Galveston County Jail Roster: Current Inmate Lookup, Visitation & Bond Guide
The step-by-step guide to searching the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office P2C inmate portal, understanding booking timelines at 5700 Avenue H, scheduling visitation by pod, sending money through the lobby kiosk, and navigating bond at the 1,187-bed Galveston County Jail.
⚡ Quick Answer: How to Search the Galveston County Jail Roster
Go to the official Galveston County Sheriff’s Office P2C portal at p2c.galvestoncountytx.gov/jailinmates.aspx. Click “Jail Inmates” → enter Last Name, First Name, or Booking Number → click Search. Click any name for full booking details: charges, bond amount, court date, booking photo, and facility location. The roster updates automatically throughout the day. For real-time booking status call the jail directly at (409) 766-2315 — the line is staffed 24/7.
Jail address: 5700 Avenue H, Galveston, TX 77551 · Sheriff: Henry A. Trochesset
📋 What This Guide Covers
- Official Galveston County Jail Search
- Step-by-Step: P2C Roster Lookup
- What You’ll See in a Booking Record
- Booking Timeline: When Records Appear
- Inmate Not Showing? Five Real Reasons
- Bond & Bail: How to Get Someone Out
- Visitation: Pod Schedule, Dress Code, Rules
- Sending Money (Kiosk & ConnectNetwork)
- Mail & Messaging (Two Addresses)
- Phone Calls & Tablet Messages
- Warrants & Court Records
- VINELink Custody Alerts
- All Official Phone Numbers
- Jail Location & Map
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Official Galveston County Jail Roster Search
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office publishes its entire current inmate roster online through the Police to Citizen (P2C) portal. This is the only authoritative, real-time source — every third-party “Galveston jail lookup” site scrapes this same database on a delay.
The live portal lives at p2c.galvestoncountytx.gov/jailinmates.aspx. It is free, requires no account, and contains everyone currently booked into the Galveston County Jail at 5700 Avenue H, including detainees held for other jurisdictions, U.S. Marshals transfers, and Galveston Police Department bookings.
Step-by-Step: Run a P2C Inmate Search
Open the official P2C portal
Navigate to p2c.galvestoncountytx.gov/jailinmates.aspx. Bookmark this exact URL — search engines rank third-party scrapers higher, but only this domain is official.
Pick your search criteria
The form accepts Last Name, First Name, or Booking Number. Name is the most common method. If you have the booking number from a family member’s free phone call, use that for a single-record exact match.
Enter the legal last name
Use the name as it appeared on the person’s state-issued ID at arrest. Avoid nicknames. Hispanic surnames with hyphens or accents can cause mismatches — try both spellings.
Review the results list
You’ll see a table of all matching current inmates with booking photo thumbnail, name, race/sex, booking date, and primary charge. Click the name to open the full record.
Read the full booking record
The detail page shows every charge with statute, bond amount per charge, total bond, arresting agency (Galveston PD, Texas City PD, GCSO, etc.), housing pod assignment, and scheduled court date with court name.
Save or screenshot the page
Records update throughout the day — charges get added, bond gets reduced, inmates get released. Screenshot immediately if you’re discussing bond with a bondsman or attorney.
What You’ll See in a Galveston County Booking Record
A complete P2C inmate record shows the following data fields, which are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552).
Field | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
Booking Photo | Mugshot taken during intake processing at 5700 Avenue H |
Full Legal Name | Name as recorded on state ID at booking |
Booking Number / SPN | Unique Galveston County ID for this incarceration event |
Date of Birth | Used to distinguish same-name records |
Race / Sex / Height / Weight | Physical descriptors from intake |
Booking Date & Time | Exact timestamp of completed intake |
Arresting Agency | GCSO, Galveston PD, Texas City PD, League City PD, etc. |
Charges | Each offense with Texas statute, degree, and bond amount |
Total Bond | Sum of all individual bond amounts |
Court Date | Next scheduled appearance and court name |
Housing Location | Pod letter (B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, M) — drives visitation days |
Status | In Custody, Released, Transferred, Bonded Out |
Booking Timeline — When a New Arrest Actually Appears Online
The Sheriff’s Office publishes its own booking process on the Corrections page. Here’s what actually happens between arrest and P2C record, in the order it occurs at 5700 Avenue H.
