Okaloosa County Jail – Shalimar, FL

Okaloosa County Jail is located in Okaloosa County and is the primary correctional facility for that county. Looking for someone in Okaloosa County Jail? This page gives you info about anything you might want to know about Okaloosa County Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at Okaloosa County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give advice and information that you need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it, and any comments or feedback that could be a benefit to others will be much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that has gone to jail and want to contact them?

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you need to locate them?

In order to find out who is in jail at Okaloosa County Jail you should visit their link and do an inmate search.

The Okaloosa County Jail Inmate Lookup is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you can find the same information about anybody processed or released in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You will be able to find their arrest information fast if you enter the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for might be in a different jail you should check our guide to other Florida jails: List of all jails in Florida

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photograph, is the picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. They take one face photo and a profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will appear on the pictures, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the website, or you can see them at the Okaloosa County Jail. When viewing online you will have to input the inmate’s legal name, and the arrest date.

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Okaloosa County Jail site? This will be difficult, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

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

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If you’re in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail amount will be set by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you must agree to go to your court date, and until then you are not allowed to leave town.

Typically, prisoners will be given time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to do work release. You will be required to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you might have the chance to live in a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay depends on how serious your charges are. You will need to pay 10% of the amount set in order to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, the person that paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Bailing out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, it’s really easy. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you will not be able to use a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they will not accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should try a bail bondsman. They generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases charge a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman may request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a local bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The jail intake process takes you through each of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you must answer some basic questions, like what is your legal name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will let you use the phone in order to call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, they will let you keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be issued a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any secrets that could help other people make it through the process?

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When you finally post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged can take anywhere between 10 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster you can post bail, the faster you will be freed. Also, how fast you get released depends on whether you have a cash bond amount or if the judge has to determine the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the release date, you should plan to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If there is a, or if you must start your sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, report to the jail processing area, and tell the intake officer that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. 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 there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Be sure to only bring required items when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or state issued ID, prescription medication, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitors will go into the visitors log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor will have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so visit the official site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, your ability to use the phone may be limited or forbidden completely.

The Okaloosa County Jail phone number is: 850 689-5690

All mall sent to inmates is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other form of mail delivery. You must write or type the prisoner’s name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a box or package, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected by the jail administration, and will be returned if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Okaloosa County Jail:

Okaloosa County Jail
1250 Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, FL 32579

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Okaloosa County Jail
1250 Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, FL 32579

The Okaloosa County Jail inmate mail policy changes often, so we suggest that you visit the official website when you send a letter to an inmate.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, the first of which is the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you get a friend or relative to find a lawyer when you call them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense lawyer will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate the criminal justice system in your county. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about this, click: How to Find a Lawyer in Okaloosa County

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office is staffed by investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. All Public Defenders are licensed attorneys, admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? What was your experience?

All court records are public records and are available upon request. They have a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents in the case. You can access court records via the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records related to your court case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges from your case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Okaloosa County magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your case. Magistrates do different functions, like setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the judge will consider when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, their family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Don’t forget that you should ask to have your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be immediately taken into custody, or given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To find this out just visit the jail’s website, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or jail ID.

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

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you can call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. Bear in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Okaloosa County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or you can check online. An arrest is a matter of public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be court orders. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders must be listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You can access these offenders online, but keep in mind that you won’t get the street address, rather the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a case file that contains a court docket and all documents filed in your case. You can access court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal past. These online databases are connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You are able to go to the county courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, usually will not see if they had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your story may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Okaloosa County,The Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Okaloosa County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in the Okaloosa County jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will settle into the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up at about six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. You will then eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Okaloosa 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 Okaloosa 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 rules for sending funds to someone in jail at Okaloosa County Jail could change, so it would be best to visit the official Okaloosa County Jail site when send money to someone in jail 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 Okaloosa County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Okaloosa 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 Okaloosa 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.

Tell Your Story


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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:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• 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 an inmate in this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

If you have, then you should write your review about it. Write down your jail experience because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you could write in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write your review of Okaloosa County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What happened to you while you were locked up? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to say wassup to someone from jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Okaloosa County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Okaloosa County Jail Website
Okaloosa County Jail Inmate Search Link
Okaloosa County Jail Mugshots
Okaloosa County Jail Bail Link

Okaloosa County Jail Visitation
Okaloosa County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Okaloosa County Jail
Okaloosa County Warrant Inquiry
Okaloosa County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Okaloosa County Jail
Jobs at Okaloosa County Jail


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