Ford County Jail

Ford County Jail

Physical Address

11311 E Comanche
Dodge City, KS 67801

Jail Phone Number

620-227-4501
Kansas inmate search

Ford County Jail Inmate Search and Mugshots, Dodge City, KS

For a Ford County, Kansas inmate search the sheriff keeps an online jail log of everyone booked into the Dodge City jail on East Comanche, 620-227-4501, without mugshots. The log warns that recent changes may not show yet, so call to confirm, or check VINELink.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Ford County

Read inmate search answers

1. How current is the population log?

The population log on the county website names people in the Dodge City jail, but the sheriff notes that bookings and releases from the last few hours may be missing. Jail staff at 620-227-4501 can confirm by name; the county's jail page has the address and fax.

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2. What is the jail address, and what other lockups are near Dodge City?

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3. Does the Ford jail hold Edwards County prisoners?

Yes. People arrested by the Edwards County sheriff are held here. The Edwards sheriff is at 312 Massachusetts Ave., Kinsley, KS 67547, 620-659-3636.

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4. How do I use VINELink for the Dodge City jail?

Search a name on VINELink with Kansas selected. Registration brings a phone, text or email notice when custody status changes. Help: 866-574-8463.

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5. Can I see a Ford County mugshot?

The log shows names only. Under the Kansas Open Records Act, a booking image or report may be sought from the sheriff at 620-227-4501 (K.S.A. 45-215), which permits some records to be withheld. ICE detainee records: ICE FOIA.

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6. Finding out about a warrant in Dodge City

Dodge City deputies with the Ford County Sheriff's Office serve the county's warrants, so call 620-227-4501 if you want to know whether one is out. Kansas keeps no public statewide warrant search, but Dodge City court cases, warrants included, are on Kansas CaseSearch. Most people deal with a warrant by having a lawyer arrange their surrender at the Ford County Jail. If the cause was a missed hearing, the Dodge City district court clerk on West Spruce (number 101) can be reached at 620-227-4609.

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7. How is bond posted?

Bond is fixed by a judge at the early hearing mandated by K.S.A. 22-2901. The sheriff's bond desk is 620-227-4508, and the 16th District publishes which bonding companies are approved to write bonds here. Our Ford County bail page explains bond types and refunds.

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8. Where will the case be heard?

- District court, 101 W. Spruce St., 620-227-4609. It is part of the 16th Judicial District; search cases on Case Search. - Dodge City Municipal Court, 806 N. Second Ave., 620-225-8107; first appearances are Tuesdays and cases are heard Thursdays. The city court office is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, fax 620-225-8112; mail goes to P.O. Box 880, Dodge City, KS 67801-0880. A district court case is filed at the courthouse, whose mailing address is P.O. Box 197, fax 620-227-6799. Our Dodge City court page covers each step.

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9. Who defends someone who is broke?

When a financial affidavit shows no means to hire counsel, the judge appoints one; the State Board of Indigents' Defense Services, 785-296-6631, pays for appointed counsel.

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10. What are the visiting arrangements?

Visits are by video, so residents leave the pod only for court or medical care. Each pod has its own recreation area, which is part of why in-person visiting rooms are not used. Visitors should be ready with photo identification when registering and expect sessions to be recorded. Staff at 620-227-4501 explain scheduling and registration. See our visitation page.

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11. Mail, money and property

  • Mail: U.S. Postal Service only, to the inmate's name at 11311 E. Comanche, Dodge City, KS 67801. It is opened and inspected. Letters, money orders, cashier's checks and photos up to 3.5 by 5.5 inches are accepted; Polaroids, stamps, envelopes, food and clothing are returned. Packages are refused except clothing for a jury trial. See our mail page.
  • Money: mailed money orders, cashier's checks and attorney trust checks post after the inmate signs; cash and personal checks are refused. Call 620-227-4501 about other deposit options. See our money page and commissary page.
  • Phone: see our phone page and messaging page.
  • Property: belongings come back at release, with any balance on a debit card; items left behind are disposed of after 30 days.
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12. Where are juveniles held?

Juveniles ordered detained go to a juvenile detention center, not the East Comanche jail. Call 620-227-4501 to learn which one.

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13. Was the person moved to state prison?

Look the person up on KASPER (Kansas Department of Corrections) and our Kansas prisons directory.

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14. What if the charges are federal?

Dodge City sits in the Wichita division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, clerk at 401 N. Market, Room 204, Wichita, KS 67202, 316-315-4200. The U.S. Marshals Service in Wichita, 316-765-6339, places federal pretrial detainees. Once sentenced, use the BOP inmate locator.

