Flathead Jail Phone and Mail Rules

Flathead Jail Phone and Mail Rules define how inmate communication works inside the Flathead County jail system. These rules explain who may contact inmates and which methods are allowed. Phone calls and mail follow strict controls for safety reasons. All messages pass through review steps before delivery. Clear rules help avoid delays or blocked contact. Families benefit from knowing expectations early.

Flathead Jail Phone and Mail Rules apply to inmates, relatives, friends, and legal contacts. The jail uses monitored phone systems with set call limits. Mail must meet format and content standards to move forward. Items that break policy may get rejected or returned. Repeated violations may lead to contact limits. Following posted rules supports steady and reliable communication.

Contact Flathead County Jail

For any questions regarding inmate phone or mail rules, you can reach the Flathead County Jail through the following channels:

Physical Address:
Flathead County Detention Center
920 South Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901

Phone Number:
Main Jail Line: (406) 758-5500

Email:
General Inquiries: detention@flathead.mt.gov

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Inmate Communication at Flathead County Jail

Inmate communication at Flathead County Jail is carefully structured to balance personal contact with security. Contact rules ensure inmates can maintain relationships while detention facility rules protect staff, visitors, and other inmates. These policies apply to all communication channels, including phone calls, mail, and electronic messages.

Jails regulate inmate communication primarily to maintain safety monitoring and prevent misuse. Calls and letters are screened for threats, prohibited content, or unauthorized business activities. Communication privileges can be restricted if an inmate violates rules, helping maintain order and prevent conflicts. Approved contacts lists help ensure inmates connect only with verified friends and family, reducing the risk of fraud or harassment.

Phone Communication

• Inmates may make outgoing calls using a monitored phone system.
• Calls have daily time limits and may be recorded or supervised.
• Inbound calls are generally not accepted, except in emergencies.

Mail Communication

• All incoming and outgoing mail is inspected for contraband.
• Letters must include a return address and meet size requirements.
• Certain materials, such as cash, stamps, or explicit content, are prohibited.

Communication Privileges and Enforcement

• Inmates earn or lose privileges based on behavior and rule compliance.
• Temporary suspension of calls or mail can occur for violations.
• Maintaining consistent communication requires adherence to jail rules at all times

Flathead Inmate Phone Rules

Flathead County Jail enforces strict phone rules to maintain safety while allowing inmates to stay connected with family, friends, and legal contacts. Phone access is considered a privilege, not a right, and is closely monitored under detention facility rules. Following these rules ensures consistent communication and prevents disruptions or loss of privileges

Inmate Phone Call System

Flathead County Jail uses a third-party phone provider to manage all inmate calls. The system is secure, monitored, and designed to log each call for safety purposes.

How it works:

• Inmates place outgoing calls only; incoming calls are not allowed.
• Each inmate has a personal PIN to access the phone system.
• Calls are monitored and recorded to ensure compliance with jail rules.
• Approved contacts are required for all calls to be completed.
• Calls are automatically disconnected if time limits are exceeded or prohibited content is detected.

Technical Details of the Call System:

• Calls route through a centralized, secure network managed by the third-party provider.
• Each call logs date, time, and duration for facility records.
• The system blocks calls to unapproved numbers or outside allowed times.

This setup ensures that inmates can maintain contact safely while the jail preserves order and security.

Call Scheduling, Duration, and Restrictions

Phone access is limited to designated hours and specific days. Inmates must follow call scheduling rules to avoid disruptions.

Key Points:

• Call Hours: Assigned by housing unit; varies based on facility operations.
• Call Duration: Usually limited to 15–20 minutes per call to ensure fair access.
• Frequency: Inmates may have multiple calls per week, depending on behavior and facility rules.
• Prohibited Calls: Calls to unapproved numbers or for illegal purposes are blocked.
• Monitoring: All calls are recorded and subject to review by jail staff.

Tips for Approved Contacts:

• Verify your number is on the inmate’s approved list.
• Expect calls to be recorded for safety and compliance.
• Avoid sharing personal information that could violate jail rules.

Costs and Payment Options

Inmate phone calls are not free. Flathead County Jail partners with a third-party provider that manages billing.

