Inmate Services
Resources for Inmates, Families, and Friends
When someone you care about is in custody at the Deschutes County Adult Jail, staying connected matters. The Sheriff’s Office provides several ways for inmates to communicate with family and friends and to maintain access to essential personal resources during their stay. Whether you’re looking to send a letter, add funds to a commissary account, arrange a phone call, or manage personal property, the information below will point you in the right direction.
Staying connected through mail can make a meaningful difference for someone in custody. Friends and family may send letters, cards, photographs, books, and even gift packages through approved channels — all subject to inspection and specific guidelines to maintain facility security. Before you send anything, it’s worth reviewing what’s allowed to ensure your mail reaches its recipient without delay.
Inmates at the Deschutes County Adult Jail can make outgoing calls using collect or prepaid phone accounts through our contracted provider, ViaPath (Telmate). Friends and family can add funds to an inmate’s account online, by phone, or at kiosks located in the jail lobby — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A voicemail option also lets loved ones leave messages for inmates at any time.
Funds deposited into an inmate’s commissary account can be used for hygiene items, writing supplies, snacks, and other fees. Deposits can be made in person at the jail lobby during business hours or by mail, and any remaining balance is returned to the inmate upon release. Family members may also arrange to pick up or drop off certain approved personal property through the jail lobby during normal business hours.
Senate Bill 498 Reporting
In accordance with Oregon Senate Bill 498 (2019), correctional facilities are required to publicly report quarterly financial information related to inmate telephone services. This includes revenue received from service providers, per-minute fees collected, and detailed expenditures from the Inmate Welfare Fund. The PDFs linked below provide a transparent summary of this data for each reporting period, ensuring accountability and compliance with state law.
1st Quarter, 2026 | 2nd Quarter, 2025 | 3rd Quarter, 2025 | 4th Quarter, 2025