Dekalb County Jail Commissary gives families and loved ones a reliable way to support inmates by funding their accounts for essential items and approved care packages. Whether you’re sending money or ordering supplies, knowing the latest procedures ensures your support reaches the inmate quickly and safely. This page covers everything you need—from deposit methods and spending limits to approved items and contact details—so you can act with confidence.
How to Fund an Inmate’s Commissary Account
There are two main ways to add money to an inmate’s commissary account at Dekalb County Jail: electronic deposits through Touchpay or mailed money orders. Both methods follow strict rules to protect security and ensure funds are credited correctly.
For electronic deposits, call Touchpay at 866-232-1899 or visit their secure website. You’ll need the inmate’s full legal name, offender number, and Facility Locator Number. Funds appear in the account within 24 hours, allowing immediate use at the commissary.
If mailing a money order, only Western Union or U.S. Postal Service money orders are accepted. Each must be $75 or less, and the envelope must clearly say “INMATE ACCOUNTING” on the outside. Call 404-298-8145 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to confirm current policies before sending.
Approved Items and Care Pack Options
Inmates can buy hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, and deodorant, as well as snacks, writing supplies, and approved recreational materials. All items must meet jail safety standards—no glass, aerosols, or sharp objects are allowed.
Care packs ordered through approved vendors are delivered directly to inmates. These packages often include pre-selected bundles of snacks, personal care items, and stationery. Families should check the latest inventory list on the TouchpayDirect website to see what’s currently available.
Each inmate has a weekly spending limit, and all purchases are tracked digitally. This helps maintain fairness and prevents misuse of funds. Items not on the approved list will be rejected or confiscated.
TouchpayDirect: Online and Phone Deposit System
TouchpayDirect is the official payment platform for Dekalb County Jail commissary accounts. It offers secure credit card transactions via phone or online portal. Deposits made before 4 p.m. ET are usually posted the same day.
To use the service, enter the inmate’s ID number, full legal name, and facility code. The system verifies this information before accepting payment. After confirmation, funds are instantly available for commissary use.
The platform also provides balance checks, transaction history, and alerts for low balances. Families can set up recurring deposits to ensure continuous support without repeated calls or visits.
DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Role in Commissary Management
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office oversees all inmate support services, including commissary operations. Their staff ensures compliance with state regulations and maintains transparency in financial transactions.
Sheriff’s office employees complete annual ethics training focused on honesty, fairness, and respect for constitutional rights. This commitment extends to how inmate accounts are managed and how families interact with the system.
Performance data, including response times and service accuracy, is published quarterly on the sheriff’s website. This openness builds trust and shows accountability in handling inmate funds and care packages.
Money Order Rules and Mailing Instructions
When sending a money order, follow these exact steps to avoid delays or rejection. Only money orders from Western Union or the U.S. Postal Service are accepted—no cash, personal checks, or third-party services.
Each money order must be $75 or less. Write the inmate’s full name and offender number on the memo line. Place it in an envelope labeled “INMATE ACCOUNTING” and mail to the jail’s official address.
Do not include any other documents or personal letters in the envelope. These will be removed and may delay processing. Always call ahead to confirm the policy hasn’t changed.
Electronic Deposits: Fast, Safe, and Reliable
Electronic deposits through Touchpay are the fastest way to fund an inmate’s account. Phone deposits take just minutes, and online transactions are completed in real time.
Funds are protected by encryption and fraud monitoring. The system sends email confirmations for every deposit, giving families peace of mind that their money reached the right account.
Deposits are limited to $75 per transaction, but multiple deposits can be made within a week as long as the total doesn’t exceed the inmate’s weekly spending cap.
Commissary Schedule and Restocking Times
The commissary operates on a set schedule, with new inventory added weekly. Orders placed by Tuesday evening are typically fulfilled by Friday.
Families can view the restocking calendar on the TouchpayDirect website. This helps plan purchases around availability, especially for popular items like snacks or hygiene kits.
Inmates receive a printed list of available items during intake. Updated lists are posted in common areas and online for family reference.
Inmate Lookup and Account Verification
Before making a deposit, verify the inmate’s status using the Georgia Inmate Search portal. Enter their name, booking number, or date of birth to confirm they’re housed at Dekalb County Jail.
The search tool shows current charges, bond amounts, and release dates. It updates every 15 minutes, so information is always current.
If you can’t find the inmate, call (404) 298-8515 for assistance. Staff can confirm location and provide the correct offender number needed for deposits.
