Pinellas County Jail Commissary gives families and friends a secure way to send food, hygiene products, clothing, books, and entertainment items to inmates. The system works through approved vendors that follow strict jail rules. Orders go directly to the jail’s receiving department, where staff check each package before delivery. Funds can be added online, by phone, or through money orders. The process is fast, safe, and designed to keep inmates connected with loved ones while following all security rules.
How Pinellas County Jail Commissary Works
The commissary system lets inmates buy approved items using money in their trust account. Family members can add funds or send pre-packaged care bundles. All purchases must follow jail guidelines. Items not allowed include electronics, weapons, or anything that could be used to hide contraband. The jail updates its approved list regularly. Orders take 1–3 business days to arrive. Inmates get notified when their package arrives.
Approved Vendors for Pinellas County Jail Commissary
Only certain companies can send packages to Pinellas County Jail. These vendors know the jail’s rules and pack items correctly. Using other companies may cause delays or rejected packages. The main approved vendors are iCare, MyCarePack, and ConnectNetwork. Each offers different options like snacks, hygiene kits, books, and clothing. All packages must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and housing unit.
iCare Gift Catalog
iCare sends themed care packages to Pinellas County inmates. Options include snack bundles, hygiene kits, and reading materials. Each package meets jail safety standards. Senders pick a theme, enter inmate details, and pay online. iCare ships directly to the jail. Staff logs the delivery and alerts the inmate. Packages arrive within 2–4 days.
MyCarePack Services
MyCarePack lets users shop by state and facility. After selecting Florida and Pinellas County Jail, senders enter the inmate’s name and booking ID. The catalog shows approved items like socks, soap, toothpaste, and paperback books. Payments are secure. A tracking number is sent once the package ships. Delivery takes 3–5 business days.
ConnectNetwork Digital Options
ConnectNetwork offers more than physical packages. It provides digital messaging, photo sharing, and tablet access. Families can add money to an inmate’s trust fund for commissary purchases. Inmates use tablets to buy games, music, or educational content. All messages are monitored for security. Funds post within 24 hours.
How to Send Money to a Pinellas County Inmate
Money can be added to an inmate’s account in three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. Online deposits are fastest. Phone deposits take effect within hours. Mailed money orders take 2–3 days. All methods require the inmate’s full name and booking number. Funds appear in the account within 36 hours.
Online Deposits via Access Secure Deposits
Go to InmateDeposits.com to add money online. Enter the inmate’s booking number and facility code. Pay with a debit or credit card. The system confirms the deposit instantly. Funds are available for commissary use within 36 hours. Receipts are emailed to the sender.
Phone Deposits
Call 1-866-345-1884 to deposit money by phone. Have the inmate’s booking number and your payment info ready. The agent will confirm the deposit amount and processing time. Funds post within 24 hours. A confirmation number is provided at the end of the call.
Mailing a Money Order
Send a money order to AdvancePay Service Department, P.O. Box 911722, Denver, CO 80291-1722. Write the inmate’s full name and booking number on the money order. Do not send cash. Personal checks are not accepted. Processing takes 2–3 business days after receipt.
What Items Can Be Purchased Through Commissary?
Inmates can buy food, hygiene products, clothing, and approved entertainment. Food items include chips, cookies, instant coffee, and canned goods. Hygiene products include soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and razors. Clothing is limited to basic items like socks, underwear, and t-shirts. Entertainment includes paperback books, puzzles, and tablet credits. All items must fit in the inmate’s locker.
Food and Snacks
Approved snacks include non-perishable items like crackers, nuts, and candy. No glass containers or aerosol cans are allowed. Items must be factory-sealed. Popular choices include peanut butter, tuna packets, and granola bars. Prices range from $1 to $5 per item.
Hygiene and Personal Care
Inmates can buy soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, and feminine products. All items must be travel-sized or smaller. No liquids over 8 ounces. Razors must be disposable. Products are sold individually or in small kits. Prices start at $1.50.
Clothing and Accessories
Basic clothing includes white t-shirts, socks, and underwear. No colored or branded items. All clothing must be new and tagged. Hats and gloves are allowed in winter. Shoes are not sold through commissary. Inmates wear jail-issued footwear.
Books and Entertainment
Paperback books are allowed if they are softcover and not about crime or violence. Puzzles, coloring books, and magazines are also approved. No hardcover books or books with metal parts. Tablet time can be purchased for games, music, or educational apps.
Rules for Sending Care Packages
All packages must follow strict rules. Only approved vendors can ship items. Senders must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and housing unit. Packages with banned items will be returned. No food from home is allowed. All items must be new and factory-sealed. The jail inspects every package.
Prohibited Items
Do not send electronics, weapons, drugs, or alcohol. No glass, metal, or sharp objects. No clothing with logos or colors. No books about crime, gangs, or escape methods. No photos larger than 4×6 inches. No stickers, tape, or glue. Any banned item will cause the whole package to be rejected.
Photo Limits
Inmates can keep only ten 4×6 photos in their cell. Extra photos will be returned. Photos must be paper-based. No Polaroids or digital prints. No photos with writing on the back. All photos are checked for hidden messages.
How to Find an Inmate in Pinellas County Jail
Use the online inmate search tool to locate someone in custody. Go to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office website and click “Who’s In Jail.” Enter the person’s first name, last name, or booking number. Results show current inmates and those released in the last 30 days. For older records, submit a formal request.
Search by Name or Booking Number
Type the full name or booking ID into the search box. The system shows charges, bond amount, release date, and housing unit. Mugshots may be available. If no results appear, the person may not be in custody or was released over 30 days ago.
