How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Bannock County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bannock County Detention Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Bannock County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Bannock County Detention Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Bannock County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bannock County Detention Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Bannock County Detention Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Bannock County Detention Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Bannock County Detention Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Bannock County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Bannock County Detention Center
   5800 S 5th Ave
   Pocatello, ID 83204
   Phone: (208) 236-7125

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Bannock County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Bannock County Detention Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (208) 236-7125 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Bannock County Detention Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Bannock County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bannock County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bannock County Detention Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Bannock County Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bannock County Detention Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Bannock County Detention Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Bannock County Detention Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Bannock County Detention Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Bannock County Detention Center operates with a focus on professional standards and compliance, maintaining certification under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) since becoming the established adult detention facility in Idaho to achieve this status in 2016. The facility’s 62 highly trained deputies, all Idaho POST certified, work within a modern 330-capacity facility that utilizes direct supervision housing units to maintain safety and security. This professional foundation supports various programs and services designed to assist those in custody during their incarceration.

Educational and vocational programs may be available to help inmates develop skills and prepare for reintegration into the community. The facility typically offers basic educational services, which might include GED preparation and literacy programs. Counseling services often include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health support, and group counseling sessions. Religious services are commonly provided through chaplaincy programs and volunteer faith-based organizations that visit the facility regularly.

Support services at the detention center may include medical and mental health care, library access, and recreational activities. The facility’s direct supervision model often facilitates better communication between staff and inmates, which can enhance the effectiveness of programming. Work programs might be available, allowing inmates to gain job skills while contributing to facility operations. Additionally, the detention center may offer family visitation programs and communication services to help maintain important family connections during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Within the walls of the modern facility built in 1994, inmates at Bannock County Detention Center experience a structured environment overseen by 62 highly trained deputies who are Idaho POST Certified. The facility’s current capacity of many individuals reflects ongoing population growth that has necessitated double-bunking in various housing units, including C-Pod Female, D-Pod, and specialized areas like C-Pod Disciplinary and Maximum security sections. This direct supervision approach, implemented when the facility opened, allows deputies to maintain closer oversight of daily activities and inmate interactions throughout the housing units.

The daily routine typically begins early with morning counts and meal service, followed by scheduled activities that may include work assignments, educational programs, or recreational time depending on housing classification. Inmates housed in the various pods - from medium security to disciplinary units - follow different schedules based on their security level and behavioral status. The facility’s compliance with PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) standards, maintained since becoming the established adult detention facility in Idaho to achieve this certification in 2016, influences daily operations and ensures protective protocols are integrated into routine activities.

Communication with family and friends often revolves around scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges, though specific policies may vary based on housing assignment and individual circumstances. The presence of specialized teams like DART (Detention Automatic Response Team) within the facility structure helps maintain security during daily operations while ensuring that inmates can access necessary services and maintain approved contact with the outside world. Medical needs, commissary access, and legal visits are typically incorporated into the weekly schedule alongside basic daily necessities like meals, recreation, and personal hygiene time.