The Tulsa Municipal Jail is a detention facility operated by the City of Tulsa Police Department. It plays a specific role within the local justice system, primarily holding individuals arrested for municipal code violations, traffic-related warrants, and other minor offenses.
Unlike the Tulsa County Jail, which is operated at the county level and houses individuals facing more serious charges, the municipal jail is designed for short-term detention. Those held here are often waiting for arraignment in Tulsa municipal court or for bond to be posted.
What Makes the Tulsa Municipal Jail Different?
The key difference between the Tulsa Municipal Jail and the Tulsa County Jail lies in their jurisdiction and management. The municipal jail deals strictly with violations of city ordinances, while county facilities like the David L. Moss Correctional Center handle felony charges, long-term pre-trial detention, and county-level offenses.
Offenders brought to the municipal jail are typically processed more quickly. For example, someone arrested on a traffic warrant may be held here briefly before being released or transferred if needed.
When Is Someone Taken to the Municipal Jail?
People are commonly held at the Tulsa Municipal Jail for:
- Unpaid traffic tickets or failure to appear in city court
- Violations of Tulsa city ordinances
- Minor public disturbances within city limits
If the offense is more serious or falls outside city jurisdiction, they are usually transferred to the Tulsa County Jail.
Where to Find Records or Legal Information
If you are searching for court-related documents, jail information, or to review public jail and court records, you can start with the Tulsa County Court portal at https://tulsacountycourt.org. This resource connects you to Tulsa County court records, arrest records, and case information.
Tulsa Municipal Jail
600 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: (918) 596-2347
This is the local jail facility operated by the City of Tulsa. For questions about inmates, visiting hours, or general information, you can contact the jail directly at the number above.
Inmate Search: How to Look Up Someone in Tulsa City Jail
If you need to find someone held in Tulsa City Jail, the search process is straightforward. The Tulsa Police Department and court systems provide online tools to help you check if someone is currently in custody for municipal-level offenses.
Step-by-Step Process to Search for Municipal Inmates
- Visit the official City of Tulsa Police website or Tulsa County Court portal at https://tulsacountycourt.org
- Locate the inmate search or custody status section
- Enter the required details, such as the person’s full name and date of birth
- Review the search results for custody status and booking information
Municipal inmate records typically reflect individuals held for minor offenses like traffic violations, city code infractions, or warrant holds. These records are often updated daily but may not reflect real-time changes.
What Information Do You Need?
To perform a reliable inmate search, gather the following details:
- Full legal name (first and last)
- Date of birth
- Optional: Booking number, if available
Entering accurate information will help return the most relevant results, especially if the person has a common name.
What Details Can You Expect to See?
Search results may include:
- Booking date and time
- Charges filed under municipal code
- Arresting agency (usually the Tulsa Police Department)
- Bail or bond amount, if applicable
- Tulsa Court date or release status
At the municipal level, mugshots are not always made publicly available. If shown, they are typically accessible through authorized databases or by request.
Booking and Release Information
Understanding the booking and release process at Tulsa Municipal Jail helps when trying to locate someone or find out their custody status. This section outlines what typically happens after someone is arrested for a city-level offense.
Overview of the Booking Process
When someone is arrested for a municipal violation in Tulsa, they are taken to the Tulsa Municipal Jail, managed by the Tulsa Police Department. Once at the facility, the following steps usually occur:
- Personal information is recorded (name, date of birth, address)
- Charges are reviewed under Tulsa city ordinances
- Fingerprints and photographs may be taken
- Bail or bond is set, if applicable
Booking times vary depending on staffing, number of arrests, and the nature of the violation. In most cases, the booking process is completed within a few hours.
Length of Stay for Municipal Violations
Most people arrested for municipal violations do not stay long in custody. Common outcomes include:
- Release on bond or own recognizance
- Payment of outstanding fines
- Transfer to Tulsa County Jail if facing additional or more serious charges
The average stay in Tulsa City Jail is usually less than 48 hours unless the individual has other warrants or holds.
How to Check If Someone Has Been Released or Transferred
You can find out if someone has been released or transferred by visiting the Tulsa County Court portal at https://tulsacountycourt.org or checking with the Tulsa Police Department’s custody lookup tool.
If a person has been transferred to the David L. Moss Correctional Center, they will appear in the Tulsa County Jail database. Use search terms like tulsa county jail search or david l moss jail tulsa oklahoma to locate updated custody details.
Records may include:
- Release date and time
- Transfer location
- Next scheduled court date
- Updated charge status
Visitation Guidelines for Tulsa Municipal Jail
If you plan to visit someone held at the Tulsa Municipal Jail, it’s important to follow the jail’s visitation policies. These guidelines help ensure safety, privacy, and order during all scheduled visits.
Visitation Days and Times
Visitation schedules may vary depending on the facility’s staffing and current protocols. In most cases, visitation is allowed on select weekdays and weekends. Visiting hours are generally limited and may include:
- Morning and early afternoon time blocks
- Scheduled sessions between Monday and Saturday
- No visits on holidays or during facility lockdowns
To confirm specific times, you should contact the Tulsa Municipal Jail directly or check for posted hours through official police or court sources.
