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Contact an Adult in Custody

Contact an Adult in Custody

This page explains how to contact or visit an Adult in Custody (AIC) at the Benton County Jail. It also provides information about:

  • AIC mail, phone, and email contact options
  • AIC medical services
  • Adults currently in custody or recently released
  • Benton County Circuit Court and video arraignments

Ways to Contact an AIC

You may contact an AIC:

General Information

Adults in custody receive an orientation and a jail handbook when they enter the Benton County Jail. The handbook explains jail rules, including rules for:

  • Mail
  • Phone calls
  • Visits

Each AIC may submit a visitor list. Jail staff must approve this list before visits can begin. Only people on the approved list may schedule visits.

Even though AICs receive daily opportunities to contact family or friends, contact is always the AIC’s choice. They decide whether to:

  • Place a phone call
  • Send mail
  • Add someone to their visitor list

Jail staff cannot take or relay messages for AICs.

Housing at Other Jails

The Benton County Jail has limited space. Because of this, the Sheriff’s Office may house AICs in other county jails.

Jail staff may transport AICs to partner facilities when needed.

Benton County currently contracts with:

Clatsop County Jail

Polk County Jail

Contact an AIC by Mail

Allowable Mail

  • Legal documents or personal correspondence
  • Postcards (maximum size 5½ inches by 8½ inches). Must include sender’s name and return address.
  • Magazines, newspapers, and periodicals sent directly from the publisher
  • Books sent directly from the publisher, bookstore, or book club. No plastic or metal binding. No hardback books.

Privileged Mail

Oregon law (ORS 169.076) protects certain mail.

Jail staff will not inspect official mail sent between an AIC and:

  • An attorney
  • The courts
  • The Oregon Attorney General
  • The Governor
  • Oregon Department of Corrections
  • Jail administration

Mail Restrictions

Anyone may send mail to an AIC unless the sender falls into one of these categories:

  • An AIC housed in another correctional facility or treatment center
  • Someone acting as a go-between by forwarding mail between AICs
  • A victim in a case involving the AIC

Jail staff review restricted or refused mail case by case.

If staff reject a piece of mail, they will notify both the sender and the AIC in writing.

Mail Appeals

You may appeal a rejected mail decision. Submit a written appeal within 7 days to:

Jail Commander
Benton County Jail

Explain why you believe the mail should be accepted.

Addressing Mail

Write the AIC’s full legal name clearly.

Do not use nicknames.

If known, include the middle name or initial.

Mail must be addressed to:

AIC Name
Benton County Jail
PO Box 788
Corvallis, OR 97339

Always include a handwritten return name and address.

Jail staff will not deliver or hold mail without a return address.

Mail Delivery Rules

AICs may only receive mail sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The jail will not accept:

  • Hand-delivered mail
  • Courier service deliveries
  • Commercial delivery services
  • Mail with postage due

Contact an AIC by Email

You may email an AIC using Inmate Canteen.

Steps

  1. Visit the Inmate Canteen website.
  2. Create an account and deposit funds.
  3. Select the AIC you want to contact.
  4. Send your message.

After setup, you will receive a direct email address. You may then send messages from your email account or phone without logging into the website.

Email Costs

  • $0.25 per message

All messages must pass jail review and approval before delivery.

AICs may read and respond using a jail kiosk.

Revenue from messaging services helps support AIC programs at the jail.

Contact an AIC by Phone

Telephone calls are a privilege for AICs.

Jail staff may limit phone use based on:

  • Behavior
  • Classification status

AICs do not have privacy during personal phone calls. Staff may monitor and record calls at any time.

Recorded calls may be used for:

  • Jail discipline
  • Criminal investigations

Phone Service Provider

The Benton County Jail uses NCIC Inmate Communications.

To create a prepaid account or ask questions:

Phone: 1-888-943-2189

You may also create an account online through the NCIC website.

Spanish Information

El proveedor telefónico actual de la cárcel del condado de Benton es NCIC Inmate Communications.

Para establecer una cuenta prepagada o hacer preguntas generales, llame al 1-888-943-2189 o visite el sitio web de Inmate Canteen.

Phone Call Rules

  • Jail staff will not accept or relay messages to AICs.
  • AICs may only make outgoing collect calls during approved hours.
  • The jail does not accept incoming social calls for AICs.

Call Costs

  • United States: $0.16 per minute
  • Canada or Mexico: $0.25 per minute
  • Other international calls: $0.35 per minute

AICs may purchase phone cards:

  • $10
  • $25

Tablet Communication

AIC tablets support additional communication services.

Available Options

  • Video calls — $0.30 per minute
  • Messages — $0.25 per message
  • Video or picture messages — $0.35 each

Blocking Unwanted Calls

If you receive unwanted calls from an AIC, you may request a phone block.

Call 541-766-6866 and ask jail staff to block your phone number.

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