Arrival & paperwork check (10–60 min)
The arresting officer delivers the person with charging paperwork. Staff check completeness. Missing or error-filled paperwork bumps the person to the back of the booking queue, which can add hours on busy nights.
Booking queue wait (1–8 hours)
Each detainee is processed one at a time in queue order. Weekend nights (especially Friday and Saturday after Galveston nightlife closes) build long queues that can push wait times past 8 hours.
Intake interview (30–60 min)
Extensive questionnaire, mugshot, fingerprints (Livescan). Non-compliant detainees get moved to the back of the queue again.
Two free 2-minute phone calls
After booking completes, the jail allows each new inmate two free 2-minute phone calls — to arrange bond, notify family, or reach an attorney. This is the fastest way you’ll get direct information from a newly booked person.
P2C database publication
Once booking is complete and the record is committed, the inmate appears on the P2C portal — usually within 15–60 minutes of completed booking.
Not Showing on the Roster? Five Real Reasons
You’ve searched correctly and got zero results. Before assuming the record doesn’t exist, check these five scenarios in order.
Booking isn’t complete yet
If the arrest was within the last 6 hours (or up to 36 hours on a weekend), the intake queue may still be processing them. Call (409) 766-2315 with a full name and date of birth — intake staff can confirm whether the person is in the booking queue.
They were released on a field citation
For certain Class C misdemeanors and some Class B offenses, Galveston County uses cite and release — the officer issues a court summons and the person is never physically booked. There will be a citation but no jail record.
They bonded out quickly
Personal recognizance (PR) bonds and pre-set bail schedules allow release in under an hour for minor offenses. A quick release means the record may have already moved from Current Inmates to the Recent Arrests log.
Wrong jurisdiction
If the arrest happened in Harris County, Brazoria County, or Chambers County for an offense committed there, they’ll be booked into that county’s jail — not Galveston. Also, federal charges (ICE, DEA, FBI, BOP) go to federal detention, not Galveston County.
Transferred to TDCJ or another facility
Convicted inmates sentenced to more than 2 years transfer to TDCJ, sometimes within 30–90 days of sentencing. Check the TDCJ Offender Search. Federal prisoners held temporarily for the U.S. Marshals may also be moved.
Bond & Bail: How to Actually Get Someone Out
Bond is set by a magistrate during the initial appearance, which happens after intake (sometimes via video from the jail). Bond amount is listed on the P2C record for each charge. Here are every legal pathway to release.
1. Cash Bond (Full Amount, Refundable)
Pay 100% of the bond amount directly to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office. The full amount is refunded (minus court costs) at case disposition if the defendant appears for all court dates. Paid at the jail lobby or at the Galveston County Justice Center.
2. Surety Bond via Licensed Bondsman
You pay a licensed Galveston County bail bondsman a non-refundable fee (typically 10% of the bond). The bondsman posts a surety guaranteeing the full amount. If the defendant skips court, the bondsman is on the hook — and they will hire a bounty hunter. Bondsmen advertise heavily around 601 54th Street and online.
3. Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond
For low-level offenses and first-time arrestees with strong community ties, the magistrate may issue a PR bond — no money required, the defendant signs a promise to appear. Galveston County also has a Pretrial Services program that may recommend PR.
4. Cash / Property Bond (Court-Ordered)
In some felony cases a court orders a mixed cash-property bond. Real estate or cash assets are pledged as collateral. Requires attorney assistance for paperwork.
Visitation: Pod Schedule, Dress Code & Rules
The Galveston County Jail runs a strict pod-based visitation system. Your inmate’s assigned pod — visible on the P2C record — determines which days you can visit. Miss the window and you wait until next week.
