Miami-Dade County Jail Overview
Miami-Dade County Jail is one of the largest detention facilities in the state of Florida, serving as the primary jail for Miami-Dade County. Located in the heart of downtown Miami, this correctional facility houses a mixture of male and female inmates, ranging from individuals awaiting trial to those serving short-term sentences. The jail plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system by ensuring the safe custody of individuals charged with crimes in the area. Miami-Dade County Jail is designed to handle a variety of inmates, including those convicted of non-violent offenses, misdemeanors, and some felonies, alongside individuals awaiting their court appearances.
The jail’s capacity exceeds several thousand, with various divisions dedicated to different types of detainees. Inmates are offered basic services including medical care, meals, recreation, and educational programs, contributing to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Contact Information for Miami-Dade County Jail
For those needing to reach out to Miami-Dade County Jail, here is the essential contact information:
Address:
Miami-Dade County Jail
1321 NW 13th Street
Miami, FL 33125
Phone Number:
(305) 585-5111
Email Address:
MDCRFeedback@miamidade.gov
Miami-Dade County Jail is part of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR), which also operates other facilities in the region, including pretrial detention centers.
Visiting Information for Miami-Dade County Jail
If you are planning to visit an inmate at Miami-Dade County Jail, it is essential to be familiar with their visitation process and schedule.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Miami-Dade County Jail vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit. Typically, visitation takes place between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, but it is always a good idea to confirm specific times through the jail’s main line. Visits are generally allowed on weekends and holidays. You should arrive early to allow time for security checks and to ensure you get your visit, as time slots may fill up quickly.
What to Bring to a Prison Visit
When visiting Miami-Dade County Jail, visitors are required to bring a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport. Visitors should dress modestly, as there are strict dress codes. Personal belongings such as bags, phones, or electronic devices are typically not allowed in the visitation area.
What Visits are Like
Visits at Miami-Dade County Jail are non-contact, meaning you will speak to the inmate through a glass partition using a phone. Each visit generally lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the facility’s schedule and the availability of rooms. Conversations are monitored to ensure the safety of both visitors and inmates.
How to Book a Visit at Miami-Dade County Jail
Booking a visit to Miami-Dade County Jail can be done online or by calling the facility. You will need to provide the inmate’s full name and inmate ID number to schedule a visit. It is advisable to book your visit at least a few days in advance to ensure a spot, as Miami-Dade County Jail can be busy on visitation days.
Requirements to Book a Visit:
- Valid ID for the visitor.
- Inmate’s name and ID number.
- Compliance with the dress code and other facility rules.
Number of Visitors Allowed:
Typically, two visitors are allowed per inmate visit. However, children under 18 may also attend, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Directions and Parking Information for Miami-Dade County Jail
Miami-Dade County Jail is centrally located and easily accessible from different parts of the city.
Directions:
From downtown Miami, take I-95 North and exit at NW 12th Street. The facility is located at 1321 NW 13th Street. For those coming from Miami International Airport, it’s about a 15-minute drive east along the Dolphin Expressway (836).
Parking:
There is limited parking available near the facility, including both metered street parking and a few paid parking lots nearby. It is recommended to use public transportation or rideshare services if possible, especially during busy visitation days.
What is Miami-Dade County Jail Like for a Prisoner?
Life inside Miami-Dade County Jail is highly regulated, with strict schedules for meals, recreation, and other daily activities. Inmates typically have access to basic necessities, including meals, hygiene products, and medical care. The jail also offers some educational programs aimed at rehabilitation, such as GED preparation and substance abuse counseling.
However, like many large urban jails, Miami-Dade County Jail can be overcrowded at times, leading to tensions among inmates. There have been reports of occasional disturbances, but the administration works to maintain order and provide a safe environment for both inmates and staff. Inmates spend a significant portion of their day in their cells but are given opportunities for outdoor recreation on a scheduled basis.
Latest News:
In recent years, Miami-Dade County Jail has been at the center of discussions about criminal justice reform in Florida. Several initiatives have been proposed to address overcrowding and improve conditions for inmates, including expanding alternative sentencing programs and increasing access to mental health services. The jail continues to adapt to new challenges, including managing public health concerns like COVID-19.
Famous Prisoners at Miami-Dade County Jail
Over the years, Miami-Dade County Jail has housed a number of high-profile prisoners. One of the most notable inmates was Jorge Mas Canosa, a political dissident and activist who played a major role in Cuban-American politics. Additionally, several well-known drug traffickers and organized crime figures associated with Miami’s infamous cocaine trade in the 1980s have passed through the facility.
Other prominent inmates include individuals involved in major financial crimes, as well as high-profile murder cases that attracted significant media attention. Miami-Dade County Jail has seen its fair share of infamous figures due to Miami’s position as a hub for international crime.
FAQs for Miami-Dade County Jail
1. How do I contact an inmate at Miami-Dade County Jail?
You can contact an inmate by sending mail to Miami-Dade County Jail, addressed to the inmate with their ID number, or by using the inmate telephone system.
2. What is the visiting schedule for Miami-Dade County Jail?
Visiting hours typically occur on weekends and holidays, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm availability.
3. How do I find an inmate at Miami-Dade County Jail?
You can locate an inmate by using the Miami-Dade Corrections online inmate search tool or calling the facility.
4. Can I bring children to visit Miami-Dade County Jail?
Yes, children are allowed to visit as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
5. Is parking available at Miami-Dade County Jail?
There is limited parking available near the jail. Public transportation or rideshare services are recommended.
6. Can I send money to an inmate at Miami-Dade County Jail?
Yes, money can be sent to inmates through various means, including online deposits and money orders.
7. Are there educational programs for inmates at Miami-Dade County Jail?
Yes, the jail offers educational and vocational programs aimed at helping inmates develop skills for their eventual reintegration into society.
8. How secure is Miami-Dade County Jail?
Miami-Dade County Jail is a maximum-security facility with extensive measures in place to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors.
9. Are visits monitored at Miami-Dade County Jail?
Yes, all visits are monitored by staff to ensure safety and compliance with the jail’s regulations.
10. How long can visits last at Miami-Dade County Jail?
Visits typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the availability of visitation rooms and the inmate’s housing assignment.
Summary and Conclusion
Miami-Dade County Jail serves as a critical institution in the Miami-Dade area, offering secure detention for a variety of inmates while maintaining an important role in the region’s criminal justice system. With its central location, strict visitation guidelines, and focus on rehabilitation, the jail aims to balance inmate care with public safety. Visitors should plan ahead, follow the rules, and be prepared for a structured, non-contact visit. The jail’s history of housing famous inmates adds to its significance in both local and national contexts.
For more information, visit the official Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department website.
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