Multnomah County Jail Phone Number is 503‑988‑3600, the official 24‑hour public information line run by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. This number connects callers to up-to-date inmate data, visitation rules, bail procedures, and general jail services. The line operates every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. For non‑emergency questions, staff respond within one business day. Emergency calls must go to 911. The same number appears on the sheriff’s Contact Us page and links directly to the online inmate search tool, which refreshes every fifteen minutes with new bookings, releases, and bond changes.
Primary Contact Numbers and Their Uses
The main jail phone number, 503‑988‑3600, serves as the central hub for all public inquiries. It provides access to recorded updates on inmate status, court dates, and facility policies. Callers can also request forms, incident reports, or public records during weekday business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A second number, 503‑988‑3689, connects directly to the Multnomah County Detention Center at 1120 SW 3rd Ave in Portland. This line handles visitation scheduling, video-call setup through JPay, and support for funding inmate accounts via Access Corrections kiosks. Both numbers are toll-free for local calls and appear consistently across official county websites, inmate lookup portals, and third-party jail directories.
How to Use the Jail Phone Number for Inmate Lookup
Calling 503‑988‑3600 gives immediate access to basic inmate information without needing internet access. Staff can confirm if someone is currently held, provide their housing unit, booking date, and next court appearance. For detailed records, including charge codes and bond amounts, callers are directed to the online portal. The phone line also explains how to post bail, schedule visits, or send mail. All responses follow strict privacy rules under Oregon law, especially after HB 3273 removed booking photos from public view in 2022. No personal details are shared without verification, and callers may need to provide the inmate’s full name, date of birth, or booking number.
Visitation Scheduling and Rules
In‑person visits at the Multnomah County Detention Center occur Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the main lobby. Visitors must present a government‑issued photo ID and be pre-approved on the inmate’s visitor list. Video visits are available through JPay and last 30 minutes per session. Appointments are booked online or by calling 503‑988‑3689. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All visits are monitored, and inappropriate behavior can result in suspension of privileges. The jail does not allow physical contact during in‑person visits, and food, gifts, or electronics are prohibited.
Bail and Bond Information
Bail can be posted in cash, certified check, or through a licensed bondsman. Most misdemeanor charges require $5,000 or its equivalent bond. Felony amounts vary based on severity and prior record. Payments are accepted at the detention center lobby during business hours or online via the sheriff’s payment portal. Once bail is posted, release typically occurs within two to four hours, depending on processing time. The 503‑988‑3600 line provides real-time updates on bond status and required documents. Failure to appear in court results in bond forfeiture and possible rearrest.
Inmate Communication and Phone Services
All outgoing inmate calls are managed by Securus Technologies, a third-party provider. The first call is collect and billed to the recipient. After that, calls are prepaid using funds from the inmate’s commissary account. Rates are set by the Oregon Utilities Commission: $0.07 per minute for local calls and $0.40 per minute for long-distance. Families can set up accounts online or at retail locations selling prepaid cards. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Call duration is limited to 20 minutes, with possible extensions if funds allow. All calls are recorded and may be monitored for security.
Funding Inmate Accounts
Money can be added to an inmate’s account 24 hours a day using the Access Corrections kiosk in the jail lobby or online with a credit or debit card. Deposits are available within minutes. Funds cover phone calls, commissary purchases, and medical co-pays. There is a $2.50 fee for online deposits under $50 and a 3.5% fee for larger amounts. Cash deposits at the kiosk have no extra charge. Relatives should keep receipts and note the inmate’s booking number for tracking. Refunds upon release take three to five business days.
Mail Guidelines for Inmates
Mail must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the complete address: Multnomah County Detention Center, 1120 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204. Only plain paper, envelopes, and standard letters are allowed. Books, magazines, photos, and packages are rejected. Legal mail is opened in the inmate’s presence. All incoming mail is scanned and may be delayed for inspection. Senders should avoid glitter, stickers, or drawings, as these can trigger rejection. The jail does not return undeliverable mail.
Online Inmate Search Tools
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office offers a free online search portal updated every fifteen minutes. Users enter a name, date of birth, or booking number to find current inmates. Results show housing location, charges, bond amount, and next court date. Due to Oregon HB 3273, booking photos are no longer public. The database links to PDF booking sheets with property logs and medical alerts. For court-specific data like judges or motions, the District Attorney’s site provides a parallel search with hearing schedules and case numbers.
Jail Location and Facility Details
The Multnomah County Detention Center sits at 1120 Southwest 3rd Avenue in downtown Portland, Oregon 97204. The six-story building houses up to 1,600 detainees and operates 24/7. Administrative offices open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for records requests, grievance filings, and visitor credentialing. The facility includes medical units, legal aid stations, and secure storage for personal items. Parking is limited; public transit via MAX Light Rail (Pioneer Courthouse/SW 3rd Ave station) is recommended. Security checkpoints require ID for entry.
Sheriff’s Office Responsibilities
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office manages corrections, law enforcement, river patrol, and search-and-rescue. The Corrections Division runs the jail with about 150 officers. The Law Enforcement Division covers urban, suburban, and rural zones, responding to 12,000+ calls yearly. River Patrol enforces boating laws on the Willamette River and assists in floods. Search and Rescue teams work with volunteers in the Columbia River Gorge. The department uses over 40 vehicles, including SWAT trucks and rescue boats.
