Tulsa County Jail & Detention Center Inmate Search

The Tulsa County Jail and Detention Center is a short-term holding facility located at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center. Operating under the auspices of the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, this edifice serves primarily as housing for accused individuals awaiting trial, sentencing or release on bail. In addition, it also contains convicted persons sentenced to a year or less of confinement. Such inmates are often serving time for misdemeanors or minor offenses like driving while intoxicated, disorderly conduct or petty larceny. It offers a number of unique programs for prisoners, including work release. The jail sees to inmate’s existential needs and also affords some entertainment diversions.

In the early 1990s, overcrowding was a clear and present danger to the health and welfare of county inmates and detainees. In fact, surplus arrestees were lodged in army tents to relieve the problem. Responding to this emergency, the Oklahoma legislature passed a law in 1995 authorizing a sales tax to finance the funding and function of a new county jail. Ground was broken for the new edifice in 1997 and the 507,000 square foot building was erected that same year. 2017 saw the expansion of the jail to accommodate an increasing number of mentally ill residents. It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days per year by corrections professionals and mental health practitioners.

In addition to three meals a day, dormitory-style housing and lavatory facilities, as well as routine and emergency medical services, the county also provides outlets for the inmates to improve themselves in anticipation of release. For example, several dozen inmates complete their General Education Diploma while serving at the David L. Moss Center. Also, they have access to training programs in a variety of trades. Religious services representing an array of faiths are available to the residents, as are recreational options including an area to watch television. On-site and video-enabled visitations are routine and jail authorities publish clear ground rules for eligibility and continuation.

Processing into the jail follows a consistent procedure. After a person is arrested, he or she proceeds to the Booking area for evaluation by an Intake officer. The arrest record is examined and conformed upon which the information is entered into the facility’s computer database. Once these preliminaries are complete, the prisoner is escorted to the sally port reception section where a thorough search of the new inmate is performed. This measure is to protect the jail population from the entry of weapons, illegal substances and other forbidden articles. Inmates then undergo a rudimentary physical examination to discover any injuries or illnesses that require prompt attention.

After official entry into the Booking area, arrestees receive the formal charges against them. Following photographs and fingerprinting, they are issued an identification card. Only then can the prisoner make phone calls and arrange for bail bonds. During this time they remain under physical and electronic surveillance. Those unable to make bail receive a standard issue uniform and are directed to an assigned housing unit as they await arraignment and further disposition of their cases.