Chatham County Jail Visitation is available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1050 Carl Griffin Drive in Savannah, Georgia. Each visit lasts up to 30 minutes and requires a valid photo ID. Visitors must follow strict rules for mail, deposits, and scheduling to ensure smooth access. This page covers everything families and friends need to know about visiting an inmate, sending money, locating records, and staying compliant with jail policies.
Visitation Hours and Rules
Visits at Chatham County Jail are scheduled on weekdays and Saturdays. Monday through Thursday, the window runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Fridays, it’s 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays offer shorter hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No visits occur on Sundays. Each session is limited to 30 minutes per inmate. Only two visitors are allowed per visit, and all must present a government-issued photo ID. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Visitors should arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete check-in. Late arrivals may lose their slot. The facility enforces a dress code: no hats, hoodies, revealing clothing, or footwear without closed toes. Bags, phones, and personal items are not permitted in the visitation area. Failure to follow rules can result in denied entry or future bans.
How to Schedule a Visit
To schedule a visit, use the online roster on the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office website or the Jail Exchange portal. Search by the inmate’s full name or Defendant Identification Number (DIN). Once located, select an available time slot and confirm your identity. Walk-ins are not accepted—all visits must be pre-scheduled. Changes or cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Families can also call the Inmate Services line at 912-652-7700 for assistance. Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help with scheduling issues. Note that high-demand times, such as holidays, may fill quickly. Booking early increases the chance of securing a preferred slot.
Locating an Inmate
Finding an inmate starts with the official online roster. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office updates the list every 15 minutes, showing current bookings, housing units, charges, and release dates. Users can search by first or last name or enter the DIN if known. Each profile includes a mugshot, arrest date, bond amount, and court case number.
The roster covers the past 72 hours of bookings and refreshes automatically. For older records, contact the Records Division at 912-652-7700. Out-of-state visitors should verify the correct facility, as Chatham County, North Carolina, has a separate detention center. Always double-check the Georgia location at 1050 Carl Griffin Drive to avoid confusion.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Deposits to inmate accounts are processed through the Finance and Accounting Services office at 1074 Carl Griffin Drive, Savannah, GA 31405. Money orders must be payable to “Chatham County Sheriff’s Office” and include the inmate’s full name and DIN. Certified checks require the same details and must be sent in a padded envelope to prevent damage.
Online payments are accepted via JailATM.com using Visa, MasterCard, or prepaid debit cards. The daily limit is $500 per inmate. After payment, a confirmation email with a reference number is sent immediately. Funds appear in the inmate’s account within 24 hours. For help, call 877-810-0914 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. EST, Monday through Saturday.
Inmate Mail Guidelines
All incoming mail must include the inmate’s full name, DIN, and the exact facility address: 1050 Carl Griffin Drive, Savannah, GA 31405. Letters, approved reading material, and money orders are allowed. Packages, electronics, food, and unsealed envelopes are considered contraband and will be destroyed.
Mail stamped “Return to Sender” received after February 22, 2021, is shredded by the Records Division. Inmates cannot receive cash or personal checks. Only items listed on the official mail policy page are permitted. Senders should avoid using stickers, glitter, or tape on envelopes, as these may delay processing.
Facility Information and History
The Chatham County Detention Center opened in 2005 at 1050 Carl Griffin Drive, replacing the old Habersham Street jail. The modern facility has a capacity of 500 beds and features advanced surveillance, medical clinics, and rehabilitative programs. It handles over 2,000 medical visits annually and offers GED classes, substance abuse counseling, and vocational training.
Since 1993, the Corrections Bureau has focused on reducing recidivism. According to the 2022 annual report, these efforts led to a 12% drop in repeat offenses. Sheriff John T. Wilcher, in office since 2017, regularly shares public updates and policy changes via downloadable PDFs on the official website.
Contact and Support
For questions about visitation, deposits, or inmate status, call 912-652-7700 during business hours. The Finance and Accounting Services office operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Emergency inquiries can be directed to the main sheriff’s line. All official communications should reference the inmate’s DIN for faster service.
Visit the official Chatham County Sheriff’s Office website for forms, policies, and real-time updates. The site includes links to the inmate roster, visitation schedule, and mail guidelines. Always verify information directly with the facility before making travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many families ask about visitation rules, deposit limits, and mail policies. Below are answers to the most common questions based on current jail procedures and official sources.
Can I visit without scheduling in advance?
No, all visits must be scheduled in advance using the online roster or by calling Inmate Services. Walk-ins are not permitted. The system requires visitors to select a time slot and confirm their identity before arrival. This helps manage crowd flow and ensures security during visits.
What forms of ID are accepted for visitation?
Only government-issued photo IDs are accepted. This includes driver’s licenses, state IDs, passports, or military IDs. Student IDs, work badges, or expired documents are not valid. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with proper ID.
How long does it take for money to appear in an inmate’s account?
Online deposits appear within 24 hours. Money orders and certified checks may take 2–3 business days to process after receipt. Always keep the confirmation email or receipt as proof of payment. Contact the finance office if funds are not reflected after 72 hours.
Are phones or recording devices allowed during visits?
No, phones, cameras, and recording devices are strictly prohibited in the visitation area. Visitors must store all personal items in lockers before entering. Violations can result in immediate termination of the visit and possible suspension of future privileges.
What happens if mail is sent to the wrong address?
Mail sent to the wrong address, such as the finance office instead of the detention center, will be returned unopened. Only items addressed to 1050 Carl Griffin Drive with the inmate’s name and DIN are accepted. Using the correct address prevents delays and ensures delivery.
Can I send books or magazines to an inmate?
Only approved reading material sent directly from publishers or bookstores is allowed. No used books, handwritten notes, or photocopied pages are permitted. All items are inspected upon arrival. Check the official mail policy page for a list of approved sources.
Is there a limit on how much money I can send?
Yes, the daily deposit limit is $500 per inmate. This applies to all methods, including online payments, money orders, and certified checks. Multiple deposits in one day will be rejected if they exceed the cap. Plan accordingly to avoid delays in funding the inmate’s account.
Chatham County Sheriff’s Office
1050 Carl Griffin Drive, Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: 912-652-7700
Visitation Hours: Mon–Thu 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
