Pocahontas County Jail
Pocahontas County Jail
Physical Address
99 Court SquarePocahontas, IA 50574
Jail Phone Number
712-335-5071Pocahontas County Jail Inmate Search, Pocahontas, Iowa
To see who is in the Pocahontas County Jail, open the sheriff's inmate list or call 712-335-5071.
The Pocahontas list does not include mugshots.
Bond, warrants, federal and ICE holds, local police, phone calls, deposits and visiting follow.
Read inmate search answers
Read inmate search answers1. What other jails could hold them?
- Pocahontas County Jail, 22 SE Court Street, Pocahontas, IA 50574; 712-335-5071.
- Calhoun County inmates are housed here; the Calhoun sheriff is at 416 Fourth Street, Rockwell City, IA 50579, 712-297-7583.
- Humboldt County Jail, 430 Sumner Ave, Humboldt, IA 50548; 515-332-2471.
- Sac County Jail, 100 NW State Street, Sac City, IA 50583; 712-662-7127.
- Palo Alto County Jail, 2002 10th Street, Emmetsburg, IA 50536; 712-852-3535.
- Buena Vista County Jail, 411 Expansion Blvd, Storm Lake, IA 50588; 712-732-2452.
- Webster County Jail, 702 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501; 515-573-1410.
- Kossuth County Jail, 121 West State Street, Algona, IA 50511; 515-295-9277.
- Clay County Jail, 3115 W. 4th Street, Spencer, IA 51301; 712-262-3221.
2. How do visits work?
Family and friends can have one video visit of up to 20 minutes a day, using the two video kiosks at the Law Enforcement Center. Register in advance on the online visit and money portal named on the jail page. Lawyers, clergy and officers arrange in-person visits with the jail. See our visitation page.
↑ Back to the question list3. Can I call an inmate?
No, incoming calls are not allowed. Inmates make calls on jail tablets when they have funds, and you can text or message them through the same online account. Our phone guide and messaging page give more detail.
↑ Back to the question list4. How do I deposit money?
Use the kiosk in the visitation room at the Law Enforcement Center, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; press the intercom and tell dispatch why you are there. Deposits can also be made online through that site. A messaging account is separate from the inmate's spending account. See our deposit guide and commissary page.
↑ Back to the question list5. How do I mail a letter?
Use: Inmate's name, Pocahontas County Jail, 22 SE Court Street, P.O. Box 182, Pocahontas, IA 50574. Put your return address on the envelope, because mail without one is refused. Packages, magazines, bulk mail and food are not accepted. See our mail page.
↑ Back to the question list6. How do I see the charges?
Search Pocahontas County in Iowa Courts Online. For posting bond, use our bail page.
↑ Back to the question list7. Where do I look after sentencing?
Use the Iowa DOC offender search for state prisons, the BOP locator for federal prisons, and the ICE locator for immigration custody.
↑ Back to the question list8. Are juveniles held in the jail?
No. Detained youths go to the Northwest Iowa YES Center, 1231 West Cedar Loop, Suite 110, Cherokee, IA 51012, 712-225-5777; call the center.
↑ Back to the question list9. Does the jail page show mugshots?
The jail page we checked shows no booking photos. Journalists can call 712-335-5071. ICE photos come only through ICE's FOIA site after approval. Federal mugshots stay private unless the U.S. Marshals release them.
↑ Back to the question list10. My loved one has a Pocahontas County warrant. Where do they turn in?
At the Pocahontas County Jail, which also holds Calhoun County prisoners, on Court Square in Pocahontas. Call the jail at 712-335-5071 or the sheriff at 712-335-3308 first to confirm the warrant, ideally through a lawyer who can arrange the time. There's no public list and no statewide lookup in Iowa, but Iowa Courts Online shows the case. If the warrant only involves a missed date, the clerk upstairs at 712-335-4208 may be able to help.
↑ Back to the question list11. How is bond set and paid?
In Pocahontas, most first bonds follow the statewide uniform bond schedule; for serious charges, Pocahontas's magistrate sets it. Call 712-335-5071 for amounts.
- How to pay at 712-335-5071: cash, surety or Iowa property.
- Guide: our bail guide.
- Hearings: our court guide, or the clerk at 712-335-4208.
