Quay County Jail is a secure correctional facility located in Tucumcari, New Mexico. It serves as the primary detention center for Quay County, housing individuals who are awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving short-term sentences. The jail operates under the authority of the Quay County Sheriff’s Office and follows strict state and federal guidelines to ensure safety, security, and humane treatment of all inmates. Whether you’re looking for inmate information, visitation rules, or contact details, this page provides accurate, up-to-date facts about Quay County Jail and its services.
Quay County Jail Location and Contact Information
Quay County Jail is situated at 300 S. 3rd Street, Tucumcari, NM 88401. The facility is easily accessible from major highways and is centrally located within the county. For general inquiries, the main phone number is (575) 461-2020. This line is staffed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For after-hours emergencies or urgent matters, callers are directed to contact the Quay County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at the same number. The jail does not have a dedicated public email address, but all official communication should go through the sheriff’s office website or in-person visits.
Quay County Inmate Search and Jail Roster
Searching for an inmate in Quay County Jail is a straightforward process. The facility maintains a publicly accessible online inmate roster updated daily. To find someone, visit the official Quay County Sheriff’s Office website and navigate to the “Inmate Search” section. You can search by entering the inmate’s full name or booking number. Results show current inmates, their booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. If no results appear, the person may have been released, transferred, or not yet processed. For confirmation, call the jail directly with the individual’s full name and date of birth.
How to Use the Inmate Lookup Tool
The inmate lookup tool is free and available 24/7. Start by typing the first and last name of the person you’re searching for. Avoid using nicknames or shortened names, as the system only recognizes legal names. If you know the booking number, that will yield the most accurate result. After submitting your search, review the list of matching names. Click on the correct entry to view detailed information, including mugshots, charges, and scheduled court appearances. The roster is updated every morning, so recent bookings may not appear immediately.
Offline Inmate Search Options
If you don’t have internet access, you can still get inmate information by calling the jail at (575) 461-2020. Have the inmate’s full name and date of birth ready. Staff can confirm whether someone is currently in custody and provide basic details. You may also visit the jail in person during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Public kiosks near the entrance sometimes display recent bookings, but they are not always current. For legal representatives, additional documentation may be required to access sensitive information.
Quay County Jail Visitation Hours and Rules
Visitation at Quay County Jail is allowed on weekends only: Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling the jail. Walk-in visits are not permitted. Each inmate is allowed one 30-minute visit per week. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved contact list. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with valid ID.
Visitation Rules and Dress Code
All visitors must present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Prohibited items include cell phones, bags, food, and weapons. The dress code bans revealing clothing, hats, sunglasses, and clothing with offensive language or images. Failure to follow rules may result in denial of entry or termination of the visit. All visitors undergo a security screening, including a metal detector scan. Inmates are not allowed physical contact with visitors, and conversations are monitored for safety.
Virtual Visitation Options
Quay County Jail does not currently offer virtual video visitation. All visits must be conducted in person at the facility. This policy may change in the future, so check the sheriff’s office website for updates. For families living far away, mail and phone calls remain the best ways to stay connected.
Inmate Mail and Communication Policies
Inmates at Quay County Jail can send and receive mail. All incoming and outgoing letters are inspected for contraband. Mail must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the jail’s complete address. Use standard envelopes and plain white paper. Do not include stickers, drawings, or Polaroid photos. Books and magazines must be sent directly from publishers or approved retailers. Personal packages are not accepted.
Approved Mail Content
Letters should contain only written messages. Greeting cards are allowed if they are flat and not musical. Photos must be 4×6 inches or smaller and printed on photo paper. Do not send cash, checks, or money orders through regular mail. All financial transactions must go through the commissary system. Inmates can reply by mail, but responses may take several days due to processing times.
Sending Money to Inmates at Quay County Jail
Family and friends can send money to inmates using the jail’s commissary system. Funds can be added online through the official vendor, Access Corrections, or by using the kiosk in the jail lobby. Online deposits require a debit or credit card. Kiosk payments accept cash, credit, or debit. Money orders sent by mail must be made payable to the inmate and include their full name and booking number. Personal checks and cash are not accepted.
How Inmates Use Commissary Funds
Inmates use commissary money to buy snacks, hygiene items, writing supplies, and phone time. Weekly spending limits apply. Popular items include instant coffee, chips, toothpaste, and envelopes. Orders are placed once a week and delivered within 48 hours. Unused funds remain in the account and are returned upon release. Refunds are issued as a check mailed to the inmate’s last known address.
Quay County Jail Phone System
Inmates can make outgoing calls using a prepaid phone system managed by a third-party provider. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and can only be made to approved numbers. Family members must set up an account online or by phone to receive calls. All calls are recorded and monitored. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Phone rates vary, so check the provider’s website for current pricing. Indigent inmates may qualify for limited free calls each month.
