How to Put Money on Inmates' Books in Maricopa County: Facts, Secrets, and Insights You Missed

The process of depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account, often referred to as "putting money on their books," in the Maricopa County jail system isn't as straightforward as simply handing over cash. It's a process governed by specific rules, regulations, and third-party vendors, and it's been subject to scrutiny and changes over time. This explainer breaks down the who, what, when, where, and why of this system, offering insights you might have missed.

Who is involved?

The key players are:

• The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO): They oversee the jail system and set the policies regarding inmate accounts.


• Inmates: Individuals incarcerated in Maricopa County jails who rely on funds in their commissary accounts to purchase goods.


• Friends and Family: The primary source of funds deposited into these accounts.


• Vendors (e.g., Access Corrections, ICSolutions): Third-party companies contracted by MCSO to manage the financial transactions and commissary services.


• Arizona State Legislature: Creates laws that impact the operation and oversight of county jails.

What is "putting money on the books"?

"Putting money on the books" refers to depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. This account allows inmates to purchase items not provided by the jail, such as snacks, hygiene products, stationery, and sometimes even electronic devices like tablets. These items can improve their quality of life while incarcerated.

When can funds be deposited?

Funds can typically be deposited at any time, subject to vendor availability and system maintenance. However, there might be cut-off times for deposits to be processed on the same day. Specific deposit deadlines and processing times are usually detailed on the vendor's website.

Where can funds be deposited?

Deposits can be made through several channels:

• Online: Through the vendor's website (e.g., Access Corrections). This is often the most convenient method.


• Phone: By calling the vendor's customer service line.


• Mail: By sending a money order to a designated address (this method often has slower processing times).


• In-Person Kiosk: Some jail facilities may have kiosks where deposits can be made directly. However, this option is not universally available across all Maricopa County jails.

Why is this system in place?

The commissary system serves several purposes:

• Supplementing Basic Needs: It allows inmates to purchase items that enhance their comfort and well-being beyond the basic necessities provided by the jail.


• Revenue Generation: The jail receives a commission from the sales of commissary items, providing a revenue stream that can be used to offset operational costs.


• Behavior Management: Access to commissary items can be used as an incentive for good behavior.


• Reducing Burden on Taxpayers: By allowing inmates to purchase certain items, the financial burden on taxpayers to provide these items is reduced.

Historical Context:

Historically, jail commissary systems were often managed directly by the facility, with cash transactions occurring within the jail. However, to improve security, reduce opportunities for corruption, and streamline operations, many jurisdictions, including Maricopa County, have outsourced these services to private vendors. This shift has coincided with increasing scrutiny of the fees and commissions charged by these vendors.

Current Developments:

Maricopa County's jail system has faced numerous legal challenges and criticisms regarding conditions of confinement, including issues related to commissary access and pricing. There have been calls for greater transparency and oversight of the contracts with commissary vendors to ensure fair pricing and equitable access for all inmates.

Recently, there has been increased attention on the fees charged by vendors for money transfers, phone calls, and other services offered to inmates. Advocacy groups argue that these fees disproportionately impact low-income families and create a barrier to maintaining contact with incarcerated loved ones. Some states and counties have begun to implement caps on these fees or explore alternative service models.

Insights You Might Have Missed:

• Vendor Fees: The fees associated with depositing money can be significant. Online and phone deposits often carry convenience fees, which can reduce the amount of money actually credited to the inmate's account. These fees can be particularly burdensome for families sending small amounts of money.


• Inmate Account Restrictions: An inmate's account may be subject to restrictions based on their disciplinary record or security level. For example, inmates in disciplinary segregation may have limited access to commissary items.


• Commissary Price Markups: Commissary items are often priced higher than similar items in retail stores. This markup is a key source of revenue for the jail and the vendor.


• Contract Transparency: The contracts between MCSO and the commissary vendors are often complex and may not be readily accessible to the public. This lack of transparency can make it difficult to assess the fairness and effectiveness of the system.


• Potential for Exploitation: Some argue that the for-profit nature of the commissary system creates an inherent conflict of interest, potentially incentivizing vendors to maximize profits at the expense of inmates and their families.

Likely Next Steps:

• Legislative Action: There may be legislative efforts to regulate the fees charged by commissary vendors and increase transparency in the contracting process. Other states are exploring free phone calls for inmates.


• Advocacy Efforts: Advocacy groups will likely continue to push for reforms to the commissary system, focusing on issues such as fair pricing, fee caps, and improved access for all inmates.


• Contract Negotiations: As contracts with current vendors expire, Maricopa County will have the opportunity to renegotiate terms and potentially seek alternative service models.


• Increased Oversight: There may be increased calls for independent oversight of the jail commissary system to ensure compliance with regulations and protect the rights of inmates.

Conclusion:

Putting money on an inmate's books in Maricopa County involves navigating a complex system managed by the MCSO and private vendors. Understanding the rules, regulations, and fees associated with this process is crucial for families seeking to support their incarcerated loved ones. Continued scrutiny and advocacy efforts are needed to ensure that the system is fair, transparent, and serves the best interests of both inmates and the community. Data points such as vendor fees, commissary prices, and contract details must be readily available to ensure accountability and promote informed decision-making. The future of the system will likely depend on legislative action, advocacy efforts, and the willingness of Maricopa County officials to prioritize the well-being of inmates and their families.