Sweetwater County Detention Center is a medium-security county jail located at 50140 Highway 191 South in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The facility serves as the primary holding center for individuals arrested in Sweetwater County, housing both pre-trial detainees and those serving short-term sentences. Built in 1998, the center operates under the authority of the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and maintains a maximum capacity of 250 inmates across 12 secure housing units. Each unit includes surveillance cameras, controlled-access doors, and 24-hour monitoring. The center is easily accessible from Interstate 80 via exit 99, followed by a 1.4-mile drive south on Highway 191. For GPS navigation, use coordinates 41.5892° N, 109.2105° W. The front desk operates 24 hours daily and can be reached at (307) 352-4911, while central booking inquiries should be directed to (307) 352-4935.
Location and Directions
Travelers heading to the Sweetwater County Detention Center should exit Interstate 80 at mile marker 99 and merge onto U.S. Highway 191 South. After approximately 1.4 miles, the facility appears on the right-hand side, directly opposite the former Rock Springs motel. The entrance is marked by a steel gate displaying the county sheriff’s emblem. For accurate GPS navigation, input the coordinates 41.5892° N, 109.2105° W. The center operates a 24-hour front desk; callers can reach central control at (307) 352-4911 for general inquiries or central booking at (307) 352-4935 for inmate status checks. The building was constructed in 1998 and houses a maximum of 250 detainees, serving both pre-trial and sentenced populations.
Facility Overview and Operations
The Sweetwater County Detention Center is a modern correctional facility designed to ensure safety, security, and humane treatment of inmates. Managed by the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, the center features 12 housing units equipped with advanced surveillance systems, controlled-access doors, and round-the-clock staffing. It accommodates individuals awaiting trial, those serving sentences of up to 12 months, and others transferred from state or federal facilities. In fiscal year 2023, the center processed 1,842 bookings and maintained an average daily population of 184 inmates. The facility includes a dedicated medical wing staffed by a licensed nurse and offers educational programs in partnership with Wyoming Community College, such as GED preparation, automotive repair, and horticulture training.
Inmate Roster and Public Access
The Sweetwater County Detention Center maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster updated every twelve hours by the Combined Communications Joint Powers Board. This online database displays names, booking numbers, charges, bond details, and housing assignments for all current detainees. As of October 2025, the roster listed 167 individuals, with offenses ranging from traffic violations to felony assaults. The roster excludes juvenile detainees, who are processed through a separate state system. Users can search the list by name, booking number, or charge type. The board updates the list hourly during business hours and nightly at 2:00 a.m. local time to ensure accuracy. This transparency supports public safety and assists families, attorneys, and law enforcement in tracking inmate status.
Booking Process and Intake Procedures
Upon arrival at the Sweetwater County Detention Center, individuals undergo a standardized booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographic mugshots, and a background check through the Wyoming Department of Corrections. Medical screenings are conducted by a contracted healthcare provider to assess immediate health needs. Inmates are then classified based on risk level, medical condition, and behavior history. The intake team assigns housing units accordingly and provides orientation on facility rules, visitation policies, and available services. All personal belongings are inventoried and stored securely. Inmates receive basic hygiene kits and uniforms upon admission. The entire process typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on staffing and case complexity.
Visitation Policies and Procedures
Visitation at the Sweetwater County Detention Center is permitted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID and be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. Applications must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. The facility also offers a drive-through visitation window for approved visitors, allowing brief face-to-face interaction without entering the building. All visitors are subject to search, and prohibited items include cell phones, weapons, and food. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Special accommodations may be made for legal counsel and medical personnel.
Inmate Commissary and Financial Services
Inmates at the Sweetwater County Detention Center can purchase personal items through a secure commissary system. Orders are placed via kiosks located in each housing unit, with funds deducted from the inmate’s personal account. Families can add money to these accounts online, by phone at (307) 352-4935, or by mailing a money order to the facility’s finance department. Commissary items include soap ($1.20), toothbrushes ($0.85), snack bars ($0.95), and limited clothing. All purchases are inspected before delivery to prevent contraband. Inmates receive a monthly spending limit based on behavior and classification level. Unused funds are returned upon release.
Mail and Package Guidelines
All mail sent to inmates must include the sender’s full name and return address in the upper left corner of the envelope. Letters and postcards are screened by the evidence control unit before delivery. Packages must be sealed and cannot contain contraband such as electronics, weapons, or perishable food. Approved items include books, magazines, and hygiene products purchased through authorized vendors. Inmates may receive up to two packages per month. Legal mail is processed separately and opened in the presence of the inmate. Undeliverable mail is returned to the sender or held for 30 days before disposal. The mailing address is: Inmate Name, 50140 Highway 191 South, Rock Springs, WY 82901.
