Alexandria Detention Center Inmate Search is a free public service that lets you confirm if someone has been booked into the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The jail does not have an online search tool. You must call to get information. Use the main phone line at 703‑746‑5000 between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. After hours, call 703‑746‑5050. Have the inmate’s full legal name, date of birth, and any known alias ready. The clerk will tell you if the person is in custody, list their charges, bond amount, and next court date. All data matches the Virginia Judicial System’s official docket. This service is run by the Detention Center Bureau, which manages security, staff training, and daily operations at the facility.
How to Use the Alexandria Detention Center Inmate Search by Phone
To check if someone is held at the Alexandria City Jail, call during business hours or after hours using the correct number. Say the person’s full name clearly. Give their date of birth and any nicknames they use. The staff will look up the record and read the current status. You will hear the charges, whether bail is set, and when the next hearing is scheduled. The call is free. No login or fee is required. The information comes directly from the jail’s booking system and is updated daily. If the person was recently arrested, wait 2–4 hours for the record to appear. For urgent needs, ask to speak with a supervisor.
Required Details for an Inmate Search
When calling the Alexandria Detention Center, you must provide three key pieces of information: the inmate’s full legal name, their date of birth, and any known aliases. The full name should match the one used during arrest. Use the month, day, and year of birth. If the person uses a different name, share that too. Without these details, the clerk cannot locate the record. Do not guess. Incorrect names or dates may delay your request. If you are unsure, check with family or the arresting agency. The staff will not search by partial names or addresses.
Detention Center Bureau: Who Manages the Jail
The Detention Center Bureau runs the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center. It controls all entry points, cameras, and safety rules. The bureau has two teams. The First Division works from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Captain Quentin Wade leads this team. The Second Division covers the night shift from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Together, they supervise 28 correctional officers. Each officer must pass a firearms test every year and attend de-escalation training four times a year. The bureau also handles medical care, food service, and emergency plans. All staff follow strict rules to keep inmates, visitors, and coworkers safe.
Visiting an Inmate at the Alexandria Detention Center
To visit someone at the jail, call the Visitation Desk at 703‑746‑4099. Ask for the current schedule. Visits are by appointment only. Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Sign the visitor log when you arrive. Pass through a metal detector. Do not bring phones, large bags, or food. The visit lasts about 30 minutes. Children must be supervised. If you are late, your visit may be canceled. Check the jail’s website for holiday hours or rule changes.
Mailing Letters to Inmates
Mail must be sent to the correct address with the right format. Write: Inmate’s First and Last Name, Inmate Number, William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center, 2001 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314. Use black ink on white paper. Include a return address. Do not send cash, stamps, or packages with more than one page. Photos must be 4×6 inches or smaller. All mail is opened and checked. If something is not allowed, it will be sent back with a note. Books and magazines must come from a publisher or bookstore.
Phone Calls and Communication Rules
Inmates get 30 minutes of free phone time each month. They can buy more time in 5-minute blocks. Calls are made through a third-party company. You cannot call an inmate directly. All calls are recorded. Inmates may not receive calls from blocked numbers. The phone system blocks calls to certain numbers, like 900 lines. If you want to add money to an inmate’s account, use the provider’s website or kiosk at the jail. Call rates vary. Check the “Inmate Communication Guide” on the jail’s site for current prices.
Public Defender Office: Legal Help for Inmates
The Alexandria Public Defender’s Office helps people who cannot afford a lawyer. It is located at 200 North Royal Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Call 703‑746‑4477 to reach an attorney. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The team handles about 1,200 cases per year. They work on misdemeanors, bail hearings, and pre-trial motions. They have a meeting room inside the office for private talks. They also work with investigators to gather evidence.
Jail Population Trends Since 2011
The average daily population at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center has dropped over the past decade. In 2011, the jail held 492 people on average. By 2023, that number fell to 368. This is a 25 percent decrease. The jail has 520 beds, so it is now at 71 percent capacity. Reasons for the drop include more use of electronic monitoring, pre-trial release programs, and fewer low-level arrests. The city says these changes help reduce overcrowding and save money.
Parking and Check-In for Visitors
Visitors should follow signs on Mill Road to the east entrance. Parking is under the interstate ramp. There are 45 spaces. They are first-come, first-served. Do not park in staff or emergency zones. When you arrive, show your ID, sign the log, and go through the metal detector. Leave bags, phones, and food in your car. If you have a medical device, tell the officer. The visit starts on time. Late arrivals may lose their slot.
No Online Inmate Search Portal
The William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center does not have a website where you can search for inmates. You cannot type a name and see a list. All requests must be made by phone. Call 703‑746‑4099 or 703‑746‑5044 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. The clerk will ask for the name and booking number. They will tell you the housing unit, release date, and court dates. Calls are recorded. You can ask for a summary by email.
How Booking Numbers Work
Every person booked into the jail gets a unique number. This number stays with them during their stay. Use it when calling or mailing. The number helps staff find the record fast. If you do not have it, give the full name and date of birth. The clerk can look it up. Write the number on all letters. Do not guess. Wrong numbers may delay delivery. You can get the number during your first phone call.
Court Dates and Bond Information
When you call for an inmate search, the clerk will read the next court date. This is when the person will see a judge. The date may change. Call again to confirm. The bond amount is also shared. This is the money needed for release. Bonds can be paid in cash or through a bondsman. The clerk cannot give legal advice. For questions about bail, contact the Public Defender’s Office or a private attorney.
Medical and Mental Health Care
The jail provides basic medical care. Nurses are on-site during the day. Doctors visit weekly. Inmates can request a health check. Mental health staff are available. The First Division has a mental health liaison. Officers are trained to spot signs of distress. In an emergency, 911 is called. All care is logged. Family members cannot visit medical units unless approved.
