The Ada County Jail is a 1144 bed jail in the city of Boise, Ada County, Idaho. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 208-577-3000.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.
You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Idaho State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 208-577-3000, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Ada County Jail at 208-577-3000 to get it.
Phone: 208-577-3000
Physical Address:
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & JID #
c/o Ada County Jail
PO Box 247
Phoenix, MD, 21131
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & JID #
c/o Ada County Jail
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Ada County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 208-577-3000 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Ada County Criminal Court Case information online, as well as for all other Idaho county court cases.
The Ada County Jail maintains an average of 1144 offenders in custody on any given day. The Ada County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Ada County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 24,300 offenders.
The following charts of Ada County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the Ada County Corrections Department, the state of Idaho Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Ada County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Ada County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.
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Built in 1977 for 160 inmates, the Ada County Jail has been expanded, renovated, and improved to meet the current security and technology standards of the industry as well as to house 1,116 inmates.
Both male and female inmates are housed here, 68 beds are reserved for men and 32 for women within the Community Transition Center as they prepare for their release and the remainder divided into minimum security, medium security, and maximum security.
The layout includes five main dorms, 4 that house male inmates and 2 that house women in open areas that allow movement throughout the day.
Movement becomes more restricted in the medium security areas where cells house one or two and housing areas have a small shared common space, with maximum security housing inmates individually and minimal movement throughout the facility.
To determine if someone you know is being held at Ada County Jail they can be contacted at 208-577-3000 and will also be able to provide information on bail.
One of the units within the jail is a health unit providing medical care around the clock and it includes full access to mental health as well, allowing for all inmates to access the care that they need. Emergency dental care is available and provides pain relief for those who need it.
As studies and experience have shown that contact with friends and family who are outside of the jail can improve the safety of the facility itself and provide a healthier mental health for each of the inmates, so mail, phone calls, and visits are all provided.
Mail is delivered each weekday by the post office and can be sent to:
Inmate's Full Name & JID #
c/o Ada County Jail
PO Box 247
Phoenix, MD, 21131
... where it will be scanned and electronically delivered to the inmates and checked for any signs that the security of the jail is at risk or conversations of things such as a breakout attempt.
As well as mail, inmates are able to make outgoing phone calls during daytime hours that will allow them to contact their family throughout their detention, but without the ability for incoming calls.
Visits are provided each week as well, online only through video conferencing which is scheduled online. Each inmate is provided with two calls for free each week, for 25 minutes each, and additional visits are available for an added charge. Due to the visits being online only, they are available during daytime hours that are not meals and will not be permitted after lockdown at night.
After being arrested, the offender is brought to the Ada County Jail for booking, which is the detailed process of identifying, classifying, deciding on charges, and whether the person will either be released on their own recognizance, allowed to be released on bail, or moved into the jail until their court date.
The first thing every newly arrested person must do is close their mouth. Everything an offender says may be used against them, so the best thing to do is remain silent when questioned about the arrest and what led to it.
These are the steps of booking someone into the Ada County Jail:
Booking can take as little as an hour, or up to 48 hours on a busy weekend or holiday evening, or if the offender is violent, wasted or generally uncooperative. If you have any questions about when you can pay an offender's bond and what the cost will be, call the facility at 208-577-3000.
When an offender is arrested and brought to the Ada County Jail in Boise for booking, there are several outcomes after being processed.
1. The offender will be released with no bail, promising to return on a specific date to appear before a judge in either Municipal or Ada County Court.
2. The offender is ordered to remain in jail until their court date.
3. The offender is allowed to be released after paying a specified bond or bail. Call 208-577-3000 to get the exact amount.
The payment of an offender's bail or bond can take many shapes.
For detailed Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the entire bail process in Ada County Idaho, check out the Ada County Jail Bail Page.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Ada County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Schedule Video Visits online with gettingout
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | No video sessions |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| SATURDAY | No video sessions |
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
How it Works with GettingOut
1. Register an account.
2. Select Ada County Jail
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.
4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.
GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.
Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
To visit an inmate in Ada County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:
Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Ada County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut.
There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Ada County Jail:
1. Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut apps.
To remotely visit an inmate in Ada County follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Ada County Jail's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Ada County here.
2. The next step is to create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Ada County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Other Ada County Services provided by GettingOut:
- Phone Calls & Voicemail
- Email, Photo & Video Sharing
- Inmate Tablet Rental
- Deposits
Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Ada County Jail Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.
Frequently Asked Questions
* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Ada County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.
Ada County Jail Phone: 208-577-3000
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Ada County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 208-577-3000 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Ada County Jail?
Schedule Video Visits online with gettingout
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | No video sessions |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| SATURDAY | No video sessions |
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 10:00PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Ada County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 208-577-3000 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Ada County Jail?
How to Make a Deposit for Phone, Email or Visitation using GettingOut.com
Ada County Jail uses GettingOut for some or all of its communication services with an inmate.
