Salt Lake County Metro Jail serves as the primary detention facility for Salt Lake County, Utah. Located at 3415 South 900 West in Salt Lake City, this facility is managed by the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It functions as a central hub for individuals awaiting trial, those serving short-term sentences (typically under one year), and detainees awaiting transfer to other state or federal institutions.

Current operational data indicates that the facility is designed to manage a significant population of adult inmates, with the broader correctional system in the county—including the Oxbow Jail—supporting thousands of individuals annually. For immediate contact, the jail’s main phone line is (385) 468-8400.

Locating an Inmate at Salt Lake County Metro Jail

Finding someone currently in custody requires specific identifiers to ensure accuracy and speed. The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office maintains a digital "Find a Prisoner" database which is the most reliable method for public inquiry.

Information Required for a Search

To successfully locate an individual, you generally need:

  • The legal first and last name of the person (aliases may not appear in the primary search).
  • The individual's date of birth.
  • The booking number, if it has already been provided to family members or legal counsel.

Public Records and Transparency

Under the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), basic inmate information—such as booking date, charges, and bail amounts—is considered public record. However, specific sensitive data, including an inmate's precise housing unit within the jail or detailed medical status, is often restricted to protect the safety of both the staff and the incarcerated population.

Visitation Protocols and Scheduling

Visitation is viewed as a privilege designed to maintain community and family ties, which is proven to assist in successful reintegration after release. However, the Salt Lake County Metro Jail enforces strict security protocols to prevent the entry of contraband and maintain order.

Scheduling Your Visit

Visits are not conducted on a walk-in basis. All visitors must be on an approved list or must schedule their sessions in advance.

  • Scheduling Line: (385) 468-8400.
  • Duration: Standard visits are typically 30 minutes long.
  • Frequency: Inmates are generally permitted two visits per week.

Visitation Hours and Restrictions

While the facility operates 24/7, visitation is restricted to specific blocks, usually between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm. It is crucial to note that visits are paused during facility-wide "lockdown" periods for meal service:

  • Midday Meal: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (No visitation).
  • Evening Meal: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm (No visitation).

Dress Code and Security Screening

The facility maintains a modest dress code. Clothing that is overly revealing, contains offensive language, or mimics law enforcement uniforms is prohibited. Every visitor, including those under the age of 18 (who must be accompanied by an adult), is subject to a full-body security scan. Failure to pass the scan or refusal to comply with search requests will result in immediate denial of entry.

Communication Channels for Inmates

Direct contact is limited, but several monitored channels exist for communication between inmates and the outside world.

Outbound Phone Calls

Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls. They may only initiate outbound calls. These calls are typically "collect" calls or funded through a prepaid account via authorized third-party providers like Inmate Calling Solutions (ICSolutions).

  • Monitoring: All calls are recorded and subject to monitoring by jail staff, with the exception of verified legal counsel communications.
  • Call Times: Phones are generally available from 7:00 am to 9:30 pm, though this is subject to housing unit status and lockdowns.

Electronic Messaging and Email

The jail utilizes platforms such as ConnectNetwork (GTL) for electronic messaging. This system functions similarly to email but is filtered for security.

  • Cost: There is typically a fee per message (often around $0.50).
  • Attachments: Digital photos may be sent through this system, subject to review.

Standard Mail Procedures

Physical mail remains a vital connection for many. All mail must be sent via the United States Postal Service (USPS).

  • Mailing Address: Inmate Name and Offender Number Utah State Correctional Facility P.O. Box 165300 Salt Lake City, UT 84116
  • Restrictions: Mail must be in plain white envelopes. Forbidden items include stickers, perfumes, cash, polaroid photos, and any material containing staples or paper clips. All mail is opened and inspected before delivery.

Financial Support and Inmate Trust Accounts

Inmates use trust accounts (often called "commissary accounts") to purchase hygiene items, snacks, stationery, and additional clothing.