Official Visitation Schedule by Pod
Pods B, D, E, I, K
Pods C, F, G, H, M
Core Visitation Rules
- 1 visit per day per inmate · 2 visits per week per inmate
- 2 visitors per visit (plus 1 child accompanied by an adult)
- A visitor can only visit one inmate per day — no inmate-swapping
- All visitors age 16+ must show valid government photo ID
- Children may not be left unattended in the lobby
- Visits are monitored (video and audio)
- Extended visits available for travelers over 240 miles away (once every 3 months, advance request required)
- Extended visits also granted for emergency circumstances (death in immediate family)
Official Dress Code (Enforced at the Front Lobby)
The Sheriff’s Office dress code is published on the official Corrections page. Jail administration has final say on appropriate attire.
- Shorts and skirts: no shorter than 3 inches above the middle of the knee while standing
- All shirts must cover shoulders — dresses included
- No exposed midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, or large skin areas
- No sheer or see-through fabrics
- No offensive or profane images or language on clothing
- Reasonable, conservative attire only
How to Get on the Approved Visitor List
The inmate submits your name
The inmate fills out a Visitor Application from inside the jail, listing approved adults.
Jail administration reviews
Staff verify the relationship and run a basic check. Visitors who have been previously banned will be rejected.
Bring valid government ID to first visit
Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or permanent resident card. Expired IDs will get you turned away at the door.
Sending Money to a Galveston County Jail Inmate
Inmate commissary accounts at the Galveston County Jail are managed through GTL ConnectNetwork (also branded GettingOut). You have multiple funding options, each with different fees and speeds.
Option 1: Lobby Kiosk (Fastest — 24/7 Access)
Location: Galveston County Jail front lobby, 5700 Avenue H, Galveston, TX 77551 — entrance on Avenue H between 54th Street and 59th Street
Accepts: Cash ($5, $10, $20, $50, $100 bills — no $1 bills) and credit/debit cards
Fees: Approximately $1.50 per cash transaction · approximately 10% fee on credit/debit transactions
Speed: Funds post to inmate account immediately
Access: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Option 2: ConnectNetwork Online (Credit/Debit Card)
Deposit to commissary or phone account at web.connectnetwork.com. Select Galveston County Jail, enter the inmate’s booking number, and fund with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Funds post immediately. Fees vary by deposit size (typically $2.95 – $11.95).
Option 3: ConnectNetwork by Phone
Call 1-888-988-4768 and use Site ID 123 for Galveston County Jail. Card deposit, immediate posting.
Option 4: Retail Cash Deposits
ConnectNetwork cash deposits are available at 26,000+ retail locations nationwide including Walmart, Kroger, ACE Cash Express, and Kmart. Useful if you’re out of state or don’t have a card.
Option 5: Money Order by Mail (Slowest)
For phone/AdvancePay deposits only, mail a money order made out to AdvancePay:
AdvancePay Service Department
P.O. Box 911722
Denver, CO 80291-1722
Include the inmate’s full name and booking number on the money order. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
Inmate Mail: Two Different Addresses
Galveston County Jail uses a dual-address mail system — one address for personal correspondence (handled by a third-party digital mail processor) and a separate one for legal mail and approved publisher materials.
Personal Mail (Letters, Cards, Photos)
Inmate’s Full Name & Booking Number
Galveston County Jail-TX
PO Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
This is a digital mail processing center. Letters are scanned and delivered electronically to the inmate’s tablet or printed for delivery.
Legal Mail & Approved Publisher Subscriptions
Inmate’s Full Name & Booking Number
Galveston County Jail
5700 Avenue H
Galveston, TX 77551
Send attorney correspondence, court documents, and publisher-direct books/magazines directly to the facility.
Phone Calls, Video Visits & Tablet Messaging
All communications at Galveston County Jail run through GTL ConnectNetwork (GettingOut), the jail’s official vendor for phone, video, and messaging services.