Maintaining an account ensures uninterrupted phone access and prevents loss of communication privileges.

Rules for Maintaining Phone Privileges

Inmates may lose privileges for violating detention facility rules. Common reasons include:

• Harassment or threats during calls
• Attempting to bypass monitoring
• Calling unapproved numbers
• Misuse of funds or account issues

Tips to Maintain Privileges:

• Follow all rules during phone calls
• Keep phone calls respectful and lawful
• Ensure all recipients are approved contacts

Who Can Inmates Call? Approved Contact Rules

At Flathead County Detention Center, inmates may call only people on their approved contacts list. These contacts include verified family members, friends, attorneys, and other individuals the inmate names and jail staff approves. All phone numbers must be added before an inmate uses their inmate PIN to place calls. Incoming calls are not accepted, except for voicemail messages left for approved inmates.

Approved Contact Requirements

• Full name of contact
• Valid phone number that accepts calls
• Home mailing address
• Relationship to the inmate

Only approved phone numbers will connect; any other numbers are automatically blocked. This is part of the facility’s contact rules and helps ensure safety and orderly phone access.

Mail Contacts & Addressing
For letters and correspondence, send mail using the inmate’s full name and booking number to:

Flathead County Detention Center
920 South Main Street, Suite 100
Kalispell, MT 59901

Include your full return address on all mail to ensure delivery. Mail without a return address or with errors may be rejected or destroyed. Personal mail is scanned and forwarded digitally; original letters may be destroyed after scanning.

Legal Mail Rules
Legal mail from attorneys or courts must be marked “LEGAL MAIL,” include the sender’s return address and phone number, and is sent directly to the facility address above. Personal mail incorrectly marked as legal will not receive special handling.

Following contact and mail rules helps inmates keep communication open and avoids rejected mail or blocked phone calls.

Call Duration, Time Limits, and Availability

Inmate phone access is scheduled within set hours during the day. Phones are usually available after the booking process and during designated times based on housing units. All calls use a prepaid or collect system and are limited so all inmates can connect with approved contacts.

Call Time Limits

• Each call usually lasts about 15–20 minutes to allow fair access.
• Calls disconnect automatically when the time limit ends.
• Inmates may place multiple calls if allowed by facility rules.

Phone Access Availability

• Calls are available only during assigned telephone hours, which vary by unit and facility schedule.
• Three‑way calls and calls outside scheduled hours are not allowed.

These limits prevent phone system overload and help maintain order inside the detention center. Approved contacts should expect calls only during these windows and prepare in advance to answer or set up voicemail through the third‑party provider.

Call Monitoring, Recording, and Legal Warnings

Flathead County Detention Center phones are under continuous phone monitoring and all conversations are recorded calls for safety and security. This monitoring helps prevent threats, planning of illegal activity, or rule violations happening through phone conversations.

Before a call starts, inmates typically hear a recorded legal warning reminding them that calls are monitored and not private. This warning reinforces that no expectation of privacy exists on jail phones unless the call is between an inmate and an attorney under special conditions.

Law Enforcement Monitoring

• Recorded calls can be accessed by Flathead County staff and law enforcement monitoring if needed.
• Monitoring helps detect attempts to reach blocked phone numbers or discuss prohibited content.
• Conversations that show threats, harassment, or illegal planning may lead to disciplinary action.

Phone monitoring ensures that communication remains lawful and safe, giving families and approved contacts confidence in phone access rules.

Why Phone Calls Get Blocked or Suspended

Calls can be blocked or suspended for reasons tied to the detention facility rules and contact management:

Blocked Phone Numbers

• Calls to numbers not on the approved contacts list are automatically blocked.
• Calls to numbers that do not accept inmate calls or are restricted by the phone provider won’t connect.

Disciplinary Suspension

• If an inmate violates rules — such as threats on the phone, trying to bypass monitoring, or repeated calls to unauthorized contacts — jail staff may suspend phone privileges temporarily or permanently.

