Buncombe County Detention Facility

To search for an inmate in the Buncombe County Detention Facility, 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 828-250-4550 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case information online, including the daily court dockets for Buncombe County.

Buncombe County Detention Facility Inmate Search

The Buncombe County Detention Facility maintains an average of 524 offenders in custody on any given day. The Buncombe County Detention Facility 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 Buncombe County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 12,480 offenders.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Buncombe County Detention Facility? What is the Schedule?

Buncombe County Detention Facility Inmate Visitation Scheduling

20 Davidson Drive
Asheville, NC 28801
828-250-4610 or 828-250-4557

• First, you must register for visitation with Homewav.
  
• First-time visits can be arranged at the Detention Facility Front Desk at the phone numbers listed above.
• Subsequent visits have to be scheduled online.
• Visitation times subject to change.
• Valid government issued photo ID required for 16+.
• Minors fifteen (15) years old, or younger, do not need identification when a parent or legal guardian accompanies them.
• A visit may consist of one adult and one child.
• No items are allowed in visit except an ID and a key.
• Remote visits have a fee.

ON-SITE VISITATION

REMOTE VISITATION

The Buncombe County Detention Facility uses Homewav for all Video Visitation services.

The information below provides complete instructions regarding:

Visiting Hours and Visitation Schedule,
Visitation Rules,
Application & Registration
Inmate Video Visits, and
Jail Visitation Process for the Buncombe County Detention Facility

Buncombe County Detention Facility uses HomeWAV for Inmate Video Visitation. 

Off-site remote visits are simple and convenient for both inmates and you. 
Outgoing calls can be initiated from the detention facility without the need for advanced scheduling.
HomeWAV is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.
HomeWAV is compatible with most major browsers on either PC or Mac computers, but works best with Google Chrome.

Following these instructions exactly will enhance your chances of having trouble-free visits.

How Much does Homewav Cost?

Buncombe County Detention Facility charges $0.50 cents per minute for video visitation and $1.00 for each video message.  

There is NO minimum talk time. Each ‘call’ can be as short as one minute.

In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. All “Talk to me Funds” can only be used between the inmate and the visitor who owns the account.

How does HomeWAV video visitation work?

1.  Sign Up Here.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Then you just wait for the inmate to call

How Do I add Funds to my account?

1. Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds
2. Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
3. Click “Update” 
4. Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card.)

Can I use HomeWAV on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, however your HomeWAV account must be first set up online from a computer. 

Once you have added funds to your account, you will need to install the Homewav app onto your phone or tablet.

To receive calls you must log in through the app and wait for the inmate to initiate the call. 

You cannot add funds or make any changes to your account information through the app. These options are only available through the website. 

The app should be solely used for video visitation.

What are the minimum PC requirements?

1. A computer with Windows Operating System. (Note: HomeWAV works best with Chrome.)
2. Speakers or Headphones
3. Camera and microphone

Can I use HomeWAV from the jail lobby if I don’t have a computer?

Yes, Buncombe County Detention Facility has a HomeWAV kiosk in their lobby for you to use if you don’t have a computer or smartphone, however due to COVID issues you may be temporarily prohibited entrance into their lobby. 

How does the Inmate Know I am Logged in and Ready to Visit?

1.    Make sure there are funds in your account and that you are marked as “appear online”.
2.    The moment you log in, the HomeWAV screen at the facility will light up green and display the inmates name. This informs the inmate that they have a visitor that is now logged on. 
3.    Once the inmate sees the notification, he or she will initiate the call.
4.    When the inmate initiates the call, a ringing sound will take place and a pop-up box will appear, asking you if you want to accept the call.

Can I transfer funds from one inmate to another?

If you have multiple inmates and would like to transfer your funds to a different inmate, please call HomeWAV at 314-764-2872 or email support@homewav.com and include the following information:
1.    Homewav account holder’s name.
2.    The number of minutes to be transferred.
3.    Facility Name.
4.    From which inmate to who do you want to transfer funds.

How do I get a refund on leftover funds?

Email HomeWAV at refunds@homewav.com with your refund request. 
REFUNDS are subject to a $7.50 processing fee.  *Note* refund requests must be sent from the email address of the registered visitor.

How can I contact HomeWAV if I’m having any problems?

