South MS County Jail connects directly to the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) inmate search system. This portal lets you find current inmates by entering a full last name, first name, initial, or offender ID number. The system checks live custody records and shows housing unit, release date, parole hearings, classification level, admission date, and disciplinary actions. Real-time updates mean families and lawyers get accurate info fast. Filters for gender, custody level, or birth date help narrow results. You can also view sentencing transcripts and parole board decisions.
How to Search for an Inmate in South MS County Jail
To locate someone in South MS County Jail, use the MDOC online tool. Enter the inmate’s full last name, first name, first initial, or state ID number. Click SEARCH to see their current status. The results show where they are housed, sentence length, offense type, and next parole date. This system updates every day with transfers, releases, and rule violations. No phone call is needed. The search works on phones, tablets, and computers. It’s free and available 24/7. Keep the inmate’s full legal name ready for best results.
Search Tips for Best Results
- Use the full legal name if possible.
- Try different name formats if the first search fails.
- Have the offender ID number ready if known.
- Check spelling carefully—small errors cause no results.
- Use filters to sort by gender or birth year.
South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI): Location and Overview
The South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) is located at 22689 MS Highway 463 North in Leakesville, Greene County. It sits on 360 acres and opened in 1989. SMCI has 16 male housing units and holds about 3,200 inmates at full capacity. The campus includes a medical clinic, horticulture unit, recreation center with a basketball court and weight area, and an inmate services office. Programs include vocational training, substance abuse counseling, adult basic education, anger management, and GED prep. Inmates get mail at PO Box 1419, Leakesville, MS 39451. The roster updates daily.
SMCI Facility Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 22689 MS Highway 463 North, Leakesville, MS 39451 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 1419, Leakesville, MS 39451 |
| Phone | 601-394-5600 |
| Opened | 1989 |
| Capacity | 3,200 inmates |
| Housing Units | 16 male units |
| Programs | Vocational training, GED, counseling, recreation |
Official Inmate Search Tools for Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Corrections runs the main inmate search portal. You can find anyone in state custody by name or ID. The site shows current location, sentence details, and parole dates. It also links to court documents and hearing records. The search is fast and free. Use it to check status, plan visits, or prepare legal work. The system works with all county jails and state prisons. It is updated in real time.
How to Use the MDOC Inmate Search
- Go to the MDOC inmate search page.
- Type the inmate’s last name, first name, or ID number.
- Click SEARCH.
- Review the results for housing, sentence, and hearing info.
- Use filters to narrow down large result lists.
Visiting Rules and Schedules at South MS County Facilities
Visits at South MS County Jail and SMCI follow strict rules. Visitors must be on the approved list. ID is required for all adults. Visits happen on weekends and holidays. Times vary by housing unit. Call 601-394-5600 to confirm schedules. No phones, bags, or food are allowed. Dress codes apply—no shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothes. Children must be supervised. Late arrivals may be turned away. All visits are recorded.
Visitor Checklist
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage license)
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Follow dress code
- No electronic devices
- Check visiting hours by calling ahead
Mail Guidelines for Inmates
Inmates at SMCI receive mail at PO Box 1419, Leakesville, MS 39451. Write the full legal name and ID number on each letter. Use standard envelopes—no padded or cardboard mail. Include your return address. No stickers, drawings, or photos over 4×6 inches. No cash—use money orders only. All mail is opened and checked. Books must come from approved vendors. Packages are not accepted unless pre-approved for medical or religious needs.
What Not to Send
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes with glue issues
- Photos with nudity or gang signs
- Anything with hidden writing or codes
- Homemade items or crafts
Phone and Video Calls
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid accounts. Video calls are available through approved services. Families must set up an account online. Calls are monitored and limited to 15 minutes. Video visits require scheduling 48 hours in advance. No calls after 9 PM or before 7 AM. Misuse can lead to loss of calling rights. Fees apply for all calls. Payment is made by the caller, not the inmate.