Rules for Sending Money to Inmates
You can send money to an inmate’s account. Use the kiosk at the jail or the phone provider’s website. Do not mail cash. Use money orders or online transfers. The money can be used for phone time, commissary items, or medical co-pays. There is a fee for each transfer. The inmate gets a receipt. If the person is released, leftover funds are mailed to them.
Common Reasons for Delayed Records
Sometimes an inmate’s record does not appear right away. This can happen if the person was just arrested. Booking takes 2–4 hours. It may also be delayed if the name is spelled wrong or the date of birth is off. In rare cases, the system is down. If you call and hear “no record,” wait and try again later. Do not call every 10 minutes. Staff are busy helping others.
How to Report a Concern About an Inmate
If you are worried about an inmate’s safety or treatment, call the Detention Center Bureau. Ask for a supervisor. You can also write to the Sheriff’s Office. Include the inmate’s name, booking number, and details of the issue. All complaints are reviewed. The jail must follow state and federal rules. Retaliation against inmates is not allowed. If you fear for someone’s life, call 911.
Holiday Hours and Special Rules
The jail follows a different schedule on holidays. Visitation may be limited. Phone lines may close early. Check the official website or call ahead. Some holidays have no visits at all. Mail is still processed. Emergency calls are always accepted. Staff work every day, but response times may be slower.
Difference Between City Jail and County Jail
The William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center is a city jail. It holds people arrested in Alexandria. It is not the same as a county jail. County jails are run by sheriffs and hold people from multiple towns. This jail only serves Alexandria. If someone was arrested nearby, they might be in a different facility. Always confirm the location before calling.
How Long Do People Stay in the Jail?
Most inmates stay for a few days to a few weeks. Those waiting for trial may stay longer. If bail is posted, they leave quickly. If convicted, they may be sent to state prison. The average stay is about 14 days. Long-term inmates are moved to other facilities. The jail only holds people for short periods.
Can You Search for Mugshots?
The jail does not release mugshots by phone. Some third-party sites post them. These sites are not run by the city. They may charge fees. The official record is in the Virginia Judicial System. You can view it online through the court’s docket. Search by name and case number. Mugshots are not always available.
What Happens During Booking?
Booking is the process when someone is admitted to the jail. It includes fingerprinting, photo taking, and a health check. The person is searched and given a uniform. Their belongings are stored. They are assigned a housing unit. The whole process takes 2–4 hours. Family cannot visit during booking. Once done, the record appears in the system.
How to Contact the Sheriff’s Office
The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office runs the jail. Call 703‑746‑5000 for general questions. For records, use 703‑746‑4099. The mailing address is 2001 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314. The website has forms and guides. Staff are available Monday to Friday. For emergencies, call 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask the same things about the Alexandria Detention Center Inmate Search. Below are the most common questions and clear answers. If you do not see your question, call the jail directly. Staff can help with specific cases.
Can I search for an inmate online?
No. The William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center does not have an online search tool. You must call to get information. Use 703‑746‑5000 during the day or 703‑746‑5050 after hours. Have the full name, date of birth, and alias ready. The clerk will tell you if the person is in custody. They will also share charges, bond, and court dates. All data comes from the official booking system. Third-party sites may show names, but they are not always accurate. For the most reliable info, call the jail directly.
How long does it take for a booking to show up?
It usually takes 2 to 4 hours after arrest for a booking to appear in the system. Police must complete the arrest, transport the person, and process them at the jail. During booking, fingerprints, photos, and health checks are done. The record is then entered into the database. If you call right after an arrest, the clerk may not find the name yet. Wait a few hours and try again. Do not call repeatedly. Staff are busy helping others.
Can I send clothes or personal items to an inmate?
No. Inmates are given uniforms and basic supplies. You cannot send clothes, shoes, or personal items. Only mail, money, and approved books are allowed. All items are checked. If something is not permitted, it is returned. Do not send food, electronics, or sharp objects. These are not allowed. If you are unsure, call the jail before mailing anything.
What if the inmate has a medical emergency?
If an inmate has a medical emergency, jail staff call 911 right away. Nurses are on-site during the day. Doctors visit weekly. Mental health staff are also available. Family members should call the jail to report urgent health concerns. Include the inmate’s name and details. Staff will check on the person. They cannot share medical info due to privacy laws. But they can confirm if care was given.
How do I find out when an inmate is being released?
Call the jail at 703‑746‑4099 or 703‑746‑5044. Ask for the inmate’s release date. The clerk will check the record. Release dates depend on court orders, bail, or sentencing. They can change quickly. Do not rely on old info. Call the day before you expect the release. If the person is moved to another facility, the clerk will tell you where.
Can I visit an inmate if I have a criminal record?
It depends. Visitors with a criminal record may be denied if they pose a risk. Each case is reviewed. You must show ID and pass a background check. If you are on probation or parole, get permission first. The jail can refuse entry for safety reasons. Call ahead to ask about your status. Do not assume you can visit.
Is there a fee to call the jail for inmate information?
No. Calling the jail to ask about an inmate is free. There is no charge for the call or the information. Do not pay third-party sites that charge fees. They are not official. Use the jail’s phone numbers only. If someone asks for money to get records, it is a scam. Report it to the Sheriff’s Office.
Official Contact Information
William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center
2001 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703‑746‑5000 (6 a.m.–6 p.m.)
After Hours: 703‑746‑5050
Visitation Desk: 703‑746‑4099
Public Defender: 703‑746‑4477
Website: www.alexandriava.gov/sheriff
