Understanding Phone Costs at Shelby County Jail: Prepaid NCIC Accounts, Voicemail Rates, and Buying Time
Phone costs in jail add up quickly—and figuring out the system while trying to stay connected isn't easy. Here's how calling and voicemail work at Shelby County Jail, what costs have been published, and how phone time actually gets funded.
Shelby County Jail uses NCIC Inmate Communications for phone service. Account setup, funding, and most phone-related questions go through NCIC - not the jail directly.
All calls start from inside the jail. Inmates can place outgoing calls, but they can't receive incoming ones. If you need to reach someone, make sure they have a way to call you back - either through collect calling or a prepaid account.
Note: Phone calls are recorded, except for calls to an inmate’s attorney. Keep personal details and sensitive topics off the phone unless you’re speaking with legal counsel.
NCIC offers two prepaid account options: fund an account tied to a specific inmate, or fund one tied to up to 10 phone numbers. The inmate-linked account supports that person's calling. The phone-number account covers calls to whichever numbers you choose (as long as they're not blocked).
Is prepaid cheaper than collect? Rates vary by call type and funding method. Before adding money, compare current pricing in NCIC's system for your specific situation. Prepaid helps you control spending and avoid surprises - just confirm the exact per-minute charges and fees with NCIC first.
One cost you can count on: inmate voicemail runs $1.50 for a three-minute message. If scheduling a live call is tricky, voicemail offers a predictable, flat-rate way to share an update.
Phone time doesn't have to come from you. Inmates can purchase prepaid phone time through the jail commissary using funds from their inmate account. If your loved one has money on their account, they may be able to add calling time themselves.
- ✓ Inmates can add prepaid phone time through the commissary using funds in their inmate account.
- ✓ Instructions for adding time are available on the commissary kiosks in the living areas.
- ✓ If your loved one is unsure how to do it, have them look for the on-screen kiosk instructions where they’re housed.
Questions about prepaid accounts, the phone service, or blocking calls? Contact NCIC Customer Service at 800-943-2189 or info@ncic.com.
When you reach out, be specific about what you need: setting up a prepaid account for an inmate or for up to 10 phone numbers, asking about voicemail pricing ($1.50 for three minutes), or confirming how commissary funds work for phone time. Clear questions get faster answers.
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