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15. How are immigration detainers handled at the Ford jail?

  1. ICE may lodge a Form I-247A detainer after booking.
  2. Posting bond on the state case leaves it in effect.
  3. Ford jailers can keep someone "up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released" (8 CFR 287.7(d)); if ICE does not collect the person, release follows.
  4. ICE's Chicago Field Office serves Kansas, 872-351-3990.
  5. Find a detainee on the ICE detainee locator or at 888-351-4024.
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16. How long can the Dodge City jail hold someone awaiting trial?

The district court at 101 W. Spruce St. (620-227-4609) controls trial dates; the jail at 620-227-4501 holds defendants who are still unable to make bond. Under K.S.A. 22-3402, a defendant jailed solely on the charge must be tried within 150 days of arraignment, and one released on bond within 180. Delays sought by the defense count against the defendant.

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17. What happens when someone released from the Comanche Street jail misses a hearing?

A judge at 101 W. Spruce (620-227-4609) forfeits the bond and issues a warrant under K.S.A. 22-2807; the jail at 620-227-4501 books the person when deputies serve it. Breaking other release terms can lead to revocation of the bond and a new bond setting. Not surrendering within 30 days of forfeiture is a separate offense under K.S.A. 21-5915.

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18. Which police agencies work in Ford County?

  • Ford County Sheriff's Office, 11311 E. Comanche, Dodge City, KS 67801: 620-227-4501
  • Dodge City Police Department, 110 W. Spruce St., Dodge City, KS 67801: 620-225-8123
  • Bucklin Police Department, 117 W. Oak, Bucklin, KS 67834: 620-826-3581
  • Spearville Police Department, 302 N. Main, Spearville, KS 67876: 620-385-2813
  • Ford (the town) and the rural county rely on Ford County deputies for patrol.
  • Kansas Highway Patrol: 785-296-6800. Emergencies: 911.
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Kansas bail and release

Ford County, Kansas Bail and Bond in Dodge City

Release on bail or bond for anyone booked in Ford County is arranged at the jail at 11311 E. Comanche in Dodge City, 620-227-4501, which also holds Edwards County prisoners. The sheriff's bond desk is 620-227-4508, and the 16th Judicial District keeps a list of approved bonding agents.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Ford County

1. Where are people held?

The Ford County Jail, 11311 E. Comanche, Dodge City, KS 67801; 620-227-4501, fax 620-227-4504. It also takes prisoners from Edwards County, whose sheriff is at 312 Massachusetts Ave., Kinsley, KS 67547, 620-659-3636.

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2. Bond amount

Dodge City jail staff at 620-227-4501 can give the figure and accepted payment methods. Our inmate page explains how to confirm the booking first.

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3. Bonding agents

The county's Bonds page lists the agencies the 16th Judicial District has approved, in alphabetical order, with the counties each serves and its bond limit. For help with that list, the on-duty detention sergeant can be reached through 620-227-4508. Agency websites are not linked here.

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4. Which court

State charges go to the 16th Judicial District, which also covers Clark, Comanche, Gray, Kiowa and Meade counties. K.S.A. 22-2901 requires a first appearance without unnecessary delay.

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5. Kinds of bond

K.S.A. 22-2802 lets the judge choose recognizance, cash, property or a surety bond. Compensated sureties need the chief judge's approval under K.S.A. 22-2809b.

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6. Dodge City tickets and warrants

City ordinance cases are heard at 806 N. Second Ave.; first appearances are Tuesdays and court cases Thursdays. The clerk is at 620-225-8107. Deposits to an inmate account are covered on our money page and commissary page.

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7. Missing court

A missed date can bring forfeiture and a new warrant (K.S.A. 22-2807).

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8. Asking for less

A defense lawyer can move for a bond review. Appointed counsel in district court is funded by BIDS, 785-296-6631.

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9. Courts

- Ford County District Court, Ford County Courthouse, 101 W. Spruce St., Dodge City, KS 67801 (mail: PO Box 197); 620-227-4609, fax 620-227-6799 - Dodge City cases: 806 N. Second Ave., Dodge City, KS 67801, 620-225-8107 More on our court page.

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10. Other jails close by

Not found in Dodge City? Try:

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11. Federal and ICE

Wichita federal clerk: 401 N. Market, Room 204, Wichita, KS 67202, 316-315-4200. Immigration: ICE detainee locator.

