Sheriff's Office

The purpose of this article is to help residents, businesses, and visitors understand how the Autauga County AL Sheriff’s Office protects the community and how to use its services effectively. Below you will find a comprehensive guide to daily operations, public-facing programs, court-related services, detention and inmate information, crime prevention options, and ways to stay informed. Each section explains what the Sheriff’s Office does, when to use each service, and how it fits into public safety across Autauga County.

Know the Agency: What the Autauga County AL Sheriff’s Office Does Every Day

The Autauga County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law-enforcement agency serving the unincorporated areas of the county as well as the Towns of Autaugaville and Billingsley, along with communities such as Pine Level, Marbury, Booth, White City, Jones, Evergreen, Kingston, Pentecost, Mulberry, and Independence. Deputies respond to thousands of calls for service each year, patrol neighborhoods and county roads, investigate crimes, keep the courts safe, transport inmates, handle mental health orders, and serve civil papers that keep the local justice system moving smoothly.

Protecting Where You Live, Work, and Travel

Autauga County spans roughly 604 square miles, with the Alabama River forming the southern border and neighboring counties on every side. The county’s mix of towns, rural communities, timberlands, and farms means deputies handle everything from neighborhood extra-patrol requests to off-road searches, riverbank rescue coordination, and courthouse details on any given day. That breadth of geography and responsibility informs the Sheriff’s Office staffing, training, and use of specialized units to ensure a consistent response countywide.

Core Duties That Keep the County Running

Deputies and professional staff shoulder a broad slate of responsibilities that impact daily life:

Emergency response and patrol. Uniformed deputies answer 911 calls, conduct proactive patrols, and coordinate with fire, EMS, and municipal police departments when incidents cross jurisdictions.

Court and courthouse security. Courtroom safety, prisoner movement, and daily courthouse operations rely on trained Sheriff’s Office personnel.

Civil process service. The agency serves subpoenas, writs, and other court papers in accordance with Alabama law and court deadlines.

Inmate transport and mental health orders. Deputies move inmates securely between facilities and courts and carry out judicial orders involving evaluations or treatment.

Investigations and public safety initiatives. Detectives and community-relations staff gather tips, analyze trends, conduct outreach, and share prevention guidance.

Use the Official Website to Get Services and Updates

The Sheriff’s Office maintains an official website where residents can learn about programs, find forms, and read agency updates. Explore the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office website for department overviews, public notices, program descriptions, and news releases that summarize recent cases and operations. You can also find the Sheriff’s message, sign-up options for alerts, and details about mobile app features designed to put essential information at your fingertips.
Visit the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office website for an agency-wide overview and current updates.

Tap Detention & Inmate Information the Right Way

Detention and custody information flows through both official Sheriff’s Office pages and county resources designed to aid families, victims, and attorneys.

Check Who Is in Custody

For quick public access to custody status, you can view the inmate roster maintained for local residents to find booking information, housing status, and release updates when available. This simple lookup helps you confirm whether someone is being held, and it can aid crime-victim safety planning, court preparation, and attorney scheduling.
Use search the current inmate roster to view publicly available custody information.

Understand Facility Operations at the Autauga Metro Jail

The county detention facility houses individuals awaiting trial, sentenced on local offenses, or in transit between courts. The jail’s policies outline visitation, inmate mail, property drop-off, and rules that protect staff and inmates. When you need authoritative details about procedures or temporary changes (for example, when renovations or maintenance affect visitation schedules), check the jail’s official pages and local notices.
Review the Autauga Metro Jail page for official guidance prepared by the Sheriff’s Office.

Learn Local Jail Basics Before You Go

If you’re planning a visit or need to understand how intake and release work, read site guidance before you arrive. That includes the process for depositing funds, acceptable property, and the best times to call for status updates. Residents who want an overview of detention in the county can also consult the county resource page with practical summaries and directions.
See Autauga Metro Jail details for a community-level explanation of facility logistics.

Navigate Court-Related Services With Confidence

Courthouse functions involve several Sheriff’s Office divisions that keep the judicial system orderly and secure.

Courthouse Security: What to Expect at the Door

Deputies assigned to courthouse security manage entry screening, courtroom presence, and daily prisoner movements. Expect to pass through a security checkpoint; weapons and prohibited items are not allowed. Arrive early for hearings to account for screening and docket calls. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with judges and clerks to respond to security needs while minimizing interruptions to court calendars.

Civil Process: Service That Meets Legal Standards

The Civil Process Division serves summonses, subpoenas, eviction notices, and other paperwork issued by the courts. Timely service, accurate returns, and careful adherence to Alabama procedural rules ensure cases move forward properly. If you are a plaintiff, attorney, or business needing service, prepare complete paperwork and correct addresses, and allow sufficient time for attempts before hearing dates.

Traffic Tickets, Warrants, and Bond Basics

Traffic tickets issued by deputies are handled in court on the date shown on your citation; fines are paid through the clerk’s office at the courthouse according to posted instructions.