12. Is the person in federal custody?
In Pocahontas, federal arrests go to the U.S. Marshals Service; its Sioux City office answers at 712-252-3077. Cases are heard by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa; its clerk is at 320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, 712-233-3900. After a federal sentence, check the BOP inmate locator. Bond at 99 Court Square, Pocahontas, IA 50574 cannot lift a federal hold; only 712-233-3900 can.
↑ Back to the question list13. How does an ICE detainer work?
- The Pocahontas County Jail receives DHS Form I-247A from ICE.
- Iowa Code chapter 27A makes the jail in Pocahontas honor it, holding someone 48 hours longer at most (8 CFR 287.7(d)).
- After 48 hours without ICE at 99 Court Square, Pocahontas, IA 50574, the hold ends.
- The ICE detainee locator tracks transfers by A-number or name.
14. How do custody alerts work?
VINELink sends free release and transfer alerts for Pocahontas. Phone sign-up is at 888-742-8463. The Pocahontas County Jail answers at 712-335-5071.
↑ Back to the question list15. When will the person get out?
In Pocahontas, once bond clears at 99 Court Square, Pocahontas, IA 50574, release usually takes a few hours; 712-335-5071 knows. Prison sentences move people to the Iowa DOC offender search. Another county's hold keeps them; ask 712-335-5071. Federal or ICE holds go via 712-252-3077.
↑ Back to the question list16. What if the name is missing?
In Pocahontas, new bookings can lag; call 712-335-5071. Anyone moved from Pocahontas, or released, may show in the Iowa DOC offender search, or the BOP inmate locator. Juveniles are never listed (Iowa Code 232.147). If unsure, ask 712-335-5071.
↑ Back to the question list17. When does a judge see them?
In Pocahontas, a magistrate reviews the arrest within 24 hours (Iowa Code 804.22). Bond can be changed later (Iowa Code 811.2). If money is short, the State Public Defender may be appointed. The clerk (712-335-4208) has the next date.
↑ Back to the question list18. Can someone get out without paying?
Yes. Pocahontas's judges may release on a promise (Iowa Code 811.2), or with conditions, sometimes supervised by the Department of Correctional Services. Skipping court means forfeiture (Iowa Code 811.6) and a warrant; Pocahontas's clerk (712-335-4208) has the terms.
↑ Back to the question list19. When is cash bail returned?
In Pocahontas, the clerk (712-335-4208) refunds cash bail (99 Court Square, Pocahontas, IA 50574) at case end, to the payer. A 10% bondsman fee is never returned; call 712-335-5071.
↑ Back to the question list20. Which sentences are served locally?
In Pocahontas, misdemeanor terms are served at 99 Court Square, Pocahontas, IA 50574 (Iowa Code 903.1). Longer terms mean prison; see the Iowa DOC offender search. Work release or weekends in Pocahontas, Iowa, need a judge's OK; 712-335-5071 schedules it.
↑ Back to the question list21. Can a judge bar contact?
In Pocahontas, judges can bar contact at hearings (Iowa Code 664A.3). Breaking it is a new crime (Iowa Code 664A.7). Only judges can change it; Pocahontas's clerk (712-335-4208) keeps a copy at 99 Court Square, Pocahontas, IA 50574.
↑ Back to the question list22. How is a free lawyer appointed?
In Pocahontas, a free lawyer depends on income (Iowa Code 815.9). Ask in court on day 1, or call 712-335-4208. The State Public Defender covers most cases in Pocahontas; families may hire private counsel.
↑ Back to the question list23. Is a bail call real?
In Pocahontas, the Pocahontas County Jail never takes gift cards or crypto; call 712-335-5071 before paying anyone. Pocahontas's bond goes only to the clerk (712-335-4208) or the jail at 99 Court Square, Pocahontas, IA 50574. Report scam calls to the Iowa Attorney General.
↑ Back to the question list24. Which police agencies serve Pocahontas County?
- Pocahontas County Sheriff's Office, 22 SE Court Street, Pocahontas, IA 50574: 712-335-3308.
- Pocahontas Police Department, 23 West Elm Avenue, Pocahontas, IA 50574: 712-335-3536.
- Laurens Police Department, 107 Highway 10 West, Laurens, IA 50554: 712-841-4414.