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Ford County Jail Inmate Visitation Schedule

11311 E Comanche
Dodge City, KS 67801
620-227-4501

  • First, you must register an account with Correct Pay, then add Ford County Jail, then your inmate.
  • Second, you can choose a time to visit.
  • You can also schedule an appointment on the jail visitation kiosk.
  • Offsite Video Visits can be done on Android, IOS (Apple) or Windows devices.
  • Inmates will be allowed one 20-minute onsite visit per week.
  • The number of visitors is limited to three (any combination of adult/children). 
  • There is no charge for the Onsite Video Visits.
  • Offsite Video Visits cost $7.60 for 20 minutes.
  • All visits must be scheduled 24 hours prior to the appointment or up to 2 weeks in advance.
  • CHECK-IN: 10 minutes prior to scheduled visit.
  • Valid picture identification (e.g., driver’s license, State I.D., or Military I.D.) is required at Check-In.
  • Visitors under the age of 17 must be listed as an additional visitor and accompanied and supervised by an authorized visitor over the age of 18.
  • If a visitor loses internet connection during an offsite video visitation session, no refund will be issued.

ON-SITE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIME
SUNDAY No on site visits
MONDAY 12:00noon to 3:50PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM to 10:00AM
12:00noon to 3:50PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM to 10:00AM
12:00noon to 3:50PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM to 10:00AM
12:00noon to 3:50PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM to 10:00AM
​​​​​​​12:00noon to 3:50PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM to 10:00AM
​​​​​​​12:00noon to 3:50PM


REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 12:00noon to 10:20PM
MONDAY 12:00noon to 10:20PM
TUESDAY 12:00noon to 10:20PM
WEDNESDAY 12:00noon to 10:20PM
THURSDAY 12:00noon to 10:20PM
FRIDAY 12:00noon to 10:20PM
SATURDAY 12:00noon to 10:20PM

 

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CorrectPay Remote Video Visits

Provider: CorrectPay (VendEngine)

CorrectPay Video Visitation provides a secure online platform that enables families and children to conduct face-to-face video visits with incarcerated loved ones from home using an internet-connected smartphone, tablet, or personal computer equipped with a webcam.

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Important: Advance Visitor Approval Is Mandatory

Correctional facilities do not allow drop-in or unverified video sessions. Jails require prospective visitors to submit government-issued photo identification and receive administrative clearance before booking a visit, a process that can take 24 to 72 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.correctpay.com or launch the CorrectPay mobile app.
  • Register your visitor profile and upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) for facility background review.
  • Wait for email notification confirming facility visitor approval.
  • Once approved, choose Schedule Visit, pick your detention facility, and select the inmate.
  • Browse the available schedule calendar, choose a 20- or 30-minute time slot, and pay the visitation fee using a credit or debit card.
  • Log into the app or website 10 minutes prior to the start time on a device with a working camera, microphone, and stable high-speed internet connection.

What the Inmate Needs to Do

The inmate receives a visitation notification on their housing unit video kiosk or assigned tablet. 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, as sessions are actively monitored and will terminate immediately upon any violation.

Official Provider: CorrectPay Official Website

Customer Service Telephone: 1-855-836-3364

Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Supported Languages: English and Spanish

Other Services Provided by CorrectPay (VendEngine)

In addition to Remote Video Visits, CorrectPay provides several other communication, financial, and commissary services at participating correctional facilities:

Kansas courts

Ford County Courts in Dodge City

Criminal cases from Ford County land in district court at the Dodge City courthouse, 101 W. Spruce St., Dodge City, KS 67801, 620-227-4609, the busiest in the 16th Judicial District. City cases go to Dodge City Municipal Court, 806 N. Second Ave., 620-225-8107, with first appearances Tuesdays and cases Thursdays.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Ford County

1. District court

Ford County District Court, Ford County Courthouse, 101 W. Spruce St., Dodge City, KS 67801 (mail: PO Box 197); 620-227-4609, fax 620-227-6799.

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2. Warrants issued by the Dodge City court

When a Dodge City judge signs a bench warrant, the Ford County Sheriff's Office serves it. The sheriff doesn't put warrants online, so a quick call to 620-227-4501 is how to confirm one. Kansas lacks a statewide warrant search, though the county's court cases can be searched on Kansas CaseSearch. Many people have a lawyer schedule a surrender at the Ford County Jail, which avoids a surprise arrest. If you need a new court date, call the clerk at the Dodge City courthouse at 620-227-4609 or stop by 101 W. Spruce St.

