Dakota County Jail

Visitation at Dakota County Jail is by appointment, with the schedule posted in each inmate pod. The inmate must call ahead to set up the visit, so your first step is coordinating with the person you want to see about their pod's instructions. You'll generally need an approved visitor application before scheduling, and approval can take several weeks. Applications typically require a full-face photo plus photo ID. Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID when you arrive for check-in. All visitors and items are subject to search, and inmates are searched before entering the visitation area. Scheduling systems can vary by pod, so ask the inmate whether their pod uses on-site kiosks or a vendor app.

Dakota County Jail handles phone service through Securus. You have a few payment options: prepaid accounts, collect calling, or a Direct Bill option billed monthly. Direct Bill requires a credit check, so make sure you qualify before counting on monthly billing. Calls are capped at 15 minutes to keep lines available, and inmate guidance notes they are allowed at least two collect calls. All calls, video sessions, and electronic messages are routinely monitored or recorded. Content may be screened or withheld if it raises safety or legal concerns. Video visits, voicemail, and messaging are generally handled through the Securus website, with sessions running in set time blocks that require active acceptance.

There are two main ways to send money to someone at Dakota County Jail: online through the Inmate Canteen deposit service, or in person at the Dakota County Law Enforcement Center lobby kiosk. The kiosk is available 24 hours and accepts cash or credit card deposits. Inmates cannot keep cash on them. Any funds you deposit go into the inmate's commissary account for purchases and debts. Facility materials state that checks and money orders are not accepted, though some documents describe commissary deposits as cash-only. Confirm the currently accepted methods before sending funds. You'll need the person's name and booking/ID number. Use approved vendors or the on-site kiosk rather than mailing cash. If you run into problems with online deposits, the facility directs you to contact TurnKey Corrections.