Medical and Mental Health Services
The Sweetwater County Detention Center provides basic medical care through a licensed nurse who conducts daily rounds and responds to health emergencies. Inmates can request medical attention via kiosk or staff referral. Serious conditions are referred to local hospitals under guard. Mental health support is available through contracted counselors who conduct evaluations and crisis intervention. Prescription medications are administered under strict supervision. Inmates with chronic conditions receive ongoing care and dietary accommodations when necessary. All medical records are confidential and comply with HIPAA regulations. The facility also partners with community health organizations for substance abuse counseling and wellness programs.
Educational and Vocational Programs
The center offers educational and vocational training programs in collaboration with Wyoming Community College. Inmates can enroll in GED preparation courses, adult basic education, and life skills workshops. Vocational training includes automotive repair, horticulture, and basic construction skills. These programs aim to reduce recidivism by improving employability upon release. Classes are held in a dedicated learning center within the facility and are taught by certified instructors. Participation is voluntary and based on behavior and classification. Completion certificates are issued and may assist in parole decisions or job placement. The program served over 120 inmates in 2023.
Staffing and Administration
The Detention Section of the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office oversees daily operations, including intake, classification, and transportation. The section is staffed by 12 deputy clerks who work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For urgent matters outside regular hours, the after-hours line at (307) 352-4900 connects callers to the on-call shift supervisor. The Sheriff’s Office administrative headquarters are located at 50140B U.S. Highway 191 South, Suite 100, Rock Springs, WY 82901. The main telephone line is (307) 922-5300, and the fax line is (307) 922-5483. The office manages civil processes, law enforcement records, and community outreach programs.
Contact Information and Official Resources
For general inquiries, contact the Sweetwater County Detention Center front desk at (307) 352-4911. Central booking can be reached at (307) 352-4935. The official website for the Sheriff’s Office is https://www.sweetwatercountywy.gov/departments/sheriff/index.php. The inmate roster is available at https://sweetwater911.org/apps/jailroster/. For commissary and financial services, visit https://www.jailexchange.com/city-and-county-jails/wyoming/sweetwater-county/sweetwater-county-detention-center/inmate-commissary. All links are verified and updated regularly. Emergency situations should be reported by dialing 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about the Sweetwater County Detention Center, including visitation, inmate search, and commissary services. Each answer provides clear, actionable information based on official policies and procedures.
How can I find out if someone is in custody at the Sweetwater County Detention Center?
You can check the current inmate roster online at https://sweetwater911.org/apps/jailroster/. The list is updated every twelve hours and includes names, booking numbers, charges, and bond details. You may also call the front desk at (307) 352-4911 or central booking at (307) 352-4935. Staff will verify the inmate’s identity and provide housing location and status. Juvenile detainees are not listed and are processed through a separate system. For legal inquiries, contact the Sheriff’s Office directly.
What are the visitation rules at the Sweetwater County Detention Center?
Visitation is allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list and present a valid photo ID. Applications must be submitted 48 hours in advance. The facility offers a drive-through window for brief visits without entering the building. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All visitors are subject to search, and prohibited items include phones, weapons, and food.
How do I send money to an inmate at the Sweetwater County Detention Center?
Families can add funds to an inmate’s account online through the county’s secure portal, by phone at (307) 352-4935, or by mailing a money order to the finance department. The mailing address is 50140 Highway 191 South, Rock Springs, WY 82901. Funds are available immediately for online and phone deposits. Money orders take 3 to 5 business days to process. Inmates can use these funds to purchase commissary items such as soap, toothbrushes, and snacks. Unused balances are refunded upon release.
What items can I send to an inmate through the mail?
You may send letters, postcards, and approved packages. All mail must include the sender’s name and return address. Packages must be sealed and cannot contain electronics, weapons, or perishable food. Books and magazines must be sent directly from publishers or retailers. Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate. Contraband will be confiscated, and the sender may be notified. The mailing address is: Inmate Name, 50140 Highway 191 South, Rock Springs, WY 82901.
Does the Sweetwater County Detention Center offer educational programs?
Yes, the center partners with Wyoming Community College to offer GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training in automotive repair and horticulture. Classes are held in a dedicated learning center and taught by certified instructors. Participation is voluntary and based on behavior and classification. Over 120 inmates enrolled in 2023. Completion certificates may assist in parole decisions or job placement after release.
How is medical care provided at the facility?
A licensed nurse provides daily medical care and responds to emergencies. Inmates can request medical attention through kiosks or staff. Serious conditions are referred to local hospitals under guard. Mental health support is available through contracted counselors. Prescription medications are administered under supervision. Chronic conditions receive ongoing care. All services comply with state regulations and HIPAA privacy rules.
What is the booking process like at the Sweetwater County Detention Center?
The booking process includes fingerprinting, mugshots, background checks, and medical screening. Inmates are classified by risk and behavior, then assigned to housing units. Personal items are inventoried and stored. The process takes 60 to 90 minutes. Inmates receive orientation on rules, visitation, and services. All steps follow Wyoming Department of Corrections standards.