Dane County Public Safety Building Jail
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail
You can call the 840-bed Dane County Public Safety Building Jail 24 hours a day for inmate information at 608-284-6100.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors or felonies are processed at this facility. After booking and processing, they may remain incarcerated until they are bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial concludes.
The inmate search tool provides access to the current roster of inmates.
Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time here, while those with longer sentences are transferred to either the Wisconsin State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides detailed information on services such as the visitation schedule, funding an inmate’s account, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.
Be sure to save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for communication purposes. If you can’t find it online, you can call Dane County Public Safety Building Jail at 608-284-6100 for assistance.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 608-284-6100 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the Criminal Court case of an offender in this county, online.
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Inmate Search
The Dane County Public Safety Building Jail maintains an average of 840 offenders in custody on any given day. The Dane County Public Safety Building Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Dane County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 23,401 offenders.
The following charts of Dane County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the Dane County Corrections Department, the state of Wisconsin Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Dane County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Dane County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDane County has 2 jail facilities, this the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail which houses residents waiting for their trial, and also has the central booking area, the administration offices, and other key functions, and the City-County Building that houses the maximum security inmates and those who are unable to qualify for the work release program.
Within the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail a medium security level is maintained, with a strict routine each day and limited movement, but less restricted than the maximum security facility.
At the central booking location, all new detainees are first processed through this location where they will have their fingerprints and mug shot taken, their charges updated in the system, personal information gathered, and an assessment interview to determine both medical and mental health needs, immediate and ongoing, and a brief discussion of their past charges and behaviors in detention to determine their housing assignment.
Low or medium security inmates will remain at this location while the maximum or high security offenders, including violent offenders, will be transferred to the City-County Building Jail.
During an incarceration inmates will be provided with medical care, dental care, mental health support including counseling and support groups, be assigned a case management worker to provide guidance on the programs they engage in and to work through the reentry program before their release.
Education programs, life skills, and positive social skills are all a focus on the programs, providing inmates with the tools they need to be a successful member of their community.
Another aspect of maintaining the safety of the jail, along with cameras and detailed security systems, is contact with their loved ones. Studies have shown that contact with their outside support systems will improve the mental health of all inmates and will reduce the number of incidents and violence during incarceration.
To contact an inmate mail can be sent in a plain white envelope with only the address and return address to:
Inmate's Full Name & Name Number
Dane County Jail
115 West Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
... and it will then be checked for contraband before being provided to the inmate for safety purposes.
Additionally, inmates have access to a phone program that provides access to phones each day for outgoing calls only.
Visits are available both remotely via video as well as in person. Video visits are any day 7:45am-10:45am, 12:15pm-2pm, and 5:45pm-9:45pm. In person visits are Monday to Friday 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, and on the weekends 8am, 9am, 10am, 1pm, 2pm,6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm.
- Jail (Main): 608-284-6100
- Sheriff: 608-284-6800
What is the booking process for the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail?
After being arrested, the offender is brought to the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail for booking, which is the detailed process of identifying, classifying, deciding on charges, and whether the person will either be released on their own recognizance, allowed to be released on bail, or moved into the jail until their court date.
The first thing every newly arrested person must do is close their mouth. Everything an offender says may be used against them, so the best thing to do is remain silent when questioned about the arrest and what led to it.
These are the steps of booking someone into the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail:
- Personal identification.
- Mugshot(s).
- Questions about medical history, mental health, drug and alcohol use, and gang affiliations.
- Possible DNA.
- Full body search.
- Property forfeiture.
- Free phone call.
If you have any questions about when you can pay an offender's bond and what the cost will be, call the facility at 608-284-6100.
How do you pay bail for someone who has been arrested in Dane County?
When an offender is arrested and brought to the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail in Madison for booking, there are several outcomes after being processed.
1. The offender will be released with no bail, promising to return on a specific date to appear before a judge in either Municipal or Dane County Court.
2. The offender is ordered to remain in jail until their court date.
3. The offender is allowed to be released after paying a specified bond or bail. Call 608-284-6100 to get the exact amount.
The payment of an offender's bail or bond can take many shapes.