- Iowa State Patrol District 7, 2437 235th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501: 515-972-4213.
- Emergencies: 911.
Pocahontas County Bail and Bond in Pocahontas, Iowa
Bonds and release at the Pocahontas County Jail, which also holds Calhoun County prisoners, are explained here.
Call 712-335-5071 for the bail figure. Pocahontas County, in north-central Iowa, has about 6,819 residents in towns such as Pocahontas, Laurens, Fonda, Rolfe, Gilmore City, Palmer, Havelock, Varina and Plover. Adults arrested here are held at the sheriff's Law Enforcement Center, 22 SE Court Street, Pocahontas, IA 50574.
The jail office is 712-335-5071 and the sheriff's office is 712-335-3308. The courthouse, at 99 Court Square, is a short walk away.
1. How can I confirm the person is held?
Open the roster PDF on the sheriff's jail page. You can also search VINELink or call the jail office at 712-335-5071. The sheriff notes that inmates are listed under the name they gave at booking, which may not be their real name, so try any alias you know.
↑ Back to the question list2. Is there a dollar amount for each charge?
Until a judge sees the case, most charges use Iowa's uniform bond schedule: $300 simple misdemeanor, $1,000 serious misdemeanor, $2,000 aggravated misdemeanor, and $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 for class D, C and B felonies. A judge may change the amount at the first appearance.
↑ Back to the question list3. Which arrests need a judge first?
There is no schedule amount for forcible felonies, arrests for domestic abuse or protective order violations, or stalking, and none for sexual abuse of the three degrees, making, delivering or possessing meth to deliver, dangerous-weapon intimidation, or a felon in possession of a firearm. In those cases a magistrate or judge decides whether release is allowed and on what terms.
↑ Back to the question list4. How can bond be posted?
- Cash for the full bond, paid back at the close of the case so long as no hearing was missed.
- Surety bond from an insurer authorized in Iowa; the premium paid is not returned.
The jail lets bondsmen and attorneys reach inmates by phone. Iowa licenses no individual bail bondsmen, so any surety bond must come from an insurance company.
↑ Back to the question list5. Can someone get out without paying?
Only in limited cases now. Since July 1, 2026, Senate File 2399 allows release on a written promise only for simple and serious misdemeanors that involve no violence and no drugs. Others may be released on conditions or supervision if the judge orders it.
↑ Back to the question list6. Where is the clerk's office?
The Clerk of District Court is in the Pocahontas County Courthouse, 99 Court Square, Pocahontas, IA 50574; call 712-335-4208 or email countyclerk.pocahontas@iowacourts.gov. The clerk keeps bond records and handles refunds.
↑ Back to the question list7. What follows a missed court date?
A warrant and forfeiture of the bond are likely. Under Iowa Code 811.6, the defendant and any surety are given notice and 30 days before the forfeiture becomes a judgment. Willful failure to appear is also a separate offense.
↑ Back to the question list8. How is a cash bond returned?
After the case is over, the clerk sends the refund to the person who posted it, minus fines or court costs. For putting money on a jail account, the kiosk at the Law Enforcement Center and our money guide explain the options.
↑ Back to the question list9. What about a federal hold or an ICE detainer?
Federal cases from this county are in the Northern District of Iowa's Central Division, which holds court in Fort Dodge and Mason City; the clerk's office is at 320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, 712-233-3900, and release there is up to a federal magistrate. Iowa law requires jails to honor ICE detainers, so paying state bail may lead to a transfer. Follow the case through the ICE locator or our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question list10. What if the arrested person is a juvenile?
Youths are not held at the Pocahontas jail on a bond. Detention is at the Northwest Iowa YES Center, 1231 West Cedar Loop, Suite 110, Cherokee, IA 51012, 712-225-5777, with a juvenile hearing inside 1 working day.
↑ Back to the question listPocahontas County Jail ON-SITE KIOSK/VIDOE VISITATION SCHEDULE
99 Court Square
Pocahontas, IA 50574
712-335-5071
- Visits are 20 minutes.
- You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
- The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 712-335-5071 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
- Inmates are allowed one visit per day.
- Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
- Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.
ON SITE KIOSK/VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 712-335-5071 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE!
