Staying in touch when someone you care about is in jail means a lot for their spirits and recovery. At the Richland County Detention Center, there are different methods to stay connected. **Keep reading** to find out how you can stay close to your friend or family member behind bars.
Visitation: Face-to-Face Connections
Nothing beats seeing your loved one in person. The Richland County Detention Center allows visitation Monday through Friday, from 8:15 AM to 8:30 PM, excluding meal times, shift changes, and lockdown periods. Here’s what you need to know:
- Inmates can choose one 1-hour visitation slot per week
- Only two visitors are allowed at a time
- Visitors under 18 count as one of the two allowed visitors
- Proper attire is required (as determined by detention staff)
- Bring a photo ID for identification
Attorney Visits: Lawyers can meet privately with inmates in the attorney visitation room or unit multi-purpose areas.
Phone Calls: Hearing Their Voice
The detention center provides collect telephones in all housing units. The phone system is managed by IC Solutions. Here’s how it works:
- Inmates can make collect calls to approved numbers
- You can set up a prepaid account for inmate calls
- For questions about rates, billing, or prepaid accounts, contact IC Solutions at 1-888-506-8407 or visit their website
PIN Debit: This option allows you to deposit funds directly into an inmate’s phone account, making it easier for them to place calls.
Texting: A Modern Touch
In an innovative move, some facilities now offer inmate texting options. While it’s not clear if this is available at Richland County, it’s worth inquiring about. If available:
- Inmates get a dedicated phone number and device for texting
- There’s typically a monthly fee (around $4.00) for the service
- This allows for more frequent, brief communications
Inmate Accounts: Supporting Their Needs
You can support your incarcerated loved one by adding money to their account for commissary purchases. Here’s how:
- Use U.S. Postal money orders (no personal checks)
- Deposit via the commissary kiosk in the lobby (cash or credit card)
- Make online deposits through McDaniel Supply Company
- Include the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and inmate number on money orders
- Deposits must be made by 12 PM on Wednesdays for that week’s commissary orders
Further Knowledge
To deepen your understanding of inmate communication and support, consider these resources:
- Watch Understanding Inmate Communication System on YouTube for an overview of modern prison communication technologies.
- Read The Effects of Prison Visitation on Offender Recidivism from the Minnesota Department of Corrections for insights into the importance of maintaining connections.
staying in touch with an incarcerated loved one can be challenging, but it’s incredibly important for their well-being and future success. By utilizing these communication methods, you can maintain a vital connection and provide crucial support during their time at the Richland County Detention Center.