Question 1

How do I set up NCIC (inmate messaging) accounts and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

In Minnehaha County, you set up an NCIC account through NCIC’s website to use inmate messaging and related services. Minnehaha County uses this system for sending documents, photos, and mail, and it states that messages cost $0.25 each and picture messages or documents cost $0.35 each. The published NCIC rate sheet also lists video visits at $0.30 per minute.

Question 2

Where should I mail letters or photos for an inmate in Minnehaha County?

Accepted Answer

Minnehaha County states that general inmate mail (except legal and medical mail) must be mailed to a processing PO Box in Longview, Texas. Your envelope needs the inmate’s name and booking (or identifying) number, a return address, and the contents must be 8.5 x 11 inches or smaller with no more than 5 pages (front side only). Minnehaha County also states that mail sent to that PO Box will be scanned for electronic delivery and then destroyed, and it will not be returned or released.

Question 3

Can I include postage stamps in incoming mail?

Accepted Answer

Some South Dakota jails do not allow stamps in incoming mail. Pennington County states that all postage stamps must be purchased on commissary and that incoming mail containing stamps will be returned to sender, and it also states that general mail is scanned and the originals are discarded.

Question 4

How can I put money on an inmate's account?

Accepted Answer

Minnehaha County Jail lists three ways to deposit money into an inmate’s account: use the lobby kiosk, ask for assistance at the front desk, or use JailATM. Minnehaha County also notes that CourtMoney.com may be used to post bond or deposit funds into a person’s commissary fund. Procedures vary by facility, so use the instructions for the specific jail or prison where your loved one is housed.

Question 5

Are video visits monitored or can they be disconnected?

Accepted Answer

Yes, video visits can be monitored and disconnected. South Dakota DOC’s visitation platform warns that video visits are monitored and may be terminated if appropriate conduct is not maintained. If you are using NCIC video visitation in Minnehaha County, the published rate sheet lists video visits at $0.30 per minute.

Question 6

What ID do I need to bring to visit in the lobby or in-person?

Accepted Answer

For lobby visits in Minnehaha County, you must present government-issued identification. The jail lists acceptable forms like a driver’s license, a valid passport, certain state or county IDs (with a birth certificate if the ID does not show a date of birth), or a military ID with photo and date of birth. For DOC visits scheduled through the DOC platform, plan to check in 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and have a valid ID ready at check-in.

Question 7

Do facilities charge inmates daily room and board or other fees?

Accepted Answer

Some facilities do. Minnehaha County states that sentenced inmates are charged a $10.00 per day room-and-board fee by the county. For South Dakota DOC prisons, commissary operations are overseen by Pheasantland Industries.

Question 8

How do I apply to visit Mike Durfee State Prison or who do I call with visit questions?

Accepted Answer

To apply, use the South Dakota DOC visitor application (online), or complete the printable visitation application and submit it by email or by mailing it to the facility for processing. For visit questions at Mike Durfee State Prison, the DOC visitation platform lists the facility phone number as 605-369-2201.

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