Waukesha County Jail Commissary lets inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and personal care products using funds added to their trust accounts. Friends and family can send money or pre-paid care packs so loved ones have access to essentials beyond standard jail provisions. The system supports multiple deposit methods including online payments, mailed checks, and electronic transfers. All transactions are processed quickly and securely, with funds typically available within minutes or hours. This page explains how the commissary works, accepted payment types, ordering steps, and key rules to follow when sending money or items.
How to Send Money for Commissary Purchases
There are three main ways to add money to an inmate’s account at Waukesha County Jail: online through ConnectNetwork, by mailing a certified check or money order, or by purchasing pre-paid commissary packs via iCare. Each method has specific steps and requirements to ensure funds reach the correct person safely and promptly. Online deposits are fastest, appearing in the inmate’s account within ten minutes. Mailed payments take up to 48 hours to process after arrival. Pre-paid packs are delivered directly to eligible housing units and credited immediately upon processing.
Online Deposits via ConnectNetwork
ConnectNetwork is the official digital platform for funding inmate trust accounts at Waukesha County Jail. Users must create a free account, verify their identity, select “Waukesha County Jail” from the facility list, and enter the inmate’s booking number. Deposit amounts range from $10 to $100, with larger sums allowed in $25 increments. Accepted payment methods include major credit cards, debit cards, and ACH bank transfers. Once submitted, funds post to the inmate’s account within ten minutes. A confirmation email is sent automatically for record-keeping.
Mailing Checks or Money Orders
All mailed payments must be sent as certified checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders made payable to “Waukesha County Jail.” Personal checks and cash are not accepted. The envelope must include “FBO [Inmate’s Full Name] – [Inmate ID]” on the memo line and be addressed to P.O. Box 0217, Waukesha, WI 53187-0217. Do not combine this envelope with any inmate mail. Once received, deposits are logged and posted within 48 hours. Inmates can then use the balance for commissary purchases or vending machine items.
Pre-Paid Commissary Packs via iCare
iCare offers pre-packaged care bundles containing snacks, hygiene products, and personal care items priced between $5 and $50. These packs are only available for inmates housed in County Jail Pods 3, 6–9, and the Huber Facility. To order, visit www.icaregifts.com, enter the inmate’s full legal name, booking number, and exact pod or facility location. Orders process within 24 hours, and funds are credited directly to the inmate’s account for immediate use. Each pack includes a clear list of contents and value.
Accepted Payment Methods and Rules
Waukesha County Jail enforces strict rules for all commissary-related payments to prevent fraud and ensure accountability. Only certified checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and electronic transfers are accepted. Cash and personal checks are rejected. All mailed payments must be separate from inmate correspondence and clearly labeled. Electronic deposits require accurate inmate identification to avoid delays. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in returned payments or processing delays.
Prohibited Items in Payments
Do not include cash, personal checks, or handwritten notes in payment envelopes. These will be returned or discarded. Envelopes with extra markings, stickers, or promotional material may also be rejected. Payments must be clean, professional, and strictly formatted. Always double-check the inmate’s name and booking number before mailing or submitting online. Incorrect details can delay fund posting by several days.
Payment Processing Times
Electronic deposits via ConnectNetwork appear in the inmate’s account within ten minutes. Mailed payments take up to 48 hours after receipt to process. iCare orders are fulfilled within 24 hours of submission. Weekends and holidays may add slight delays. Families can verify account activity using the hourly-updated inmate roster on the county website.
Eligible Housing Units for Commissary Services
Not all inmates at Waukesha County Jail have access to the same commissary options. Pre-paid iCare packs are only available for those housed in County Jail Pods 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9, as well as the Huber Facility. Other pods may have limited vending machine access but cannot receive care packs. Before placing an order, confirm the inmate’s current housing assignment using the online inmate list. This ensures your purchase is valid and usable.
How to Verify Inmate Housing
Use the official Waukesha County Current Inmate List, updated hourly, to find an inmate’s booking number, charge details, bond amount, and housing pod. Search by name, ID, or date of birth. The page shows a timestamp of the last update for accuracy. If the inmate is not listed in an eligible pod, iCare orders will be rejected. Always check this list before sending funds or care packs.
Huber Facility Commissary Access
Inmates in the Huber Facility follow the same commissary rules as those in eligible county jail pods. They can receive iCare packs, online deposits, and mailed funds. However, visitation and movement schedules differ due to work-release programs. Confirm housing status before ordering, as transfers between facilities can occur without notice.
Commissary Item Availability and Pricing
The iCare catalog includes over twenty items such as chips, candy, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and writing supplies. Prices range from $5 for small snack packs to $50 for full hygiene bundles. Items are pre-selected and shipped as sealed packages. Inmates cannot customize individual products but can use their trust fund balance for on-site vending machines offering similar goods. All prices are fixed and listed clearly on the iCare website.