HomeWAV Visitor Support is available 7 days a week during the following hours:

Monday – Friday 
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST

Saturday – Sunday 
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST

HomeWAV Customer Service: Call 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.

HomeWAV Video Tutorials

HomeWAV Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buncombe County Detention Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-250-4550 for further assistance.

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Buncombe County Detention Facility?

Buncombe County Detention Facility Inmate Visitation Scheduling

20 Davidson Drive
Asheville, NC 28801
828-250-4610 or 828-250-4557

• First, you must register for visitation with Homewav.
  
• First-time visits can be arranged at the Detention Facility Front Desk at the phone numbers listed above.
• Subsequent visits have to be scheduled online.
• Visitation times subject to change.
• Valid government issued photo ID required for 16+.
• Minors fifteen (15) years old, or younger, do not need identification when a parent or legal guardian accompanies them.
• A visit may consist of one adult and one child.
• No items are allowed in visit except an ID and a key.
• Remote visits have a fee.

ON-SITE VISITATION

REMOTE VISITATION

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buncombe County Detention Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-250-4550 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Buncombe County Detention Facility?

Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Buncombe County Detention Facility may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Buncombe County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Buncombe County Detention Facility follow these steps:

• Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
• 
• Select North Carolina, then Buncombe County Detention Facility, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
• Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
• Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
• Maximum spend is $125.00.
• NOTE: Buncombe County Detention Facility may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally. 

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Buncombe County Detention Facility, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Buncombe County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buncombe County Detention Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-250-4550 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Buncombe County Detention Facility?

How Do Inmates in Buncombe County Detention Facility Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Buncombe County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

• Buncombe County Detention Facility uses the services of HOMEWAV.
• 
• Register with them online or call them at 844-394-6639. 
• Agents are available from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and speak both English & Spanish.
• Services for Buncombe County inmates and their families and friends include Collect Calling, PIN Debits or Purchasing Calling Cards.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Buncombe County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, video, messaging, time limits and more, visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buncombe County Detention Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-250-4550 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Buncombe County Detention Facility, and what can I send them?

Buncombe County Detention Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Buncombe County Detention Facility 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 Buncombe County Detention Facility 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 & ID Number
Buncombe County Detention Facility -NC
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & ID Number
Buncombe County Detention Facility
20 Davidson Drive
Asheville, NC 28801

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 Buncombe County Detention Facility 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 Buncombe County Detention Facility 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 & ID Number
Buncombe County Detention Facility
20 Davidson Drive
Asheville, NC 28801

TextBehind enables you to communicate with your incarcerated loved ones located inside the United States from anywhere in the world using text letters, kids' drawings, and custom greeting cards. Unlimited inmate reply letters are processed for electronic delivery to your smartphone and email at no extra charge.
The cost to send an electronic letter is approximately $1.00.

Here’s how it works for Buncombe County Detention Facility:
1.    All offender mail (paper and electronic) is addressed and delivered to TextBehind. Electronic mail is sent through the apps (iphone, Google Play). Paper mail is sent to the address below:
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Buncombe County Detention Facility North Carolina (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
2.    If it was sent via TextBehind's app (iphone, Google Play), TextBehind can process it within one business day.
3.    An additional step is involved in processing mail that is sent using the U.S. Postal Service. TextBehind will  use a scanner to make digital files of the contents of the mailing—including cards, photos or artwork.
4.    All digital files are then forwarded to the offender’s assigned prison.
5.    Buncombe County Detention Facility mailroom prints approved pages and delivers them to the inmate.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• TextBehind does not deliver any mail to the inmate directly, nor do they guarantee delivery of your letters to the inmates by the courier, jail or prison staff. Once they process your mail and ship them out on your behalf, they are out of the loop entirely. However, at times they may offer to resend your letters under certain strict conditions as a courtesy. 
• Inmates do not receive any invites when you add them, and neither do they need to accept the use of TextBehind service. Once you add the inmate, you can create letters for them. 

Here’s what happens when TextBehind receives a letter from an inmate:

• Upon receiving, TextBehind staff open their letters, scan, and upload high-quality images to your TextBehind account as a complimentary service. You are not required to have any money or credits balance in your TextBehind account to receive inmate letters.
• Next, you will receive a text and email alert to notify you of any new incoming reply letters. At that time, you can log into the TextBehind website or mobile app and view letters in your CONTACTS >> Click on Conversation Icon. 

YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS...

• Inmates do require a stamp to send out their letters to TextBehind using Postal Service.
• The cash or credit balance from your TextBehind account will not be shared with inmates as a substitute for the stamps. 
• All letters printed and shipped by TextBehind nationwide to virtually any jail or prison facility are delivered to the jails/prisons by couriers such as the USPS or FedEx as their standard process.
• After the shipments, TextBehind has no control over the process.
• The delivery of your letters depends on couriers and prison staff taking necessary action on time.

IMPORTANT TextBehind LINKS:
Register / Log in with TextBehind
Contact TextBehind with Questions
Add an Inmate to your list of Contacts

** Address to Mail letters using TextBehind **
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Buncombe County Detention Facility North Carolina (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Why is TextBehind used by Lockups?
Due to the problem of letters and postcards containing, or soaked in contraband (drugs), TextBehind electronic and physical letters is replacing the former policy of allowing mail to be sent directly from inmate’s friends and family members, and vice versa.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buncombe County Detention Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-250-4550 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Buncombe County Detention Facility, and what can I purchase?

Buncombe County Detention Facility uses the services of Inmate Canteen for Online Commissary Purchases for an Inmate.

NOTE: Buncombe County Detention Facility may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.

For best results use google chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:

• Register or Log in to your account
• Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
• Select the "Purchase Items" option
• Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buncombe County Detention Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-250-4550 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Buncombe County Detention Facility using an Online Messaging Service?

Friends and Family can leave Video Messages for Inmates using HomeWAV Video services.

The cost is $1.00 per message. In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. 
How does HomeWAV video messaging (email) work?

1. Sign Up.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Send your video message.

How to Visit or Email an Inmate in Buncombe County North Carolina or visiting an inmate at the jail

To visit or email an inmate in Buncombe County follow these steps:

• In addition to visiting inmates at the jail, Buncombe County Detention Facility uses a video visitation service called HomeWav.
  
• Register and Sign Up Here.
• Complete all steps of the registration process to get full access to Buncombe County Detention Facility inmate communication services.
• Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
• Then you just wait for your Buncombe County inmate to communicate.
  How do you add Funds to your account?
• Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds".
• Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
• Click “Update”.
• Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card).

Who do you contact if you are having any problems arranging the remote video visit, phoning or emailing of an inmate in Buncombe County?
Call HomeWav support at 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.
Monday – Friday 
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST
Saturday – Sunday 
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST

NOTE: All communications between you and your inmate at Buncombe County Detention Facility will be recorded and stored. Do not discuss your inmate's case or other sensitive information as it can be used against them (or you) in court.

For full instructions on all the benefits of using Homewav to visit a Buncombe County inmate, visiting an inmate at the jail itself, email and texting an inmate, rates, policies, rules, dress codes, bringing children, attorney and clergy visits and more, go to our official Visit Inmate Page. 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buncombe County Detention Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-250-4550 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Buncombe County Detention Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Paytel Tablets can be rented by inmates housed in the Buncombe County Detention Facility for a small monthly fee.  

Tablets can be used by inmates, for the following things:

• Phone Calls
• Messages (email / texts)
• Educational applications
• Entertainment (movies, games, television, music)
• Buncombe County Detention Facility information (rules, guidelines, visitation schedules, etc.)
• Legal research
• Medical requests
• Programs (anger management, drug recovery, job skills, parenting, etc.)

Contact Paytel online, or call the Buncombe County Detention Facility directly at 828-250-4550 to rent a tablet for your inmate.

If you want download the Paytel App, click the image below:

Tablets Rentals Offer Great Solutions for Inmates at the Buncombe County Detention Facility

How can you rent a tablet for an inmate in Buncombe County? Read the following:

Tablets can be used by inmates, for the following things:

• Phone Calls
• Messages (email / texts)
• Educational applications and Entertainment
• Legal Research
• and much more!

Contact Paytel online, or call the Buncombe County Detention Facility directly at 828-250-4550 to rent a tablet for your inmate.

To find out everything you need to know about renting a tablet, what it can be used for, how much it costs, and more, check out our Tablet Page for Buncombe County Detention Facility.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buncombe County Detention Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-250-4550 for further assistance.

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Buncombe County?