Warrants can’t be verified by phone. If you believe a warrant exists, the Sheriff’s Office requires you to appear in person with valid identification for confirmation.

Bond information depends on the charges and court. Defendants or family members should verify bond amounts through the clerk’s office or the jail before arranging a surrender or posting surety.
For courthouse logistics and planning your visit, use Autauga County Courthouse for location information and practical tips. For clerk-specific procedures related to filings, payments, or bond documentation, consult Circuit Clerk information to prepare the paperwork you’ll need at the counter.

Obtain and Renew Concealed Carry / Pistol Permits

Alabama residents apply for and renew pistol permits through the Sheriff’s Office. Local practice provides renewals in one- to five-year increments, and in-person service is offered on weekdays during posted business hours. Bring a valid government photo ID, confirm acceptable forms of payment, and be prepared for any background validation required by state law. Active communication from the Sheriff’s Office helps applicants understand eligibility, renewal timing, and how to update addresses or replace lost permits. For a detailed description of procedures and answers to common questions, refer to Frequently Asked Questions before heading to the office.

Request Extra Patrol, Report a Crime, and Get Copies of Reports

The Sheriff’s Office supports residents who will be away from home with extra-patrol requests. Provide your travel dates, emergency contact, and any caretaker information so deputies can respond effectively if something changes on your property. When reporting crimes or incidents, use 911 for emergencies; for non-emergencies, contact dispatch so a deputy can be assigned or a phone report can be taken when appropriate. If you filed a report and need a copy, bring a valid ID to the Sheriff’s Office during administrative hours; only the person who made the report may obtain the copy, which protects privacy and the integrity of investigations.

Strengthen Community Safety Through Tips, Prevention, and Programs

Public safety is a partnership. The Sheriff’s Office offers mechanisms for anonymous tips, seasonal advisories, and initiatives tailored to vulnerable residents.

Share What You Know: Secret Witness and Crime Tips

The Secret Witness Hotline gives community members a direct path to share information about crimes, suspicious activity, and wanted individuals. Tips are invaluable for resolving investigations, recovering stolen property, and preventing further harm. When calling, provide concise facts: dates, times, locations, vehicle descriptions, and the names or nicknames of those involved if you know them. If you prefer written communication, use the email option found through the Sheriff’s Office website pages dedicated to Secret Witness submissions.

Use Prevention Guides That Actually Help

The Sheriff’s Office publishes crime-prevention advice and seasonal safety reminders (for example, holiday shopping, severe-weather readiness, school-year traffic patterns). Apply these steps consistently at home and work:

Lock vehicles and remove valuables from sight.
Photograph high-value items and record serial numbers.
Light entryways and use timers when you’re away.
Verify contractors and charities before sharing personal information.
Discuss family plans for storms, evacuations, and power outages.

Protect Loved Ones With Specialized Support

Programs such as Project Lifesaver connect trained deputies with families of at-risk individuals who may wander due to cognitive conditions. These initiatives shorten search times and reduce harm. If you’re caring for a loved one with special needs, contact the Sheriff’s Office to learn whether enrollment is suitable and what training or equipment is involved.

Learn About the Reserve Program and Community Relations

Community-facing units reinforce patrol and prevention with outreach, education, and volunteer service.

Community Relations Builds Trust

The Community Relations team speaks at schools, neighborhood meetings, and civic groups to explain current crime trends, identity-theft risks, and how to secure homes and small businesses. This ongoing communication keeps residents informed and helps deputies learn about concerns earlier, which can redirect patrol routes and enforcement priorities to the places they are most needed.

Reserve Program Extends Service Capacity

Under the Reserve Program, qualified volunteers supplement sworn personnel at community events, traffic details, and during major incidents that require additional trained hands for scene control or logistics. The program emphasizes rigorous training, clear standards, and supervision by sworn staff to ensure safety and professionalism.

Follow Official Updates: Press Releases, Alerts, and Sheriff’s Messages

Timely information from the Sheriff’s Office helps residents separate rumor from fact and understand what response is underway when incidents occur.

Press Releases summarize significant arrests, search operations, missing-person alerts, and public-safety advisories. They also cover unusual events such as prisoner transfers during facility maintenance. For recent agency news written for the public, read Press Releases.

Alerts deliver time-sensitive notices to your inbox or device. Enrollment options on official pages let you choose what to receive so you aren’t overwhelmed.

Message from the Sheriff provides leadership perspectives on operations, priorities, and how residents can help deputies do their jobs effectively while respecting civil liberties and due process.

Honor Sacrifice and Learn the Office’s Story

The Sheriff’s Office preserves the stories of fallen officers and the history of sheriffs who have served Autauga County since its early years. Understanding that history underscores why modern equipment, training, and community partnerships matter. The county’s roots trace to an 1818 territorial act—nearly a year before Alabama achieved statehood—and the Sheriff’s Office reflects that long continuity of local law and order. Historical pages and commemorations remind the community that public safety requires constant vigilance and shared responsibility.