Sample iCare Pack Contents
- $5 Snack Pack: Chips, cookies, and a drink mix
- $15 Hygiene Kit: Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste
- $25 Care Bundle: Snacks, hygiene items, and stationery
- $50 Full Package: Assorted snacks, full hygiene set, and extra supplies
On-Site Vending Options
In addition to iCare packs, inmates can use their trust fund balance at facility vending machines. These offer drinks, snacks, and basic toiletries. Purchases are deducted automatically from the inmate’s account. Vending selections vary by pod and are restocked regularly. Funds from any deposit method can be used here.
Tracking Inmate Accounts and Status
Families can monitor an inmate’s commissary balance and status in real time using the county’s online tools. The Current Inmate List shows active bookings, charges, bond amounts, and release dates. While it doesn’t display account balances, it confirms the inmate is still housed and eligible for deposits. For balance inquiries, contact the jail directly or check via ConnectNetwork if you’re listed as an authorized user.
Using the Online Inmate Roster
The roster refreshes every hour and includes name, booking ID, charge description, bond amount, and projected release date. Search by full name or ID number. The page displays a timestamp so users know how current the data is. This helps verify eligibility before sending money or care packs.
Account Balance Verification
Exact commissary balances are not published online for privacy reasons. To check a balance, call the jail at 262-548-7170 during business hours or log into your ConnectNetwork account if you’ve made a deposit. Staff can confirm recent transactions but may require proof of relationship.
Visitation and Communication Policies
While not directly related to commissary, visitation rules affect how families interact with inmates. Professional video visits are offered at 10:45 a.m., 3:45 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. on weekends, each lasting up to 30 minutes. Non-contact in-person visits run Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All visits require a valid government ID and advance scheduling through the online portal.
Scheduling Video Visits
Book video visits at https://waukeshacountywi.gtlvisitme.com/. Sessions must be reserved in advance and end automatically at lockdown times. Connections are monitored by staff. Late arrivals may forfeit their slot. Each visit costs a small fee paid via ConnectNetwork.
Sending Mail to Inmates
All paper mail must be addressed as: Inmate Name – Inmate Number, Waukesha County Jail, Wisconsin, P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131. Do not abbreviate “Wisconsin.” Include the booking number on the first line. Envelopes with food, contraband, or ads are rejected. Electronic messages can be sent via the TextBehind app, processed within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waukesha County Jail Commissary
Many families have similar questions about funding accounts, item availability, and processing times. Below are answers to the most common concerns based on official county policies and user experiences. These clarify rules, prevent mistakes, and help ensure smooth transactions.
Can I send cash directly to an inmate?
No. Waukesha County Jail does not accept cash under any circumstances. All funds must be sent via certified check, cashier’s check, money order, or electronic transfer through ConnectNetwork. Cash mailed to the facility will be returned or discarded. This rule protects both inmates and senders from loss or theft.
How fast do online deposits appear in the account?
Electronic deposits made through ConnectNetwork post to the inmate’s trust fund within ten minutes of completion. You’ll receive an email confirmation once processed. If funds don’t appear after 15 minutes, contact ConnectNetwork support with your transaction ID.
What happens if I send money to the wrong inmate?
If you provide an incorrect name or booking number, the payment may be delayed or returned. Always double-check details before submitting. If a mistake occurs, contact the jail’s correctional services assistant at 262-548-7170 with proof of payment and correct information.
Are there fees for using ConnectNetwork?
Yes. ConnectNetwork charges a small processing fee for each transaction, typically 3–5% of the deposit amount. Fees vary by payment method—credit cards cost more than ACH transfers. The exact fee appears before you finalize the payment.
Can inmates use commissary funds for phone calls?
No. Commissary funds are separate from phone accounts. Inmates must add money to their AdvancePay phone balance to make calls. However, both services use the same ConnectNetwork platform. You can manage both from one account.
What if my loved one is transferred to another facility?
If an inmate is moved, their commissary balance stays with them. However, iCare packs can only be used at eligible Waukesha pods. If transferred out, unused pack credits may not be accessible. Check the inmate’s status before ordering.
Is there a limit on how much money I can send?
There’s no strict maximum, but deposits over $100 may require additional verification. Most users send $10–$100 per transaction. Large sums should be split into smaller amounts to avoid delays.
Official Resources and Contact Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official Waukesha County sources. Below are key links, phone numbers, and addresses for commissary, deposits, and inmate services.
Waukesha County Jail Address:
515 West Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188
Mailing Address for Payments:
Waukesha County Jail – Attention: Correctional Services Assistant
P.O. Box 0217, Waukesha, WI 53187-0217
Phone Number: 262-548-7170
Official Websites:
https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/jail-division/inmate-account-deposits/
https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/CurrentInmateList/
https://web.connectnetwork.com/facilities/waukesha-county-wi-county-jail/