If you want to deposit money using this company for your use or your inmate's account, there are four ways to do it:
For all the information you need to know, including tips, guidelines and warnings about depositing money in a Ada County Jail inmate's account for communication services, check out our Send Money page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Ada County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 208-577-3000 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Ada County Jail?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Ada County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Ada County Jail has the phone service you need to communicate with your inmate by the facility lookup here.
2. In the meantime, you can create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account. This account can be controlled by just you, or by both you and your inmate.
4. Last, select Ada County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Ada County Services that are provided by GettingOut, a GTL company:
- Phone Calls & Voicemail
- Video Visits (from home or jail lobby)
- Email & Photo Sharing
- Tablet Rental
- Deposits
Phone & Voicemail Fees
1. GettingOut charges $0.25 per minute for all phone calls, prepaid or collect, within Idaho.
2. Prepaid calls between Idaho and other states costs $0.21 per minute. International calls are $0.95 per minute.
3. There is a fee of $3.00 every time you add money to your account online, and it costs $5.95 if you add funds over the phone with a live agent.
4. You can also leave an inmate a short voice message for a flat fee of $1.25.
Note: Rates are subject to change.
Types of Phone Calls
Collect Calls
Collect calls allow you to accept and pay for calls to your land line (only) phone account. This means that if you accept your call from your inmate, all the charges for that call will then be billed to your land line phone account and will show up and be listed on your next local phone bill. Additional fees, costs, restrictions may apply.
Prepaid calls (Direct Calls)
With Prepaid Calls you can set up your account so that the inmate can only call you and/or you can just deposit money in their account and they can purchase prepaid phone cards through their commissary and call whoever they choose, provided the Ada County Jail approves of the phone number.
Quick Connect
Quick connect is an alternative to collect calls. It allows you to quickly pay for a phone call with your credit card. When your inmate calls you, follow the instructions from the automated voice system to pay for that one phone call, directly billed to your card.
Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Ada County Jail GettingOut phone services, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
* All the information you need to understand making and receiving phone calls with inmates in Ada County, can be found on our Inmate Phone Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Ada County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 208-577-3000 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Ada County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Ada County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Ada County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & JID #
c/o Ada County Jail
PO Box 247
Phoenix, MD, 21131
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & JID #
c/o Ada County Jail
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
The Ada County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Ada County Jail standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & JID #
c/o Ada County Jail
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
Postcards
The Ada County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.
Envelopes
The Ada County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & JID #
c/o Ada County Jail
PO Box 247
Phoenix, MD, 21131
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & JID #
c/o Ada County Jail
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
The Ada County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Ada County Jail standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & JID #
c/o Ada County Jail
7210 Barrister Drive
Boise, ID 83704
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Ada County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 208-577-3000 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Ada County Jail, and what can I purchase?
The service they use is called icaregifts.
Instructions
1. Register here.
2. Click the "Find an Inmate" button and enter your loved one’s first name, last name, or inmate number. When the information is entered correctly, click the “Search” button to confirm they are in the system.
3. Select the icare gift you want to send them.
4. Confirm the order in your confirmation email.
5. Ada County Jail has up to 30 days to give your icaregift pack to your inmate.
6. You will receive a confirmation email when it is delivered.
There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from.
They range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper…
… to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items…
… with many gift packs priced in between.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (you must have an inmate chosen in order to review these FAQs for Ada County Jail
Contact Info:
888-439-5020 - 8AM–9PM ET, 7 days a week.
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Ada County Jail follow these steps:
For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Ada County Jail, as well as sending money to the inmate so that they can purchase their own items, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Ada County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Ada County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 208-577-3000 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Ada County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Ada County Jail contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Ada County Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
How Messaging Works
Watch this video on how to send a message.
1. Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message. Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
How Uploading Photos Works
Watch this video on how to upload a photo.
1. Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
To mail or email an inmate in Ada County follow these steps:
When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:
Emailing Messages & Photos
Facility_name_1} contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Ada County Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.
All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Ada County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Ada County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 208-577-3000 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Ada County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Ada County Jail, such as:
- Free services are already available for use on the device at Ada County Jail.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- Ada County Jail Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.
What Does a Tablet Cost?
To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.
Game Center:
30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)
Unlimited eBooks:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
Streaming Music:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)
Newsfeed
Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)
Same Day Subscription Services
Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)
Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)
Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)
All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes.
Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...
Tablet: $249.99 per each
Charger: $8.99 per each
Earbuds: $2.99 per each
To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:
1. First, Register or Sign In to GettingOut/GTL
2. Purchase the services you want for your Ada County Jail inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.
To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Ada County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 208-577-3000 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in Ada County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Ada County?
This facility, known as "Ada County Jail" is also known as Ada County Inmate Search, Ada County Arrests, Ada County Sheriff, Vernon L. Bisterfeldt Public Safety Building.
