Bronx County Jail, officially known as the George R. Vierno Center (G.R.V.C.), is a key part of New York City’s Department of Correction system. It holds people waiting for trial or serving short sentences in the Bronx. This facility focuses on safety, basic care, and programs to help inmates return to society. Families, lawyers, and community members need clear, up-to-date facts about how the jail works, how to contact inmates, visitation rules, and available services. This page gives you everything you need in one place—no guesswork, no outdated info.
Official Name, Location, and Contact Details
The Bronx County Jail is located at 1–5 Bronx Borough Hall, Bronx, NY 10451. It is managed by the NYC Department of Correction, not the Bronx Sheriff’s Office. The main phone number is (718) 579-1000. For inmate lookup or general questions, call this number during business hours. The official website is nyc.gov/site/doc/about/bronx-county-jail.page. Always use this site for the latest updates on policies, schedules, and forms.
How to Find an Inmate in Bronx County Jail
You can search for someone in custody using the NYC Department of Correction’s online inmate lookup tool. Go to nyc.gov/site/doc/inmate-info/inmate-lookup.page. Enter the person’s full name or DOC number. The system shows current inmates only—not those released or transferred. Results include booking date, charges, bail amount, next court date, and housing location. If you don’t find a name, the person may be in another facility, recently booked, or under a different spelling. Double-check the name and try again. If still unsure, call (718) 579-1000.
What Information Appears in the Inmate Roster?
The roster lists people currently held at the Bronx County Jail. Each entry includes:
- Full legal name
- DOC identification number
- Date of birth
- Booking date and time
- Current charges
- Bail status and amount (if set)
- Next scheduled court appearance
- Housing unit (e.g., housing area or cell block)
This list updates daily. It does not show past inmates or those moved to state prisons.
Offline Ways to Check Inmate Status
If the website is down or you prefer not to use it, you can:
- Call the jail at (718) 579-1000 and ask for the Inmate Information Line.
- Visit the facility in person at 1–5 Bronx Borough Hall. Bring a photo ID.
- Check the public kiosk near the entrance, which displays basic inmate data.
Staff cannot give details over the phone without verifying your identity. Always have the inmate’s full name and date of birth ready.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visits happen Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You must schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance. Use the NYC DOC online portal or call (718) 579-1000. Walk-ins are not allowed. Each inmate gets one 30-minute visit per week. Up to two adults can visit at once. Children under 18 must be with an adult.
Dress Code and Allowed Items
Visitors must follow strict rules:
- No hats, sunglasses, or hoods inside the visiting area.
- No revealing clothes—no tank tops, short shorts, or mini-skirts.
- No clothing with gang symbols, violent images, or offensive words.
- No phones, bags, keys, or food allowed past security.
You’ll go through a metal detector and bag check. Failure to follow rules means you won’t be admitted.
Virtual Visits
The Bronx County Jail offers video visits through the provider Securus. Schedule these online at securustech.net. You’ll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and internet. Video calls last 20 minutes and cost extra. They count as your weekly visit. Technical issues are common—test your device beforehand.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
Inmates can receive funds for commissary, phone calls, and medical co-pays. You can send money three ways:
- Online: Use Access Corrections at accesscorrections.com. Create an account, enter the inmate’s DOC number, and pay with a debit or credit card.
- Kiosk: Use the machine in the jail lobby. Accepts cash, credit, or debit cards. Receipts are printed instantly.
- Money Order by Mail: Send a U.S. Postal Service money order to: NYC Department of Correction, Inmate Name & DOC#, PO Box 740732, Bronx, NY 10474. Do not send cash or personal checks.
Funds appear in the inmate’s account within 24 hours. There’s a small fee for online and kiosk deposits. Keep your receipt.
Phone Calls and Mail Rules
Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers only. Calls are monitored and limited to 15–20 minutes. Family must set up a prepaid account through Securus or JPay. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls.
Sending Mail
Mail must follow strict guidelines:
- Use plain white paper and standard envelopes.
- Write the inmate’s full name and DOC number clearly on the envelope.
- No stickers, drawings, or Polaroids—these are banned.
- Books and magazines must come directly from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other approved publishers.
- Address mail to: Inmate Name, DOC#, George R. Vierno Center, 1–5 Bronx Borough Hall, Bronx, NY 10451.
All mail is opened and checked for contraband. Expect delays of 3–5 days.
Commissary and What Inmates Can Buy
The commissary lets inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and small comforts. Orders are placed weekly. Delivery takes 1–2 days. Common items include:
- Chips, candy, and instant coffee
- Toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and shampoo
- Pens, paper, and envelopes
- Extra socks and undershirts (in approved colors)
Prices are higher than retail. Funds come from the inmate’s account. If the account is empty, no purchases can be made.