Plan Your Visit: Hours, Location, and What to Bring

Administrative offices serve the public on weekdays during posted hours, with closures on state and federal holidays. Bring a valid photo ID for most in-person records requests or permit services. For court business, arrive early and dress appropriately; everything from belts to metal-soled shoes can trigger screening devices, and leaving prohibited items in your vehicle will keep the screening line moving. When dropping off medications for disposal at the Drug Drop Box, leave pills in original containers when possible and follow posted rules so staff can handle the materials safely.

Align Sheriff’s Services With the Justice System

The Sheriff’s Office works hand-in-hand with courts and the clerk’s office throughout the life of a case—service of process, arrest on warrant, booking and bond, court appearance, and sentence execution. Understanding who does what saves time:

Sheriff’s Office: law enforcement, jail custody, service of civil documents, courthouse security.

Clerk of Court: payment of fines and costs, docket management, filing of case documents, bond paperwork.

Courts/Judges: issue warrants and orders, set bond, conduct hearings, and sign final judgments.
To avoid delays, verify which office you need before you travel downtown. Many questions are answered on the Sheriff’s Office site, and clerk-specific requirements are explained on court pages.

Use the FAQ and Site Tools to Prepare

Well-maintained FAQs answer common questions about phone solicitations, extra patrols while you’re out of town, how to renew a pistol permit, obtaining copies of reports, and more. Reviewing official answers ahead of time makes your call or visit faster and ensures you bring the right IDs and documents. If you prefer self-service, navigation and accessibility tools on the site, including translation features, help you find content quickly. Start with Frequently Asked Questions and then move to the specific department page that handles your need.

Keep Youth Safe and Engaged

Educational outreach through school talks and the Kid’s Corner builds long-term safety habits—safe social media use, traffic awareness around buses, and how to recognize and report unsafe situations. Parents can reinforce these lessons by modeling seatbelt use, locking devices at night, and discussing how to contact a trusted adult or dial 911 in an emergency. Youth-oriented pages on the site show what deputies do and how children can help by sharing accurate information when something seems wrong.

When You Need County-Level Context

Courthouse visits, filings with the clerk, and jail visitation often intersect. For directions, parking tips, and building-specific procedures, county resource pages are helpful. If your matter centers on the courthouse or clerk’s counter, these pages can orient you before you arrive and reduce the chance of a second trip. See Autauga County Courthouse for logistics that affect hearing days and Circuit Clerk information for clerk processes tied to payments, filings, and warrants.

Understand How Public Messages Fit Together

Press releases provide narrative context—who was arrested, why a road was closed, or why the jail made a temporary change. Alerts provide rapid, bite-sized items that matter now. The Sheriff’s message explains priorities and recognizes teamwork with other agencies. When you combine these channels, you get a complete picture: fast safety information when something is unfolding, plus detailed explanations afterward. For a consolidated place to begin, start at the agency home page and navigate to the pages that match your situation. Visit the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office website for direct links to the services and updates mentioned across this guide.

Departments and Offices — Addresses and Phone Numbers

Autauga County Sheriff’s Office — Main Office
162 W. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • Phone: 334-361-2500 (24 hours)

Administration
162 W. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • Phone: 334-361-2500

Dispatch / Non-Emergency
Phone: 334-361-2500

Secret Witness Hotline
Phone: 334-361-2599

Concealed Carry / Pistol Permit Office
162 W. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • Phone: 334-361-2500

Civil Process Division
162 W. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • Phone: 334-361-2500

Courthouse Security
162 W. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • Phone: 334-361-2500

Community Relations
162 W. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • Phone: 334-361-2500

Reserve Program
162 W. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • Phone: 334-361-2500

Autauga Metro Jail
136 N. Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • Phone: 334-361-2600

Records / Reports (Public Counter)
162 W. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • Phone: 334-361-2500

Bond Information (Coordination via Jail/Clerk)
136 N. Court Street or courthouse as directed • Phone: 334-361-2600 (jail) / 334-361-2500 (Sheriff’s Office)

Autauga County Sheriff's Office FAQs

How do I look up who is in custody and learn jail procedures?

Use the official Inmate Roster to confirm current custody status. For rules on visitation, property, funds, mail, and other detention procedures, review Autauga Metro Jail. These pages provide the authoritative processes for intake, housing updates, and transfers.

What should I know about pistol permit renewals and options?

Pistol permits are administered locally with renewals available in one- to five-year increments. The Sheriff’s Office outlines eligibility, renewal timing, replacement of lost permits, and address updates on Concealed Carry/Pistol Permit. Follow the posted steps and bring acceptable identification and payment methods as described on the official page.

How can I share an anonymous tip or information about a case?

Community tips help resolve investigations and prevent crime. Submit information directly and confidentially through Secret Witness. Provide clear details—dates, locations, vehicle descriptions, and any known names—to aid investigators and improve follow-up.