Ector County Jail – Odessa, TX

Ector County Jail is located in Ector County and is the primary correctional facility for that region. Do you know someone at Ector County Jail? This site tells you about anything a person needs to know about Ector County Jail: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is meant to offer advice and information that you need to make the process easier. If you have questions, feel free to ask it, and any feedback or comments that would be a benefit to others would be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and don’t know how to contact them?

Do you know a family member or friend who’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

To find out who’s in jail at Ector County Jail you should click on their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Ector County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in jail, including status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. You can get information about anybody arrested and processed or released within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate the information faster if you have the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for might be at another jail you can look here: Texas County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also called a intake picture, is a photo that the police take when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a profile picture. Your name and intake number will be on the mugshot, and they are stored.

Mugshots of Ector County Jail prisoners can be searched on the website, or you can view them at the Ector County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to input the full name, and a booking date.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot erased from the Ector County Jail website? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, if you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, bail will be decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and until that day you are required not to leave the area.

Typically, inmates will earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will have to stay jail at the end of the day after work, or you might get to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount of bail that is set all depends on the seriousness of your charges. You or someone you know will have to pay ten percent of the total set in order to get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the Ector County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, it’s really easy if you have the money. First of all, you need to find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you will not be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they won’t take a check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually have a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman will usually use your assets as collateral.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to leave a comment

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Get Out on Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Released On House Arrest
• Be Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The intake procedure includes these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as what your legal name is, address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will get to make a phone call to call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you will be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any tips that will help others make it through jail intake?

Tell Your Story

Once you are able to post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged from jail takes from 15 minutes to all day. In other words the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you will be released. It also depends on whether you have a bond amount or if the magistrate must figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, plan to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell an officer that believe that there could be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into jail custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you are not late. Just bring necessary items when you turn yourself in, like your driver’s license or even your ID, prescription medication, as well as a sentencing order.

The inmate have to give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will go in a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. All visitors have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures can change, so it would be wise to visit the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are much more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get cut back or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (432) 335-3050

All mail must be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of delivery. You should write the inmate’s name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a box, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail will be opened and examined and read by the jail officers, and the mail will be returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Ector County Jail, use this address:

Ector County Jail
2500 U.S. 385
Odessa, TX 79766

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Ector County Jail
2500 U.S. 385
Odessa, TX 79766

The mail policy changes, so you should double check the official Ector County Jail site before you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you ask a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the court system in your county. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

To read more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read: Find an Attorney

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers who are admitted to the Texas State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They have a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the course of your case. You can access the records and documents in your court case using the Ector County website, or at the Ector County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Ector County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the jury’s verdict. All court records from your court case are available at the Ector County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your court case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

A Magistrate is the person that will preside over your case. Magistrates do several different things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include background information and details of the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Bear in mind you can ask to see your own copy of this report before sentencing, so you can review it and correct any mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you need to access the Ector County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Ector County court website or call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or you can check online. An arrest is a matter of public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by going to the Ector County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see these listings online, but keep in mind that you will not find the street address, just the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that contains a docket and any filings and documents filed in the case. You are able to access the court records on the website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of people’s criminal past. These online databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. Go to the Ector County Courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t find out if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving histories, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you call the Ector County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your account may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Ector County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the Ector County jail is very scary, soon you will settle into the routine that is set for you. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm at 6:00 AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast participate in the program that has been assigned to you. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Ector County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Ector County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The process for sending funds to people in jail is likely to change, so we suggest that you check the site when you send any money.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Ector County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Ector County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Ector County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to post a comment


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner there?

If so, then you should tell us about it. Tell us about what you experienced so other people can find out what to expect.

What to include in your review:

• Conditions in Ector County Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to find out how to get in touch with someone you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to Ector County Jail


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