Correspondence & Telephone Policy

Telephones are available to detainees not under disciplinary action. Calls may be made collect or with the use of a calling card purchased through the jail commissary. Family and friends may also call Encartele's Minute Mizer program, which allows outside persons to credit their telephone with minutes so detainees can call. This is the most economical use of the telephone system. The telephone contract is currently held by Encartele of Omaha, Nebraska. You may contact Encartele with questions at 800-562-7062 and the Minute Mizer program at 866-476-6723. You will want your credit card or method of payment handy.

The most economical method of correspondence is by writing. Letters mailed to inmates must contain the inmate's full name as part of the address. The jail will not accept certain items through the mail. All mail is subject to routine screening procedures. Any item which is not allowable by jail standards will be either placed in the inmate's secure property or returned to the sender. You are advised not to send items such as medication for inmates. All medications must be acquired by jail staff from approved vendors.

Attorneys: Please consult with the receptionist regarding the delivery of privileged materials.

Mail should be addressed in the following manner:

DETAINEE NAME
Hardin County Correctional Center
1116 14th Avenue
Eldora, IA 50627

Detainees with funds may write to you as often as they wish. Indigent detainees may write up to three personal letters each week free of charge. Please be aware that anytime an indigent detainee receives funds, those funds are subject to collection for indigent free services. The detainees may view and read certain items, but may not keep them in their individual cells.

Such items are greeting cards, pictures, postcards, any item containing or bearing stickers, envelopes, stamps, and other items considered contraband. Photocopies or pictures or computer generated pictures of appropriate nature is acceptable. However photographs, such as Polaroid's or those generated from negatives, are not acceptable.

The preferred method of correspondence is to use plain writing or typing paper and only include money in the form of money orders or cashier's check. Although cash is not recommended, the jail does accept it. Personal checks of any kind are not accepted.

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