Pinal County Jail commissary allows inmates to purchase food, hygiene items, and limited clothing using funds deposited by family or earned through work programs. The jail uses a secure electronic system managed by Touchpay for all transactions. Money can be added via phone, online, mailed money orders, or cash deposits at the lobby kiosk. Each method requires the inmate’s full legal name, nine-digit offender number, and Facility Locator Number. Deposits are processed instantly, and balances update in real time. A minimum balance of $5 is required before any commissary purchase can be made. The system sends email or text receipts automatically, so families always know when funds go through.
How to Add Money to an Inmate’s Commissary Account
There are four approved ways to fund a Pinal County Jail commissary account: telephone deposits, online payments, mailed money orders, and cash deposits at the jail kiosk. All methods require the same three pieces of information: the inmate’s full legal name, their nine-digit offender ID, and the Facility Locator Number found on the booking sheet. For phone deposits, call Touchpay at 866‑232‑1899 and select option 4. Have a credit or debit card ready. The system confirms the transaction immediately and sends a digital receipt. Online deposits work the same way through the Touchpay website. Both options update the inmate’s balance within minutes.
Mailed money orders must be sent directly to the jail and include all three identifiers clearly written on the memo line. Call 855‑355‑0358 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM MST) to confirm current mailing policies, as rules may change. Cash deposits are accepted at the self-service kiosk located in the main lobby of the detention center at 200 E. Silver St., Florence, AZ. Users must present a government-issued photo ID and enter the inmate’s ID and Facility Locator Number. The kiosk prints a receipt and credits the account instantly.
What Can Inmates Buy from the Commissary?
Inmates at Pinal County Jail can purchase snack packs, hygiene products like soap and toothpaste, and limited clothing items such as socks and undergarments. All products are pre-packaged and approved by jail administration. Prices are posted clearly on vending machines inside each housing unit. Purchases are deducted directly from the inmate’s personal account. No outside food, drinks, or personal care items may be sent in—everything must come through the official commissary system. This ensures safety, fairness, and compliance with state regulations.
The commissary operates on a weekly cycle. Inmates receive a printed price list upon intake and can place orders during designated times. Items are delivered to their housing unit within 24–48 hours. Only inmates with a positive balance can shop. If an account drops below $5, purchases are blocked until more funds are added. Earnings from work-release programs or jail jobs may also be deposited into this account, giving inmates a way to support themselves while incarcerated.
Rules for Using the Commissary System
Commissary use follows strict rules to maintain order and security. Each inmate is assigned a unique account linked to their offender number. Funds cannot be transferred between inmates. All transactions are logged and audited regularly. Purchases are limited to what fits in a standard storage bin provided by the jail. Excess items may be confiscated. Inmates must attend a brief orientation on commissary procedures upon arrival. This covers how to check balances, place orders, and report issues.
Family members should never send cash through the mail. Only money orders are accepted, and they must be made payable to “Pinal County Sheriff’s Office” with the inmate’s details clearly noted. Personal checks are not allowed. Third parties, such as lawyers or religious volunteers, may deposit funds if they have written authorization from the inmate and valid ID. All deposits over $100 may be flagged for review, which can delay processing by up to 24 hours.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Pinal County Detention Center is located at 200 E. Silver St., Florence, AZ 85132. The main jail line is 855‑355‑0358, available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM MST. For inmate search or general questions, call the same number. The finance department handles commissary deposits and can verify account balances. The Sheriff’s Office headquarters is at 31 N Pinal Street, Florence, AZ 85132, with a landline at 520‑509‑3555 and toll-free line at 888‑431‑1311.
Visiting hours vary by housing unit and security level. Check the official roster online or call ahead to confirm schedules. All visitors must present valid photo ID and pass a background check. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The jail does not accept walk-in inquiries after hours. Emergency contacts should use the main line and follow prompts for urgent matters.
Finding an Inmate and Checking Their Status
To locate an inmate, use the online roster on the Pinal County website or call 855‑355‑0358. Search by name, booking date, or offender number. Each record shows charges, bond amount, court dates, and visitation windows. Mugshots are also available. The roster updates daily and includes both current inmates and recent releases. For parole or probation questions, contact Adult Probation at 520‑866‑5600.
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) maintains a separate database for state inmates. If someone has been transferred, their record may appear there instead. Never send personal information about an inmate through unsecured channels. According to A.R.S. § 13‑2505, sharing certain inmate data can be considered promoting prison contraband and may result in felony charges.
Reentry Programs and Financial Support
Pinal County offers a Reentry Program launched in 2021 to reduce repeat offenses. It helps former inmates find housing, jobs, health insurance, and legal aid. Over 350 people have participated, with 68% employed within six months of release. Participants get case managers who connect them with local shelters, vocational training, and Medicaid enrollment. Workshops cover budgeting, resume writing, and substance abuse counseling.
Earnings from jail jobs or work-release programs go directly into the inmate’s commissary account. This teaches financial responsibility and reduces reliance on family support. Some nonprofits also contribute to commissary accounts for low-income inmates. These donations are processed through the finance office and require approval to ensure compliance with jail policies.
Mail and Communication Policies
Effective July 28, 2019, Pinal County no longer accepts personal mail sent directly to inmates. All correspondence must go through Securus Digital Mail Center. Address letters as: Inmate Full Name – Inmate ID C/O Securus Digital Mail Center – Pinal County P.O. Box 949 Lebanon, MO 65536. Envelopes must show a return address and sender’s name. Books and magazines require pre-approval from the mailroom.
Phone calls are limited to 15-minute increments between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Inmates must complete a telephone orientation that explains prohibited topics, such as discussing ongoing investigations. Calls are prepaid using funds from the commissary account or a family-funded credit line. Video visitation may be available depending on facility capacity.
Security and Federal Partnerships
The Pinal County Detention Center participates in the federal 287(g) program, which allows six trained officers to work with ICE. When ICE issues a detainer, the jail holds individuals for up to 48 hours so federal agents can take custody. Between 2020 and 2022, this led to the removal of over 1,200 undocumented detainees. Officers also conduct basic immigration interviews and provide translation services.
The facility averages 600 inmates daily, according to the 2023 Arizona Department of Corrections report. Security protocols include regular cell inspections, controlled movement, and surveillance monitoring. All commissary transactions are tracked to prevent fraud or misuse. Staff undergo annual training on inmate rights, de-escalation, and emergency response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send cash in the mail? No. Only money orders are accepted. Make it payable to “Pinal County Sheriff’s Office” and include the inmate’s full name, offender number, and Facility Locator Number.
How fast do deposits appear in the account? Phone and online deposits update within minutes. Mailed money orders take 3–5 business days to process.
What happens if the account balance is too low? Purchases are blocked until the balance reaches at least $5. Inmates can still receive deposits but cannot buy items.
Can I check the balance remotely? Yes. Call Touchpay at 866‑232‑1899 or visit their website. You’ll need the inmate’s ID and Facility Locator Number.
Are there fees for deposits? Touchpay charges a small processing fee for credit/debit transactions. Cash deposits at the kiosk have no fee.
Can inmates share commissary funds? No. Each account is individual. Transfers between inmates are not allowed.
What if my deposit doesn’t go through? Contact Touchpay customer service or call the jail finance line at 855‑355‑0358. Keep your receipt for verification.
Official Website: https://www.pinal.gov/782/Adult-Detention
Phone: 855‑355‑0358
Address: 200 E. Silver St., Florence, AZ 85132
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM MST (call ahead to confirm)