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3. The 16th District

The 16th District also includes Clark County District Court, 913 Highland, Ashland, KS 67831, 620-635-2753; Comanche County, 201 S. New York Ave., Coldwater, KS 67029, 620-582-2182; Gray County, 300 S. Main St., Cimarron, KS 67835, 620-855-3812; and Kiowa County, 211 E. Florida Ave., Greensburg, KS 67054, 620-723-3317.

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4. Dodge City Municipal Court

Dodge City Municipal Court, 806 N. Second Ave., Dodge City, KS 67801; 620-225-8107, fax 620-225-8112; office hours 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday.

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5. City court days

First appearances run Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and case settings Thursday over the same hours. The court reviews complaints under city ordinances, collects fines and supervises probation.

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6. First appearance in district court

Charges, bond and counsel are addressed at that hearing (K.S.A. 22-2901). Our bail page has the bond steps.

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7. Lawyers

Ask the judge for appointed counsel; BIDS (785-296-6631) pays for it in district court.

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8. Records

9. Custody

Ford County Jail, 11311 E. Comanche, Dodge City, KS 67801, 620-227-4501. See our inmate page, visitation page and money page.

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10. Federal court

Wichita: 401 N. Market, Room 204, Wichita, KS 67202, 316-315-4200.

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Arrested in Kansas: criminal court process

JailATM Commissary Gift Packs & Web Store Ordering

Provider: JailATM

JailATM Commissary Ordering allows family members to purchase pre-approved snack boxes, meat and cheese selections, hygiene bundles, and seasonal gift care packages sent directly to an incarcerated loved one. Each package is tailored to comply with local facility security rules, ensuring items clear intake smoothly without being rejected at the loading dock.

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Important: Package Deadlines and Delivery Windows Vary

Detention centers do not all follow identical package distribution schedules. Some facilities allow weekly orders while others restrict shipments to bi-weekly or monthly windows, and spending limits differ widely across institutions. You should confirm the facility's active cutoff schedule and order allowances by calling them directly. If an order is placed after the weekly processing deadline, it will be held until the following distribution cycle, leaving your loved one waiting an extra cycle for fresh supplies.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Place a Commissary Package Order

  • Confirm the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and assigned booking identification number.
  • Navigate to deposits.jailatm.com/webdeposits/ and sign into your account.
  • Select Commissary Packs or Gift Packs from the service menu.
  • Choose your state and detention center to open the jail's authorized product catalog.
  • Search for the inmate to link the order to their active housing record.
  • Browse available food bundles, hygiene kits, and clothing options, adding items up to the facility's allowed spending limit.
  • Enter your billing details, complete checkout with a credit or debit card, and save your confirmation receipt.

What the Inmate Needs to Do

The inmate does not need an active online account to receive care packages. JailATM fulfills the order in tamper-evident security containers and delivers it directly to the facility commissary department. Jail staff inspect the shipment and deliver the items during regular housing unit commissary distribution, where the inmate signs for receipt.

Official Provider: JailATM Official Website

Customer Service Telephone: 1-877-810-0614

Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Supported Languages: English and Spanish

Other Services Provided by JailATM

In addition to Commissary Gift Packs, JailATM provides several other communication, financial, and visitation services at participating facilities:

  • Inmate Trust & Commissary Money Deposits: Send money directly into an inmate's jail trust account for independent commissary spending.
    • Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Deposits Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Trust Deposits
  • Digital Messaging & Picture Sharing: Send electronic messages and photos directly to an inmate's housing unit kiosk.
    • Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Messaging
  • Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
    • Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Video Visits

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Ford County

Buy Commissary for an Inmate in the Ford County Jail

Ford County Jail Inmate Commissary - Sending Money or Purchasing Commissary for an Inmate

Ford County Jail allows inmates to purchase commissary. This can be snacks, hygiene products, stamps, stationary, clothing and even electronics.

You can buy commissary for an inmate using an online service called Jail ATM. 

Questions?  Call Jail ATM at 877-810-0914.

There is a monthly limit of $200-300 on how much inmates can spend on commissary items.

This amount is subject to change so call the facility at 620-227-4501 in order to confirm the amount that cannot be exceeded.

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 information on the Ford County Jail's service they use for you being able to purchase commissary items online and have them shipped directly to the inmate. 

You can also go to our Inmate Money page for information on how to send money to an inmate.

