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Click the question to expose the answer.

• Where is the Sheriff's Office and Jail located?

  • The Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Office is located at 417 Cumberland Street in downtown Bristol, Virginia.  (see interactive map)

   

• I am having a problem with your website?

  • Many of the documents you will find on our website are PDF (Portable Document Format) files  which will require an installation of Adobe Acrobat Reader plug in on your computer.  You can download a free copy from: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html  If you may be experiencing other problems or to report any issue, broken links or comments regarding our site, please contact us at webmaster@bvso.net

   

• How do I apply for employment?

  • Applicants interested in applying for employment at the Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Office may apply at the Virginia Employment Commission.

• How to make a complaint? 

  • See Report a Complaint if you wish to make a complaint about the actions of a deputy or about any aspect of our operations.

   

• How to commend an employee?

  • See Report a Commendation if you wish to  commend the actions of a deputy or about any aspect of our operations.

   

• How do I post bond for an inmate?

  • See methods of posting bond.

• Are inmates allowed to receive visits?

  • Subject to particular hours and regulations most inmates are permitted visitation.

   

• Are inmates allowed to use the telephone?

  • Subject to particular regulations most inmates have telephone privileges.

• I have a question regarding inmate telephone billing or a problem accepting calls from an inmate?

  • Call (800) 844-6591 or follow the following link to Correctional Billing Services:

  • If problem is not resolved, call the Sheriffs Office at (276) 645-7430.

   

• What is the Virginia VINE system and how do I register?

  • The Virginia VINE system is a service through which victims of crime can use the telephone or internet to search for information regarding the custody status of their offender and to register to receive telephone and email notification when the offender's custody status changes. The VINE toll-free number for the Virginia VINE system is (800) 467-4943. The service is provided to assist victims of crime who have a right to know about their offender's custody status.

   

• What is the Victim Request for Notification of Criminal Alien Status program and where do I register?

  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) administers a Victim Notification Program which allows eligible victims and witnesses to obtain reliable and timely information regarding a criminal alien's release from custody. Eligible victims or witnesses can visit the ICE form link to register for the service.

   

• What is the policy and mailing address for  inmate correspondence?

  • All incoming mail must contain the following recipient address:

     

    First and Last Name

    C/O Bristol Virginia Jail

    417 Cumberland Street

    Bristol, VA  24201

     

  • Mail must also contain a complete return address from the sender with the following:

     

    First and Last Name
    Street Address
    City, State  Zip Code

     

  • Inmate mail must comply with Jail Policy.

   

• What items can an inmate receive from the outside?

  • During the first seven (7) days of incarceration visitors may bring;  White T-Shirts, White Socks and White Underwear. Items must be new, unopened and in manufacturers packaging.  After this time,  items must be purchased from the jails commissary.

   

• What is the policy regulating inmate personal property and money?

  • Upon being committed to jail, an inmate is required to surrender all personal property to the jail staff.  Personal property is inventoried and a receipt is issued.  Signed authorization may then be given to release the property to a designated relative or friend.  A limited amount of personal property can be kept at the facility.

     

  • Any money in the inmates possession at time of arrest is also surrendered.  A receipt will be issued and the money will be held in trust by the facility.  An inmate may spend the money on jail canteen items, medical co-pays and so forth.  The amount spent and balance remaining is recorded with each transaction.  All money received after initial arrest must come through the mail.  No money will accepted at the jail.  Personal checks will not be accepted.  When money is received in the mail, it will be added to the inmates trust fund account and a receipt is given to the inmate.  An inmate may maintain a trust fund balance of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).  Exceptions apply to money in the inmates possession at time of arrest or for work release inmates.

     

  • Upon discharge from custody all remaining personal property and money is returned to the inmate.

   

• What is the difference between the Bristol Virginia Sheriffs Office and the Bristol Virginia Police Department?

  • The condensed answer is, both agencies are part of the local criminal justice system and authorized by Virginia Statutes with equal powers of arrest.  The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the Bristol City Jail, transporting of prisoners, providing security for the courts, and service of civil and criminal process.  The Police Department is accountable for acting in response to and investigating criminal incidents, citizen’s complaints, traffic incidents, etc.  They operate the 911-communication system and provide the cities emergency response team.  Although the primary duties do not overlap, either agency may be made available to the other for assistance.

   

• Why is it necessary for the Sheriff’s Office to build external relationships in the community?

  • See Community Relations Guide.

   

• How can I obtain a warrant?

  • See the history and responsibilities of a Virginia Magistrate.

   

• What is the hierarchy of Virginia's Court System?

  • See the organizational structure of the Virginia Judicial System.

   

• How do I request records from the Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Office?

  • The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees. To this end, the Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Office promotes transparency in government and is committed to openly conduct the public's business. Click here to learn more about the rights of requesters and the responsibilities of this agency under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

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