Alachua County Jail

Alachua 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: 352-491-4460

This facility is for adult inmates.

The Alachua County Jail is a medium-security detention center located at 3333 NE 39th Ave Gainesville, FL which is operated locally by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Alachua County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, municipalities, the US Marshal's Service and the Gainesville Police Department who do not have their own long-term lock-up.

Adult Education Program – GED – Through a collaborated effort with the Alachua County School Board, this program enables inmates to improve their reading, mathematics, and language skills. All new students are tested using the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education). GED preparation is provided for students who test at or above the ninth grade level. If the inmate becomes proficient while in custody, the inmate is allowed to take the GED test while incarcerated.

Life Skills – A 12 week course facilitated by the Salvation Army that concentrates on equipping inmates with the basic skills necessary to live a productive life once released from jail. Topics include money management, job seeking and resume writing, parenting skills, life planning, and goal setting.

Substance Abuse Intervention – A weekly group facilitated by Meridian counselors that includes discussion directed toward addressing inmates with substance abuse issues. The goal is to educate on making better life choices while dealing with and overcoming addiction.

Anger Management – Weekly courses that will help inmates who struggle with managing their anger learn techniques to identify their triggers, how to manage stress, and how to effectively resolve conflict.

Domestic Violence – Weekly group sessions with a Peaceful Paths victim advocate. The goal of this class is to assist inmates who are victims of domestic violence with education on domestic violence, safety planning, intervention and referrals to community resources.

Bridges To Prosperity – Weekly group sessions with the Catholic Charities – Bridges to Prosperity Program Director. The goal of this class is to teach inmates financial matters related to saving, budgeting, future planning, goal setting and achieving overall financial fitness.

Inmate Re-Entry Programs

Inmate Transition Program – The Alachua County Sheriff's Office Transition Program is an initiative that aims to reduce recidivism (returns to jail) among inmates who are returning to the community. Through these efforts, the Sheriff's Office strives to encourage successful inmate reentry while promoting public safety and lowering costs for the Sheriff's Office.

The program is offered to sentenced male inmates who are at high risk to reoffend and who have at least 60 days left to serve in the jail. Each Transition Program participant is required to complete targeted programs. These courses have been shown through research to be effective in addressing criminnogenic (crime-producing) needs and reducing recidivism. The programs include Reasoning and Rehabilitation 2, Treating All Dependencies, and Employability Skills. Participants also receive case management services to plan for reentry and referrals to appropriate community agencies. Program staff follows up with former participants after release for continued referral services and to collect outcome data.

Paws On Parole Unleashed – The Paws on Parole program is offered to female inmates who have been cleared for trusty status. Inmates who participate in this program work one on one with an adoptable dog through Alachua County Animal Services. The inmate offers the dog obedience training in order for the dog and the inmate to become better citizens. The dogs are then tested and graduate to be adopted by forever families. Inmates involved in the program learn skills to make them better prepared to work in animal service-related environments such as vet offices, grooming salons, etc.

visitation Info

Alachua County Jail – Visitation

Visitation Rules – Inmates will obey all of the rules and regulations of the Department of the Jail. Inmates will not display disruptive, threatening, or abusive behavior toward other inmates and/or staff. If behavior is disruptive, disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the Department of the Jail disciplinary charges and penalties. Criminal charges may be filed as a result of criminal behavior.

Visitation – All inmate visitors are subject to warrant checks and arrest. Individuals who are court-ordered not to have contact with the inmate will not be allowed to visit. If an attempt to visit is made, that inmate’s visitation privilege will be revoked for all visitors (except legally mandated visits) during that inmate’s period of incarceration. Visitors who become rude and/or use vulgar or abusive language while in the lobby or visitation areas will be asked to leave. Failure to leave when asked may result in arrest.