Healthcare and Mental Health Services
All new inmates get a medical screening within 24 hours. Doctors, nurses, and mental health staff work on-site. Services include:
- Treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma
- Prescription medication management
- Dental cleanings and emergency care
- Eye exams and basic glasses (limited supply)
- Counseling for depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Substance use support, including detox and therapy groups
Inmates request care by submitting a sick call slip. Serious cases are sent to Bellevue Hospital or another city facility.
Education and Job Training Programs
The Bronx County Jail offers programs to help inmates prepare for life after release. These include:
- GED classes to earn a high school equivalency diploma
- Adult basic education for reading and math
- Vocational training in barbering, food service, and building maintenance
- Anger management and parenting workshops
- Reentry planning with social workers
Classes are free but have limited spots. Inmates must apply and meet behavior requirements. Certificates help with job applications later.
Bail and Release Information
Bail is set by a judge during arraignment. If bail is granted, you can post it at the jail or through a bondsman. To pay:
- Call the Booking Office at (718) 590-2000 to confirm the amount.
- Pay in cash, credit card, or via a bail bond agent.
- Bring ID and proof of income if using a bondsman.
Once bail is posted, the inmate is released after processing—usually within 2–6 hours. If bail isn’t paid, the person stays in jail until their next court date.
Safety, Security, and Facility Conditions
The George R. Vierno Center uses modern security to protect everyone. Features include:
- 24/7 video surveillance in common areas
- Electronic wristbands to track inmate movement
- Regular staff training on de-escalation and emergency response
- Inmate classification by risk level (low, medium, high)
- Fire drills and medical emergency plans
Overcrowding has been a problem in the past, but recent reforms have reduced population levels. Cells hold 1–4 people. Meals are served three times a day. Showers are available daily. Laundry is done weekly.
Legal Rights and How to Get Help
Inmates have the right to:
- See a lawyer
- File grievances about treatment or conditions
- Access medical and mental health care
- Receive mail and make phone calls
- Practice their religion
If rights are violated, inmates can submit a complaint form to the DOC Office of Constituent Services. Families can also contact the Legal Aid Society or Bronx Defenders for free legal help.
Recent News and Reform Efforts
In 2023, the NYC Department of Correction launched new initiatives to improve conditions at the Bronx County Jail. These include:
- More mental health counselors on staff
- Expanded GED and vocational programs
- Better oversight of use-of-force incidents
- Partnerships with community groups for reentry support
A federal monitor oversees compliance with court orders related to safety and care. Reports are published quarterly on the DOC website.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask specific questions about the Bronx County Jail. Below are clear, direct answers based on current policies and verified sources.
How do I know if someone was recently arrested in the Bronx?
Arrests in the Bronx go to the nearest precinct first. Within hours, the person is moved to the Bronx County Jail if they’re charged with a crime. Use the NYC DOC inmate lookup tool to check. If not listed, call the precinct where the arrest happened or the jail directly. Booking can take 4–12 hours, so wait before searching.
Can I visit on weekends or holidays?
No. Visits are only Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day are closed. Always check the DOC website for special closures. Virtual visits may also be canceled during system maintenance.
What happens if an inmate gets sick or injured?
Medical staff respond immediately to emergencies. Non-urgent issues require a sick call slip. Serious cases go to Bellevue Hospital. Families are notified only if the inmate consents or if it’s a life-threatening situation. Privacy laws limit what staff can share.
Are mugshots public record?
Yes. Mugshots taken during booking are public under New York law. You can request them from the NYC Department of Correction. Some websites republish them for profit. If charges are dismissed, you may petition to seal records—but mugshots often remain online unless removed by the publisher.
How long do people stay in the Bronx County Jail?
Most stay until their case ends or they’re transferred to state prison. If sentenced to less than a year, they may serve time here. Those with longer sentences go to state facilities like Sing Sing or Fishkill. Average stay is 30–90 days, but complex cases can take much longer.
Can inmates work while in jail?
Yes. Inmates can volunteer for jobs like cleaning, kitchen duty, or laundry. They earn small credits for commissary but no cash. Work assignments depend on behavior and security level. These roles teach responsibility and routine.
Is there a way to get legal help inside the jail?
Yes. The jail hosts weekly visits from Legal Aid Society and Bronx Defenders staff. Inmates can request meetings through their housing officer. Pro bono lawyers also assist with appeals and parole hearings. Family members can hire private attorneys at any time.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and current information, use these official sources:
Website: nyc.gov/site/doc/about/bronx-county-jail.page
Phone: (718) 579-1000
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (by appointment only)
Address: 1–5 Bronx Borough Hall, Bronx, NY 10451