Call Rules
- Only approved numbers can receive calls
- No three-way calling
- No recording devices allowed
- Calls may be disconnected for rule violations
- Language must be English or Spanish
Rehabilitation and Education Programs
SMCI offers many programs to help inmates prepare for life after release. Vocational training includes carpentry, welding, and auto repair. GED classes help inmates earn a high school diploma. Substance abuse counseling supports recovery. Anger management teaches better behavior. Horticulture units grow food for the kitchen and teach farming skills. Recreation includes sports and fitness. These programs reduce recidivism and improve safety.
Available Programs
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Vocational Training | Hands-on skills for jobs after release |
| GED Preparation | Free classes to earn a diploma |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | Group and individual therapy |
| Anger Management | Teaches control and communication |
| Horticulture | Grow vegetables and learn farming |
Medical and Mental Health Services
SMCI has a medical clinic staffed by nurses and doctors. Inmates get routine checkups, emergency care, and chronic disease management. Mental health services include counseling and medication. Requests for care are submitted in writing. Urgent issues are seen within 24 hours. All care follows state health standards. Privacy is protected under HIPAA. Families can request updates with inmate permission.
How to Request Medical Care
- Submit a written request to the medical office
- Include symptoms and urgency
- Wait for a response within 3 business days
- Follow up if no reply
- Emergency cases go directly to the clinic
Legal Rights and Resources
Inmates have the right to legal representation. Lawyers can visit during business hours. Court documents are provided upon request. Parole hearings are scheduled by the board. Inmates can appeal decisions. MDOC provides access to law libraries. Families can contact the inmate services office for help. All rights are posted in housing units.
Key Legal Rights
- Right to an attorney
- Right to file grievances
- Right to medical care
- Right to religious practice
- Right to send and receive mail
Recent Changes in Mississippi Jail Policy
In 2024, Mississippi passed SB 2495. This law increases payments to county jails that house state inmates. It aims to reduce overcrowding and improve conditions. The state now pays more per inmate per day. This helps counties upgrade facilities and staff. The law also supports better training for officers. These changes affect South MS County Jail operations.
Impact of SB 2495
- Higher daily rates for housing state inmates
- More funding for jail improvements
- Better officer training programs
- Improved safety and health standards
- Reduced wait times for transfers
Contact Information and Office Hours
The main office for SMCI is open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. The inmate services desk answers questions about visits, mail, and accounts. Call 601-394-5600 during business hours. After hours, leave a message. The MDOC headquarters is at 301 North Lamar Street, Jackson, MS 39201. They handle records, policy questions, and public requests.
Key Contacts
| Department | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Inmate Services | 601-394-5600 | Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM |
| MDOC Main Office | 601-359-8600 | Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM |
| Medical Clinic | 601-394-5600 ext. 2 | 24/7 on-call |
Frequently Asked Questions About South MS County Jail
People often ask how to find an inmate, send mail, or visit. The MDOC search tool is the fastest way to locate someone. Mail must go to PO Box 1419 with the full name and ID. Visits require ID and approval. Calls are limited and monitored. Programs help inmates prepare for release. Medical care is available. Legal rights are protected. Policies change, so check official sites for updates.
Common Questions
- How do I find out if someone is in jail?
- Can I send money to an inmate?
- What are the visiting hours?
- How do I get court documents?
- Can inmates use phones?
How to Send Money to an Inmate
Families can send money to inmates through official channels. Use money orders mailed to PO Box 1419. Include the inmate’s full name and ID. Online deposits are available through JPay or Access Corrections. Fees apply. Funds appear in 24 to 48 hours. Inmates can buy snacks, hygiene items, and stamps. No cash is allowed in mail. All transactions are recorded.
Money Transfer Options
- Money order by mail
- Online deposit via JPay
- Phone deposit with credit card
- Kiosk at the jail lobby
Understanding Inmate Classification Levels
Inmates are classified by risk level. Level 1 is low risk. Level 3 is high risk. Classification affects housing, work, and privileges. Factors include crime type, behavior, and health. Reviews happen every 6 months. Inmates can appeal their level. Lower levels mean more freedom and programs. Higher levels have stricter rules. Classification is shown in the MDOC search results.
