Jail FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out if someone is in jail?
You may call (970) 498-5200 and ask if a specific person is in jail. By state law, the identity of persons in jail is public information.

How do I bail someone out of jail?
You may either post the full bond personally or contact a licensed bonding agent who will post the full bond for a non-refundable fee. Bonding is done 24-hours a day in the lobby of the Jail.

Can you recommend a bonding agent?
No. Jail staff is forbidden from recommending for or against any individual bonding agent. All of the listings from the telephone directory are posted in the lobby of the Jail for your convenience.

Can someone be in jail without being charged with or accused of a crime?
Yes. In some instances a person can be brought into the Jail on a Detoxification Hold or a Mental Health Hold. Individuals brought in on such holds are not considered under arrest, but statutorily can be held in the jail as a last resort and only for a short period of time.

How long does it take for a person to be processed and released from jail?
That depends on how many other people are being arrested and released during that same time period. Before an inmate can be properly booked and released, they must be cooperative with deputies. Arrestees who are combative are placed in holding cells until they choose to cooperate. Evenings, weekends and holidays are traditionally the busiest times for the booking unit.

Can booking provide me with contact information for the arresting agency of an inmate?
No, booking does not have this information readily available. Most agencies are listed on the Internet or in the phone book.

Can I call an inmate in jail?
No. Inmates can call out, but incoming calls to inmates are not allowed. If you are trying to get someone bonded out from booking, you may call (970) 498-5225 and speak to a staff member. Staff will not pass messages to inmates.

How can I stop an inmate from calling me?
If you receive an unwanted call from an inmate, follow the directions through the automated telephone system to put a phone block in place. The phone block stops all calls from inmates at the jail. If you have further problems or cannot initiate the block, you may call (970) 498-5200 and ask a staff member for assistance.

I am unable to receive collect calls. How can I get calls from someone in jail?
Many telephone companies are not set up to allow you to receive collect calls. The current inmate telephone system vendor for the Jail, Inmate Calling Solutions, allows an initial one minute free call. At the end of that call, you are directed on how to set up a prepaid account that allows you to receive collect calls from inmates. That account is only valid on a single telephone.

An inmate has advised me that he or she is having trouble making calls to me. Why is this happening?
Either you cannot receive collect calls on that line and you don’t have a prepaid account set up, or you may have your telephone forwarded. Forwarded calls are not allowed for inmates. Additionally, inmates are not allowed to participate in three-way calls. If you attempt to initiate a three-way call, you will be disconnected.

How do I write a letter to an inmate?
You may write an inmate by addressing the letter to the inmate at 2405 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Include your return name and address, but do not include other writing on the envelope. You may send family pictures to the inmate, but no nude or explicit photos are allowed. Anything deemed contraband will be confiscated and may be destroyed. You cannot drop off bibles or medallions for inmates. You may purchase books and have them sent to the Jail ONLY if sent directly by the publisher or Amazon.com. Inmates MUST comply with Jail policy to ensure no more than the allotted number of books are in a cell.

Can I mail things other than letters to an inmate?
No. Other items will be returned to the sender. Inmates are allowed to purchase additional hygiene or comfort items through the commissary. You can deposit money in their inmate account for such purchases.

Are there any other personal items that can be left for an inmate?
Yes. Approved prescription non-tinted eyeglasses or contacts may be left for inmates. Those must be dropped off at the front desk at the Jail between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.

When is inmate visitation?
Visitation days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Visits must be arranged in advance. A limited number of visitation slots are available. Refer to Inmate Visitation for additional information including visitation rules and hours, and also to schedule an inmate visitation through email.

How do I deposit money for an inmate to purchase commissary?
Inmate money deposits may be made 24 hours a day through the lobby kiosk, via the internet at www.accesscorrections.com or via the access corrections phone number, 1-866-345-1884. The internet and phone deposit process will accept credit and debit card deposits only while the lobby kiosk will also accept cash deposits in addition to credit and debit card deposits. There is an administrative fee associated with all credit and debit card deposits. Checks will NOT be accepted. If a check is mailed to an inmate, the check will be returned or placed in the inmate’s property, but not deposited into their account.

Can I find out when an inmate is being transferred to another facility?
No. For security reasons inmates will not be advised when moves to other facilities will occur, nor will this information be provided to outside individuals. After an inmate has transferred, they may call friends and family to advise them of the move.

What happens to inmate account moneys?
Inmates are allowed to use the money in their inmate account to purchase commissary items, pay booking and bonding fees, and pay for certain medical services, etc. They cannot share commissary or other property with other inmates. If they still have money in their account upon release, they will receive a check for the balance. If they have a negative balance upon release and do not pay the balance in a reasonable time, the amount may be sent to collections.

Is there an ATM available at the Jail?
Yes. One is available in the lobby.

How can I get information about the medical condition/medications for the inmate?
You can't. Due to privacy requirements (HIPAA) no medical information will be given to callers.

As the victim of a crime how can I be notified of an inmate's release from custody?
We make victim notification of release or transfer of an inmate via the V.I.N.E. system (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). You can enroll in this automated system via the internet at www.vinelink.com or by calling (888) 263-8463. Additional information regarding this service can be obtained from your victim advocate.

Do you have more questions?
If yes, let us know. We will answer your question and then post the more common ones here!