Other reasons calls stop include:

• Lack of sufficient prepaid funds in the inmate’s calling account
• Attempting to make calls outside the allowed phone hours
• System errors due to incorrect contact details

Flathead Jail Mail Policy

Flathead County Detention Center has a clear mail policy to keep inmate communication safe and secure. All incoming mail is reviewed to prevent contraband or harmful contents from reaching inmates, and strict rules apply to what may be sent and how it must be addressed. These provisions help protect staff and inmates while allowing supportive correspondence.

Mail Screening Process at Flathead County Jail

Mail sent to inmates at Flathead County Jail undergoes mail screening before delivery. Letters and other correspondence are routed through a third‑party vendor that scans and inspects mail for safety. Original letters and contents are destroyed after scanning, and only digital copies are delivered to the inmate’s secure system.

Screening focuses on spotting contraband, prohibited items, or unsafe material before it enters the facility. Mail is checked for:

• Objects hidden inside pages or envelopes
• Prohibited drawings, stickers, or substances
• Photographs exceeding size limits
• Incorrect return address or missing inmate PIN

Legal mail from attorneys or courts is handled differently. It must be clearly marked “LEGAL MAIL” and sent directly to the jail’s physical address. Only mail from legitimate legal sources with a verifiable sender address and phone number qualifies as legal mail and receives special handling.

This mail screening protects facility security and keeps communication safe for both staff and inmates.

Allowed Mail Items

Flathead County Jail permits certain types of incoming mail that meet policy standards. Any letter or card must be clearly and correctly addressed to the inmate and include the sender’s full name and return address.

Accepted items include:

• Plain letters on standard white paper
• Postcards (plain, pre‑stamped)
• Up to one photograph per letter (image content must be appropriate)
• Some publications (books, magazines, newspapers) when shipped directly from the publisher or approved vendor

When sending mail, use the official facility address:

Inmate’s Full Name
Flathead County Detention Center
920 South Main Street, Suite 100
Kalispell, MT 59901

No envelopes with foreign objects, no glitter or confetti, and no ink beyond blue or black are allowed. Including the inmate’s PIN or booking number helps ensure proper delivery.

Sending acceptable items fosters steady communication and keeps inmate mail flowing without delays.

Prohibited Mail and Contraband Rules

Flathead County Jail’s rules are strict about prohibited mail items and contraband definitions. Anything considered a security risk will be removed, refused, or lead to disciplinary review.

Prohibited mail items include:

• Cash, money orders, or checks enclosed in mail
• Books, packages or magazines not from an approved publisher
• Photographs larger than permitted limits
• Items with glitter, stickers, confetti, or non‑standard inks

Contraband definition at Flathead Jail extends to any mail content that could compromise security or hide dangerous materials. This includes:

• Weapons or components that could be used as a weapon
• Illegal drugs or related paraphernalia
• Obscene or sexually explicit content
• Information that could assist in escape planning or violence

Legal Mail vs Personal Mail

At Flathead County Detention Center, legal mail is treated very differently from regular personal mail to protect confidential communication between an inmate and their attorney or the court. Legal mail includes correspondence directly from a lawyer, law firm, or court and is handled under special procedures. It must be clearly marked “LEGAL MAIL”, include the sender’s full return address plus a phone number, and be sent directly to the jail’s physical address:
920 South Main Street, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Legal mail receives privacy protections because it may contain strategy, case details, or other information covered by attorney–client privilege. Staff do not read the contents of properly marked legal mail. If legal mail is mistakenly sent to the third‑party scanning address for personal mail, it may be returned to the sender or, if opened by the vendor, the inmate can request the original within 30 days.

By contrast, personal mail includes letters from family, friends, and approved contacts. Personal mail is scanned by a third‑party vendor and delivered electronically to the inmate; the original is destroyed. Personal mail is not confidential and may be opened or reviewed for contraband or rule violations.

Understanding the difference helps loved ones know how to send correspondence correctly and ensures legal communication remains private while still obeying jail mail policy.

Mail Rejection, Delays, and Return Policy

Flathead County Detention Center’s mail return policy and procedures for rejected mail are clear but often misunderstood. The facility enforces strict rules to protect safety and comply with policy, and knowing timelines and common reasons for mail issues can save time, effort, and frustration.