Phone Calls (Outbound Only)
Inmates can only make outbound calls — you cannot call into the jail and be connected to an inmate. Two call options exist:
- Collect calls — you accept charges on your landline (most cell phones cannot accept collect calls)
- Pre-paid phone cards — the inmate’s commissary funds purchase cards; these allow calls to cell phones including internationally
- Maximum call duration: 15 minutes
- Three-way call attempts are auto-detected and terminated
- Accidentally touching the dial pad mid-call also terminates the call
To set up a pre-paid calling account, call (888) 949-3303 or register at web.connectnetwork.com.
Video Visits (Remote)
Remote video visits are available through GTL GettingOut for inmates at Galveston County Jail. Visits typically cost $10–20 for 20–30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance through your ConnectNetwork account. You need a computer or smartphone with camera and stable internet.
Messaging & Photos
GTL GettingOut also supports text messaging and photo sending between you and the inmate. Register at ConnectNetwork, select Galveston County Jail, add the inmate to your contact list, and fund with a credit or debit card. Messages are reviewed by facility staff before delivery.
Checking Galveston County Warrants & Court Cases
Active warrants in Galveston County can be searched across multiple official systems. Each covers a different court level.
Sheriff’s Office Wanted List
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office P2C portal has a Wanted Persons tab at p2c.galvestoncountytx.gov. This covers felony warrants issued countywide.
District Clerk case search
For district court (felony) and county court (misdemeanor) cases, search the Galveston County District Clerk at galvestoncountytx.gov/our-county/district-clerk. Cases show charges, hearing dates, and dispositions.
Texas Judicial Branch portal
For appellate and statewide case records, use txcourts.gov/online-services.
Texas DPS Criminal History
Certified statewide criminal history search at records.txdps.state.tx.us. Name-based searches cost $3.15; fingerprint-based are more thorough but require a DPS appointment.
Justice of the Peace courts
Class C misdemeanor warrants (traffic, minor offenses) are issued by JP courts, which run their own systems. Galveston County has 4 JP precincts — search each one for minor warrants that won’t show in major databases.
VINELink: Free Release & Transfer Alerts
VINELink is a free, nationwide victim and family notification service. Sign up once and you’ll get automatic text, email, or phone alerts the moment an inmate’s custody status changes at Galveston County Jail — including release, bond posted, transfer, or escape.
Go to the Texas VINE portal
Open vinelink.vineapps.com/search/TX. Select Texas as your state.
Search for the inmate
Search by name or booking number. Select the correct person from results.
Register for notifications
Enter your phone number or email. Pick alert type (text, voice call, or email). Confirm your contact info.
Test the PIN
VINE may require a 4-digit PIN to confirm release notifications — set one that you’ll remember. The system will prompt for it when an alert fires.
Official Galveston County Phone Numbers & Addresses
Key Addresses
Facility | Address |
|---|---|
Galveston County Jail | 5700 Avenue H, Galveston, TX 77551 |
Sheriff’s Office HQ | 601 54th Street, Galveston, TX 77551 |
Galveston County Admin Bldg | 722 Moody Avenue, Galveston, TX 77550 |
Jail Employment | Jail Lobby, 5700 Avenue H, Room 619, Galveston, TX 77551 |
Personal Mail | Galveston County Jail-TX, PO Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131 |
Commissary Money Order | AdvancePay Service Dept, PO Box 911722, Denver, CO 80291-1722 |
Galveston County Jail Location & Driving Directions
The jail sits on Galveston Island’s west end at 5700 Avenue H, between 54th Street and 59th Street. The entrance is on Avenue H. Coming from I-45 South, take the Harborside Drive exit and follow signs to Avenue H.
Other Law Enforcement in Galveston County
Galveston County has several municipal police departments that also book arrestees into the County Jail. If someone was arrested in any of these cities, they will still appear on the P2C roster at 5700 Avenue H after booking.
