Money & Property

The arresting/ transporting officers are required to inventory the arrestee’s personal property and seal it into a bag.  In most cases, this makes it unnecessary for Jail personnel to handle the inmate’s property.  The transporting officer will deposit the inmate’s cash into an automated electronic TouchPay kiosk located in the intake area.

The monies are then available to the inmate for commissary and other purposes.  Any unused funds are returned to the inmate upon discharge from custody.

Prior to being assigned to a housing unit, inmates are required to exchange their personal clothing for Jail clothing. Their personal clothing is bagged and stored securely until their release.  Oversized bulk property (backpacks, sleeping bags, bicycles, etc.) is not accepted at the Jail.  Questions concerning the location of such property should be directed to the arresting agency.

All newly admitted inmates are provided with basic hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, soap, comb, cup) and correspondence materials (paper, pencils, two stamped envelopes) following assignment to a housing unit.  This is a one-time issue and the commissary provider may charge the inmate up to $1 for the package.  If the inmate has less than $2 on their accounts, they are eligible to continue receiving an indigent package on a weekly basis.  When they have money on their account, they may choose to purchase additional hygiene items, writing materials, and food items through the Jail commissary.

INMATE PROPERTY RELEASE TO A THIRD PARTY

An inmate may release any or all portions of their personal property to a friend or family member (e.g., keys, wallets, jewelry).  Clothing is not normally released, unless the inmate is scheduled to go enroute to prison.

You may request to obtain the inmate’s personal property by reporting to the Main Jail Lobby and explaining your request to the Lobby Officer.  You will be required to show valid identification and have your photograph taken.  The request will then be forwarded for the inmate’s approval.  Dependent on a variety of factors, the property release may take up to 1-2 hours to process.

When an individual is booked into the Jail, an account is opened to safeguard that person’s money as long as the inmate remains in custody. While in custody, inmates can use the money “on their books” to make purchases from the Jail’s commissary.  Items available through the commissary include food items, toiletry articles, writing materials, and postage. Although the Sheriff’s Office provides for all basic nutrition and hygiene needs, permitting inmates to purchase items from the commissary provides a level of variety not otherwise available to them.  Inmates are limited to spending a maximum of $175 per week on commissary items.

MONEY DEPOSITS

In order to allow inmates continued access to the commissary during their incarceration, funds may be added to their accounts at any time.  Deposits may only be made to an inmate’s account via TouchPay in the following ways:

• At the kiosks located in the Jail Lobbies.  Cash, VISA and MasterCard credit/debit cards are accepted.
• Online at www.touchpaydirect.com
• Toll-free phone at 1-866-232-1899.  [An active account log-in number is required.  To obtain one, individuals must first register either online at the TouchPay site, or by calling the customer service line at 1-866-204-1603.]

The Jail’s facility number (293721) and the inmate’s Booking number are required for online and telephonic deposits.  

There is a convenience fee to use and fund the inmate’s account.  Fees are dependent on the amount of the transaction.  

_{Rates are subject to change}

Please note that personal checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders are not accepted. 

MONEY RELEASE TO A THIRD PARTY

An inmate may release any or all of their funds to a third party, as directed by the inmate, but only those funds which the inmate had in their possession at the time of the inmate’s booking.   

Monies deposited to an inmate’s account subsequent to booking shall not be released to a third party. Exceptions may only be made for exigent circumstances, with the approval of the Watch Commander.

You may request to obtain inmate funds by reporting to the Main Jail Lobby and explaining your request to the Lobby Officer.  You will be required to show valid identification and have your photograph taken.  The request will then be forwarded for the inmate’s approval.  Dependent on a variety of factors, the fund release may take up to 1-2 hours to process.   

The distribution of funds will be issued in the form of a debit card.  You will be provided with a 4-digit PIN needed to access the funds.   

MONEY RETURN UPON RELEASE FROM CUSTODY

All unused funds, as well as all items stored in property, will be returned to the inmate at the time of release from custody.

Questions regarding inmate fund accounts (including funds owed) may be directed to the Sheriff’s Business Office at (559) 600-8572.  Please allow 2-3 weeks after release to coordinate the disbursement of refunds owed to you. 

Questions about Commissary online purchases can be directed to Canteen of Fresno at (559) 485-8800.

VALID IDENTIFICATION

• A valid DMV or other State-issued Driver’s License or Identification Card with picture.
• A valid United States Armed Forces identification card with picture.
• A valid Passport with picture.
• Foreign consulate picture identification cards (e.g., Matricula Consular de alta Seguridad (MCAS) issued by the Mexican Consulate).
• Identification card issued by the United States Department of Justice or the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services with picture (includes Permanent Resident Cards – formerly known as Alien Registration or “Green” Card).

NOTE:  Check cashing cards, temporary licenses and foreign licenses are not acceptable as proper identification.