- A cash bond is paid in full at the jail's bonding window or the clerk of court, usually by cash, cashier's check or money order, and many jails also take debit or credit cards through a lobby kiosk or an online bond vendor for an added fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and the jail's number is 608-284-6100.
- It can be paid using a bail company, licensed to do business in Dane County.
- Many courts accept land or a home as bond collateral; the owner shows clear title and equity of at least the bond amount, often double, using a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves the property.
For detailed Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the entire bail process in Dane County Wisconsin, check out the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Bail Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail? What is the Schedule?
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Inmate Visitation Schedule - Non-contact
115 West Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-284-6100
- First, you must register for visitation online with GTL/ViaPath
- All inmates are allowed two (2) forty-five-minute visitation slots per week.
- Inmates are allowed 2 non-contact visits per week.
- Only scheduled visits will be honored.
- No walk-up visits are permitted.
- All visits require 48 hours advance sign up.
- You must be on time for your visit or the visit will be cancelled.
- Inmates are allowed two (2) adult visitors (one at a time) and up to four (4) children under 18 years of age (two at a time), per visit.
- You need a valid, government issued photo ID.
- You must not dress seductively or trashy, otherwise the visit will be denied.
- One diaper and one baby bottle allowed for infants.
NON-CONTACT VISITS
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
| MONDAY | 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
| TUESDAY | 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
| THURSDAY | 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
| FRIDAY | 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail at-the-jail Video Visitation Schedule
AT-THE JAIL VIDEO VISITATION
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00AM 6:00PM, 7:00PM, 8:00PM, 9:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00AM 6:00PM, 7:00PM, 8:00PM, 9:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00AM 6:00PM, 7:00PM, 8:00PM, 9:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00AM 6:00PM, 7:00PM, 8:00PM, 9:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00AM 6:00PM, 7:00PM, 8:00PM, 9:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
Professional Visits
Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Due to mandatory operational duties, please expect delays during the following times:
Daily: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM / 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM / 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM / 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Inmate Visitation Schedule - Contact Visits
(call 608-284-6100 to confirm)
CONTACT VISITATION
| DAY | TIMES |
| TUESDAY | 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM |
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Inmate Visitation Schedule - Remote Video
- First, you must register for visitation online with GTL/ViaPath
- All inmates are allowed two (2) forty-five-minute visitation slots per week.
- Only scheduled visits will be honored.
- All visits require 48 hours advance sign up.
- You must be on time for your video visit or the visit will be cancelled.
- No limit on Remote Video Visits
REMOTE VIDEO VISITS
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 7:45am – 10:45am 12:15pm – 2:00pm 5:45pm – 9:45pm |
| MONDAY | 7:45am – 10:45am 12:15pm – 2:00pm 5:45pm – 9:45pm |
| TUESDAY | 7:45am – 10:45am 12:15pm – 2:00pm 5:45pm – 9:45pm |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:45am – 10:45am 12:15pm – 2:00pm 5:45pm – 9:45pm |
| THURSDAY | 7:45am – 10:45am 12:15pm – 2:00pm 5:45pm – 9:45pm |
| FRIDAY | 7:45am – 10:45am 12:15pm – 2:00pm 5:45pm – 9:45pm |
| SATURDAY | 7:45am – 10:45am 12:15pm – 2:00pm 5:45pm – 9:45pm |
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail uses Viapath / GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling.

There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:
1. Using the Viapath/GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.
How it Works with GettingOut
1. Register an account.
2. Select Dane County Public Safety Building Jail
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.
- **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages.
- If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Dane County Public Safety Building Jail.
- With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.
4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.
GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.
Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
How Do You Visit an Inmate in Dane County Public Safety Building Jail?
To visit an inmate in Dane County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:
Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Dane County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of Viapath / GettingOut.

There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Dane County Public Safety Building Jail:
1. Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the Viapath / GettingOut apps.
To remotely visit an inmate in Dane County follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Dane County Public Safety Building Jail's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Dane County here.
2. The next step is to create an account here for Viapath / GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Other Dane County Services provided by GettingOut:
- Phone Calls & Voicemail
- Email, Photo & Video Sharing
- Inmate Tablet Rental
- Deposits
Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.
* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Dane County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Phone: 608-284-6100
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dane County Public Safety Building Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-284-6100 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail?