JailATM Inmate Trust & Commissary Money Deposits

Provider: JailATM

JailATM provides a secure electronic payment portal that allows friends and family members to deposit funds directly into an incarcerated person's jail trust and commissary account. Deposited money provides the financial balance needed for your loved one to purchase personal hygiene items, snacks, over-the-counter medical sundries, and correspondence supplies from the facility commissary.

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Important: Facility Deposit Rules and Window Intake Vary

Once a person is booked and moved to a housing unit, 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

  • Obtain the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and assigned facility booking ID number.
  • Navigate to deposits.jailatm.com/webdeposits/ on your computer or mobile device.
  • Click Sign In or Register to set up your verified user account using your email address and password.
  • Select the state and the detention facility where the inmate is currently housed.
  • Search for the inmate using their ID number or legal last name to confirm an exact roster match.
  • Enter your desired deposit dollar amount and review the calculated transaction and convenience fees.
  • Input your debit or credit card billing details, complete payment authorization, and save your digital receipt.

What the Inmate Needs to Do

The inmate does not need an internet account to receive funds. Once the electronic transaction clears, the balance posts directly to their jail trust ledger according to facility accounting schedules. The inmate can review their updated balance at a dayroom pod kiosk or on their weekly trust statement and place orders on their regular commissary day.

Official Provider: JailATM Official Website

Customer Service Telephone: 1-877-810-0614

Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Supported Languages: English and Spanish

Other Services Provided by JailATM

In addition to Trust & Commissary Money Deposits, JailATM provides several other communication, store, and visitation services at participating facilities:

  • Commissary Gift Packs & Store Ordering: Order pre-approved snack boxes, food packages, and hygiene bundles sent directly to the jail.
    • Learn more on our website: Commissary Gift Packs Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Store Orders
  • Digital Messaging & Picture Sharing: Send electronic messages and photos directly to an inmate's housing unit kiosk.
    • Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Messaging
  • Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
    • Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Video Visits

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Ford County

Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Ford 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 Ford County Jail use Jail ATM.

2. If you prefer to use your credit or debit card and deposit money over the phone, you can call them at 877-810-0914.

3. Some jails also have a JailATM kiosk for cash or card deposits. Call the Ford County Jail at 620-227-4501 to ask whether it has one and where it is.

4. The Ford 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. Ask the jail who the money order should be made out to and what to write on it. To confirm this option call the facility at 620-227-4501.

*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. To ask whether the Ford County Jail takes deposits in person, and when, call 620-227-4501.

Send an Inmate Mail in the Ford County Jail

Ford County Jail on East Comanche in Dodge City opens and inspects all mail coming in and going out. The jail picks up and delivers mail within 48 hours on weekdays, not counting holidays. Besides the letter itself, the only things that may go in an envelope are money orders, cashier's checks and photos, so anything else can send the whole envelope back.

Personal mail, legal mail, publications and money orders:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Ford County Jail
11311 E. Comanche
Dodge City, KS 67801

  • Photos: Prints can be no bigger than 3.5 x 5.5 inches. Polaroid and instant-style photos are turned away.
  • Money orders: Money orders, cashier's checks and attorney trust account checks are logged, signed for by the inmate and put on their account. Ford County does not accept cash or personal checks by mail. On the pay-to line of a money order, write the inmate's full name, and add their inmate ID number below it. If you are unsure, call 620-227-4501 to confirm. Ford County deposits can also be made online.
  • One bad item returns it all: If a letter or card has something in it that is not allowed, the entire piece goes back to you.
  • Items that get returned: Clothing, food, toiletries, shoes, stamps and stamped envelopes.
  • Clothes for trial: The only package the jail accepts is clothing for a jury trial. Any other package is sent back at the inmate's cost.
  • Your address: Your full name and return address go in the top left corner, written in blue or black ink. Markers, crayon, colored ink, lipstick marks and perfume all break the rules.
  • Writing on the envelope: Nothing but the two addresses, with no drawings and nothing like glitter tucked inside.
  • Greeting cards: Plain ones only, and never the kind that plays music.
  • Books, magazines and newspapers: These must be new and shipped by the publisher or a store. Violent, sexual or obscene titles are thrown away.
  • Lawyer letters: Mail from the inmate's attorney of record must be marked as privileged. Staff open it in front of the inmate to look for contraband.
  • Unclaimed mail: Rejected items left at the jail must be picked up within 30 days, or they may be thrown away.
  • Not allowed: Letters between inmates, here or at another jail, need the jail administrator's okay. Letters from a co-defendant or from someone under a no-contact order are not delivered.

Each inmate also gets two free outgoing letters a week, so they can write back even with no money on their account.

