Camden County Jail Commissary lets family and friends send money to inmates for snacks, hygiene items, and other approved products. The jail uses a trust fund system where inmates can buy goods from an internal store. Money can be added online, at a kiosk, by phone, or through mail. Each method has simple steps and clear rules. The goal is to help loved ones stay connected and comfortable during their time in custody. This page explains all options, costs, limits, and how to use them safely.
How to Add Money to an Inmate’s Commissary Account
There are five main ways to put money into a Camden County Correctional Facility inmate’s account. Online deposits are the fastest. Use Jail Exchange or ConnectNetwork to pay with a credit card. Choose New Jersey, then Camden County Correctional Facility, and enter the inmate’s name or booking number. You can send up to $500 per transaction. The system shows a confirmation number and updates the balance right away.
A kiosk inside the jail lobby accepts cash, debit cards, or prepaid Visa cards. It prints a receipt for proof. Money orders can be mailed to AdvancePay Service Department, P.O. Box 911722, Denver, CO 80291-1722. Include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and your contact info. Mailed payments take three to five business days to process. Phone deposits use a secure automated system. Call the number listed on the sheriff’s website and follow the prompts.
Online Deposit Steps
- Go to Jail Exchange or ConnectNetwork
- Create an account with your email
- Pick New Jersey, then Camden County Correctional Facility
- Type the inmate’s name or booking number
- Enter amount (max $500)
- Pay with credit or debit card
- Save the confirmation number
Kiosk and Mail Options
The lobby kiosk is open during visiting hours. It gives a paper receipt. Keep it to check the balance later. For mailed money orders, use USPS or another trackable service. Write “AdvancePay” clearly on the envelope. Do not send cash. Only money orders or cashier’s checks are accepted. Processing starts the next business day after arrival.
What Inmates Can Buy at Commissary
Inmates can shop once per week if their trust fund balance is positive. Over 120 items are available. These include snack foods like chips, cookies, and instant noodles. Hygiene products include soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo. Writing supplies like pens, paper, and envelopes are also sold. Each item has a set price. Some items have limits, such as two snack packs per order.
Prices change based on supply and demand. The commissary list updates weekly. Inmates see current prices when they log in. They cannot buy electronics, clothing, or outside food. All purchases come from approved vendors. The jail checks every order for safety and rule compliance.
Sample Commissary Items and Prices
| Item | Price Range | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Noodles | $1.50 – $2.00 | 2 per week |
| Toothpaste | $2.25 – $3.00 | 1 per week |
| Pens (pack of 5) | $1.75 | 1 per week |
| Chips | $1.00 – $1.50 | 2 bags per week |
| Shampoo | $3.50 | 1 bottle per week |
Phone Credit and Trust Fund Rules
The trust fund does more than pay for commissary. It also covers phone calls, background checks, and some court fees. A minimum balance of $5 is required to activate an inmate’s phone line. Without it, calls cannot be made. Funds are added instantly for online and kiosk deposits. Phone credit is deducted per minute based on call type and duration.
Inmates receive a weekly statement showing all transactions. This includes deposits, purchases, and phone usage. If there’s an error, they can file a grievance with the commissary officer. Officer Toni Bell oversees the department and ensures fair handling of all accounts.
Phone Call Costs
- Local calls: $0.25 per minute
- Long-distance calls: $0.50 per minute
- Video visitation: $7.50 per 30-minute session
All calls are recorded and monitored. Three-way calls, call forwarding, and conferencing are not allowed. Inmates must use their own account balance. Family cannot pay directly for calls unless they deposit into the trust fund first.
Package Orders Through Access Securepak
Families can send care packages using Access Securepak. This is the only approved vendor for snack packs and personal-care kits. Go to www.accesssecurepak.com and enter the unique code given by the jail. Browse the catalog, add items to your cart, and pay with a credit card or e-check. Each order creates a digital receipt sent to intake staff.
Packages are inspected before delivery. Only items on the approved list are allowed. No glass, aerosols, or perishable food. Reading material must be paperback and free of explicit content. Delivery takes 3–7 business days after approval.
Approved Package Items
- Snack packs (chips, crackers, granola bars)
- Toiletries (travel-size soap, toothbrush, comb)
- Stationery (notebooks, pencils, stamps)
- Paperback books (no magazines with adult content)
Inmate Locator and Facility Contact Info
To find an inmate, use the online search tool at the Camden County Sheriff’s Office. Enter the person’s name, booking number, or date range. Results show custody status, housing unit, and booking dates. Photos are not shown for privacy reasons. The system is updated in real time.
