Can You Call Someone at MCF Shakopee? What Families Need to Know About Phone Access
You can't call MCF Shakopee and get connected to your loved one. Only incarcerated people can place outgoing calls — the facility won't transfer outside callers in.
Contact an Inmate at MCF Shakopee, MN
Mail, photos, messaging, and phone/call options for staying in touch.
Overview
Communication at MCF Shakopee works differently than you might expect. Only the incarcerated person can place outgoing calls—you can't call the facility to reach them or get transferred. Phone calls and video visits are monitored or recorded, and you'll be notified that monitoring may occur. The facility enforces a 15-minute interval between phone calls for security reasons. Video visits are handled through JPay: schedule from the JPay Video Visitation page, use a JPay account, and purchase 30-minute sessions with a Visa or MasterCard on file. Follow the rules closely. Recording or photographing any part of a video visit can end the session immediately and may lead to a one-year or indefinite ban. Verbal abuse can also trigger escalating suspensions.
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Quick Facts
- Only incarcerated persons may place outgoing calls; callers outside the facility cannot call in or be transferred to inmates.
- Phone and video conversations at MCF Shakopee are monitored or recorded and participants are notified of monitoring.
- Video visits are scheduled and started through JPay; sessions are sold in 30-minute blocks and require a JPay account and a Visa or MasterCard on file.
- Recording or photographing any portion of a video visit can terminate the visit and lead to a one-year or indefinite ban from video visiting.
- MCF Shakopee opens and scans incoming mail and provides the incarcerated person with a copy of scanned correspondence.
Contact & Communication Guides
How to Address Mail for Someone at MCF Shakopee (and why mail may route through Phoenix, MD)
Sending a letter to someone at MCF Shakopee? The two biggest mistakes people make: missing ID details on the envelope, and getting confused when the address points to Maryland instead of Minnesota.
How to Address Mail to Someone at MCF Shakopee (so it actually gets there)
Mail rules can feel picky, but the format matters—especially in Minnesota DOC, where mail is processed before it reaches the facility. Use the exact format below so your letter gets routed correctly and delivered.
What Happens to Your Mail Before Your Loved One Reads It
If you're used to sending a handwritten letter and picturing it landing directly in your loved one's hands, Minnesota DOC mail works differently. Here's what
Why You Can't Call Into MCF Shakopee (and what to do instead)
Trying to call MCF Shakopee to reach your loved one? The phone system isn't broken—it's designed this way. Calls only go one direction: out from the facility.
Common Questions
Can I call someone at MCF Shakopee?
No. Only incarcerated persons may place outgoing calls, and outside callers can’t call into the facility or be transferred to an inmate.
Are phone calls and video visits monitored at MCF Shakopee?
Yes. Phone calls and video visits are monitored or recorded, and participants are given notice of monitoring. Three-way calls and call forwarding are prohibited, and there’s a 15-minute interval enforced between phone calls for security reasons.
What happens if a visitor records or photographs a video visit?
Recording or photographing any portion of a video visit can end the visit immediately and lead to a ban from video visiting (up to one year or indefinite). Verbal abuse and other violations can also result in escalating video-visit suspensions.
How is mail processed at MCF Shakopee?
MCF Shakopee staff open and scan incoming mail, and the incarcerated person receives a copy of the scanned correspondence.
What must I include on the envelope when sending mail to someone at MCF Shakopee?
Include the recipient’s full name, their DOC OID number, and the facility name, and spell out “Minnesota” (do not abbreviate).
Who should I contact if there is a death, serious illness, or injury at MCF Shakopee?
Call the facility and leave a message. Staff will verify the situation and pass the message to the incarcerated person.
Other Guides for MCF Shakopee, MN
How to Find Someone's Minnesota DOC Offender ID (OID) Number
Whether you're trying to call, write, visit, or send money, you'll need one key detail first: the Minnesota DOC Offender ID (OID) number.
Setting Up Your First JPay Video Visit (start to finish)
Your first JPay video visit is straightforward once you know the steps. This walkthrough covers eligibility, computer requirements, scheduling and payment, and how to join on visit day.
Setting Up Your First Video Visit with MCF Shakopee: Step-by-Step
Your first video visit might seem complicated, but it's straightforward once you know the steps. Here's how to get set up, schedule your visit, and join on time—no last-minute scrambling required.