CIDNET Phone PINs & Voice Calling

Provider: CIDNET (Encartele Inc.)

CIDNET Phone Calling enables incarcerated individuals to place outbound voice calls from housing-unit wall phones or handheld tablets directly to approved cell phones and landlines. Because jail phone systems cannot accept incoming calls, setting up a CIDNET account and purchasing Data Points ensures outbound calls connect immediately without wireless carrier collect blocks.

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Important: Mobile Networks Block Inmate Calls Without Data Points

Wireless cellular carriers automatically block collect calls originating from jail telecommunications systems. While some traditional landline telephone providers may support monthly operator billing, mobile smartphones and VoIP numbers require an active prepaid CIDNET balance, which you can verify with your provider. If you do not register your 10-digit number online and purchase Data Points immediately, your loved one will hear an automated operator recording stating that your phone number cannot accept calls.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Set Up and Fund Voice Calling

  • Go to customer.cidnet.net or launch the CIDNET Customer mobile app.
  • Register your account using the primary 10-digit telephone number where you want to receive calls.
  • Upload your driver's license or state ID for identity verification.
  • Select the detention center where the inmate is held and link them to your contact profile.
  • Purchase Data Points using a debit or credit card to cover per-minute calling rates.
  • Confirm your mobile phone allows calls from automated or unknown correctional numbers and does not send them to spam.

What the Inmate Needs to Do

The inmate approaches a pod wall phone or opens the phone app on their tablet, enters their assigned inmate PIN, and dials your 10-digit number. CIDNET's automated system verifies that your account has sufficient Data Points and connects the call once you accept the automated prompt. All non-privileged conversations are recorded and monitored by the facility.

Official Provider: CIDNET Customer Portal  |  Encartele Corporate

Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-984-1903

Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Supported Languages: English and Spanish

Other Services Provided by CIDNET

In addition to Phone Calling, CIDNET operates messaging and video visitation services:

  • Data Points (Unified Funding): Purchase the central credits used to pay for telephone talk time.
    • Learn more on our website: CIDNET Data Points Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: Buy CIDNET Data
  • Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
    • Learn more on our website: CIDNET Video Visits Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Video Visitation
  • Inmate Messaging & Digital Mail: Send text messages and digital photo attachments directly to an inmate's terminal.
    • Learn more on our website: CIDNET Messaging Guide  |  • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Messaging Portal

CorrectPay Digital Mail & Email Messaging

Provider: CorrectPay (VendEngine)

CorrectPay Digital Messaging provides an electronic two-way communication service connecting family members and friends with incarcerated individuals via housing-unit kiosks and secure handheld tablets. Messages and approved digital photos arrive within hours instead of waiting days for postal mail delivery.

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Important: Electronic Mail Rules and Verification Differ

Inmates cannot receive incoming telephone calls, and physical postal mail regulations vary widely across correctional systems. While some jails continue to accept physical paper letters, many facilities have transitioned to digital-only mail scanning or restrict postal delivery, which you should confirm by checking facility guidelines. If you do not register online and set up message credits immediately, your loved one may face lengthy communication delays while waiting for updates from home.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Send Messages

  • Go to www.correctpay.com or open the CorrectPay mobile app on your smartphone.
  • Create a user profile with your email address and primary telephone number.
  • Select the state and facility where the inmate is currently housed.
  • Link the inmate to your profile using their full legal name or facility booking ID.
  • Purchase a digital messaging stamp bundle using a debit or credit card.
  • Type your message in the composition window and attach approved JPEG photos if allowed by the facility.
  • Optionally include a prepaid reply credit so your loved one can respond even if their account has no funds.
  • Submit your message to the jail screening queue.

What the Inmate Needs to Do

All electronic correspondence is screened by facility mailroom staff. Once approved, the message appears in the inmate's inbox on their housing unit kiosk or assigned tablet. The inmate opens the message, reads your letter, and types an electronic reply using their available credits.

Official Provider: CorrectPay Official Website

Customer Service Telephone: 1-855-836-3364

Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Supported Languages: English and Spanish

Other Services Provided by CorrectPay (VendEngine)

In addition to Digital Mail & Messaging, CorrectPay provides several other communication, financial, and visitation services at participating correctional facilities:

Ford County (this county)Meade CountyGray CountyClark CountyKiowa CountyEdwards CountyHodgeman County
Ford County Jails listed No jails listed

The Ford County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Ford County: Bucklin, Dodge City and Ford. At times this facility may also house inmates arrested in the following counties: Edwards County.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Ford County