Rochester-Metro-Area County Jail is the main correctional facility serving Monroe County, New York. It houses individuals arrested in Rochester and surrounding towns before trial or sentencing. The jail operates under the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and follows strict state and federal guidelines for inmate care, safety, and rights. This page provides accurate, up-to-date information on inmate lookup, visitation, mail rules, phone calls, medical services, and more. Whether you’re searching for a loved one, planning a visit, or need legal details, this resource delivers clear answers fast.
About Monroe County Correctional Facility
The Monroe County Correctional Facility is located in downtown Rochester at 1100 Highway 33 West, Rochester, NY 14608. It serves as the primary detention center for the Rochester metro area, including Brighton, Greece, Irondequoit, and other surrounding communities. The facility holds both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving short-term sentences of up to one year.
Managed by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the jail follows New York State Commission of Correction standards. These rules ensure humane treatment, proper medical care, access to legal resources, and safe living conditions. The facility includes housing units, medical clinics, visitation areas, and program spaces for education and rehabilitation.
As of 2024, the average daily population is around 600 inmates. The jail processes over 8,000 bookings annually. Staff includes correctional officers, medical professionals, administrative personnel, and support teams trained in crisis intervention and mental health response.
Inmate Search and Jail Roster Lookup
Finding someone in the Rochester-Metro-Area County Jail starts with an online inmate search. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office maintains a public jail roster updated daily. You can search by name, date of birth, or booking number.
To perform an inmate lookup, visit the official Monroe County Sheriff’s Office website and click “Inmate Lookup.” Enter the full name or partial name. Results show current inmates, booking dates, charges, housing location, and bail status. If no results appear, the person may have been released, transferred, or not yet processed.
For those without internet access, call the jail directly at (585) 753-4800. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody but may not disclose detailed information due to privacy laws. Always have the inmate’s full name and date of birth ready.
The jail roster includes mugshots for most inmates. These photos are taken during booking and become part of the public record. Mugshots help families identify loved ones and assist law enforcement in tracking individuals.
Visiting Hours and Rules at Rochester Jail
Visitation at the Rochester-Metro-Area County Jail is allowed seven days a week, but times vary by housing unit. General visiting hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Visitors must arrive 30 minutes early to complete registration. Each inmate is allowed two visitors per session. Sessions last 30 minutes. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
All visitors must present valid photo ID. Acceptable forms include driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID. No backpacks, bags, phones, or food are allowed. Dress code is strict: no revealing clothing, hats, or gang-related symbols.
Visitors with criminal records or pending charges may be denied entry. The Sheriff’s Office screens all visitors through a background check system. If denied, you’ll receive written notice with the reason.
Inmate Mail Guidelines and Communication
Inmates at the Rochester jail can send and receive mail. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband but not read unless there’s suspicion of illegal activity. Use the following format:
John Doe #123456
Monroe County Correctional Facility
1100 Highway 33 West
Rochester, NY 14608
Include the inmate’s full name and booking number. Send letters on plain white paper. No stickers, drawings, or colored ink. Photos must be 4×6 inches or smaller. Do not send cash, checks, or money orders through regular mail.
For sending money, use JPay or Western Union. Both services allow online deposits or in-person transactions. Funds appear in the inmate’s commissary account within 24 hours.
Inmates can make outgoing phone calls using a prepaid account or collect calls. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and monitored. Phone numbers must be approved in advance. To add a number, call (585) 753-4800 or use the JPay app.
Bail and Bond Information
Bail is set during arraignment, usually within 24 hours of arrest. The judge considers the crime severity, criminal history, and flight risk. Bail amounts vary widely—from $500 for minor offenses to $50,000 or more for felonies.
There are three types of bail in Monroe County:
- Cash Bail: Pay the full amount in cash or certified check.
- Surety Bond: Use a bail bondsman who charges 10% of the bail amount.
- Release on Recognizance (ROR): Released without payment based on trust and low risk.
To pay cash bail, go to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office during business hours. Payment must be exact. After the case ends, bail is refunded minus court fees.
Bail bondsmen are available 24/7. They post the full bail amount for a non-refundable fee. If the inmate misses court, the bondsman may hire a bounty hunter to locate them.
Inmate Services and Programs
The Rochester jail offers several programs to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending. These include:
- Educational Classes: GED preparation, adult basic education, and literacy courses.
- Substance Abuse Counseling: Group therapy and 12-step programs for drug and alcohol addiction.
- Mental Health Services: On-site therapists and psychiatrists provide evaluations and treatment.
- Vocational Training: Job readiness workshops and resume-building sessions.
Medical care is available 24/7. Nurses conduct daily rounds. Doctors visit weekly. Inmates can request medical attention through a written slip. Emergency care is provided immediately.
Legal access is protected. Inmates can request law libraries, meet with attorneys, and file grievances. The jail provides forms for civil rights complaints and habeas corpus petitions.
Commissary and Inmate Accounts
Each inmate has a commissary account to buy snacks, hygiene items, and stationery. Approved items include toothpaste, soap, stamps, and instant coffee. Prices are regulated by the Sheriff’s Office.
