Polk County Detention Facility – Benton, TN

Polk County Detention Facility is located in Polk County, TN and is the main correctional facility for this area. Know someone in jail at Polk County Detention Facility? This page gives you about everything you might want to know about Polk County Detention Facility,such as: Find out who’s in jail at Polk County Detention Facility? Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give you advice and information you need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a specific question, just ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any feedback or comments that might be a benefit to others is much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and want to locate them?

Has somebody that has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who is in jail at Polk County Detention Facility you should click on their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Polk County Detention Facility Inmate List is an online list of persons who have been arrested, which includes status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. You can get the same information on anyone arrested and booked or discharged within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to locate the information more quickly if you enter the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the inmate you are looking for is in a different jail you should look here, too: Other County Jails in Tennessee

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photo, is a photo that the police take during jail intake processing. They will take one face photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the pictures, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Polk County Detention Facility prisoners can be viewed online, or you can see them in person at the Polk County Detention Facility. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to input the inmate’s full name, and the booking date.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot taken down from the Polk County Detention Facility website? This can be tricky, since your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. 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 many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

Return To Main Menu

If you are arrested and put in jail, your main thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve been booked, bail is determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to promise to go to your court date, and until that day you must not go out of town.

Usually, an inmate at Polk County Detention Facility can earn early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to return to jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you may have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount is determined by the crime you are charged with. You or someone you know will have to pay 10% of the amount set before you can get discharged from jail. If you miss your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money won’t get the bail money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you must call the Polk County Detention Facility. If you have all the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but usually, its easy. First, you have to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you will not be able to use a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t take checks. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be released into your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and usually have a minimum charge of $100. This will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman may use assets as collateral for the bond.

If you need a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

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

Post A Comment

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake procedure is made up of each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you have to answer a bunch of questions, like your full legal name, home address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will allow you to use the phone to talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please tell your story. How long did it take to get processed? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any secrets that could help others get through jail intake?

Post A Comment

When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process can take between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the faster you can pay your bail, the sooner you will get discharged. It also depends on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if a magistrate has to decide on how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a date of your release, you should plan to get released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

If you have a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception 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 there is one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail on the date and time 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. Make sure that you only bring required items when you turn yourself in, such as a driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the official sentencing order.

To have visitors, you have to give each visitor’s name to the jail. Your visitor’s names will go into a log of approved visitors as an Authorized visit. All visitors is required to provide identification. Any visitors showing up late or without a visiting order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so it would be wise to check the official jail site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are generally pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: 423-338-4527

All mail has to be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You must not use any other method of mail delivery. You have to clearly write the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Do not send a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected by staff, and will be returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Polk County Detention Facility, use this address:

Polk County Detention Facility
P.O. Box 128
Benton, TN 37307

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Polk County Detention Facility
P.O. Box 128
Benton, TN 37307

The inmate mail policy at Polk County Detention Facility is always changing, so we suggest that you review the the Polk County Detention Facility website before you send a letter to an inmate there.

Return To Main Menu

When you get arrested, you have rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to have a friend or family member find a lawyer when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you through the legal system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more information about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read: How to Find a Lawyer in Polk County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender has access to investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, admitted to the Tennessee State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records are comprised of a court case file with a docket and all documents and motions filed in the course of your case. You, and anyone else, can access court records with the online service, or by going to the Polk County Clerk of Court.

The Polk County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records from your court case are kept at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The magistrate is the type of judge that rules over your case. Magistrates do several different things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over first court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate will take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember you can ask to receive your own copy of this report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you correct the mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

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

This is pretty simple to do, just you need to visit the jail’s website, and search by:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

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

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry online or you are able to call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and the information is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders must be listed and registered on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view these listings on the website, but bear in mind that you can’t find the street address, rather the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that contains a court docket and all filings and documents filed in your case. You can access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal history. These databases are linked together and you can track criminal convictions from other states. You can go to the Polk County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a completely different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for crimes, which include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally won’t find if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this information, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the Polk County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your story might help other people.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Polk County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Polk County Detention Facility is very scary, in time you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm to wake up each morning at 6:00 AM, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required 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 Polk County 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 Polk County 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 procedure to send funds to someone in jail at Polk County Detention Facility is always changing, so be sure to double check the official Polk County Detention Facility 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Polk County Detention Facility

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Polk County 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 Polk County 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.


Return To Main Menu

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 share your story


Return To Main Menu

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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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 post a 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.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate in Polk County Detention Facility? Do you have a friend or family member that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited someone in this jail?

If you have, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write down your jail experience because others can learn what to expect.

What to include in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story to tell. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Post A Comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to reconnect with someone you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Polk County Detention Facility


Return To Main Menu
2578