Phone Calls from McDowell Detention Facility: Costs, Prepaid Accounts, and Rules Families Need to Know
Phone calls are one of the main ways to stay connected with someone at McDowell Detention Facility—but the system has rules that can catch families off guard. Here's how calling works, how to set up prepaid service, what rates look like, and what to avoid so your calls don't get cut off.
Calls at McDowell Detention are outgoing only. Your loved one dials out to approved family and friends - which means you'll need to be on their approved list before you can receive a call. The facility doesn't accept incoming calls, so there's no way to call in and ask to be connected.
Reminder: You can’t place an incoming call to reach someone inside McDowell Detention. To receive calls, make sure your number is approved for your loved one to dial.
NCIC handles inmate phone service for McDowell County. Setting up an account with them is the easiest way to receive calls reliably and avoid the frustration of declined calls.
- Set up an NCIC prepaid account - Create and fund prepaid calling by phone at 1-800-943-2189 or through the NCIC website.
- Use the online funding option tied to the detention center - You can also place funds by using team3.inmatecanteen.com and selecting McDowell County Detention Center.
- ✓ Add funds using the kiosks located in the Sheriff’s Office lobby (available 24 hours a day).
- ✓ Plan for convenience fees when you add money to an account.
Calls from McDowell Detention are billed by the minute for both local and long-distance. There are no connection fees, so the per-minute rate is your main cost to track.
The McDowell County Sheriff's detention information lists several per-minute rates depending on call type. Local rates show up as $0.27 per minute in one place and $0.17 per minute in another. The same rate sheet lists in-state calls at $0.21 per minute, out-of-state calls at $0.21 per minute, and international calls at $0.35 per minute.
Heads up: The facility’s posted information shows conflicting local rates ($0.27/min and $0.17/min). Before you load money onto an account, verify the current rates with NCIC or the detention facility so you’re budgeting with the right numbers.
Two rules matter most for keeping phone access: approved numbers and no three-way calling. Inmates can only call approved family and friends, so calls will fail if your number isn't on the list. Three-way calls are prohibited - don't add another person to the line or use features that mimic a conference call.
Warning: Don’t attempt a three-way call. Three-way calls are prohibited and can cause calls to be stopped.
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- ✓ Confirm the phone provider is NCIC before you create or fund an account.
- ✓ Set up prepaid calling through NCIC by phone (1-800-943-2189) or through the NCIC website.
- ✓ If you’re funding online through team3.inmatecanteen.com, choose McDowell County Detention Center.
- ✓ If you prefer to pay in person, use the kiosks in the Sheriff’s Office lobby (available 24/7).
- ✓ Budget for convenience fees when adding funds.
Need to verify calling details, ask about rates, or confirm how to fund an account? Contact the McDowell County Sheriff's Office main line at (828)-652-2235 or the detention facility at (828)-652-2236.
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