Dekalb County Jail Commissary Guide For Families & Inmates

Dekalb County Jail commissary allows inmates to buy essential items like hygiene products, snacks, and approved recreational materials. Family members can add money to an inmate’s account using electronic deposits or mailed money orders. The jail partners with Touchpay for secure online and phone transactions. All funds appear in the inmate’s account within 24 hours. This page explains how to use the commissary system, deposit rules, accepted payment methods, and how to check balances. It also covers care pack options, visitation policies, and contact details for support.

How to Add Money to a Dekalb County Jail Inmate Account

There are two main ways to add money: electronic deposits through Touchpay or mailed money orders. For electronic deposits, call 866-232-1899 or visit touchpaydirect.com. You’ll need the inmate’s full legal name, offender number, and Facility Locator Number. Deposits post the same day. For mailed money orders, only Western Union or U.S. Postal Service money orders are accepted. Each order cannot exceed $75. Write “INMATE ACCOUNTING” clearly on the envelope. Mail to 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Call 404-298-8145 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to confirm current mailing policies.

Touchpay Electronic Deposit System

Touchpay is the official payment processor for Dekalb County Jail. It offers phone, online, and retail options. To deposit by phone, call 866-232-1899 and follow the prompts. Have the inmate’s ID number ready. Online deposits require creating an account at touchpaydirect.com. Enter the inmate’s details and choose a payment method. Funds are available within 24 hours. Retail deposits can be made at participating locations using a voucher. Touchpay charges a small fee per transaction. All deposits are secure and tracked. Inmates can use funds immediately for commissary purchases.

Money Order Rules and Mailing Instructions

Only Western Union or U.S. Postal Service money orders are accepted. Personal checks and cash are not allowed. Each money order must be $75 or less. Multiple orders can be sent, but each must follow the same rule. Write “INMATE ACCOUNTING” on the outside of the envelope. Include the inmate’s full name and ID number inside. Mail to the jail’s finance office at 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Processing takes 1–3 business days. Call 404-298-8145 to verify if mailed deposits are currently accepted. Policies may change, so always confirm before sending.

Commissary Items Available for Purchase

Inmates can buy hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, and deodorant. Snacks include chips, cookies, and instant noodles. Approved recreational items include books, puzzles, and writing supplies. All items meet jail safety standards. Prices vary by product. Commissary runs weekly, usually on Wednesdays. Inmates receive a list of available items and prices. Purchases are deducted from their account balance. Unused funds remain in the account. Items are delivered to inmates within 48 hours of purchase. Restricted items include electronics, glass, and certain foods.

Care Packs and Approved Packages

Dekalb County Jail does not allow outside care packages from families. All personal items must be purchased through the commissary. This ensures safety and consistency. Approved vendors may offer pre-packaged care kits, but these must be ordered directly through the jail’s system. No homemade food, clothing, or unauthorized items are permitted. Inmates can request special dietary items if medically approved. All packages are inspected upon arrival. Prohibited items will be confiscated. Check with the jail before sending anything.

Inmate Account Balance and Transaction History

Family members cannot view an inmate’s account balance online. Only the inmate can check their balance during commissary day. Staff may provide balance information over the phone if identity is verified. Transaction history is not publicly available. Inmates receive a printed receipt after each purchase. Deposits are confirmed via email if using Touchpay online. For mailed money orders, confirmation may take longer. Keep receipts for all transactions. Report discrepancies to the finance clerk at 404-298-8145.

Commissary Schedule and Purchase Limits

Commissary operates once per week, typically on Wednesdays. Inmates receive a catalog with prices and item codes. Purchases are limited per category. For example, only two snack items per week. Hygiene products have monthly limits. Funds must be available at purchase time. Overdrafts are not allowed. Unused funds roll over to the next week. Special holiday items may be offered seasonally. Inmates with disciplinary issues may lose commissary privileges. Schedules can change due to staffing or emergencies.

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Support Services

The Sheriff’s Office manages all inmate financial services. Their support team helps with deposit issues, account questions, and policy updates. Call 866-232-1899 for Touchpay support. For mailed deposits, contact the finance clerk at 404-298-8145. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff verify inmate identities before sharing account details. They also assist with bond payments, property returns, and medical coordination. All services follow Georgia state regulations.

Mission and Values of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Office is committed to safe, fair, and transparent jail operations. They manage the county jail, provide court security, and execute lawful warrants. Staff complete annual ethics training. They emphasize honesty, respect, and constitutional rights. Community programs include youth mentorship and neighborhood watch. Performance data is published quarterly. This includes response times, clearance rates, and rehabilitation outcomes. The office aims to reduce recidivism and support reintegration.