Bail and Release Procedures
Bail in Quay County is set by a judge during the initial court appearance. The amount depends on the severity of the charges and the individual’s criminal history. Bail can be paid in cash, by credit card, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Payments are accepted at the jail or online via the sheriff’s office payment portal. Once bail is posted, the inmate is released after processing, which may take a few hours. Release times vary based on staffing and court schedules.
Bail Bond Services
If you cannot afford the full bail amount, a bail bondsman can post bail for a fee, typically 10% of the total. The bondsman requires collateral and a signed agreement. Failure to appear in court results in forfeiture of the bond. Only licensed bondsmen operating in New Mexico can assist with Quay County cases. Ask the jail for a list of approved providers.
Inmate Housing and Facility Conditions
Quay County Jail houses inmates in secure dormitory-style units based on classification. Each unit includes bunk beds, lockers, and shared restrooms. Cells are cleaned regularly, and inmates receive fresh linens weekly. Meals are served three times a day in a central dining area. Diets accommodate medical needs, such as diabetes or allergies. The facility is climate-controlled and inspected annually by state authorities.
Classification and Security Levels
Inmates are classified upon intake based on behavior, criminal history, and risk level. Low-risk individuals may have more privileges, such as extra phone time or work assignments. High-risk inmates are housed separately and monitored closely. All movement within the jail is tracked electronically. Staff conduct routine headcounts and security checks throughout the day.
Medical and Mental Health Services
Quay County Jail provides basic medical care to all inmates. Upon arrival, each person receives a health screening. Chronic conditions like hypertension or asthma are managed with prescribed medications. Emergency care is available 24/7 through on-call medical staff. Dental and vision services are offered on a limited basis. Mental health support includes counseling and crisis intervention. Inmates can request to speak with a mental health professional at any time.
Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Programs
The jail offers limited substance abuse counseling and educational programs. Inmates can attend group sessions on addiction and recovery. GED classes are available for those without a high school diploma. Vocational training is not currently offered due to space and staffing limitations. However, the jail partners with local organizations to provide reentry planning and job readiness workshops before release.
Inmate Rights and Legal Resources
All inmates at Quay County Jail have constitutional rights, including access to legal counsel, medical care, and protection from harm. They can file grievances if they believe their rights have been violated. Legal mail is handled confidentially and not opened in front of staff. Inmates have the right to attend court hearings and communicate with their attorneys. Public defenders are available for those who cannot afford a lawyer.
How to File a Complaint
Inmates can submit a written grievance to the jail administrator. Forms are available from staff. Complaints are reviewed within 72 hours. If unresolved, the issue can be escalated to the Quay County Sheriff or the New Mexico Department of Corrections. Retaliation against inmates for filing complaints is prohibited and punishable by law.
Public Records and Mugshots
Mugshots and booking records from Quay County Jail are considered public information. They can be accessed through the sheriff’s office website or by submitting a formal records request. There may be a small fee for printed copies. Mugshots remain online even after release unless a court order requires removal. Individuals seeking to have their photo removed should consult an attorney familiar with New Mexico privacy laws.
Staff Directory and Emergency Contacts
The Quay County Sheriff’s Office oversees jail operations. The current sheriff is Office is (575) 461-2020. For non-emergencies, call the main line during business hours. In case of a jail emergency, such as a medical crisis or security threat, dial 911. The jail does not publish a full staff directory online for security reasons. However, specific personnel can be reached through the main office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have common questions about Quay County Jail. Below are answers to the most frequent inquiries based on real user searches and official policies.
How do I find out if someone is in Quay County Jail?
Use the online inmate search tool on the Quay County Sheriff’s Office website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number. If no results appear, call the jail at (575) 461-2020 with their name and date of birth. Staff can confirm custody status during business hours.
Can I visit an inmate without scheduling in advance?
No. All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours ahead of time. Walk-in visits are not allowed. Call the jail to reserve a time slot. Visits are limited to 30 minutes and occur only on weekends.
What items can I send to an inmate by mail?
You can send letters, photos (4×6 or smaller), and greeting cards. Books and magazines must come directly from publishers. Do not send cash, food, or personal items. All mail is inspected before delivery.
How do I add money to an inmate’s account?
Deposit funds online through Access Corrections, use the lobby kiosk, or mail a money order. Include the inmate’s full name and booking number. Personal checks and cash are not accepted by mail.
Are mugshots removed after release?
Mugshots stay on the public roster unless a court orders removal. The jail does not automatically delete them. Individuals must petition the court or consult a lawyer to request removal under New Mexico law.
Can inmates make phone calls?
Yes, inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and monitored. Family must set up a prepaid account to receive calls. Incoming calls are not allowed.
What happens if bail is posted?
Once bail is paid, the inmate is processed for release, which may take a few hours. They must sign release forms and return jail property. Release times depend on staffing and court schedules.
Official Contact Information
Quay County Jail
300 S. 3rd Street
Tucumcari, NM 88401
Phone: (575) 461-2020
Website: https://www.quaycountynm.us/sheriff
Visitation Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (by appointment only)