Finding out if someone is sitting in a cell can feel like a race against a clock that doesn't have any numbers. You’re stressed. You’re likely annoyed. If you’re trying to run a Texas City TX jail inmate inquiry, you probably realized pretty quickly that the internet is a messy place. Half the sites look like they were built in 1998, and the other half are trying to sell you a background check for $30.
Honestly, it’s simpler than that, but there's a catch.
Texas City doesn’t always keep people in their municipal holding facility for long. Most folks arrested by the Texas City Police Department (TCPD) end up being moved. Where they go depends on the charge and how long it’s been since the handcuffs clicked shut.
Where is the Inmate, Really?
First things first. Texas City has its own police department and a small jail located at 1004 9th Avenue North. If someone was just picked up within the last few hours, they are likely there. This is a "holding" facility. People get fingerprinted here, they get their mugshots taken, and they wait for a magistrate.
But here is the reality: if they are charged with a felony or if the city jail is full, they get "bused" to the county. In this case, that means the Galveston County Jail in Galveston.
You’ve gotta check both.
The Texas City Police Department Search
If the arrest is fresh, your first call shouldn't be to a lawyer; it should be to the jail supervisor. You can reach the Texas City Jail administration at 409-643-5761. Ask for booking. You’ll need the person’s full name and, if you have it, their date of birth.
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They don't have a flashy, real-time "roster" on their website that updates every second. It’s a small-town operation in that regard. You talk to a human. Sometimes they’re busy. Call back if you don't get through.
Running a Galveston County Search
Once a person has been "magistrated"—meaning they've seen a judge and had a bond set—they are often transferred to the main county facility. This is where most people get stuck. They keep calling Texas City, and the jailer says, "They aren't here," and you panic.
They aren't gone; they just moved.
To find them at the county level, you use the Galveston County Sheriff's Office P2C (Police to Citizen) portal. It’s the official way to perform a Texas City TX jail inmate inquiry for anyone who has been moved out of the city holding cells.
How to use the P2C search:
- Navigate to the official Galveston County Inmate Inquiry page.
- Type in the Last Name. You don't actually need the first name, but it helps if the last name is common like Smith or Rodriguez.
- Look for the "Arrest Date." This helps you confirm it’s the right person if the middle name isn't listed.
If they show up there, you’ll see their booking number, the specific charges (like "Assault Causing Bodily Injury" or "DWI"), and—most importantly—the bond amount.
The Bonding Process in Texas City
Bond is the price of freedom, but it’s tricky. If you see a bond amount of $5,000, you don't necessarily need $5,000 in cash.
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You have two main paths:
- Cash Bond: You pay the full $5,000 to the court. When the case is over, you get most of it back (minus some fees).
- Surety Bond: You call a bondsman. You pay them roughly 10%, so $500. They keep that money—that’s their fee—and they guarantee the rest to the court.
Texas City has several bail bond offices right down the street from the police station. Most are open 24/7 because, well, crime doesn't sleep.
Visitation and Calls: The Rules
Don't just show up at 1004 9th Ave N expecting to share a coffee. It doesn't work that way.
Texas City’s municipal jail is mostly for short-term stays. If they are still in Texas City, visitation is extremely limited and usually at the discretion of the jail commander. However, once they hit the Galveston County Jail at 5700 Ball St, the rules get rigid.
In-person visits there usually have to be scheduled 24 hours in advance. You can't have a felony on your own record, and you definitely can't bring a cell phone into the visitation area. They use video visitation mostly now. It’s less like The Shawshank Redemption and more like a glitchy Skype call.
Phone Calls
Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Period. Don’t bother trying to leave a message with the jailer. The inmate has to call you. They usually use a system called Securus or something similar. You’ll have to set up an account and put money on it. It’s expensive. A ten-minute call might cost more than your lunch.
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Common Misconceptions
People often think that if an inmate isn't in the online search, they've been released.
Not necessarily.
There is a "blackout" period. From the moment someone is put in the squad car to the moment they are fully processed into the computer system, they are "invisible." This can take four to eight hours. If the system is down or the jail is short-staffed, it might take longer.
Also, minors (under 17 in Texas for most criminal purposes) won't show up in these public inquiries. Their records are protected.
Actionable Steps for You Right Now
If you are looking for someone right this second, follow this specific order:
- Call the Texas City Jail at 409-643-5761. This is the fastest way to check the "holding" status.
- Check the Galveston County P2C site if the arrest happened more than 12 hours ago.
- Check the "VineLink" website. This is a national database (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). It’s often updated faster than county websites.
- Contact a local bail bondsman in Texas City or Galveston. These guys often know who is in the jail before the public records even update because they have "runners" at the courthouse.
- Verify the charge. If it's a "Capias Pro Fine," it means they had an old ticket they never paid. Usually, you can just pay the fine at the Municipal Court window to get them out.
If they are moved to a state prison later on, you'll need to switch your search to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) website, but for local Texas City arrests, the city and county levels are your only concern. Keep your cool. The system moves slowly, and getting frustrated with the jailer on the phone usually just results in them "accidentally" hanging up on you. Stay polite, get the booking number, and start the bond process.
Summary of Contact Info:
- Texas City Police/Jail: 1004 9th Ave N, Texas City, TX 77590 | 409-643-5761
- Galveston County Jail: 5700 Ball St, Galveston, TX 77551 | 409-766-2315
- Texas City Municipal Court: 1004 9th Ave N (Same building, different entrance) | 409-643-5800