Home
Meet the Sheriff
Crime Prevention
Court Services
DARE
Jail Operations
Q and A
News and Events
Restricted Access
All Links
Legal

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 and a list of registered bondsman.

• Are inmates allowed to receive visits?

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

• 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.

Please see our News and Events page for the latest.

See All Links

To contact us:

• Home • Meet the Sheriff • Crime Prevention • Court Services • DARE • Jail Operations • Q and A • News and Events • Restricted Access • All Links • Legal •