hendricks-county-jail-commissary services let family and friends support inmates by funding accounts for essentials like food, hygiene items, phone time, and care packages. The jail uses trusted third-party systems to ensure secure, fast, and compliant transactions. This page explains how commissary works, where to send money, what inmates can buy, and how to stay updated on policies. All information reflects current Indiana Department of Correction rules and Hendricks County Jail procedures as of 2024.
How Commissary Accounts Work at Hendricks County Jail
Every inmate at Hendricks County Jail gets a personal Trust Fund Commissary Account upon booking. This digital wallet holds funds used to purchase approved items from the jail’s on-site store. Money can only be added by authorized visitors or family members through official channels. Inmates cannot receive cash directly. Instead, deposits go into their account and become available within minutes. The system tracks every transaction for safety and transparency. Account balances reset weekly based on spending limits set by the sheriff’s office.
Official Ways to Add Money to an Inmate’s Commissary Account
Three secure methods exist to fund an inmate’s commissary account: online via GTL Connect Network, in person at the jail lobby kiosk, or by phone using the 24-hour hotline. GTL operates under Viapath Technologies and is the jail’s primary payment processor. Deposits made online or by phone take effect in 10–15 minutes. Lobby kiosks accept cash, credit, and debit cards but charge a $1 processing fee per transaction. Daily deposits cannot exceed $500 per inmate, per state law. Receipts are emailed automatically after each payment.
Using CorrectPay for Deposits, Messaging, and Video Visits
CorrectPay is another approved vendor that supports commissary funding, electronic messaging, and video visitation scheduling. Users can pay online at correctpay.com, call 855-836-3364 between 8 am and 10 pm Eastern Time, or use the lobby kiosk. Payments post instantly, and donors receive email confirmations with reference numbers. CorrectPay allows up to $500 per transaction and $1,000 per day per payer. It also lets you buy phone minutes and schedule video calls, all visible on the inmate’s activity log within minutes.
What Inmates Can Buy from the Commissary
Inmates may purchase snacks, drinks, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, writing supplies, socks, underwear, and small games like checkers or chess. Prices range from $0.50 for candy bars to $4.00 for hygiene kits. Tobacco, alcohol, weapons, and electronics are strictly banned. All items must fit in a standard locker and meet size and content rules. Purchases are deducted from the commissary account balance. If funds run low, inmates must wait for new deposits. Unused balances roll over but may be subject to monthly maintenance fees.
Commissary Store Hours and Ordering Process
The commissary operates six days a week—closed only on major holidays. Orders are placed during designated times, usually in the morning. Inmates receive a printed menu with prices and item codes. They submit order forms to correctional officers, who process requests and deliver items within 24–48 hours. No walk-up shopping is allowed. All purchases are logged and audited monthly. Special dietary needs (e.g., halal, vegan) are accommodated if approved by medical staff.
Care Packages: Rules and Restrictions
Hendricks County Jail does not allow outside care packages sent by mail. All personal items must be bought through the commissary or issued by the facility. This policy ensures safety, prevents contraband, and maintains fairness. However, some vendors partner with the jail to offer pre-approved care packs funded via commissary accounts. These include bundled snacks, hygiene products, and stationery. Family members cannot ship homemade food, clothing, or books unless pre-cleared by the warden.
Medical Co-Pays and How They Affect Commissary Spending
Inmates pay $10 for each doctor visit, $10 for nurse consultations, and $10 per prescription medication refill. These fees come directly from the commissary account. Dental services like fillings or extractions also cost $10 per appointment. Mental health sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays follow the same rule. If an account lacks funds, medical care continues, but debts appear on the inmate’s record. Release settlements deduct unpaid balances before returning remaining funds.
ConnectNetwork Mobile App for Easy Account Management
The ConnectNetwork app lets families manage commissary accounts from smartphones. After registering with the inmate’s ID and facility code “HCJ-001,” users link a payment method and set alerts for low balances. The app supports recurring weekly deposits up to $200. Push notifications confirm successful payments and warn when funds drop below a chosen threshold. All data is encrypted with AES-256, meeting state security standards. The app also shows transaction history and upcoming court dates.
How to Find an Inmate and Check Their Commissary Status
Use the official Hendricks County Inmate Search portal to locate someone in custody. Search by name, booking number, or date of birth. Results show current charges, bond amount, housing unit, and release date. The roster updates hourly using data from Indiana’s RIDRS system. For real-time help, call the jail information desk at (317) 745-6269 during business hours (8 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday). Staff can confirm commissary access and account status but won’t disclose balances due to privacy laws.
