Search Mobile County Jail Mugshots
Mobile County jail mugshots can be searched online through the sheriff's inmate search system. As the third largest county in Alabama, Mobile County operates the Metro Jail facility that serves the city of Mobile and surrounding areas. The sheriff's office provides a full online inmate search where you can look up current inmates, view their booking photos, and see charge information. This search is free and available to the public. Mobile County processes a high volume of arrests each year, and their online system makes it easy to find mugshots and booking details for people in custody.
Mobile County Jail Quick Facts
Mobile County Sheriff's Office
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office operates the Mobile Metro Jail, one of the largest jail facilities in Alabama. Under Alabama Code Section 14-6-1, the sheriff has custody of the jail and all prisoners. This office handles all booking records and mugshots for the county.
Contact the sheriff's office at:
- Main Office: 510 S Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36603
- Main Phone: (251) 574-8633
- Metro Jail Phone: (251) 574-4700
- Website: mobileso.com
The Metro Jail processes arrests from the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, Mobile Police Department, and numerous other local agencies. The facility operates 24/7 and handles thousands of bookings annually.
Mobile County Online Inmate Search
Mobile County provides a full-featured online inmate search system that lets you find current jail inmates and view their mugshots at no charge.
To search for inmates:
- Go to the Mobile County inmate search page
- Enter a name, booking number, or use other search criteria
- Review the results and click on an inmate to see full details
The system shows current inmates in the Metro Jail. It updates in real time as new bookings occur and inmates are released. This is one of the more comprehensive online jail rosters in Alabama.
Information Available
The Mobile County inmate search displays:
- Full name and booking photo
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description
- Booking date and time
- All charges filed
- Bond information if set
- Court dates if scheduled
This level of detail makes Mobile County's system very useful for finding current custody information and understanding why someone was arrested.
Other Ways to Access Mobile County Mugshots
The online search covers current inmates well, but other methods exist for different situations.
Visit the Sheriff's Office
You can go to the sheriff's office at 510 S Royal Street in Mobile. Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, you have the right to inspect public records. The jailer's log book must be open for viewing per Alabama Code Section 36-22-8. Staff can assist with lookups and provide copies for a fee.
Phone the Jail
Call the Metro Jail at (251) 574-4700 for questions about specific inmates. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody and provide basic information. For detailed records, you may need to visit or submit a formal request.
ALEA Criminal History
For a criminal record check that covers all of Alabama, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Fees are $15 online or $25 by mail. This includes arrests and convictions statewide. Visit alea.gov to request records.
Court Records
For case information beyond the arrest, search Alacourt at pa.alacourt.com. This shows court filings, hearings, and case outcomes in Mobile County.
Understanding Mobile County Booking Records
The Metro Jail booking process creates detailed records for each person arrested in Mobile County.
When someone is booked, staff:
- Photograph them from the front and side (the mugshot)
- Collect fingerprints electronically
- Record personal information and physical description
- Document all charges
- Assign a unique booking number
- Process bail or bond if applicable
- Enter the data into the jail management system
Mobile County uses modern systems to manage inmate data. This is why their online search is so detailed and up to date. The data flows from booking to the public search system quickly.
Remember that an arrest record does not equal guilt. People in jail may be awaiting trial. Charges can be reduced or dismissed. Check court records for case outcomes.
Alabama Laws on Jail Records
State law governs how Mobile County handles public access to jail mugshots and records.
Open Records Act: Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives citizens the right to see government records. Jail booking records fall under this law.
Sheriff's Prisoner Records: Alabama Code Section 36-22-8 requires the sheriff to maintain a prisoner log. This log must be open for public inspection during business hours.
Sheriff Custody: Alabama Code Section 14-6-1 places the jail and inmates under the sheriff's custody and control.
Privacy Limits: Some data is withheld. Social Security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, and financial details are protected. Juvenile records are sealed under Alabama Code Section 12-15-102.
Expungement: Alabama Code Sections 15-27-1 and 15-27-2 allow certain records to be sealed. Once expunged, records must be removed from public databases.
Removing Mobile County Mugshots
Alabama's expungement law allows some arrest records to be sealed and removed from public view.
You may qualify for expungement if:
- Charges were dismissed
- You were acquitted at trial
- You completed pretrial diversion
- You received a pardon
- Enough time has passed since a qualifying offense
The filing fee is $500, with waivers for those who cannot pay. File the petition in the circuit court where the arrest happened. If granted, all agencies including the sheriff must remove the record from public access.
Contact Legal Services Alabama at (866) 456-4995 or the Alabama State Bar at 1-800-392-5660 for help with expungement.
Cities Served by Mobile County Jail
The Mobile Metro Jail serves all communities in Mobile County. Arrests from any local agency typically result in booking at this facility.
Major cities include:
- Mobile - The county seat and Alabama's only major port city
Other communities include Prichard, Saraland, Chickasaw, Citronelle, Satsuma, Semmes, and Theodore. Check the Mobile County inmate search for anyone arrested in these areas.
Nearby County Jails
Need to check jail records in neighboring counties? Here are links to nearby Alabama county jail information.
Search Mobile County Records
Use our search tool to find jail mugshots and arrest records. Search multiple databases for comprehensive results.