Third-Party Inmate Search Platforms
Websites like Jail Exchange and County Office aggregate public data from the sheriff’s database. They list names, charges, bond amounts, and visitation windows. Some show blurred mugshots due to privacy laws. These sites update hourly but may lag behind official sources. They offer step-by-step guides for setting up JPay video calls, funding accounts, or mailing inmates. While convenient, users should verify critical info—like release dates—by calling 503‑988‑3600 or checking the sheriff’s official site.
District Attorney’s Case Tracking System
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office runs a separate portal showing court details not found on the sheriff’s site. Users see upcoming hearings, assigned judges, case numbers, and motion statuses. Charge codes link to Oregon Revised Statutes, explaining penalties and bond ranges. For example, possession of a controlled substance (ORS 163.245) carries a $3,000–$10,000 bond. This system helps victims, lawyers, and families track progress from arrest to sentencing.
Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Contacts
For life-threatening situations, fire, or active crimes, always call 911. The jail’s 503‑988‑3600 line is not for emergencies. Use it for inmate questions, visitation, or records. If calling after hours, leave a message; responses come within one business day. Text-to-911 is available for hearing-impaired individuals. Never use the jail number to report crimes outside its jurisdiction—contact local police instead.
Privacy Laws and Public Records
Oregon HB 3273, signed June 30, 2022, removed booking photos from public jail websites to protect unconvicted individuals’ privacy. Names, charges, and booking numbers remain visible. The law applies statewide and reflects growing concern over digital permanence of arrest records. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office complies fully, updating its site within days of enactment. Critics argue it limits transparency, but supporters say it prevents stigma before trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call the jail at night? Yes, 503‑988‑3600 operates 24/7 for recorded info, but live staff are only available weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m. How fast is the online roster updated? Every 15 minutes. Do I need a booking number to search? No, but it helps narrow results. Can I send clothes to an inmate? No, all personal items are stored and returned at release. Is video visitation free? No, it requires a JPay account and prepaid minutes.
Official Resources and Links
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office: mcso.us Inmate Search Portal: multnomahcountyjail.org District Attorney Case Lookup: mcda.us JPay Video Visitation: jpay.com Access Corrections Kiosk: accesscorrections.com
Contact Summary
Main Jail Phone Number: 503‑988‑3600 Detention Center Direct Line: 503‑988‑3689 Address: 1120 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204 Visiting Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Administrative Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Emergency: Dial 911
FAQ Section
What happens if I call the jail number for an emergency? Calling 503‑988‑3600 during an emergency delays critical help. This line is for inmate information only. Always use 911 for fires, medical crises, or active crimes. Emergency dispatchers can send police, fire, or ambulance units directly. The jail cannot dispatch external rescue services. Misusing the jail line risks penalties and slows response times for real emergencies. Save 911 for situations needing immediate intervention.
Why can’t I see booking photos online anymore? Oregon HB 3273 banned public display of booking photos for unconvicted individuals. The law aims to prevent lifelong stigma from arrests that may not lead to charges. Multnomah County removed all mugshots from its website in July 2022. Names, charges, and booking numbers remain public. Photos may still appear in court records or media reports, but the sheriff’s office no longer shares them online. This aligns with national trends toward fairer treatment of arrestees.
How do I know if bail has been posted successfully? After posting bail, call 503‑988‑3600 to confirm receipt. Staff will verify the amount, method, and inmate’s release timeline. Most releases happen within two to four hours. If delayed, ask about processing holds or medical checks. Keep your receipt—it’s needed for bond refunds if the inmate appears in court. Online payments show instant confirmation, but cash transactions require manual logging. Always follow up to avoid confusion.
Can I visit an inmate without being on their approved list? No. All visitors must be pre-approved by the inmate and pass a background check. Minors need guardian consent. Add names through the inmate or by calling 503‑988‑3689. Approval takes 24–48 hours. Walk-in visits are denied. Video visits also require registration via JPay. The jail enforces this rule strictly to prevent contraband and ensure safety. Unapproved individuals will be turned away at the door.
What fees apply when funding an inmate’s account? Online deposits incur a $2.50 fee under $50 or 3.5% for larger amounts. Kiosk cash deposits have no fee. Credit card companies may add their own charges. Funds appear instantly. Refunds at release take three to five days. Keep transaction IDs for disputes. The jail does not cover third-party fees. Always check your bank statement for accurate totals.
How often is the inmate roster updated? The official roster refreshes every fifteen minutes with new bookings, releases, and bond changes. Third-party sites like Jail Exchange update hourly but may lag. For real-time status, call 503‑988‑3600 or use the sheriff’s online portal. Delays can occur during system maintenance or high intake volumes. Never rely solely on cached or printed lists—always verify before traveling to the jail.
Is inmate mail monitored? Yes. All incoming and outgoing mail is opened, scanned, and inspected except legal correspondence, which is opened in the inmate’s presence. Prohibited items include cash, drugs, weapons, or explicit content. Rejected mail is returned or destroyed. Senders receive no notice unless it’s legal mail. Inmates can write unlimited letters, but postage must be prepaid or funded through their account. Monitoring ensures facility security.