Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, Wi, NE

Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (MSDF) offers video visits, phone calls, and tablet-based messaging. Each person in custody can schedule up to three video visits per day, with each visit lasting 26 minutes (depending on unit schedule and availability). Video visits cost $2.50 per visit, effective June 19, 2023. Phone service runs through Securus—families set up accounts directly with them. Tablet messaging and photo/message delivery require a GettingOut (GTL) account. Non-attorney calls may be monitored and recorded. Attorney calls work differently: they're made collect, and attorney contact details are added or updated using form DOC-1631. MSDF also has a Public Defender red phone available Monday–Friday, 8:30am–2:30pm. Mail sent through TextBehind is scanned, and originals are shredded by a certified third party 30 days after scanning.

Personal (non-legal) mail for Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility goes to TextBehind at P.O. Box 189, Phoenix, MD. Include your full return name and address, plus the person-in-custody's full name and DOC number on the envelope—incomplete addresses may mean undeliverable mail. TextBehind scans or photocopies incoming personal mail before delivery; the Wisconsin DOC implemented this process on December 6, 2021 to prevent contraband. Originals are shredded by a certified third party 30 days after scanning. Medical or legal mail that's clearly identifiable won't be opened by TextBehind—it goes directly to the institution for handling under legal-mail procedures. Certain items won't be copied or accepted: musical, pop-up, glittered, multi-thickness, or glued cards, plus gift cards, cash, and personal checks. Outgoing non-privileged mail must list the TextBehind P.O. Box as the return address.

Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility doesn't accept funds sent directly to the facility. Use Access Corrections Secure Deposit or CashPayToday walk-in providers instead. Money deposited through these channels goes to the resident's account for commissary purchases and other authorized uses—though it may be reduced by outstanding debts. Ordering specialty commissary packages? Orders must meet a $20 minimum, and there's a $150 maximum per DOC resident per vendor per quarter. Have the resident's full name and ID ready before depositing so funds go to the correct account. Check the vendor's instructions for specific steps and timing.

Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (MSDF) holds up to 1,040 persons in its care (PIOC) across various security classifications. Most beds are for males, with 40 designated for females. Intake runs 24/7 and includes screening by a health care provider and psychological services. Unit staff routinely inspect cells and can search them without the person present or giving permission. Showers are available daily during dayroom hours, up to 10 minutes each. Need to see your social worker? Submit an interview request—only your current unit social worker will respond. For broader concerns like sexual abuse reporting or language/ADA accommodations, use the facility's confidential reporting channels.