Inmate Mail & Money

Incoming mail must list the full name and address of the sender and the intended receiver. Improperly addressed mail will be returned. The correct address is:

Inmate's full name
C/O Ada County Jail
7210 Barrister Dr.
Boise, ID 83704


The U.S. Post Office will not accept outgoing mail that contains any drawing on the front of the envelope or mail that contains colored drawings on the back of the envelope.

Inmate mail is subject to scanning. Incoming mail will be inspected and scanned by jail staff to check for contraband, money, escape plans, or writing that may jeopardize the security and order of the facility.


Inmates may receive written letters and standard photographs. Polaroid photographs, stamps, envelopes, and other forwarded items are not allowed. Mail content must be thoroughly understandable by jail staff. Mail or publications containing images or depictions of sexual situations, frontal nudity, or sexual acts are prohibited. In addition, mail cannot contain:

  • Intimidation or harassment
  • Gang-related writings or drawings
  • Messages (codes) that are not easily understood
  • Plans that violate state, local, federal laws, or jail rules
  • Plans to send contraband (such as drugs) into or out of the jail

At the discretion of jail staff, mail or publications containing unauthorized references or material may be refused, confiscated, destroyed, placed in the inmate's property, or returned to the sender.


Inmates may receive newspapers, magazines and books, but they must be received directly from a publisher or bookstore. Any subscription material received after an inmate leaves the jail will not be forwarded. Inmates are prohibited from subscribing to services or ordering merchandise.


Phone calls

Inmates cannot receive phone calls while in jail. However, most inmates are allowed to purchase phone time that can be used to make outgoing phone calls.


Money

Inmates are able to buy a variety of things from the jail commissary: candy, snacks, beverages, writing materials, shoes and clothing, provided they have sufficient funds to pay for what they order. When money is placed into an inmate’s trust account, the first $15 is automatically placed in the inmate’s personal account, which is used for medical co-pays while in custody. The remaining money is automatically placed in the inmate’s commissary account which can then be used to buy commissary items.

Inmates must maintain a balance of $15 in his/her personal account at all times. Any balance above that can be used to purchase commissary items. The inmate may not use the personal account to pay for commissary items.

In an inmate has no money in his/her commissary account for seven (7) days prior to the request for commissary, the jail will supply him/her with necessary personal hygiene items as determined by jail staff. Inmates will also receive three stamped envelopes and writing paper each week.

Revenue generated by the commissary program is spent on items used by and for inmates. Examples of these are chairs, books, law library materials, TVs, board games, indigent supplies and so on.

Idaho Code §20.607 requires the Sheriff to seek reimbursement for incarceration costs from persons sentenced to jail. The cost is $25 per day, up to $500 (20 days) per incarceration. Click here for more info

You can now place money on inmate accounts using the internet, your phone or through a lobby kiosk!

  • A payment kiosk is located in the main lobby of the Public Safety Building at 7200 Barrister Drive, Boise, ID 83704.
  • Funds can be placed on accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To purchase commissary items, funds must be placed into the inmate trust account by 1AM on the day your housing area is scheduled to receive commissary.
  • How do I put money on an inmate’s account?
    • Come to the main lobby at the PSB with cash, credit, or debit. Follow instructions on the kiosk to deposit the money.
    • Log into www.inmatedeposits.com or call 1-866-345-1884 and follow instructions to deposit using debit or credit.
  • How much does it cost to post money on an inmate’s account?
    • Internet payments are as low as $2.95
    • Phone payments are as low as $3.95
    • Cash kiosk payments $2.50 flat
    • All other kiosk payments as low as $2.95.
  • Why did the Sheriff’s Office move to this program?
    • Employing this system allows the Sheriff’s Office to take more commonly used forms of payment vs only accepting money orders.
    • This system provides room to grow and expand in future as technology changes.
    • This program allows families & friends greater access and ease in providing funds to inmates since you can access the system from anywhere using phone or internet.
    • Inmates will now have access to their funds in a timelier manner.
  • Why is the Sheriff’s Office charging fees for placing funds on inmate accounts?
    • This is a third party provided service and there is a cost to doing business.
    • The Ada County Sheriff’s Office does not profit from any administrative or transactions fees charged by the vendor.
    • The administrative or transactions fees are similar to those charged by your bank and for on-line purchases.
  • Will the Sheriff’s Office continue to accept money orders?
    • Note: Effective May 16th, 2010 the Sheriff’s Office will no longer accept money orders.

Do you have other questions? Call the Ada County Jail at (208) 577-3080.