Life inside a correctional facility can be challenging and confusing, especially for those newly incarcerated at Fulton County Jail, often referred to as Rice Street Jail due to its location at 901 Rice Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30318. Understanding the services and regulations in place is crucial for inmates and their families. This guide provides essential information about inmate activities, communication, and financial procedures at Rice Street Jail.
Commissary Services at Rice Street Jail
The commissary at Rice Street Jail offers inmates a chance to purchase items that are not provided by the facility, enhancing their comfort and daily life. Once a week, inmates in each Housing Unit can access the commissary to buy a variety of goods, including:
- Snack Foods: A selection of snacks to supplement meals.
- Writing Supplies: Paper, stamps, and envelopes for written communication.
- Personal Care Items: Toiletries to maintain hygiene.
- Clothing: Socks, underwear, T-shirts, and bras.
- Recreation: Playing cards for leisure time activities.
This service allows inmates to purchase necessities and small comforts, contributing to a more manageable environment within Rice Street Jail.
Medical Care at Fulton County Jail
Fulton County Jail prioritizes the health and well-being of its inmates by providing comprehensive medical services. The Medical Unit operates 24 hours a day to ensure healthcare is always accessible. Key medical services include:
- Emergency and Routine Healthcare: Round-the-clock medical attention for emergencies and general health concerns.
- Emergency Dental Care: Available to address urgent dental issues.
- Prescription Medications: Provided as needed, with a co-pay for requested medical services and prescription medication.
Inmates at Rice Street Jail can rest assured that their health needs are addressed professionally and promptly by the on-site medical staff.
Religious and Educational Programs
Rice Street Jail recognizes the importance of spiritual and intellectual growth during incarceration. A range of programs are available to support inmates in these areas:
- Religious Services: Regular services are conducted by representatives of various denominations.
- Chaplaincy Services: A Chaplain is available for personal counseling upon request.
- Educational Programs: A variety of courses are offered, including:
- High school diploma courses
- Vocational training in sewing, culinary arts, diesel mechanics, horticulture, meat processing, auto body, and welding.
- Substance Abuse Counseling: Programs and meetings like AA and NA are available to support inmates dealing with substance abuse issues.
These programs aim to provide inmates with opportunities for personal development, skill-building, and rehabilitation during their time at Rice Street Jail.
Library and Recreation
To support mental stimulation and physical well-being, Rice Street Jail offers:
- Library Service: Each Housing Unit is provided with access to a library service offering a wide selection of books.
- Newspapers and Magazines: Newspapers are readily available, and inmates can purchase subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.
- Exercise Yard: Each Housing Unit has access to an exercise yard for physical activity.
- Table Top Games: Available for inmates to use during their free time.
- Limited Television Access: Television access is restricted to special educational or religious programming.
These amenities help inmates maintain a degree of normalcy and engagement while incarcerated at Rice Street Jail.
Staying Connected: Mail, Phone, and Video Visitation at Rice Street Jail
Maintaining connections with family and friends is vital for inmates. Fulton County Jail provides several avenues for communication:
Digital Mail System
Important Change (Starting May 15, 2024): Personal mail at Rice Street Jail has transitioned to a digital system. Letters, pictures, and drawings from family and friends are now digitally delivered via tablets through the “Facility Messages” app under the free profile. Legal mail, checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks should still be sent physically to the designated mailing addresses.
Mailing Addresses for Inmates
To send physical mail (legal documents, financial instruments), use the following addresses, ensuring you include the inmate’s full name and Inmate Identifier:
-
Fulton County Jail, GA (Rice Street Jail):
John Smith, #000123456 (Inmate Name, Inmate Identifier)
P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 -
Fulton Marietta Annex, GA:
John Smith, #000123456 (Inmate Name, Inmate Identifier)
P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 -
Fulton Union City Jail, GA:
John Smith, #000123456 (Inmate Name, Inmate Identifier)
P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131
Phone Calls
Inmates at Rice Street Jail have options for making phone calls:
- Prepaid Account: Friends and family can set up a prepaid account to receive calls from a specific number.
- Debit Account: Inmates can use funds from their commissary account to make calls to any non-blocked number.
Contact ICSolutions for phone services:
- Website: ICSolutions.com
- Toll-Free Number: 1-888-506-8407
Voice Mail
Family and friends can leave voice mail messages for inmates at Rice Street Jail for a small fee ($0.25). They need a Prepaid Account and the inmate’s ID number. Call 1-404-678-6120 and follow the instructions.
Video Visitation
Video visitation offers a convenient way for remote visits. Friends and family can schedule video visits from home for $0.25 per minute through ICSolutions.com. Register or log in to a Prepaid Account and select “Video Visitation” for Fulton County Jail.
Tablets
Tablets offer another communication method. Messages and photos can be sent for $0.25 per message via GettingOut.com. Friends and family need to sign up and add the inmate as a contact.
Important Note: All inmate communications (calls, messages, visits) are subject to monitoring and recording, except for communications with registered attorneys.
Managing Inmate Money at Rice Street Jail
Depositing funds into an inmate’s account at Fulton County Jail is made easy through several methods:
- Mail (US Postal Money Order ONLY):
- Payable to the inmate.
- Include inmate’s Cell Location and SO Number.
- Mark envelope “INMATE ACCOUNTING”.
- Mail to: Fulton County Jail, 901 Rice Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30318.
- Lobby Kiosk (Fulton County Jail Lobby):
- Cash, credit, or debit card deposits (Cash fee $4.00; Credit/Debit Card temporarily unavailable).
- Inmate search by name or booking ID.
- Website: smartdeposit.com (Fees start at $2.95; Inmate SO# needed).
- Phone: 1-866-394-0490 (Fees start at $4.00; Inmate SO# needed).
Deposit Limits:
- Minimum Deposit: $5.00
- Maximum Deposit: $200.00
- Maximum weekly transaction amount per inmate or cardholder: $200.00
- Maximum weekly transactions per inmate or cardholder: 5
Releasing Inmate Property
Upon release or with inmate authorization, property can be released to designated individuals. The inmate must complete a property release form specifying the recipient. A government-issued photo ID is required to collect the property. Property release processing typically takes about 48 hours after the form is signed.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of inmate services and procedures at Rice Street Jail, helping both inmates and their families navigate the system more effectively. Understanding these processes is a step towards managing the challenges of incarceration at Fulton County Jail.