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 2:00PM - 3:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:30AM - 10:30AM |
Inmate Canteen Video Visitation allows family members and approved contacts to hold scheduled, face-to-face video visits with incarcerated loved ones from home. Using a computer with a webcam or a mobile device, visitors can connect directly through housing-unit video kiosks without traveling to the correctional facility.
Important: Advance Visitor Clearance Required
Detention centers do not permit unscheduled or unverified video sessions. Correctional facilities require prospective visitors to submit government-issued photo identification and receive administrative clearance before booking an appointment, an approval process that can take up to 48 hours depending on facility staffing. You should verify your visitor approval status with the facility prior to scheduling. If you do not register well in advance, you will miss your loved one's scheduled visiting window for the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Schedule a Video Visit
- Visit www.inmatecanteen.com and sign into your account.
- Register your visitor profile and upload a clear photograph of your government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) for facility background review.
- Wait for email notification confirming facility visitor approval.
- Select Video Visitation, choose the detention facility, and select the inmate.
- Browse the available schedule calendar, select an open time slot, and pay the visitation fee using a credit or debit card.
- Log into the website or app 10 minutes prior to the start time on a device with a functioning camera, microphone, and reliable high-speed internet connection.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate receives a visitation notification on their housing unit video kiosk. At the appointed time, they log in with their PIN and sit before the terminal. Inmates and visitors must strictly observe jail dress and conduct rules; sessions are monitored by staff and will terminate immediately upon any violation.
Official Provider: Inmate Canteen Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-715-690-2965
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by Inmate Canteen (TurnKey Corrections)
In addition to Remote Video Visitation, Inmate Canteen provides several other communication, financial, and commissary services at participating correctional facilities:
- Commissary & Snack Packs: Order pre-approved snack boxes, food packages, and clothing directly to the jail.
• Learn more on our website: Commissary Orders Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Commissary - Digital Messaging & Chirp Texts: Send electronic messages and photos directly to housing pod kiosks and handheld devices.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Messaging - Trust & Phone Deposits: Deposit money directly into an inmate's jail trust account or phone calling balance.
• Learn more on our website: Trust & Phone Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Deposits
Pocahontas County District Court, Pocahontas, Iowa
The Iowa District Court tries this county's criminal matters at the county courthouse, 99 Court Square, in the town of Pocahontas.
The county is part of the Second Judicial District.
Courthouse hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and the clerk's line is 712-335-4208.
1. Which offices handle a criminal case?
- Clerk of District Court: 99 Court Square, Pocahontas, IA 50574; 712-335-4208; countyclerk.pocahontas@iowacourts.gov.
- Pocahontas County Attorney: 23 3rd Avenue NE, Pocahontas, IA 50574; 712-335-4215, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The County Attorney prosecutes state charges.
- Pocahontas County Jail: Law Enforcement Center, 22 SE Court Street, Pocahontas, IA 50574; 712-335-5071.
2. What is the first court hearing?
The initial appearance comes soon after arrest. The court reads the charge, rules on bail and conditions, and takes any request for counsel. If there was no warrant, a judge must also find probable cause.
↑ Back to the question list3. Which judge hears which case?
Magistrates take simple misdemeanors and city ordinance matters. District associate judges hear serious and aggravated misdemeanors. District judges handle felonies and come to Pocahontas on scheduled days from elsewhere in the Second District.
↑ Back to the question list4. How does a Pocahontas felony proceed?
- First appearance, where bail is set.
- Trial information within 45 days of arrest.
- Arraignment and plea.
- Discovery and depositions.
- Trial due 90 days after the trial information, absent a waiver.
- Sentencing, typically after a presentence investigation.
5. Are Pocahontas dockets online?
On Iowa Courts Online. Choose Pocahontas and search by name or case number to see the charges, bond and next hearing.
↑ Back to the question list6. How do I request a public lawyer?
Ask at the initial appearance or at the clerk's office and fill out the financial affidavit. If approved, the court appoints a lawyer through the State Public Defender system, usually a private attorney working on contract. The public defender office that covers this county works out of Mason City, at 103 E. State Street, Suite 210, Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-4181.
↑ Back to the question list7. Who handles a youth's case?
