Hidalgo County Jail

Hidalgo County Jail basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 956-381-7900

This facility is for adult inmates.

The Hidalgo County Jail is a medium-security detention center located at 701 El Cibolo Rd in Edinburg, TX. This county jail is operated locally by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Hidalgo County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, municipalities, the US Marshal's Service and the Edinburg Police Department who do not have their own long-term lock-up.

There are new detainees delivered to the jail daily, you can see arrest records here. Some are released after putting up bail, are released to a pretrial services caseload, are placed under supervision by a probation agency, or are released on their own recognizance with an agreement to appear in court. If there is no release, the inmate must wait here at the jail for their court appearance as a guest of the County, getting a bed and three square meals.

Trustees are inmates who work in the jail as cooks, as orderlies for the staff, in the laundry or in the commissary. The trustees are paid a very small amount for their time and some jail gives the trustees a few days off their sentence in exchange for their work.

When an inmate arrives in jail they are put together in a large holding cell with other inmates in the intake. While in intake they are under heightened observation. Violent and out of control inmates are segregated.

Can I Get Work Release?

Work release is when you are released from jail during the day so that you can go to work. At the end of the day, you return to jail for the night. There are a number of requirements to be able to get into the work-release program. Most programs require your employer to fill out some paperwork. If you want to get into the work release program then apply prior to being sentenced to jail. This will minimize the amount of time you spend in jail waiting to get into the program.

Can I call my family in Jail?

Hidalgo County Jail has a phone program where inmates make outbound calls only, you cannot call into jail. Since you are paying for those calls don't make it a habit of accepting collect-calls, they are over $15 each. The alternative is to set up an account through their third-party phone company which charges steep fees for each minute used. You are paying for them to call you. Click here if you are going to speak a lot and need a discount on the calls.

Remember – These phone calls are recorded and conversations can be used against you or the inmate so do not discuss your case over these phone lines.

visitation Info

Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility Inmates – Visitation

Visiting Rules 

One of the most important aspects of an inmate's well-being is having visits from family and friends.  The Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility face the daunting challenge of encouraging visitors, while at the same time enforcing rules that may discourage or even seem pointless to some.  It is important to know the rules and procedures of the institution to ensure you can attend a visiting session and your visit goes safely and smoothly.  To make visiting an inmate at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility easier for everyone we have compiled the most important things to know before you visit:
1)    All visitors MUST be on the inmate's approved visitation list.  
The inmate will establish this list during the initial intake process and may update the list after six months of incarceration.
2)    In order for the inmate to add you to their approved visitor's list, they must know your full name and date of birth.
If the inmate does not know this information he/she should still put your name on the card and we will verify the information once you come and visit.  
3)    If the inmate is moved to a new cell and he/she did not get moved for rule violations you will still be able to visit, but if it was for rule violation you will have to find out the new date and time you will have to reschedule your visit.
4)    All Visitors must be 17 years of age or older.
All others shall be considered as Children and can only visit on Children’s week, which is the first complete week of the month starting Friday and ending Monday.
5)    All visitors 17 and older must present a valid photo identification which can be any of the following:
–    State driver license issued by the State Department of Public Safety
–    Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
–    Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
–    Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS
–    United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph
–    United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
–    United States passport
–    Any Foreign Government issued ID (Mexico ID)
6)    If adult (17 and older) visitor does not have a current ID (expired) he/she may present ID with one of the following:
–    Valid voter registration certificate or Utility bill under his/her name with address.
7)    All visitors may be searched and are required to pass through a metal detector.  The facility may utilize electronic detection devices and if required a canine to aid in their search.
8)    All inmates are entitled to a minimum of two (2) twenty (20) minute visits per week
–    At least one visitation period will be during evenings or weekends.
9)    Time can be split with a visitor on the Approved Visitors List.
–    Time will not stop or be paused during the switch.
10)    Anyone (including a child) who fails to listen to the directives of the staff, or who is disruptive and presents improper conduct will have their visit stopped and may be subject to having their visiting privileges revoked.
11)    Cell phones, tablets, computers, cameras, recording devices, electronic devices of any kind, food, drinks, tobacco, purses/bags and related products such as lighters, matches and any type of weapon are not allowed to enter into Visitation Areas, please leave these items in your car.
–    Anyone (including a child) caught with any of these items will have their visit stopped, and will have visiting privileges revoked.
12)    Children’s visitation will be on the first complete weekend of each month, starting on Friday and ending on Monday.
13)    All children must be attended and under the visitor's control at all times, disruptive children can cause your visit to end early.
14)    All bags, infant car seats and strollers are subject to search.
15)    Visitors will NOT be allowed to smoke within the facility.
16)    No Weapons will be allowed in any part of the facility grounds.
17)    All State and Federal Laws will be enforced.
18)    Visitation will automatically be denied IF the visitor:    
–    Has a past record of disruptive conduct.
–    Is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
–    Refuses to submit to a search or to show proper Identification.
–    Is directly related to the inmate’s criminal behavior.
–    Is currently on probation or parole.
–    Would be detrimental to the inmate’s rehabilitation.
–    Is a known Gang Member or an associate of a Gang.
–    Has a warrant from an arresting agency.
–    Has been incarcerated/booked in the HCSO in the last 12 months.
Dress Code for Visitors of Inmates:
All visitors must adhere to the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Facility dress code.  The dress code is strictly enforced, and violating it is grounds for your visit being denied.  To ensure compliance be sure to dress conservatively, read over the dress code rules, and always contact the facility if you have any additional questions.  We recommend you always leave a change of clothes in your car so that if an article of clothing you are wearing is deemed inappropriate, you can quickly change and not miss out on a visit.
•    Any clothing that contains images or language that is offensive or profane is not allowed.
•    Shorts and skirts can be no shorter than three inches above the middle of the knee while standing.
•    Steel toed boots/shoes are not allowed.
•    Revealing Gang Tattoos
•    All shirts on men and women must cover the shoulders, dresses included.
•    Clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, upper chest, thighs or other large areas of skin is not allowed.
•    No clothes that are tight fitting, including spandex, leggings, tank tops, tube tops etc. are not allowed.
•    Clothing that is sheer or see-through is prohibited.