Arrest Inquiry Tool
The arrest inquiry tool helps find recent bookings. Enter a partial address like “100 Main” to see who was arrested nearby. Results include arrest date, charges, and bond info. Sort by date or charge type. Use this tool to track local arrests.
Digital Communication Options
Inmates can send and receive messages through ConnectNetwork. Approved contacts register online and pay per message or by subscription. Messages are text-only. Photos and videos can be attached for an extra fee. All messages are reviewed by jail staff. Inmates get notified when a new message arrives.
How to Register for Inmate Messaging
Go to ConnectNetwork.com and select Pinellas County Jail. Create an account with your name, email, and phone number. Add the inmate’s name and booking number. Pay for messages or a monthly plan. Once approved, you can start sending messages.
Message Rules and Limits
Messages must be respectful and follow jail rules. No threats, coded language, or plans to break the law. Messages over 500 characters may be split. Inmates can reply during approved times. Staff may block messages that violate rules.
Visitation and Property Rules
Visitors must follow strict guidelines. Video visits are available through ConnectNetwork. In-person visits require approval and scheduling. Visitors must show ID and pass a background check. No cell phones or bags allowed. Property intake is limited to essential items like glasses or medical devices.
Video Visitation Process
Schedule a video visit online at least 24 hours in advance. Visits last 20–30 minutes. Use a computer or smartphone with a camera and internet. Arrive early for check-in. Dress appropriately. No inappropriate behavior during the call.
Property Intake Policy
Inmates can receive limited personal items. All items are inspected. Only prescription glasses, hearing aids, or medical devices are accepted. No jewelry, watches, or electronics. Items must be mailed directly to the jail with the inmate’s name and booking number.
Health Care and Support Services
Pinellas County Jail provides medical, dental, and mental health care. Inmates can request appointments through their housing officer. Emergency care is available 24/7. Prescription medications are dispensed by jail medical staff. Families can send medical records with prior approval.
Mental Health Support
Counselors are available for inmates with mental health needs. Services include therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention. Inmates can request help at any time. Staff monitor high-risk individuals closely. Confidentiality is maintained within safety limits.
Dental and Vision Care
Routine dental cleanings and fillings are provided. Emergency dental care is available for pain or infection. Vision exams and glasses can be requested. Inmates must pay a small co-pay for non-emergency services. Funds come from their commissary account.
Bond and Release Information
Inmates can be released by posting bond. Bond amounts are set by a judge. Payment can be made in cash, through a bail bondsman, or with property. Once bond is posted, release takes 1–4 hours. Inmates must follow all court conditions after release.
How to Post Bond
Cash bonds can be paid at the jail or online. Bail bondsmen charge 10% of the total bond. Property bonds require court approval. Once paid, the inmate is processed for release. Families receive a receipt and release confirmation.
Release Process
After bond is posted, inmates go through medical screening and property return. They receive their personal items and a release form. Transportation is not provided. Inmates must arrange their own ride home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinellas County Jail Commissary
Many families have questions about sending money, packages, or messages. Below are answers to the most common concerns. These answers come from official jail policies and vendor guidelines. Always check for updates before sending anything.
Can I send homemade food to an inmate?
No. Homemade food is not allowed due to safety and security reasons. Only factory-sealed items from approved vendors can be sent. This rule prevents contamination, hidden items, or allergens. All food must be non-perishable and clearly labeled. Sending homemade items will result in the package being returned or destroyed. Stick to approved snack packs from iCare or MyCarePack to ensure delivery.
How long does it take for money to appear in an inmate’s account?
Online and phone deposits post within 24 hours. Mailed money orders take 2–3 business days after the jail receives them. Funds are available for commissary use once posted. Inmates can check their balance through the tablet system or by asking staff. Delays may occur during weekends or holidays. Always keep your receipt as proof of deposit.
What happens if a package is rejected?
Rejected packages are returned to the sender with a note explaining the reason. Common issues include banned items, missing booking number, or damaged packaging. The sender must pay return shipping. To avoid rejection, double-check the inmate’s name, booking number, and housing unit. Only use approved vendors and follow all size and content rules.
Can inmates receive books from Amazon?
No. Amazon and other third-party sellers are not approved vendors. Only books sent through iCare, MyCarePack, or ConnectNetwork are accepted. Books must be paperback, softcover, and free of violent or criminal content. Hardcover books, magazines with staples, or books with metal parts will be rejected. Always use the jail’s approved channels for book delivery.
How often can I send a care package?
There is no official limit, but inmates can only store a certain amount of items in their locker. Sending too many packages may cause storage issues. Most families send one package per month. Check with the jail if you plan to send multiple packages. Overloading the system may delay delivery for everyone.
Can I visit an inmate in person?
Yes, but in-person visits require approval and scheduling. Video visits are more common and easier to arrange. In-person visits are limited and may be suspended during health alerts or security issues. All visitors must pass a background check and show valid ID. No personal items can be brought into the visitation area.
What if my loved one is transferred to another facility?
Commissary accounts do not transfer automatically. Funds stay at Pinellas County Jail. Contact the new facility to learn their commissary rules. You may need to set up a new account with a different vendor. Always confirm the inmate’s location before sending money or packages.
For more information, visit the official Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office website at https://www.pcsoweb.com or call (727) 464-6415. Jail address: 14400 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762. Visiting hours vary by housing unit. Check online for current schedules. All policies are subject to change without notice.