A district judge sitting as juvenile court decides delinquency matters. The area's juvenile court services office sits at 702 1st Ave. S., Fort Dodge, IA 50501, 515-573-1449. Parents should attend every hearing. A youth who is detained goes to the Northwest Iowa YES Center, 1231 West Cedar Loop, Suite 110, Cherokee, IA 51012, 712-225-5777.
↑ Back to the question list8. Are federal cases handled locally?
No. Federal charges belong to the Central Division of the Northern District, with court days in Fort Dodge and Mason City. Its clerk's office is at 320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, 712-233-3900. Sentenced federal prisoners appear on the BOP locator.
↑ Back to the question list9. Where can I read about bail?
Our Pocahontas County bail page covers bond amounts, payment and refunds.
↑ Back to the question list10. What's the process for a warrant out of the Pocahontas County courthouse?
The courthouse at 99 Court Square issues the warrant, and Pocahontas County deputies serve it; the sheriff's office is at 712-335-3308. The sheriff doesn't publish names, and Iowa doesn't offer a statewide public search. Iowa Courts Online carries the case file. If the warrant came from a hearing that was missed, the Clerk of District Court in that same courthouse (712-335-4208) can explain getting a new Pocahontas court day.
↑ Back to the question list
Buy Commissary for an Inmate in the Pocahontas County Jail
Pocahontas County Jail Inmate Commissary - Sending Money or Purchasing Commissary for an Inmate
The Pocahontas County Jail allows inmates to purchase commissary. This can be snacks, hygiene products, stamps, stationary, clothing and even electronics.
Call the facility at 712-335-5071 to ask whether there is a limit on how much an inmate can spend on commissary.
Inmates have access to both an in-house commissary store, and commissary packages that can be purchased and shipped to the inmate by friends and family.
Scroll down for further information on the commissary program, how it works, what type of things inmates can buy, how often they receive commissary, and a lot more.
You can also go to our Inmate Money page for information on how to send money to an inmate.
Inmate Canteen Trust & Phone Deposits allow friends and family members to transfer money directly into an incarcerated person's jail trust account or telephone calling balance using a credit or debit card. Deposited funds give your loved one the financial balance needed to buy personal care goods, over-the-counter medication, snacks, and phone talk time from the facility canteen.
Important: Facility Banking Policies Vary Across Jails
Once a person is booked and moved to a cell, facilities do not always allow cash drop-offs or phone payments directly to the jail window. Some might and you should confirm this by calling the facility and asking. But if you do not register online and fund your loved one's trust account immediately, they may be forced to wait days or weeks for standard paper processing, leaving them without essential soap, clean undergarments, basic medical sundries or snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Deposit Funds
- Confirm the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and assigned booking or inmate ID number.
- Navigate to www.inmatecanteen.com on your computer or mobile device.
- Click on Deposit Funds and select whether to fund the Trust Account (for commissary) or Phone Account (for talk time).
- Select the state and facility where the inmate is currently housed.
- Search for the inmate to confirm their active housing record matches the facility roster.
- Enter your deposit dollar amount, review convenience fees, and enter your debit or credit card billing details.
- Submit payment and save the digital confirmation receipt for your financial records.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate does not need an internet connection to receive trust funds. Once payment clears, the balance posts directly to their accounting profile in the jail's internal system. The inmate can review their updated balance at the pod kiosk terminal and place their regular weekly commissary order or make outbound phone calls.
Official Provider: Inmate Canteen Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-715-690-2965
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by Inmate Canteen (TurnKey Corrections)
In addition to Trust & Phone Deposits, Inmate Canteen provides several other communication, financial, and commissary services at participating correctional facilities:
- Commissary & Snack Packs: Order pre-approved snack boxes, food packages, and clothing directly to the jail.
• Learn more on our website: Commissary Orders Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Commissary - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live face-to-face video visits from your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Video Visits - Digital Messaging & Chirp Texts: Send electronic messages and photos directly to housing pod kiosks and handheld devices.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Messaging
Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Pocahontas County Jail
The Easiest and Securest Way of Depositing Money for an Inmate
There are several methods for depositing money on an inmate's account:
1. To send money online to an inmate in the Pocahontas County Jail use Inmate Canteen.
2. If you prefer to use your credit or debit card and deposit money over the phone, unfortunately Inmate Canteen does not accept phone calls, but you can ask questions using the chat box on their home page.