How Mail Is Processed

• Third‑party scanning: Personal mail sent to the designated P.O. Box is scanned and delivered electronically to inmates. Originals are destroyed during processing.
• Inspection: Staff check scanned mail for contraband or policy violations before delivery.
• Delivery timing: Mail is normally scanned and delivered on weekdays after receipt, but processing times can vary with volume. Typical delivery to the inmate’s electronic system can take 1–5 business days once received. Delays can happen during holidays or staff shortages.

Why Mail Is Rejected or Returned

Mail may be rejected or returned to the sender for specific policy violations:

• Missing full return address or inmate information.
• No inmate PIN or incorrect booking details.
• Exceeding page limits or letter size rules.
• Photos beyond allowed limits or unruly physical content.
• Contraband, prohibited items, or prohibited content.

Personal mail that does not meet address or formatting requirements may be destroyed without notice rather than returned. However, when possible, the facility tries to return improperly addressed mail to the sender’s address if it is complete and valid.

Legal Mail Exception

Mail marked and sent correctly as legal mail follows a separate process and is not destroyed or destroyed incorrectly. If incorrectly marked legal mail is opened by error, the sender may request the original copy within a specific time window.

Understanding these timelines and reasons helps contacts avoid common mistakes and improve chances that letters reach inmates appropriately.

Phone vs Mail vs Visitation

Inmate communication in Flathead County combines visitation vs phone calls vs mail to meet social and legal needs. Each method has its own rules, benefits, and limitations—understanding them helps families choose the best way to stay in touch.

Phone Calls

• Best for quick, real‑time contact.
• Calls must be to approved contacts and follow set schedules.
• Calls are monitored and recorded, except in certain legal situations.
• Ideal for short check‑ins and updates.

Mail

• Allows detailed, thoughtful messages that inmates can reread.
• Personal mail is scanned, delivered digitally, and originals destroyed.
• Legal mail retains confidentiality and is handled separately.
• Mail can include photos and longer content, subject to limits.

Visitation

• Offers face‑to‑face interaction, which many families value.
• Visits require scheduling and may have eligibility rules (e.g., age limits).
• Visits often have time limits and rules for approved visitors.

Comparing Communication Options

Frequently Asked Questions About Flathead Jail Phone and Mail

Flathead County Jail maintains structured rules for inmate communication through phone calls and mail. These rules ensure safety, fairness, and smooth operations inside the facility. The following FAQ section addresses the most common questions families and approved contacts have about staying in touch with inmates.

Can inmates receive phone calls?

No, inmates cannot receive incoming calls at Flathead County Jail. They can only make outgoing calls to numbers on their approved contacts list using their inmate PIN. This system ensures that calls are safe, monitored, and compliant with jail contact rules. Families and friends must be verified as approved contacts before any call can be completed.

Are phone calls recorded?

Yes, all inmate phone calls are recorded and monitored by jail staff. Calls may also be accessed by law enforcement if needed. This helps maintain safety, detect rule violations, and prevent illegal activity. Only attorney–client calls marked as legal may be exempt from standard monitoring to protect attorney–client privilege.

How long does mail delivery take?

Mail delivery varies depending on volume and screening. Personal mail is scanned by a third-party vendor and delivered electronically to inmates, typically within 1–5 business days of receipt by the facility. Legal mail is processed separately and usually reaches the inmate faster, provided it is correctly addressed with the return address and marked “LEGAL MAIL.” Delays can occur during holidays or periods of high mail volume.

Can photos be mailed?

Yes, inmates can receive photos through mail, but there are restrictions. Photos must be small (usually wallet-sized), appropriate in content, and included with a properly addressed letter. Photos that are explicit, excessive in number, or embedded with contraband will be rejected or destroyed. Always include the inmate’s full name and PIN on all mail to ensure proper delivery.

What happens if rules are broken?

Breaking phone or mail rules can result in disciplinary action. Phone privileges may be temporarily or permanently suspended for calling blocked numbers, threats, or misuse of the system. Mail may be rejected, returned, or destroyed if it contains contraband, prohibited items, or violates policy. Repeated violations can affect the inmate’s overall communication privileges, so following the rules carefully is essential to maintain consistent contact.