Who Can Visit? Requirements for Visitors
To be eligible for a visit, all guests must meet specific requirements. These may include:
- Government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or state ID)
- Being at least 18 years old, or accompanied by a legal guardian
- No active warrants, protective orders, or recent release from custody
- Proper dress (no revealing or offensive clothing)
Anyone not meeting the eligibility criteria may be denied entry. All visitors are subject to screening before entering the visitation area.
Scheduling or Pre-Registering a Visit
Depending on current jail policies, visitors may need to schedule their visit in advance. Some facilities require:
- Pre-registration through an online portal
- Calling the jail ahead of time to reserve a time slot
- Arriving 15–30 minutes early to complete check-in
If online scheduling is available, links or forms may be posted on the Tulsa Police Department website or the Tulsa County Court visitation resources page.
Sending Mail, Money, or Property to Tulsa City Jail
Friends and family members can stay connected with inmates held at Tulsa Municipal Jail by following the facility’s rules for sending mail, depositing funds, or providing limited property. Understanding the approved process helps avoid delays or rejected items.
Mailing Rules and Address Format
All incoming mail must follow specific guidelines to be accepted. Mail is screened for safety and must be addressed correctly.
Use this format when sending mail:
[Inmate’s Full Name]
Tulsa Municipal Jail
600 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
Mail must be written in ink or pencil on standard paper. Avoid including anything that may be considered contraband or suspicious, such as:
- Stickers, glitter, or glued items
- Photos with offensive content
- Blank envelopes or stamps
- Books sent directly from individuals (only allowed from approved publishers or retailers)
Letters are read and reviewed by jail staff for safety. Legal mail from attorneys must be clearly marked and may follow a separate process.
What Items Are Allowed?
Personal mail is allowed, but items such as food, hygiene products, or clothing are typically not accepted. Approved items may include:
- Letters and greeting cards (no pop-ups or decorations)
- Photographs (non-explicit, no Polaroids, usually limited to 5 or fewer)
- Money orders (if permitted by the jail’s financial policy)
- Books sent directly from an approved source (softcover only)
For up-to-date restrictions, check with jail staff or call ahead before mailing any items.
Depositing Money into an Inmate’s Account
To deposit funds for commissary use (such as snacks or hygiene items), most Tulsa-area facilities offer several options:
- Online deposits through a secure payment portal (available on the Tulsa Police Department or jail website)
- In-person kiosk in the jail lobby (cash or card accepted)
- Mail-in money orders with the inmate’s name and ID number
Funds added to an inmate’s account are typically available within 24 to 48 hours. Avoid sending cash through the mail, as it may be rejected or delayed.
Posting Bail for Tulsa City Jail
If someone is being held at Tulsa Municipal Jail for a city-level offense, they may be eligible for release after posting bail. Bail amounts vary based on the type of violation, prior offenses, and warrant status.
How Municipal Bail Works
Tulsa municipal bail amounts are typically pre-set for common offenses, such as traffic violations or minor misdemeanors. Once the booking process is complete, the jail will inform the person of the bail amount, if applicable.
In some cases, a person may be released on their own recognizance if the offense is minor and there is no risk of flight or outstanding warrants.
Accepted Payment Options
The Tulsa Municipal Jail accepts several payment methods for bail:
- Cash (exact amount preferred)
- Credit or debit card (subject to processing fees)
- Certified money orders
- Licensed bail bond agents
If using a bail bond service, the bonding company must be licensed in Oklahoma. The person posting bail will usually pay a non-refundable fee—often around 10% of the total bond amount.
Always confirm payment instructions by calling the jail before arriving, especially outside regular business hours.
Where and How to Pay
To post bail for someone held in Tulsa City Jail:
- Visit the booking desk at the Tulsa Municipal Jail (located inside the Tulsa Police Department building)
- Provide the inmate’s full name and date of birth
- Choose a payment method and wait for processing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Need quick answers about the Tulsa Municipal Jail? Below are the most common questions from visitors, families, and the public—answered clearly and directly.
How do I check if someone is at Tulsa Municipal Jail?
To find out if someone is being held in Tulsa Municipal Jail, visit the City of Tulsa Police website or check available custody tools through the Tulsa County Court portal at https://tulsacountycourt.org. You’ll typically need the person’s full name and date of birth. If they are not listed, they may have been released or transferred to another facility.
Is the Tulsa Municipal Jail the same as the County Jail?
No. Tulsa Municipal Jail is operated by the Tulsa Police Department and holds people for city-level offenses like traffic violations or municipal warrants. The County Jail—officially called the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center—is run by the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and houses individuals facing felony charges or awaiting trial at the county or state level.
What if the inmate is transferred?
If someone is transferred from the city jail to the county facility, they will appear in the Tulsa County Jail database. You can search by using terms like tulsa county jail search, david l moss jail tulsa oklahoma, or tulsa jail inmates. Updates may take several hours after the transfer.
How can I report an issue or request medical help for an inmate?
If you believe someone in custody needs urgent medical attention or is facing mistreatment, contact the Tulsa Municipal Jail immediately at (918) 596-9200. For non-urgent concerns, you may also reach out to the Tulsa Police Department’s non-emergency line or use the complaint form on the city’s official website.