3. Deposit cash or use a debit or credit card using a dedicated kiosk for this purpose. The machine is located in the lobby or visitation area of the Pocahontas County Jail.
4. The Pocahontas County Jail may also allow you to *mail an inmate a money order or cashier’s check from a trusted source such as the Post Office, a local bank, or Western Union. The money order should be be made out to either the inmate or the Pocahontas County Sheriff's Office, with the inmate’s name and ID# on the memo line of the check. To confirm this option call the facility at 712-335-5071.
Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
*When mailing a money order or cashier’s check, send it an envelope by itself. Never send it with a letter or photos for your inmate, unless the facility allows it. Never send personal checks or cash.
5. The Pocahontas County Jail has a reception desk that may accept cash, money orders or cashier checks. Call 712-335-5071 to find out the specific hours for drop off times.
Send an Inmate Mail in the Pocahontas County Jail
The Pocahontas County Jail is now in the county's new Law Enforcement Center on SE Court Street in Pocahontas, and inmate mail goes to the jail's post office box there. Send letters by regular postal mail with the inmate's name on the first line. The paper itself is checked at the jail, not by an outside scanning service, and given out on weekdays.
Personal letters, legal mail and books:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Pocahontas County Jail
22 SE Court Street
P.O. Box 182
Pocahontas, IA 50574
- Return address: It must be on the outside of the envelope. The jail will not accept mail that has none.
- Not accepted: Packages, magazines, bulk mailings and food are all turned away.
- Books: A book has to be new and sent by a publisher or a store, and it can't contain graphic violence, porn or obscene images.
- Pens: Blue or black ink only. Anything written in crayon, felt marker or colored ink breaks the rules.
- Envelope and paper: Leave off drawings, lipstick and perfume, and don't slip glitter or confetti inside.
- Greeting cards: Plain, with no music.
- Adding money: There is a kiosk for cash in the visitation room at the Law Enforcement Center, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Press the intercom and tell dispatch what you need. If you can't get to Pocahontas, add money online.
Short notes can go through electronic messages instead, once you set up an account.
Inmate Canteen Trust & Phone Deposits allow friends and family members to transfer money directly into an incarcerated person's jail trust account or telephone calling balance using a credit or debit card. Deposited funds give your loved one the financial balance needed to buy personal care goods, over-the-counter medication, snacks, and phone talk time from the facility canteen.
Important: Facility Banking Policies Vary Across Jails
Once a person is booked and moved to a cell, facilities do not always allow cash drop-offs or phone payments directly to the jail window. Some might and you should confirm this by calling the facility and asking. But if you do not register online and fund your loved one's trust account immediately, they may be forced to wait days or weeks for standard paper processing, leaving them without essential soap, clean undergarments, basic medical sundries or snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Deposit Funds
- Confirm the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and assigned booking or inmate ID number.
- Navigate to www.inmatecanteen.com on your computer or mobile device.
- Click on Deposit Funds and select whether to fund the Trust Account (for commissary) or Phone Account (for talk time).
- Select the state and facility where the inmate is currently housed.
- Search for the inmate to confirm their active housing record matches the facility roster.
- Enter your deposit dollar amount, review convenience fees, and enter your debit or credit card billing details.
- Submit payment and save the digital confirmation receipt for your financial records.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate does not need an internet connection to receive trust funds. Once payment clears, the balance posts directly to their accounting profile in the jail's internal system. The inmate can review their updated balance at the pod kiosk terminal and place their regular weekly commissary order or make outbound phone calls.
Official Provider: Inmate Canteen Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-715-690-2965
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by Inmate Canteen (TurnKey Corrections)
In addition to Trust & Phone Deposits, Inmate Canteen provides several other communication, financial, and commissary services at participating correctional facilities:
- Commissary & Snack Packs: Order pre-approved snack boxes, food packages, and clothing directly to the jail.
