Inmate Property at the Escambia County Jail — Storage and Pickup
When someone is booked into the Escambia County jail, their personal items are inventoried and stored, and the inmate gets a receipt. Family members can pick up property only if the inmate signs a property release naming them. The county’s 2017 inmate handbook lists three options: keys only, all items except clothes, or all items including clothes (the last only for people sentenced to state prison). Pickup is at the inmate property retrieval area at 3080 N. Pace Blvd.
On this page
What happens to property at booking
- Everything the person has on them — wallet, phone, keys, jewelry, cash and clothing — is searched, listed and stored.
- Cash is usually credited to the inmate’s account, where it can be used for commissary and phones. Inmate accounts
- Items that are contraband or evidence are kept by the arresting agency, not the jail.
Getting property released to family
- The inmate requests a Property Release Form from housing officers and lists the person allowed to collect.
- They choose what to release. The handbook describes: - Keys only - All items except clothing - All items including clothing — only when the person has been sentenced to state prison. Clothing worn into the jail is otherwise kept so the person has clothes at release.
- Call ahead at 850-436-9830 to confirm the release is on file and to check pickup hours.
- Go to the property retrieval area at the Correctional Facility, 3080 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola, with a government photo ID that matches the name on the form.
Vehicles, phones and evidence
- Impounded vehicles are handled by the arresting agency and the towing company, not the jail. Check the arrest report number on Jail View to identify the agency. Arresting agencies
- Phones seized as evidence stay with the investigating agency until released by it or by the court.
- Money seized as evidence is a separate legal matter, so talk to the defense attorney.
At release
Stored property and the remaining account balance are returned when the person is released. Check the property receipt before leaving the facility. Release process
If the person is transferred or sentenced
- Transferred to another county or to state prison: property usually travels with the person or is released to someone they name. For a state-prison sentence, the handbook allows clothing to be released to family, because the person will receive state-issued clothing.
- Released: stored property and the account balance are returned at release. Check your property receipt before leaving the facility.
Money and property: what’s different
Cash a person had when booked usually goes onto their inmate account, not into property storage. An inmate can ask to release money to someone outside; the county’s 2017 handbook lists a fee for that. Debit or prepaid cards issued at release carry the remaining account balance. Inmate accounts and deposits
Tips for a smooth pickup
- Ask the inmate to name you exactly as your ID reads.
- Call 850-436-9830 before driving over, to confirm the release is on file and the hours.
- Bring a government photo ID. Some items, such as prescription medication or anything considered evidence, may not be releasable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pick up someone’s car keys from the Escambia County jail?
Yes, if the inmate signs a property release naming you. “Keys only” is one of the release options listed in the county’s 2017 inmate handbook. Call 850-436-9830 to confirm the release is on file, then bring a government photo ID that matches the name on the form.
Why can’t I get their clothes from the jail?
The jail keeps the clothing a person was booked in so they have something to wear when they’re released. The county’s 2017 handbook says clothing is released to family only when the person has been sentenced to state prison. Other items can be released with a signed property release form.
Sources: Escambia County Correctional Facility · Escambia County Inmate Handbook, 2017 (PDF)