How to Put Money on an Inmate's Books in Maricopa County
Sending money for an inmate's commissary account in Maricopa County, Arizona, allows them to purchase items like books, snacks, and hygiene products. This process is crucial for maintaining their well-being during incarceration. However, the method for adding funds has changed, and understanding the current system is essential.
Understanding the Maricopa County Jail System:
Maricopa County operates multiple correctional facilities, including the Fourth Avenue Jail, Tent City, and others. The process for adding money to an inmate's account is largely the same across these facilities, but you must have the correct information to ensure your funds are applied to the correct account. Incorrect information will delay the process or prevent the funds from being credited.
Methods for Adding Funds to an Inmate's Account:
The primary, and often most convenient method is through an online service called JailATM.
Using JailATM:
- Find the Inmate: Before you begin, you will need the inmate's full legal name and date of birth. You may also need their inmate ID number, though this isn't always required.
- Access JailATM: Go to the official Maricopa County Sheriff's Office website and locate the link to JailATM (often found within a section dedicated to inmates or inmate services). Do not rely on unofficial links, as they may be scams.
- Account Creation (If Necessary): You'll likely need to create a free account with JailATM. This usually involves providing your name, email address, and creating a password.
- Search for the Inmate: Use the inmate's full legal name and date of birth to search the database.
- Deposit Funds: Once you locate the inmate, you'll be able to select the amount of money you want to add to their account. You'll be able to pay via credit card or debit card.
- Confirmation: After processing the payment, you'll receive a confirmation of the transaction. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Alternative Methods (If JailATM is Unavailable or Unreliable):
While JailATM is the preferred method, some facilities might accept money orders or cashier's checks. However, this is not the typical or recommended practice and should only be considered if JailATM is unavailable. Always confirm the acceptability and correct mailing address with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office before sending funds via mail. Never send cash.
Important Considerations:
- Fees: Be aware that JailATM and other methods might charge small processing fees. These fees are typically clearly stated during the transaction.
- Processing Time: It can take some time for the funds to be credited to the inmate's account. This delay is usually a few business days.
- Account Limits: There might be limits on the amount of money that can be deposited into an inmate's account at any given time.
- Inmate's Status: If the inmate is transferred to a different facility, the funds might need to be transferred as well. Contact the appropriate authorities for assistance in such cases.
Contacting the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office:
If you encounter any problems or have questions, contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office directly. Their official website is the best resource for up-to-date information and contact details.
This information is intended as a guide only. Always confirm the current procedures with the official Maricopa County Sheriff's Office website. Using unofficial sources to add money to an inmate's account can be risky and may result in the loss of funds.