• Learn more on our website: Commissary Orders Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Commissary - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live face-to-face video visits from your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Video Visits - Digital Messaging & Chirp Texts: Send electronic messages and photos directly to housing pod kiosks and handheld devices.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Messaging
Inmate Canteen Digital Messaging allows friends and family members to send electronic text messages and digital photos directly to an incarcerated loved one. Messages are delivered electronically to housing unit kiosks and Chirp handheld devices within hours, avoiding the lengthy delivery times associated with postal mail.
Important: Electronic Mail Guidelines Vary by Facility
Correctional facilities enforce strict rules regarding incoming correspondence. While some jails continue to accept paper letters, many facilities restrict physical postal mail or mandate digital message screening, which you can verify by checking facility rules. If you do not register online and set up message credits immediately, your loved one may face lengthy periods without direct written contact from family.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Send Messages
- Go to www.inmatecanteen.com and sign in or create a user profile.
- Select Email / Messaging and choose your state and detention facility.
- Search for the inmate using their legal first and last name or booking ID number.
- Purchase messaging credits using a credit or debit card.
- Type your message in the text box and attach approved digital images if permitted by the facility.
- Submit your message to the facility's screening queue.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
All electronic correspondence is screened by facility staff before delivery. Once approved, messages appear in the inmate's inbox on their housing unit kiosk or assigned handheld Chirp device. The inmate opens the message, reads your note, and types an electronic reply using their available account credits.
Official Provider: Inmate Canteen Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-715-690-2965
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by Inmate Canteen (TurnKey Corrections)
In addition to Digital Messaging, Inmate Canteen provides several other communication, financial, and commissary services at participating correctional facilities:
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Commissary & Snack Packs: Order pre-approved snack boxes, food packages, and clothing directly to the jail.
• Learn more on our website: Commissary Orders Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Commissary -
Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live face-to-face video visits from your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Video Visits -
Trust & Phone Deposits: Deposit money directly into an inmate's jail trust account or phone calling balance.
• Learn more on our website: Trust & Phone Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Deposits
Inmate Canteen (TurnKey Corrections) provides specialized handheld tablets and Chirp communication units to incarcerated individuals in county detention centers. Running over a secure internal wireless network, these devices allow inmates to send and receive text messages, submit facility requests, review commissary balance accounts, and read digital materials directly from their living areas.
Important: Tablet Hardware Deployment and Rental Rules Vary
Detention centers do not manage tablet distribution identically. While some agencies issue individual personal tablets to every detainee at booking, others utilize shared pod docking stations or restrict tablet use to specific dayroom hours, which you should confirm with the facility directly. Although core educational and legal resources are generally provided free of charge, sending messages, initiating video calls, or making phone calls from the tablet requires an active balance funded by outside contacts.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Support and Fund Tablet Use
- Confirm that TurnKey Corrections / Inmate Canteen tablets or Chirp devices are active at the facility.
- Navigate to www.inmatecanteen.com and sign into your user profile.
- Link the inmate to your account by state, detention facility, and their legal name or booking ID.
- Select Messaging / Chirp Funds or Trust Deposits to add funds to their available balance.
- Specify your deposit amount, review convenience fees, and enter your credit or debit card billing details.
- Submit payment, save your confirmation receipt, and notify your loved one that their device balance is available.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate logs into their assigned tablet or Chirp device using their personal PIN. They can review their available messaging balance, read incoming family correspondence, and type replies directly on the device. Tablets are returned to docking stations during facility count times and for overnight charging.
Official Provider: Inmate Canteen Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-715-690-2965
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by Inmate Canteen (TurnKey Corrections)
In addition to Tablet Services, Inmate Canteen provides several other communication, financial, and commissary services:
- Commissary & Care Packages: Order pre-approved snack boxes, food packages, and clothing directly to the jail.
• Learn more on our website: Commissary Orders Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Commissary - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live face-to-face video visits from your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Video Visits - Digital Messaging: Send electronic text messages and digital photos directly to housing pod kiosks and handheld devices.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Messaging - Trust & Phone Deposits: Deposit money directly into an inmate's jail trust account or phone calling balance.
• Learn more on our website: Trust & Phone Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Inmate Canteen Deposits
Pocahontas County Juvenile Facilities
- Jail (Main): 712-335-5071
- Sheriff: 712-335-3308
The Pocahontas County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Pocahontas County: Pocahontas and Rolfe. At times this facility may also house inmates arrested in the following counties: Calhoun County.