower requires advance preparation. All visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID and complete an online application at least 48 hours before the scheduled visit. Background checks are conducted for every applicant, and approval is not guaranteed. The visitation schedule varies by housing unit, and appointments must be booked in advance through the Sheriff’s Office system.
Visitors must follow strict dress code rules: no revealing clothing, hats, or gang-related symbols. Only clear plastic bags are allowed, and personal items such as phones, purses, or food are prohibited. Each visit lasts up to 30 minutes and occurs in a monitored video visitation room. In-person contact visits are not permitted. For questions about visitation policies, call 214-653-2930 during weekday business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Mailing Letters and Sending Money to Inmates
All mail sent to inmates at the North Tower must include the inmate’s full legal name, booking number, and housing location (e.g., Tank #11 S 14). Correspondence should be addressed to P.O. Box 660334, Dallas, TX 75266-0334. Only standard letters, greeting cards, and paperback books from publishers are accepted. Hardcover books, magazines, and homemade items are not allowed. All mail is inspected for contraband before delivery.
To send money, purchase a money order made payable to “Inmate Trust Fund.” Include the inmate’s name and booking number on the envelope. Electronic deposits can be made through the county’s approved vendor, which requires online registration. Cash, personal checks, and credit cards are not accepted via mail. Funds are typically available within 24 hours of processing.
Medical and Mental Health Services
The North Tower includes a full-service medical complex designed to meet the health needs of inmates. Services include emergency treatment, routine check-ups, prescription management, and mental health counseling. Licensed medical staff conduct intake screenings within 24 hours of arrival. Mental health professionals provide assessments and ongoing therapy for individuals with diagnosed conditions.
Dental care is available for urgent issues such as pain or infection. Routine cleanings and non-emergency procedures may be delayed based on priority. Inmates can request medical attention through their housing unit officer. All services follow Texas Department of State Health Services guidelines and are documented in individual health records.
Commissary and Inmate Programs
Inmates at the North Tower can purchase approved items through the SecurePak commissary program. Authorized family members can browse available products online and place orders using the inmate’s booking number. Items include snacks, hygiene products, stationery, and over-the-counter medications. Orders are delivered during scheduled distribution times.
The facility offers educational and vocational programs to support rehabilitation. These include GED preparation, substance abuse counseling, life skills training, and library access with over 1,200 books. Participation is voluntary and based on eligibility. Program coordinators can be reached through the main switchboard at (214) 653-6776.
Contact Information and Operating Hours
The main contact number for the Dallas County Jail North Tower is 214-653-2930. This line is staffed Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for inmate status inquiries, visitation scheduling, and general questions. For records and lookup support, call 214-749-0400 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on business days. The physical address for in-person visits or deliveries is 111 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201.
The facility is open for approved visits during designated hours, typically in the evenings and weekends. All visitors must arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Late arrivals may result in cancellation. Emergency contact for media or legal representatives is available at 214-761-9025.
Historical Background and Facility Evolution
Before the opening of the Lew Sterrett Justice Center in 1983, Dallas County’s primary jail was located in the George Allen Courthouse and housed around 800 inmates. The North Tower was constructed in 1993 as part of a modernization effort to improve safety, capacity, and inmate care. Today, it operates alongside the West Tower and the Suzanne L. Kays Center, each serving distinct security and medical needs.
The North Tower’s design reflects current correctional best practices, with centralized monitoring, secure cell blocks, and integrated medical services. It remains under the direct supervision of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and adheres to state-mandated standards for humane treatment and operational transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the inmate lookup system updated? The Dallas County Jail North Tower online search tool refreshes every 30 minutes, providing near real-time data on inmate status, location, and charges.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment? No. All visits must be scheduled in advance through the online system. Walk-in visits are not permitted.
What items can I send to an inmate? Only letters, greeting cards, and paperback books from recognized publishers are allowed. No electronics, cash, or homemade items.
How do I check if an inmate has been released? Use the official jail lookup portal or call 214-653-2930 during business hours. Release information is updated immediately upon processing.
Is there a limit on how much money I can send? Yes. The maximum deposit per transaction is $200. There is no monthly limit, but frequent large deposits may trigger review.
Can attorneys access inmate records? Yes. Legal representatives can request records through the Sheriff’s Office with proper identification and authorization. Some information may be restricted based on case status.
What happens if mail is rejected? Rejected mail is returned to the sender with a reason noted. Common issues include missing booking numbers, prohibited content, or damaged packaging.
Official Resources and Direct Links
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official Dallas County sources. The inmate lookup portal is the primary tool for searching current detainees. The Sheriff’s Office website provides detailed policies on mail, visitation, and inmate services. All public records are maintained in compliance with Texas law.
Official Website: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/sheriff/
Phone: (214) 653-6776 (Main Switchboard)
Visiting Hours: By appointment only, Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 660334, Dallas, TX 75266-0334
Physical Address: 111 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201