The facility is located at 330 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08101. Call (856) 225-7632 for general questions. Fax is (856) 964-3207. For emergencies, dial 911. The main corrections line is (609) 299-1694 for automated updates.
Visiting Hours and Rules
- Weekdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sundays: Closed
- Valid ID required
- No cell phones or bags allowed
- Visits are non-contact through glass
Official Resources and Trusted Links
The Camden County Sheriff’s Office website has forms, contact details, and policy updates. The official address is P.O. Box 699, Woodbine, GA 31569. Main phone: (912) 510-5100. Fax: (912) 510-5144. Emergency line: 911. Their Facebook page posts daily safety alerts.
For corrections services, visit camdencounty.com/corrections. Director David S. Owens Jr. can be reached at (856) 756-2256. Assistant Warden Karen Taylor is at (856) 964-3207. All staff emails use the format firstname.lastname@camdencounty.com.
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Fees, Limits, and Common Mistakes
Each deposit method has fees. Online credit card payments cost 3–5%. Kiosk cash deposits are free. Money orders have no fee but take longer. Never send cash by mail. It will be rejected. Always double-check the inmate’s booking number. Wrong numbers delay funds by days.
There is a $500 limit per transaction and a $2,000 monthly cap per inmate. Balances do not earn interest. Unused funds stay in the account until release. Refunds are only given if the inmate is transferred or released early. Request refunds in writing through the sheriff’s office.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending cash through mail
- Using the wrong booking number
- Depositing over $500 in one transaction
- Assuming packages arrive instantly
- Forgetting to save the confirmation number
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Camden County Jail Commissary. Below are the most common ones with clear, direct answers based on current policies and official sources.
Can I send money to multiple inmates at once?
No. Each deposit must go to one inmate. You need their full name and booking number. If you support more than one person, make separate transactions. Some platforms let you save profiles for faster checkout. Always confirm the recipient before paying.
How fast do online deposits appear in the account?
Online deposits show up within minutes. You’ll get a confirmation number and see the new balance on the screen. Kiosk deposits are instant too. Mailed money orders take 3–5 business days. Weekends and holidays add extra time.
What happens if my deposit fails?
If a payment fails, check your card balance or bank account. Try again with correct info. If it keeps failing, call the service provider. Keep the error message for reference. Do not send duplicate payments. Wait for a resolution to avoid overfunding.
Can inmates receive birthday gifts through commissary?
Yes, but only through approved channels. Use Access Securepak for snack packs or care kits. You cannot send homemade food or wrapped presents. All items must come from the catalog. Label the package with the inmate’s name and booking number.
Is there a way to check an inmate’s balance without visiting?
Yes. Call the automated line at (609) 299-1694. Enter the inmate’s booking number when prompted. The system reads the current balance and recent transactions. You can also log into Jail Exchange or ConnectNetwork with your account to view linked inmates’ balances.
Are commissary prices the same for all inmates?
Yes. Prices are set by the jail and apply to everyone. There are no discounts or special rates. However, some items may be out of stock temporarily. Inmates see real-time availability when they shop.
What if an inmate loses access to commissary?
Loss of commissary privileges is a disciplinary action. It can last from a few days to several weeks. Reasons include rule violations or fights. Once restored, the inmate can shop again if their balance is positive. Family can still deposit money during the ban—it will be available later.
Final Tips for Families and Friends
Stay organized. Save confirmation numbers, booking IDs, and receipts. Use online portals for speed. Avoid mailing cash. Check the inmate locator weekly for updates. If you have trouble, call the jail’s main line or email the corrections department. Always follow rules to prevent delays or rejections.
Remember, commissary is not a luxury—it’s a basic need for comfort and dignity. Small items like toothpaste or a snack can make a big difference. Plan deposits ahead of holidays or special dates. Keep communication open with the inmate about what they need most.
Official Contact and Location
Camden County Correctional Facility
330 Federal Street
Camden, NJ 08101
Phone: (856) 225-7632
Fax: (856) 964-3207
Automated Inmate Info: (609) 299-1694
Sheriff’s Office: (912) 510-5100
Website: https://camdensheriff.org/
ConnectNetwork: https://web.connectnetwork.com/facilities/camden-county-nj-correctional-facility/
Jail Exchange: https://www.jailexchange.com/city-and-county-jails/new-jersey/camden-county/camden-county-correctional-facility/inmate-commissary