Downtown Detention Facility – El Paso, TX

Downtown Detention Facility is in El Paso County and is the primary jail for the county. Do you know somebody locked up at Downtown Detention Facility? This guide gives you info about everything you might want to know about Downtown Detention Facility,such as: How to locate an inmate. How to view Downtown Detention Facility mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give you information that you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have questions, just ask it, and please leave any tips or comments that might be beneficial to others is appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and need to locate them?

Has someone who’s been arrested and you want to find them?

To find out who is in jail at Downtown Detention Facility you need to navigate to their link and use the inmate search.

The Downtown Detention Facility Inmate Lookup has information on persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including current status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you can find information for anybody booked or released in the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can get the information faster if you have the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one is in another county jail you should look here, too: Other Jails in Texas

A mugshot, also called a jail booking picture, is a photograph that the police take when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side photo. Your full name and intake number will appear on the photos, and they’re kept on file.

Mugshots can be searched on the website, or you can see them in person at the Downtown Detention Facility. When you search for mugshots online you will have to enter the person’s first and last name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Need to know how to have your mugshot erased from the Downtown Detention Facility website? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, once you are incarcerated, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, a bail amount is decided by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and until then you won’t be permitted to leave town.

In most cases, an inmate can earn time off for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while in jail.

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. Either you will have to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you might get to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by how serious your charges are. You will have to put up ten percent of the total set so you are able to get out of jail. If you miss your court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose all of the bail money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you have to call the Downtown Detention Facility. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Downtown Detention Facility website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, it’s easy if you have the money. To start with, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you won’t be able to use a bondsman. Cash only – they will not take checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. They generally have a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in these cases use your assets as collateral.

To contact a bail bondsman visit our page about: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you will have to answer some simple questions, such as your legal name, street address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and mental history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will allow you to use the telephone in order to contact a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any things that could help others get through the process?

Click here to share your story

When you pay your bail, you will get released from jail. This process takes between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you can get out of jail. Also, it depends on whether you’ve got a bond amount or if a judge needs to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a release date, plan to get discharged that morning.

If the police have a, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that you have one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you are not late. Only bring approved items when you turn yourself in, such as a driver’s license or your ID, prescription medication, and a sentencing order from court.

The inmate need to provide each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s information will be entered in a Visiting log as an approved visitor. All visitors must provide proof of identification. Visitors arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so review the official site before you try to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are typically more expensive than regular phone calls. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you are disciplined for an infraction, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or forbidden completely.

The Downtown Detention Facility phone number is: 915-546-2228

All mail is required to be sent via US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the envelope. Do not send a box or package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail will be opened and inspected by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be sent back if they decide it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Downtown Detention Facility is:

Downtown Detention Facility
601 E. Overland
El Paso, TX 79901

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Downtown Detention Facility
601 E. Overland
El Paso, TX 79901

The Downtown Detention Facility mail policy changes frequently, so it would be best to visit the the Downtown Detention Facility website when you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you have certain rights, and an important one is your right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is important to get a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you talk to them. You might be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the court system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on how to find an attorney, read our guide: How to Find a Lawyer in El Paso County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who are members of the Texas State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? What was your experience?

El Paso County court records are public records. They include a file containing a docket and every motions, documents, and evidence filed during your court case. You have the ability to access your court records via the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains the records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records and documents related to your court case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court’s office.

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

The El Paso County magistrate is the judge that rules over your case. Magistrates do several different things, which include setting your bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include the defendant’s background information and information about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate will take into account when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Remember you can request to get your own copy of the report before your sentencing, and make sure that you review it and correct any mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you might get taken into custody immediately, or you could be given a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

You can you will have to access the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can find out by checking the court records on the El Paso County jail website or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the El Paso County jail, on the phone, in person, or find out online. An arrest is in the public record and this information is freely available.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see this information on the website, but keep in mind that you will not be able to get the actual address, just the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and any filings and documents filed in your court case. You can access your court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of people’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together so you can track criminal histories from another state. You can go to the El Paso County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases will not find out if someone had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving records, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records, and your feedback may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In El Paso County, the El Paso County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

El Paso County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Downtown Detention Facility is very scary, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. You will then have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Downtown Detention Facility, 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 Downtown Detention Facility 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 money to jail inmates could change, so you should review the official website when you send funds to an inmate there.


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 Downtown Detention Facility

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Downtown Detention Facility, 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 Downtown Detention Facility

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must 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 leave 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.

Click here to comment

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 spent any time at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited someone in this jail?

If yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write about your jail experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Programs and activities


Write a review about Downtown Detention Facility

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you get arrested? Did you get fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to tell your story about Downtown Detention Facility

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Post a message to someone at Downtown Detention Facility

Links and Resources

Main Downtown Detention Facility Link
Downtown Detention Facility Inmate Search Link
Downtown Detention Facility Mugshots
Downtown Detention Facility Bail Link

Downtown Detention Facility Visitation Policy Link
Downtown Detention Facility Jail Mail Link
Downtown Detention Facility Inmate Inquiry Link
Downtown Detention Facility Warrant Inquiry
Downtown Detention Facility Arrest Lookup
Send Money to an Inmate at Downtown Detention Facility
Downtown Detention Facility Jobs


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