How to Contact an Inmate at Dakota County Jail, MN (MN)

Staying in touch with someone at Dakota County Jail typically comes down to three channels: phone calls, money deposits, and mail. Phone service runs through Securus Technologies. You can set up a prepaid calling account, use Direct Bill (monthly billing), or accept traditional collect calls. To put spending money on an inmate's books, you can make a credit card deposit into their canteen account so they can buy necessities and other items through the Inmate Canteen. Mail is also an option, though the jail has specific rules about what's allowed. They accept letters, photos, greeting cards, and money orders. Certain common items, however, will be returned to sender or placed in the inmate's property.

Send inmate mail to: (Inmate Name) Dakota County Law Enforcement Center P.O. Box 247J Hastings, MN 55033

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Set up phone service through Securus Technologies using either a prepaid calling account, Direct Bill, or traditional collect calling.
• ✓ If you want Direct Bill (monthly billing), be ready for a credit check requirement to qualify.

• ✓ Make credit card deposits into the inmate’s canteen account so they can purchase items through the Inmate Canteen.
• ✓ If you have problems with deposits into an inmate account, contact TurnKey Corrections at 715-690-2965.

1. Address your envelope correctly - Use the jail’s mailing format and include the inmate’s name: Dakota County Law Enforcement Center, P.O. Box 247J, Hastings, MN 55033.
2. Stick to allowed items - The jail lists letters, photos, greeting cards, and money orders as mail that can be sent.
3. Avoid items that get rejected or stored as property - Do not send perfume-scented mail, lipstick marks, inappropriate photos, or cards with musical inserts or decorations (glue, glitter, stickers). Do not include stamps, blank paper, cash, personal checks, payroll checks, or business cards/brochures.
4. Be careful with money - If you mail a money order, remember the jail is not responsible for money mailed to inmates.

Planning to use Direct Bill through Securus? Confirm eligibility details with them first, including the credit check requirement. For money deposits, it's worth confirming how deposits are processed and how disputes get resolved. The jail directs deposit issues to TurnKey Corrections (715-690-2965). If you want custody-status updates, you can register through Minnesota VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). VINE sends alerts about changes in status, location, or release.