How to Conduct a DeKalb County Inmate Search

Use the Georgia Inmate Search portal to find current inmates. Enter the inmate’s name, booking number, or date of birth. Results show mugshots, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. The database updates every 15 minutes. The jail is located at 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Call (404) 298-8515 to verify search results. You can filter by offense type or intake date. Printable reports are available for legal use.

Bonding and Inmate Services

The Bail Bonding Office is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., including holidays. It’s located at 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Call 404-298-8195 for assistance. Staff verify identities, confirm bail amounts, and process surety bonds. Once approved, inmates are released. The office also handles property retrieval, medical coordination, and legal counsel access. All transactions are recorded for court use.

Access the Current Inmate Roster

The Sheriff’s Office publishes an online roster of current inmates. It lists 148 individuals with names, photos, charges, and release dates. Sort by name, booking date, or offense severity. Click any name for details like bond conditions and court schedules. A printable version is available for agencies. The archive stores historical records. For non-emergencies, call 256-845-3801.

Inmate Video Visitation Process

Video visits are available daily from 8 a.m.–11:45 a.m. and 4 p.m.–9:50 p.m. Sessions last up to 15 minutes. There’s a 15-minute break between calls. Use on-site kiosks or the “At-Home” remote option. Create an account, upload a government ID, and schedule at least 24 hours ahead. Sessions are recorded. Technical support is at (404) 298-8500. In-person visits may be limited.

Phone Contact and Inmate Call System

The main jail number is (404) 298-8500. It’s for general inquiries only, not direct inmate calls. Inmates use a prepaid phone system. Family can add funds online or via retail vouchers. Calls last five minutes and require permission to extend. All calls are monitored. Staff review logs for compliance. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls.

Visitation Scheduling Instructions

To schedule a video visit, go to the iSolutions website. Create a secure profile and upload a driver’s license scan. Choose a time slot from the calendar. Visits occur in two daily windows. Confirmation emails arrive immediately. A reminder is sent 24 hours before. You need a webcam, microphone, and at least 1 Mbps internet. Compatible browsers include Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Many families have questions about how the commissary system works, deposit limits, and inmate rights. Below are the most common concerns with clear, direct answers based on current jail policies and official procedures.

Can I send cash or personal checks to an inmate?

No. Dekalb County Jail does not accept cash or personal checks. Only Western Union or U.S. Postal Service money orders are allowed for mailed deposits. Each money order must be $75 or less. Electronic deposits through Touchpay are the fastest and most secure method. Sending cash risks loss or theft and will not be credited to the inmate’s account. Always use approved payment methods to ensure funds reach the inmate safely.

How long does it take for a deposit to show up?

Electronic deposits through Touchpay appear within 24 hours. Mailed money orders take 1–3 business days to process. Weekends and holidays may delay processing. Inmates can check their balance during commissary day. Family members should keep receipts and confirm deposits with the finance clerk if funds don’t appear on time. Delays can happen due to high volume or mailing errors.

What happens to unused commissary funds when an inmate is released?

Unused funds remain in the inmate’s account. If the inmate is transferred to another facility, the balance may transfer with them. If released, the inmate can request a refund check. The process takes 2–4 weeks. The Sheriff’s Office mails the check to the address on file. Inmates should update their contact information before release. Funds do not expire while the person is incarcerated.

Can inmates receive care packages from home?

No. Dekalb County Jail does not allow outside care packages. All personal items must be purchased through the commissary. This rule ensures safety, prevents contraband, and maintains fairness. Approved vendors may offer pre-packaged kits, but these must be ordered through the jail’s system. Homemade food, clothing, and electronics are prohibited. Inmates can request medical or religious items with proper documentation.

What items are banned from the commissary?

Banned items include electronics, glass containers, weapons, and certain foods like nuts or chocolate with nuts. Items that pose safety risks are not allowed. The jail updates the banned list regularly. Inmates receive a current catalog each week. Purchasing banned items can result in disciplinary action. Always check the latest list before making requests. Staff inspect all commissary deliveries.

How often can inmates use the phone?

Inmates can make outgoing calls using a prepaid account. Each call lasts five minutes. They must request permission to make another call. Calls are limited to approved numbers. Incoming calls are not allowed. All calls are recorded and monitored. Family members must add funds to the account for calls to work. Phone privileges can be suspended for rule violations.

What if I have a problem with a deposit?

Contact the finance clerk at 404-298-8145 during business hours. Have the inmate’s name, ID number, and deposit receipt ready. For Touchpay issues, call 866-232-1899 or use the online support form. Staff will investigate and resolve errors. Keep all transaction records. Most issues are fixed within 48 hours. If unresolved, request a supervisor review.

Official Website: dekalbsheriff.org

Phone: (404) 298-8500

Visiting Hours: 8:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.–9:50 p.m. daily

Address: 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032