Incoming mail must list the full name and address of the sender and the intended receiver. Improperly addressed mail will be returned. Mail to an inmate should include:

Inmate’s full name
Inmate’s JID number   (Look up an inmate’s JID number)
C/O Ada County Jail
7210 Barrister Dr.
Boise, ID 83704

Inmate mail is subject to scanning. Incoming mail will be checked for contraband, money, escape plans and any writing that may jeopardize the security of the facility.

Inmates may receive written letters and standard photographs. Polaroid photographs, stamps, envelopes, and other forwarded items are not allowed. Mail or publications containing images or depictions of sexual situations, nudity or sexual acts are prohibited. In addition, mail cannot contain:<

• Intimidating or harassing statements
• Gang-related writings or drawings
• Messages (codes) that are not easily understood
• Plans that violate state, local, federal laws, or jail rules
• Plans to send contraband (such as drugs) in or out of the jail

At the discretion of jail staff, mail or publications containing unauthorized references or material may be refused, confiscated, destroyed, placed in the inmate’s property or returned to the sender.

Inmates may receive newspapers, magazines and books, but they must be received directly from a publisher or bookstore. Any subscription material received after an inmate leaves the jail will not be forwarded. Inmates are prohibited from subscribing to services or ordering merchandise.

Phone calls

Inmates cannot receive phone calls while in jail. However, most inmates are allowed to purchase phone time that can be used to make outgoing phone calls.

Money

Inmates are able to buy a variety of things from the jail commissary: candy, snacks, beverages, writing materials, shoes and clothing, provided they have sufficient funds to pay for what they order. When money is placed into an inmate’s trust account, the first $15 is automatically placed in the inmate’s personal account, which is used for medical co-pays while in custody. The remaining money is automatically placed in the inmate’s commissary account which can then be used to buy commissary items.

Inmates must maintain a balance of $15 in his/her personal account at all times. Any balance above that can be used to purchase commissary items. The inmate may not use the personal account to pay for commissary items.

In an inmate has no money in his/her commissary account for seven (7) days prior to the request for commissary, the jail will supply him/her with necessary personal hygiene items as determined by jail staff. Inmates will also receive three stamped envelopes and writing paper each week.

Revenue generated by the commissary program is spent on items used by and for inmates. Examples of these are chairs, books, law library materials, TVs, board games, indigent supplies and so on.

Idaho Code §20.607 requires the Sheriff to seek reimbursement for incarceration costs from persons sentenced to jail. The cost is $25 per day, up to $500 (20 days) per incarceration.

How do I add money to an inmate’s account?

There are two ways to deposit money to an inmate’s account:

• In person – A kiosk at the Ada County Sheriff’s Office accepts deposits using cash and visa/debit cards.
• Online – Visit Telemate to make a secure payment.

For more information or technical support when adding money to an inmate’s account, visit www.gettingout.com/ada-county-jail/  or call 1.866.516.0115.