GettingOut Video Visitation allows friends and family members to conduct live, face-to-face video visits with incarcerated loved ones using a personal computer, laptop webcam, or the mobile application. Telmate and GTL operate under ViaPath Technologies, and the visiting service is transitioning from GettingOut Visits to myViaPath Visits; users may encounter either brand name depending on whether their county jail has completed the platform update.
Important: Advance Background Clearance Required
Detention centers do not permit unapproved drop-in video visitation. All visitors must submit valid government photo identification and pass administrative screening before an appointment can be booked, a review that can take up to 48 hours depending on facility staffing. You should verify your visitor approval status with the facility in advance. If you do not register ahead of time, you will miss your loved one's scheduled visiting slots for the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Schedule a Video Visit
- Open the GettingOut / myViaPath Visits app or go to www.gettingout.com / my.viapath.com.
- Register your profile and upload clear photographs of your government ID and a verification photo.
- Wait for the facility to issue visitor approval (you will receive an email confirmation).
- Select Schedule Visit, pick your detention facility, and select the inmate.
- Choose an available 25- or 30-minute time slot from the calendar and pay the visitation fee using a credit or debit card.
- Sign into the app or website 10 minutes prior to the start time on a device with a functioning camera, microphone, and stable internet connection.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate receives a schedule alert on their housing unit video kiosk or personal tablet. At the appointed time, they log in with their PIN and sit in front of the terminal. Inmates must follow institutional dress and conduct rules; corrections staff actively monitor sessions and will terminate any call immediately if rules are broken.
Official Providers: GettingOut Visits | myViaPath Visits
Customer Service Telephone: 1-866-516-0115 (GettingOut) • 1-877-650-4249 (ViaPath)
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM CST; Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by GettingOut / ViaPath
In addition to Remote Video Visits, GettingOut and ViaPath provide several other communication and financial options:
- Two-Way Text Messaging: Send electronic messages and photos straight to the inmate's screen.
• Learn more on our website: Two-Way Text Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: GettingOut Messaging - Inmate Tablet Rentals & Content: Provide funds for educational modules, music streaming, and news.
• Learn more on our website: Tablet Rentals & Content Guide | • Visit official vendor page: GettingOut Tablets - AdvancePay Phone Calling: Keep a funded prepaid balance to receive calls directly on your phone.
• Learn more on our website: AdvancePay Phone Calling Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ViaPath ConnectNetwork Calling - Inmate Trust Deposits: Transfer money directly into their jail trust account for canteen goods.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: ViaPath Trust Deposits
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dane County Public Safety Building Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-284-6100 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail?
There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person.
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.
Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the payee the jail names (check with the jail first) and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order. Never mail cash or a personal check.
Inmate's Full Name & Name Number
Dane County Jail
115 West Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.
How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Dane County
To deposit money online for an inmate in Dane County Public Safety Building Jail follow these steps:
- Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, the deposit service used for inmates at Dane County.
- After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
- Choose Wisconsin, then choose Dane County Public Safety Building Jail
- Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
- Select your inmate.
- Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: JailATM's support page lists a deposit limit of $300 a week per inmate and says the limit can be different at each facility.
- If you need to phone JailATM customer support, call 877-810-0914.
For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Dane County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dane County Public Safety Building Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-284-6100 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail?
How Do Inmates in Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Make or Receive Phone Calls?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Dane County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Dane County Public Safety Building Jail has the phone service you need to communicate with your inmate by the facility lookup here.
2. In the meantime, you can create an account here for Viapath / GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account. This account can be controlled by just you, or by both you and your inmate.
4. Last, select Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Services vary by jail. GettingOut shows what this facility offers.

Phone & Voicemail Fees
Call rates, deposit fees and voicemail prices depend on the jail's contract. Check them on GettingOut or by calling 866-516-0115 before you add money.
Note: Rates are subject to change.
Types of Phone Calls
Prepaid calls (Direct Calls)
With Prepaid Calls you add money to a GettingOut account so the inmate can call your number. Ask GettingOut which other account types are offered at this jail.
Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail GettingOut phone services, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
* All the information you need to understand making and receiving phone calls with inmates in Dane County, can be found on our Inmate Phone Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dane County Public Safety Building Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-284-6100 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Dane County Public Safety Building Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.