Bonding and Inmate Services Overview
The Bail Bonding Office at 4425 Memorial Drive handles surety bonds daily from 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., including holidays. Call 404-298-8195 to start the process.
Staff verify identity, confirm court-ordered bail amounts, and collect premiums. Once approved, inmates are released and scheduled for future court appearances.
The office also assists with property retrieval, medical coordination, and legal counsel access. All services follow strict state guidelines to protect rights and ensure fairness.
Video Visitation and Communication Rules
Most inmates can receive video visits through on-site kiosks or remote “At-Home” sessions. Visits run from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. daily.
Each session lasts up to 15 minutes, with a 15-minute break between calls. Visitors must register online, upload a government ID, and schedule at least 24 hours in advance.
All calls are recorded for security. Technical support is available at (404) 298-8500. Inmates cannot receive direct phone calls—only outgoing calls through a prepaid system.
Phone System and Call Limits
The main jail number, (404) 298-8500, is for general inquiries only. It does not connect to inmates. For inmate calls, use the contracted prepaid service.
Family members add funds online or buy retail vouchers. Each call is limited to five minutes unless extended by staff. Call logs are monitored for compliance.
Rates vary by time and day. Discounts may apply for frequent users. Always check the latest pricing on the jail’s official website before adding funds.
Current Inmate Roster and Public Access
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office publishes a live inmate roster showing names, photos, charges, and release dates. As of now, 148 individuals are housed in the facility.
Users can sort by last name, booking date, or offense severity. Click any name to view bond conditions and court schedules. A printable version is available for agencies.
The roster updates in real time and includes a link to historical records. For non-emergency questions, call 256-845-3801.
Visitation Scheduling Through IN.gov Portal
The IN.gov site offers step-by-step instructions for scheduling video visits. Start by selecting “Visitation and Schedule for Inmates” and creating an account on the iSolutions platform.
Upload a driver’s license scan and choose an available slot from the calendar. Confirmation emails arrive immediately, with reminders sent 24 hours before the visit.
Technical requirements include a compatible browser, 1 Mbps internet speed, and a working webcam and microphone. Test your setup before the scheduled time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dekalb County Jail Commissary
Families often have questions about funding limits, item restrictions, and processing times. Below are detailed answers based on the latest policies and procedures.
Can I send more than $75 at once to an inmate’s account?
No, the maximum deposit per transaction is $75 whether by money order or electronic transfer. However, you can make multiple deposits within a week as long as the total does not exceed the inmate’s weekly spending limit. Always check with the finance clerk at 404-298-8145 for updates on weekly caps. Exceeding limits may result in delayed processing or rejection of funds.
What happens if my money order is not labeled correctly?
If the envelope does not clearly say “INMATE ACCOUNTING,” the money order may be returned or delayed. The jail uses this label to route funds to the correct department. Include the inmate’s full name and offender number inside the envelope. Incorrect labeling slows down processing and may require resending the payment.
How long does it take for electronic deposits to appear in the account?
Electronic deposits made through Touchpay are usually credited within 24 hours, often the same day if submitted before 4 p.m. ET. Phone and online transactions are processed simultaneously. You’ll receive an email confirmation once the deposit is complete. If funds don’t appear after 24 hours, contact Touchpay support or call the jail’s finance office.
Are there items I cannot send in a care package?
Yes, prohibited items include glass containers, aerosols, sharp objects, electronics, and anything containing alcohol or drugs. Check the latest approved list on TouchpayDirect before ordering. Unapproved items will be confiscated, and the inmate may lose commissary privileges temporarily.
Can I visit an inmate in person instead of using video visitation?
Currently, Dekalb County Jail only offers video visitation—no in-person visits are allowed. This policy helps maintain security and reduces staffing demands. All visits must be scheduled in advance through the iSolutions platform. Exceptions are rare and require approval from the sheriff’s office.
What if I don’t know the inmate’s offender number?
Use the Georgia Inmate Search portal to find the offender number by entering the inmate’s name or booking date. If you can’t locate them, call (404) 298-8515 for help. You’ll need this number for all deposits and visitation requests.
Is there a fee for using Touchpay?
Yes, Touchpay charges a small processing fee for each transaction, typically around $2.95 for phone deposits and $2.50 for online payments. Fees are disclosed before payment is completed. Money orders have no processing fee but may take longer to process.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office website or call the jail directly. Policies may change, and direct contact ensures you follow current rules.
Official Website: dekalbsheriff.org
Phone: (404) 298-8500
Address: 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032
Visiting Hours: Video visits available daily from 8:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.–9:50 p.m.