City of Galveston — 601 54th Street. Handles arrests within city limits.
galvestontx.gov/police →Largest city in Galveston County — patrols League City neighborhoods.
leaguecitytx.gov/police →Serves Texas City — industrial corridor & La Marque.
texascitytx.gov/police →Serves the Friendswood community in north Galveston County.
friendswood.com/police →Dickinson PD handles local arrests, books into County Jail.
ci.dickinson.tx.us →La Marque PD serves the La Marque community.
cityoflamarque.org →Official Galveston County & Texas Resources
Live Galveston County Jail roster — official Sheriff’s Office.
p2c.galvestoncountytx.gov →Corrections policies, dress code, visitation rules.
sheriff.galvestoncountytx.gov →Main county portal — departments, courts, services.
galvestoncountytx.gov →Statewide court records and appellate case search.
txcourts.gov/online-services →Official statewide criminal history search.
records.txdps.state.tx.us →Free custody status alerts — text, email, phone.
vinelink.vineapps.com/TX →Locate convicted inmates transferred to state prison.
inmate.tdcj.texas.gov →Federal inmate locator — separate from state/county.
bop.gov/inmateloc →Commissary deposits, phone accounts, messaging.
connectnetwork.com →Alternative deposit option and messaging support.
securustech.net →District court case records and filings.
District Clerk →Misdemeanor and county court case lookup.
County Courts →Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the official Galveston County jail roster?
The official roster is the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Police to Citizen (P2C) portal at p2c.galvestoncountytx.gov/jailinmates.aspx. It lists every inmate currently booked into the jail at 5700 Avenue H, Galveston, TX 77551, with photos, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. It updates throughout the day automatically. Third-party sites republish this same data on a delay.
How long does it take for a new arrest to show on the Galveston County roster?
Typically 6 to 36 hours from arrest to P2C visibility. Weekday daytime arrests usually appear within 6 hours. Friday and Saturday night arrests can take the full 36 hours because the intake queue runs longer during peak booking periods. If you cannot find someone within that window, call the jail directly at (409) 766-2315 — the line is staffed 24/7.
What is the phone number for Galveston County Jail?
The main jail line is (409) 766-2315, staffed 24 hours a day for inmate status verification and booking questions. A secondary line is (409) 766-2263 for visitation and general inquiries. The Sheriff’s Office administrative line during business hours is (409) 766-2300, located at 601 54th Street (not the jail address).
What is the address of Galveston County Jail?
The Galveston County Jail is located at 5700 Avenue H, Galveston, TX 77551. The entrance is on Avenue H between 54th Street and 59th Street. The facility has a bed capacity of 1,187 and is operated by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Henry A. Trochesset. The lobby has a 24-hour deposit kiosk for commissary funds.
Can I search the Galveston jail roster by booking number?
Yes. The P2C portal accepts search by Last Name, First Name, or Booking Number (sometimes called SPN). If you received a free 2-minute phone call from a newly booked inmate, ask them for their booking number — it gives you a single-record exact match, faster than name search especially for common names.
How do I send money to a Galveston County Jail inmate?
You have five options: (1) the 24/7 lobby kiosk at 5700 Avenue H, which accepts cash ($5 and larger bills, no $1 bills) and credit/debit cards, (2) ConnectNetwork online at web.connectnetwork.com, (3) ConnectNetwork by phone at 1-888-988-4768 using Site ID 123, (4) retail cash deposits at Walmart, Kroger, ACE Cash Express, or Kmart, or (5) money order by mail to AdvancePay Service Department, PO Box 911722, Denver, CO 80291-1722. Never mail cash or personal checks — they will be rejected.
What are the Galveston County Jail visitation days?
Visitation days depend on the inmate’s assigned pod. Pods B, D, E, I, and K visit on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning. Pods C, F, G, H, and M visit on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday. Each inmate is limited to 1 visit per day, 2 visits per week, with 2 visitors per visit plus 1 child. Check the P2C record to see which pod the inmate is in before driving out.
What is the dress code for Galveston County Jail visitation?
Per the Sheriff’s Office official dress code: shorts and skirts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the middle of the knee while standing; all shirts must cover the shoulders including dresses; no exposed midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, or large skin areas; no sheer or see-through fabrics; no offensive or profane images or language on clothing. Jail administration has final say — bring a backup outfit in the car if in doubt.
Can I bring my cell phone into Galveston County Jail visitation?