Avon and Danville Inmate Lookup Tools
The City of Avon offers a public inmate lookup tool that syncs with Hendricks County Jail records every 30 minutes. It displays docket numbers, arrest dates, charges, and bond info. Danville’s portal provides similar data plus daily PDF logs of admissions and releases posted at 6 am. Both sites let users sort by charge type or housing unit. Clicking “Contact Facility” connects callers directly to jail staff for urgent questions.
Third-Party Services: Pigeonly and Jail Exchange
Pigeonly and Jail Exchange aggregate public inmate data and offer free search tools. Pigeonly also provides paid services to send money, schedule video calls, and buy care packs. Fees are disclosed upfront, and all actions comply with Indiana regulations. Jail Exchange focuses on commissary information and links to official deposit portals. Neither service controls jail policies but helps users navigate them faster.
Official Jail Roster and FAQ Resources
The Hendricks County Jail website hosts a downloadable CSV roster updated nightly. It includes names, photos, booking dates, charges, and release projections. An FAQ section answers common questions about deposits, visitation, mail rules, and commissary limits. For written requests, email info@hendrickscountyjail.org with the inmate’s full name and booking number. Responses typically arrive within one business day.
Contact Information and Facility Details
Hendricks County Jail is located at 925 East Main Street, Danville, IN 46122. The facility holds up to 174 inmates and is managed by the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office. Visiting hours vary by housing unit; check the official site or call (317) 745-6269 for current schedules. Mail should include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and return address. All correspondence is screened before delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to fund commissary accounts, what items are allowed, and how to track inmate status. Below are detailed answers based on current jail policies and state regulations.
Can I send cash or checks directly to an inmate?
No. Hendricks County Jail does not accept cash, personal checks, or money orders sent by mail. All funds must go through approved electronic systems like GTL Connect Network or CorrectPay. This prevents loss, theft, and contraband. Deposits made online or at kiosks are safer and faster. Inmates receive receipts digitally, and balances update within minutes. Sending cash through the mail violates jail policy and may result in disciplinary action.
What happens to unused commissary money when an inmate is released?
Upon release, any remaining commissary balance is returned to the inmate in the form of a check or cash. If the inmate owes fees for medical co-pays or disciplinary fines, those are deducted first. The finance department processes refunds within 7–10 business days. Family members cannot withdraw funds on behalf of the inmate. All transactions are final once deposited, so it’s wise to monitor spending and avoid overfunding.
Are there limits on how much an inmate can spend per week?
Yes. While there’s no strict weekly spending cap, the jail encourages responsible use. Daily deposit limits are set at $500 per inmate by Indiana law. Commissary purchases are reviewed monthly for unusual activity. Inmates who consistently max out their accounts may face temporary restrictions. Medical and hygiene needs are always prioritized. Recreational items like games or extra snacks are considered luxuries and subject to availability.
Can I deposit money if I live out of state?
Absolutely. Online portals like GTL Connect Network and CorrectPay accept payments from anywhere in the U.S. You’ll need the inmate’s full name, booking number, and facility code (“HCJ-001”). International deposits are not supported due to banking regulations. All transactions must comply with Indiana’s daily and per-transaction limits. Receipts are emailed instantly, so you’ll know when the funds arrive.
How do I know if my deposit went through?
After completing a payment, you’ll receive an automatic email receipt with a reference number, amount, date, and processing fee breakdown. The inmate’s account updates within 10–15 minutes. You can verify the balance by calling the jail’s information desk during business hours or checking the ConnectNetwork app. If you don’t get a receipt, contact customer service immediately. Keep records for at least 90 days in case of disputes.
Can inmates buy clothes or shoes from commissary?
Yes, but only approved items. The commissary sells basic undergarments, socks, and thermal wear in standard sizes. Shoes are limited to non-slip, closed-toe styles issued by the jail. No branded, decorative, or athletic footwear is allowed. All clothing must be white or gray and free of logos. Purchases are logged, and excess items may be confiscated during inspections. Seasonal changes are handled by staff, not commissary orders.
Is there a way to block someone from depositing money?
Only the inmate or jail administration can restrict deposit privileges. If you’re concerned about unauthorized payments, contact the information desk and request a note be added to the file. However, the jail cannot legally prevent family or friends from funding accounts unless a court order exists. Inmates may decline gifts, but they cannot stop deposits. Always communicate clearly with your loved one about spending habits.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official Hendricks County Jail website at hendrickscountyjail.org or call (317) 745-6269. Visiting hours are posted online and subject to change. Mailing address: 925 East Main Street, Danville, IN 46122. Email inquiries: info@hendrickscountyjail.org.