Envelopes
The Dane County Public Safety Building Jail also allows inmates to receive letters, greeting cards, books and magazines through the mail as long as no piece of mail is larger than 10 by 13.
Address it to:
Inmate first and last name and inmate # (Click here to obtain inmate #.)
C/O Dane County Jail
115 West Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
If the inmate is being housed at the William Ferris location, mail to:
Inmate first and last name and inmate # (Click here to obtain inmate #.)
Ferris Center
2120 Rimrock Road
Madison, WI 53713
Newspapers
Inmates may not receive newspapers through the mail at this jail.
Magazines
You may send magazines to the inmate, who is allowed up to two magazines in his or her possession at once. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
You may send soft-covered books to the inmate. He or she is allowed to have up to two books in possession at any time.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
To confirm that the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail continues to allow books to be mailed by a third party publisher or bookseller, call 608-284-6100.
Care packages
Care packages are pre-chosen items packaged together and sent to the inmate from a third-party vendor. They can include clothing, snacks and seasonal items.
When a jail allows the inmate to receive Care Packages they must come directly from an approved company that specializes in serving the inmates of jails.
Call 608-284-6100 or click here or here to see if the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail participates in a Care Package program and if so, how to purchase one.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dane County Public Safety Building Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-284-6100 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, and what can I purchase?
JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Dane County Public Safety Building Jail
Search for JailATM services for Dane County Public Safety Building Jail.
Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Dane County Public Safety Building Jail.
Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Dane County Public Safety Building Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.
Send Gift Packs
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.
These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Dane County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Dane County Public Safety Building Jail follow these steps:
- Go to JailATM, choose Wisconsin, then choose Dane County Public Safety Building Jail
- Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
- Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
- Select the products you want shipped to them at Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Dane County at any one time.
- If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914
For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Dane County Public Safety Building Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Dane County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dane County Public Safety Building Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-284-6100 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Emailing and Texting Messages, Photos & Videograms
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail contracts with Viapath/GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.

If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Dane County Public Safety Building Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
How Messaging Works
1. Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message. Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
How Uploading Photos Works
1. Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).
Customer Service Questions
Call 866-516-0115
How to Communicate with an Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Inmate by Mail and by Email
To mail or email an inmate in Dane County follow these steps:
When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:
- All mail sent to an inmate at the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
- All mail must include the facility's address, as well as the inmate's name and assigned number.
- Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and your letter destroyed.
- The Dane County Public Safety Building Jail has a zero-tolerance policy regarding mail violations.
- All the information you need to understand mail and email policies can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
Emailing Messages & Photos
Facility_name_1} contracts with Viapath/GTL/GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Dane County Public Safety Building Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
- Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.
- After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message. Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
- You can also send your Dane County inmate photos and videos.
Customer Service Questions
Call 866-516-0115
Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.
All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Dane County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dane County Public Safety Building Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-284-6100 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Dane County Public Safety Building Jail allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by Viapath / gettingout.

The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, such as:
- Music
- Books
- Games
- Education
- News
- Radio
- Television
- Read mail and messages
- Video visits
- Free services are already available for use on the device at Dane County Public Safety Building Jail.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.
What Does a Tablet Cost?
To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.
Game Center:
30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)
Unlimited eBooks:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
Streaming Music:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)
Newsfeed
Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)
Same Day Subscription Services
Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)
Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)
Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)
All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes.
Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...
Tablet: $249.99 per each
Charger: $8.99 per each
Earbuds: $2.99 per each
How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Dane County Public Safety Building Jail
To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:
1. First, Register or Sign In to Viapath/GettingOut/GTL

2. Purchase the services you want for your Dane County Public Safety Building Jail inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.
To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dane County Public Safety Building Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-284-6100 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Dane County?
Dane County County Jails
Dane County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Dane County?
Nearby counties
The Dane County Public Safety Building Jail serves the following cities and towns of Dane County: Belleville, Black Earth, Blue Mounds, Cambridge, Cross Plains, Deerfield, DeForest, Fitchburg, Madison, Maple Bluff, Marshall, McFarland, Middleton, Monona, Mount Horeb, Oregon, Shorewood Hills, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Waunakee and Windsor.