Families can deposit money via JPay, Western Union, or money order. Deposits must include the inmate’s name and booking number. Funds are available the next business day.
Commissary orders are placed once a week. Inmates receive a catalog with prices. Orders are delivered within 48 hours. Unused funds remain in the account until release.
Special dietary needs are accommodated. Inmates with medical conditions can request halal, kosher, or diabetic meals. Requests must be approved by medical staff.
Release Process and Information
When an inmate is released, they receive a discharge packet. This includes their ID, personal belongings, and any remaining commissary funds. Release times vary based on court orders, bail payment, or completion of sentence.
Most releases happen between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Late-night releases are rare. Families should call ahead to confirm timing. Transportation is not provided. Inmates must arrange their own ride.
If an inmate is transferred to state prison, the process takes 3–5 business days. The Department of Corrections handles long-term sentences. Families will be notified by mail.
Released inmates can request records of their stay. This includes medical logs, disciplinary reports, and visitation history. Submit a written request to the Sheriff’s Office Records Division.
Inmate Rights and Grievance Procedures
All inmates in the Rochester-Metro-Area County Jail have constitutional rights. These include:
- Right to medical care
- Right to legal representation
- Right to file grievances
- Right to religious practice
- Right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment
To file a grievance, inmates use Form DC-136. They describe the issue, date, and desired outcome. Forms are placed in sealed boxes. Responses are given within 14 days.
If unresolved, grievances can be escalated to the New York State Commission of Correction. Complaints about abuse or neglect are investigated immediately.
Inmates can also contact the Monroe County Human Rights Commission or the New York Civil Liberties Union for advocacy support.
Contact Information and Location
For questions about the Rochester-Metro-Area County Jail, use the following contact details:
- Address: 1100 Highway 33 West, Rochester, NY 14608
- Phone: (585) 753-4800
- Website: www.monroecounty.gov/sheriff
- Visiting Hours: Mon–Fri 8–10 AM & 6–8 PM; Sat–Sun 8–10 AM & 1–3 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Rochester-Metro-Area County Jail are answered below. These cover inmate lookup, visitation, mail, bail, and rights. For urgent issues, call the jail directly.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in Rochester NY?
Use the online inmate search tool on the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. The system shows current inmates, charges, and housing location. If not listed, they may have been released or transferred. You can also call (585) 753-4800 for verbal confirmation. Have the inmate’s name and date of birth ready. The roster updates every 24 hours. Mugshots are included for most entries. This service is free and available 24/7.
What are the visiting rules at Monroe County Jail?
Visitors must bring valid photo ID and arrive 30 minutes early. Only two visitors per inmate per session. Sessions last 30 minutes. No phones, bags, or food allowed. Dress modestly—no hats, shorts, or gang symbols. Children under 17 need an adult. Visiting hours are Mon–Fri 8–10 AM and 6–8 PM; weekends 8–10 AM and 1–3 PM. Background checks are done on all visitors. Those with felony records may be denied. Pre-registration is not required, but lines can be long on weekends.
How do I send money to an inmate in Rochester jail?
Use JPay or Western Union to deposit funds. Go online or visit a location. Enter the inmate’s name and booking number. Deposits post within 24 hours. Minimum deposit is $5. Maximum is $200 per transaction. Fees apply—$2.95 for JPay, $5.95 for Western Union. Money goes into the commissary account. Inmates use it to buy snacks, soap, and stamps. Cash or personal checks cannot be sent through mail. Only money orders with proper labeling are accepted.
Can inmates make phone calls from Monroe County Jail?
Yes, inmates can make outgoing calls using prepaid accounts or collect calls. Calls last 15 minutes and are monitored. Numbers must be approved first. Add numbers through JPay or by calling the jail. International calls are not allowed. Inmates cannot receive calls. Phones are available in housing units during designated times. Rates vary by provider. Families can set up accounts online to receive calls. All conversations may be recorded and reviewed.
What medical services are available to inmates?
Medical care is provided 24/7 by licensed nurses and weekly by doctors. Inmates can request care through written slips. Emergency treatment is immediate. Chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma are managed with regular medication. Mental health services include counseling and psychiatric evaluations. Dental care is available for emergencies. Prescriptions are filled on-site. Inmates with disabilities receive accommodations. Medical records are confidential and shared only with authorized staff.
How is bail set and paid in Monroe County?
Bail is set at arraignment by a judge. Factors include crime type, criminal history, and community ties. Amounts range from $500 to $50,000+. Payment options are cash bail, surety bond, or ROR. Cash bail must be paid in full at the Sheriff’s Office. Bondsman fees are 10% and non-refundable. ROR releases require no payment. Bail is refunded after case closure minus fees. Late payments delay release. Contact the court clerk for exact amounts.
What programs help inmates prepare for life after jail?
The jail offers GED classes, job training, and substance abuse counseling. Mental health therapy is available weekly. Vocational workshops teach resume writing and interview skills. Religious services are held for all faiths. Inmates can earn certificates in food safety or computer basics. These programs reduce recidivism and support reentry. Participation is voluntary but encouraged. Completion may affect parole decisions. Families can request program info by calling the jail.