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Whatcom County Jail
Whatcom County Jail is located in Bellingham, Washington inside the Public Safety Building, near the Sheriff's Office. If you find yourself headed there for a short (or long) stay, we have information to help make the transition to life inside the jail as smooth as possible.

Jail Life
Life inside jail is much different from life outside, and it can be difficult if you're not prepared or you don't know what to expect. We have interviewed former inmates to provide you with accurate information about what jail is really like. They talk about the meals that are served, how to get along with other inmates, visiting hours, and more. For the Whatcom County Jail, it's important to note that visiting hours have changed. Due to budget cuts, inmates are allowed only one visit per week, 1 hour in length (it used to be 3x a week). Visitors must bring ID, and if visitors are under age 18, they must be accompanied by a parent (or guardian). As a warning, if you have a warrant out for your arrest, it's probably not a good idea to visit someone in jail, since background checks may be conducted. (Unless you want to join your friend behind bars!)

Prison Vs Jail
If this is your first experience with jails, it's important to know that there is a difference between prisons and jails. Jails are set up for minor and short-term offenses or are for people who are awaiting trial, while prisons are typically for people that were convicted of serious crimes and will be spending years behind bars.

Questions? Comments? Past Jail Experience?
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to visit our Questions section. Or if you've been there, earn some Karma points and answer a question for someone that is looking for more information. Have you spent time at the Whatcom County Jail? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Tell us your story, good, bad, or ugly.


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