Send Messages and Photos Through NCIC (A Faster, Cheaper Alternative to Mail)

NCIC Inmate Communications handles messaging at this facility. A single NCIC prepaid account covers messaging, video visits, and prepaid calling for your loved one.

Here's how it works: incoming mail is scanned at a central processing location, then delivered electronically through the facility's messaging system. Your loved one views everything on kiosks or tablets in their living area instead of receiving the original paper item.

Pricing

• ✓ Text messages: $0.25 per message
• ✓ Picture messages and video messages: $0.35 each

Video visits cost $0.25 per minute at the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. That's billed separately from messages and photos, so you can plan your balance around what you'll actually use.

Messaging is the better choice when time matters. Items are scanned and delivered electronically to facility kiosks or tablets, so your loved one typically sees them much sooner than a traditional letter moving through the postal system.

1. Create your NCIC prepaid account - Set up the account used for messaging, video visits, and prepaid calling.
2. Add funds to your balance - Messages and video visits are paid features, so you will need money available before you can send or start anything.

1. Choose your message type - A standard text message is $0.25 per message.
2. Attach a photo (or send a media message) - Picture messages and video messages are $0.35 each.
3. Send and keep an eye on your balance - If you are sending multiple updates or several photos, the per-message pricing adds up quickly, so it helps to estimate your total before you hit send.

If you run into account or funding issues, NCIC has a call center that can help at 1-800-943-2189.