How to Put Money on an Inmate's Account & Use Commissary at Berrien County Jail
Putting money on an inmate's account is usually straightforward. The tricky part? Making sure you use the right method and hit the weekly deadlines so nothing gets delayed. Here's how deposits, commissary ordering, and a few common add-ons work at Berrien County Jail.
Kiosks in the jail lobby and at the Niles Courthouse let you add money to an inmate's commissary account. Have the inmate's identifying information ready, and double-check the name before confirming - one small mistake can put funds on the wrong account and slow everything down.
You can also mail a money order (no cash) to the Sheriff's Office, addressed to Attn: Bookkeeper. Write the inmate's name on the money order so it gets credited to the right person. If you're mailing it, give yourself extra time - timing matters when commissary deadlines are close.
Can't get to a kiosk? You can fund an inmate's commissary account through ConnectNetwork - online at www.connectnetwork.com or by phone at (877) 650-4249.
Want to buy items directly? The friends-and-family program lets you place an ExpressAccount order online at www.expressaccount.com or by phone at (866) 422-6833. The jail allows one order per inmate each week, capped at $25.00 (plus a convenience fee). Since you only get one shot per week, plan ahead so the order covers what your loved one actually needs.
Deadline: Friends-and-family (ExpressAccount) orders must be placed by Monday at midnight to make that week's delivery.
Time-sensitive: All commissary account money must be deposited by 11:00 a.m. Tuesday - no exceptions - for the inmate to receive commissary that week.
Phone orders follow the same cutoff: they must be completed by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. To avoid a last-minute scramble, get funds in well before Tuesday morning.
If your loved one is released around commissary time, ask the jail how orders are handled after release and whether anything is held for pickup. Policies vary, so confirm directly rather than assuming funds or orders will be available later.
Berrien County Jail offers a TV rental program - a television and remote for $10 per week. Rentals are paid in advance from the inmate's money account, so the balance needs to be there before the rental period starts.
Timing is strict: rental money must be in the account by 8:00 a.m. Wednesday for the rental period that begins the following Friday.
Hygiene kits are available for purchase at booking and include a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and shampoo. After that, inmates buy hygiene items through commissary.
If you keep money in a ConnectNetwork (AdvancePay) account, don't forget about it. Accounts become inactive and are subject to forfeiture after 180 consecutive days without activity, unless governing law or contract says otherwise. Any use during that period resets the clock.
Think your account went inactive and need your balance back? Call customer service at 877-650-4249 to request a refund.
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