For those with loved ones incarcerated at Fulton County Jail, often referred to as Rice Street Prison due to its location at 901 Rice Street NW in Atlanta, Georgia, understanding the available inmate services is crucial. This guide provides comprehensive information on how inmates at Rice Street Prison can access essential services, maintain contact with the outside world, and manage their affairs while incarcerated.
Commissary Services at Rice Street Prison
The commissary at Rice Street Prison serves as an inmate store, providing access to items that enhance daily life within the facility. Inmates can purchase a variety of goods, including snack foods, stationery (writing paper, stamps, envelopes), personal clothing items (socks, underwear, T-shirts, bras), toiletries, and recreational items like playing cards. Commissary purchases are typically allowed once a week per housing unit, offering a scheduled opportunity for inmates to replenish their supplies.
Medical Care at Rice Street Prison
Healthcare is a priority at Rice Street Prison. The Medical Unit operates 24/7, ensuring inmates have access to medical attention whenever needed. Emergency dental care is also available for urgent situations. Prescription medications are provided as required by medical staff. It’s important to note that inmates may be charged a fee for requested medical services and a co-pay for prescription medication, so understanding the financial aspects of healthcare within Rice Street Prison is important.
Religious and Educational Programs
Rice Street Prison recognizes the importance of spiritual and intellectual growth during incarceration. Religious services representing various denominations are regularly scheduled, offering inmates opportunities for worship and spiritual guidance. A Chaplain is also available for individual counseling upon request, providing support and guidance to inmates navigating their time at Rice Street Prison.
Educational programs are a significant component of inmate activities. Rice Street Prison offers a range of courses, including pathways to earn a high school diploma, and vocational training in areas like sewing, culinary arts, diesel mechanics, horticulture, meat processing, auto body repair, and welding. These programs aim to equip inmates with valuable skills for reintegration into society. Furthermore, counseling for substance abuse, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, is available, addressing critical needs within the inmate population at Rice Street Prison.
Library and Recreation
To support intellectual engagement and physical well-being, Rice Street Prison provides library services to each housing unit, offering a diverse collection of books. Newspapers are also accessible, and subscriptions to newspapers and magazines can be purchased for inmates, keeping them informed about current events.
Each housing unit at Rice Street Prison includes an exercise yard, allowing inmates to maintain physical activity. While television access is limited to special programming with educational or religious themes, table-top games are available during free time, offering recreational outlets within Rice Street Prison.
Staying Connected: Mail, Calls, and Visits at Rice Street Prison
Maintaining communication with family and friends is vital for inmates at Rice Street Prison. Effective May 15, 2024, personal mail at Rice Street Prison has transitioned to a digital format. Letters, pictures, and drawings from loved ones are now digitally delivered via tablets through the “Facility Messages” app under the free profile. This modernization aims to streamline mail processing. Legal mail, checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks should still be sent via postal mail to the specified P.O. Box in Phoenix, MD, ensuring these important documents are delivered correctly. The mailing addresses are standardized across Fulton County Jail facilities (Fulton County Jail, Fulton Marietta Annex, Fulton Union City Jail), all using the same P.O. Box.
Phone Calls: Inmates at Rice Street Prison have several options for phone communication:
- Prepaid Accounts: Family and friends can purchase prepaid phone services to receive calls from inmates. This account type designates a specific phone number to receive calls.
- Debit Accounts: Inmates can use funds from their commissary accounts to purchase phone time and call any number not blocked by the facility.
Contact with Rice Street Prison’s phone service provider, ICSolutions, is available through their website (ICSolutions.com) or toll-free number (1-888-506-8407) for setting up accounts or inquiries.
Voice Mail: Friends and family can leave voicemail messages for inmates at Rice Street Prison for a small fee ($0.25). This service requires a prepaid account and can be accessed by calling 1-404-678-6120 and following the automated instructions, using the inmate’s ID number.
Video Visitation: Video visitation offers another avenue for connection. Friends and family can visit inmates remotely from home for $0.25 per minute. Registration and scheduling are done online at ICSolutions.com through a prepaid account.
Tablets: Tablets offer additional communication and messaging capabilities. Friends and family can send messages and photos to inmates for $0.25 per message through GettingOut.com. It’s important to be aware that all inmate communications, including calls, messages, and visits (except those with registered attorneys), are subject to monitoring and recording at Rice Street Prison.
Managing Inmate Money at Rice Street Prison
Depositing funds into an inmate’s account at Rice Street Prison is facilitated through several options, with a minimum deposit of $5.00 and a maximum of $200.00 per transaction and per week.
- Mail: US Postal Money Orders are accepted, payable to the inmate, and must include the inmate’s Cell Location and SO Number. The envelope should be marked “INMATE ACCOUNTING” and mailed to Fulton County Jail at 901 Rice Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30318.
- Lobby Kiosk: A kiosk located in the Fulton County Jail lobby allows deposits using cash (cash fee applies, no change given for $1 bills) or credit/debit cards (temporarily unavailable as per the original text). Inmate search is available by name or booking ID.
- Website: Online deposits can be made through smartdeposit.com, requiring the inmate SO number. Fees start at $2.95.
- Phone: Deposits can also be made by phone at 1-866-394-0490, also requiring the inmate SO number, with fees starting at $4.00.
Releasing Inmate Property
Upon release or with inmate authorization, property can be released to designated individuals. Inmates must complete a property release form specifying the recipient. A government-issued photo ID is required to collect the property, and the release process typically takes 48 hours after the property form is signed by the inmate.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of inmate services and procedures at Rice Street Prison (Fulton County Jail). Understanding these details can help families and friends effectively support their loved ones during their incarceration.