Deposit Methods

Families can deposit funds through several methods:

  1. Online: Using credit or debit cards through authorized portals like Access Corrections.
  2. Facility Kiosks: Located in the jail lobby, these kiosks accept cash and cards.
  3. Money Orders: These must be sent via mail to the specific Inmate Accounting Office address, usually in Draper, Utah.

Commissary Limits

There are weekly spending limits imposed on inmates to ensure equitable access to resources and to prevent the accumulation of excessive property within the cells. These limits are subject to change based on the inmate’s behavior and housing classification.

Medical and Mental Health Services

The Salt Lake County Metro Jail provides comprehensive medical care to all detainees, addressing both emergency needs and chronic conditions.

The Health Line

If a family member has critical information regarding an inmate’s mental health or required medications, they should contact the facility’s dedicated "Health Line" at (385) 468-8400. This is a one-way communication channel where family can leave detailed messages for medical staff to review. Due to HIPAA regulations, staff cannot provide medical updates back to the family without a signed release of information from the inmate.

Mental Health Resources

The facility places a heavy emphasis on mental health, providing stabilization services and crisis intervention. Specialized housing units are available for those requiring intensive psychiatric monitoring.

Rehabilitation and Inmate Programs

The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes recidivism reduction through various educational and therapeutic programs.

Correctional Addiction Treatment Services (CATS)

The CATS program is a primary resource for inmates struggling with substance abuse. It offers intensive counseling and support groups aimed at breaking the cycle of addiction that often leads to criminal behavior.

Educational Opportunities

Inmates can work toward their GED (General Education Development) while incarcerated. The jail provides instructors and testing materials to help individuals improve their employment prospects upon release.

Life Skills and Job Training

Vocational programs and life skills courses (such as anger management and financial literacy) are offered to those who qualify based on their conduct and sentence length. Participation in these programs can sometimes result in "Good Time," which may reduce the length of an individual's stay.

Facility Maintenance and Future Infrastructure

Recent performance audits, including a significant review in late 2024 and early 2025, have highlighted the challenges of maintaining an aging facility like the Metro Jail.

Infrastructure Challenges

The audit identified approximately $27 million in deferred maintenance specifically for the Metro Jail facility. Major systems requiring attention include:

  • Plumbing and HVAC: Aging pipes and climate control systems are reaching the end of their operational lifespan.
  • Capacity Issues: While the jail was designed for the needs of the late 1990s, the growing population of Salt Lake County has pushed the facility toward its limits.

Failed Bond Measures

In the 2024 general election, a bond measure intended to fund a consolidated justice center and jail expansion did not pass. This means the facility must continue to operate within its current footprint while managing repairs reactively rather than through a large-scale modernization project.

Summary of Key Information for Visitors

For those interacting with the Salt Lake County Metro Jail, adherence to administrative rules is the only way to ensure a smooth process.

  • Location: 3415 South 900 West, SLC, UT 84119.
  • Main Contact: (385) 468-8400.
  • Inmate Search: Use the official Sheriff's Office website with the inmate's full legal name.
  • Visitation: Schedule in advance; avoid meal times (11:00 am - 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm).
  • Money: Use kiosks or online portals for trust account deposits.
  • Health: Use the Health Line to report critical medical information to staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss my scheduled visitation time?

Missing a scheduled visit typically results in the forfeiture of that session. Because slots are limited and in high demand, the facility rarely allows for immediate rescheduling on the same day.

Can I bring a gift to an inmate during a visit?

No. Visitors are prohibited from bringing any physical items into the visitation area. All gifts or necessary items (like clothing for release) must be handled through the mail or approved commissary channels.

How do I find out an inmate’s booking number?

The booking number is listed next to the inmate's name in the "Find a Prisoner" search results on the Sheriff’s Office website. It is a unique identifier used for mail and financial deposits.

Why was my mail returned to me?

Mail is most commonly returned for containing contraband (such as perfume or stickers), being sent in a colored or padded envelope, or lacking a clear return address.

Can an inmate be released in the middle of the night?

Releases occur 24 hours a day once the necessary paperwork and bail requirements are processed. However, transportation options from the facility may be limited during late-night hours.