Classification Levels
| Level | Risk | Privileges |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low | Work release, more visits |
| 2 | Medium | Limited work, standard visits |
| 3 | High | Restricted movement, fewer visits |
Parole and Release Information
Parole is decided by the Mississippi Parole Board. Inmates must serve part of their sentence first. They attend a hearing with evidence and testimony. The board reviews behavior, programs, and risk. Approval is not guaranteed. Release dates are listed in the MDOC search. Families can submit letters for the hearing. Appeals are possible if denied.
Parole Process Steps
- Eligibility check by MDOC
- Hearing scheduled
- Inmate and family prepare statements
- Board reviews and decides
- Notice sent to inmate and lawyer
Security and Safety Measures
SMCI uses cameras, patrols, and checks to keep everyone safe. Staff are trained in crisis response. Inmates are searched regularly. Contraband is not allowed. Alarms and lockdowns happen if needed. Visitors are screened. Safety drills occur monthly. The goal is to prevent violence and escapes. Rules are enforced fairly.
Security Features
- 24/7 surveillance
- Metal detectors at entrances
- Random cell inspections
- Staff training in de-escalation
- Emergency response teams
Related Facilities in Mississippi
Mississippi has many jails and prisons. Each serves different purposes. County jails hold short-term inmates. State prisons like SMCI hold long-term sentences. Federal facilities hold federal offenders. Use the MDOC search to find any inmate. Compare security levels and programs. This helps families choose the right resource.
Major Mississippi Facilities
- South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI)
- Mississippi State Penitentiary (Parchman)
- Central Mississippi Correctional Facility
- Wilkinson County Correctional Facility
Official Website and Resources
Mississippi Department of Corrections
301 North Lamar Street, Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: 601-359-8600
Visiting hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM
Website: www.mdoc.ms.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about South MS County Jail. Below are the most common ones with clear answers based on official rules and recent data. These help families, lawyers, and the public get accurate info fast.
How do I find out if someone is in South MS County Jail?
Use the MDOC inmate search tool online. Enter the person’s full name or ID number. The system shows if they are in custody, where they are housed, and their release date. The search is free and updated daily. You can also call the inmate services office at 601-394-5600. Have the full legal name ready. Avoid using nicknames. The search works best with exact spelling. If no results appear, try a different name format or check other facilities.
Can I visit an inmate at SMCI?
Yes, but you must be on the approved visitor list. Bring a valid photo ID. Visits are on weekends and holidays. Call 601-394-5600 to confirm times. Dress modestly—no shorts or tank tops. No phones, bags, or food allowed. Children must be supervised. All visits are recorded. Late arrivals may be turned away. Approval can take up to a week. Submit your request in writing to the inmate services office.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Mail goes to PO Box 1419, Leakesville, MS 39451. Write the inmate’s full legal name and ID number on the envelope. Include your return address. Use standard envelopes—no padded mail. No stickers, drawings, or large photos. No cash—send money orders only. All mail is opened and checked. Books must come from approved vendors. Packages are not accepted unless pre-approved for medical or religious needs.
How do I send money to an inmate?
Send a money order to PO Box 1419 with the inmate’s name and ID. Or use JPay or Access Corrections online. Fees apply. Funds appear in 24 to 48 hours. Inmates can buy snacks, hygiene items, and stamps. No cash is allowed in mail. All transactions are recorded. Keep your receipt. Call the inmate services office if funds do not appear.
What programs are available for inmates?
SMCI offers vocational training, GED classes, substance abuse counseling, anger management, and horticulture. These help inmates gain skills for life after release. Programs reduce rule violations and improve safety. Participation is voluntary but encouraged. Certificates are given upon completion. Some programs lead to jobs outside. Ask the inmate services office for a full list.
How do I request medical care for an inmate?
Inmates must submit a written request to the medical office. Include symptoms and urgency. Urgent cases are seen within 24 hours. Routine requests take 3 days. Families can call with permission. All care follows state health rules. Privacy is protected. Emergency care is always available. Follow up if no response.
How does parole work in Mississippi?
Parole is decided by the Mississippi Parole Board. Inmates must serve part of their sentence first. They attend a hearing with evidence and testimony. The board reviews behavior, programs, and risk. Approval is not guaranteed. Release dates are listed in the MDOC search. Families can submit letters. Appeals are possible if denied. The process takes months.