No. Cell phones cannot be brought into the visitation area. Leave yours in your vehicle. Recording audio, recording video, or taking photographs during a visit results in a permanent ban from Galveston County Jail visitation. Visits are monitored.
How do I schedule a video visit with a Galveston County Jail inmate?
Video visits are arranged through GTL GettingOut (ConnectNetwork). Register an account at web.connectnetwork.com, select Galveston County Jail, add the inmate to your contacts, fund with a credit or debit card, and schedule a session. Video visits typically cost $10 to $20 for 20 to 30 minutes and must be booked in advance. You need a computer or smartphone with camera and stable internet.
Where do I mail a letter to a Galveston County Jail inmate?
Galveston County Jail uses two different mailing addresses. Personal mail (letters, cards, photos) goes to the digital processing center: Inmate’s Full Name and Booking Number, Galveston County Jail-TX, PO Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131. Legal mail and approved publisher books/subscriptions go directly to the facility: Inmate’s Full Name and Booking Number, Galveston County Jail, 5700 Avenue H, Galveston, TX 77551.
How do I post bond for someone at Galveston County Jail?
You have four options: (1) cash bond — pay 100% of the bond amount to the jail or Justice Center (refundable after case disposition), (2) surety bond through a licensed Galveston County bail bondsman for a non-refundable fee of typically 10% of the bond, (3) personal recognizance (PR) bond if the magistrate grants it for low-level offenses, or (4) cash/property bond with collateral (requires attorney help). After bond is posted, expect 2 to 8 hours for release processing — sign up for VINELink to get a text the moment release completes.
Can I check Galveston County arrest warrants online for free?
Yes. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office P2C portal has a Wanted Persons tab at p2c.galvestoncountytx.gov for countywide felony warrants. For court-specific cases, check the Galveston County District Clerk and County Court case search. For Class C misdemeanor warrants (traffic, minor offenses), you must check each of the four Justice of the Peace precincts separately since JP warrants don’t always appear in centralized databases. The Texas DPS Criminal History name search is also available for $3.15 at records.txdps.state.tx.us.
What if my inmate gets transferred from Galveston to TDCJ?
Inmates sentenced to more than 2 years transfer from Galveston County Jail to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), typically within 30 to 90 days of sentencing. Once transferred they will no longer appear on the P2C roster. Switch to the TDCJ Offender Search at inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/start.action using their name or 7-digit TDCJ number (assigned at intake to a TDCJ diagnostic unit).
Does Galveston County Jail have inmate mugshots online?
Yes. Booking photos are part of the public record in Texas and appear on the P2C portal next to each inmate’s record. Mugshots are visible as thumbnails in search results and full-size on the detail page. They remain viewable as long as the inmate is in custody. After release, the photo is no longer displayed on the active roster but may persist in the Recent Arrests log.
How do I get notified when an inmate is released from Galveston County?
Register for free at VINELink Texas at vinelink.vineapps.com/search/TX. Search for the inmate, enter your phone number or email, choose alert type (text, call, or email), and confirm. VINE will automatically notify you the moment custody status changes — release, transfer, or escape. It’s 24/7, free, and funded by federal Victims of Crime Act grants. Especially useful when bond posts late at night and you want to know before driving to pick someone up.
Can federal inmates be housed at Galveston County Jail?
Yes. Galveston County Jail houses U.S. Marshals Service holds and federal detainees temporarily under intergovernmental agreements. If you are looking for a federal inmate, they may appear on the P2C roster while held in Galveston, but after sentencing they transfer to the Federal Bureau of Prisons system. Search the federal locator at bop.gov/inmateloc for sentenced federal inmates.
Are Galveston County Jail records really free to access?
Yes. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records, booking information, and current jail rosters are public records available at no cost. The P2C portal charges nothing. Any third-party site that charges a fee for Galveston County jail lookup is reselling the same public data — always start with the official Sheriff’s Office portal first.
Last Updated: April 2026 · Next Review: July 2026 · Verified against: sheriff.galvestoncountytx.gov, p2c.galvestoncountytx.gov, galvestoncountytx.gov