BESSEMER, AL William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility View
William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a state correctional institution in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama. It is operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections and primarily houses sentenced adult male inmates in state custody, including higher-security populations. It is not a county jail and generally does not serve as the main holding facility for newly arrested pretrial detainees. The facility’s role is to confine and manage inmates who have been committed to the state prison system by the courts, while local arrests and short-term detention in Jefferson County are typically handled by county jail facilities.
Contact and Location Information
How to Find an Inmate at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility
Members of the public can look for an inmate using the official inmate search link available on this page for the facility’s roster or state custody lookup. Inmate records typically list the person’s name, identifying number, custody location, booking or admission date, offense information, and custody status. Records may not appear immediately after an arrest, transfer, or intake because processing can take several hours, and updates depend on the agency maintaining the database. If the person was recently arrested in Jefferson County, also check the county jail roster, since this facility mainly houses sentenced state inmates rather than new pretrial detainees.
FAQs
How do I visit an inmate at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
Visitation is usually controlled by the Alabama Department of Corrections and requires the visitor to be approved before a visit. Check the facility’s current visitation schedule, rules, and any appointment requirements before traveling.
What do I need to bring when visiting William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and follow the dress code and property rules. Minors usually must be accompanied by an approved adult, and all visitors may be searched before entry.
How do I make phone or video calls with an inmate?
Inmates generally cannot receive incoming calls, but they may be able to make approved outgoing calls through the prison phone system. Video services, if available, must be set up through the approved vendor and are subject to facility rules.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Use the inmate’s full name, state identification number, and the correct facility mailing address. Mail is inspected, and items such as cash, prohibited photos, or unauthorized materials may be rejected.
How does the commissary work?
Commissary lets inmates buy approved items such as snacks, hygiene products, and writing supplies. Family or friends may be able to deposit funds through the approved payment service, and spending limits or restrictions may apply.
How is bail set and how do I post bond at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
This is a state prison, so most inmates here are serving sentences and do not have bail available. If the person has a new pending charge, contact the court or the county jail handling that case for bond information.
What happens during the intake process at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility and when will the inmate appear in the system?
During intake or transfer processing, staff confirm identity, review records, assign housing, and complete medical and security screening. Search records may take several hours or longer to update, so a newly transferred inmate may not appear immediately.