Kootenai County Jail is located at 5500 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. This secure detention facility serves as the main county jail for Kootenai County, Idaho, housing individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences under one year. Operated by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, the jail provides essential services including inmate search, visitation, mail delivery, money deposits, and court coordination. Whether you’re visiting a loved one, sending mail, or need to confirm an inmate’s status, knowing the correct address and procedures is critical. This page delivers accurate, up-to-date information directly from official sources to help you navigate jail-related tasks with confidence.
Official Physical and Mailing Address
The physical address for Kootenai County Jail is 5500 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. This is the location for in-person visits, drop-offs, and all official business. For mailed correspondence, use the same address but include the inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope. Mail must be handwritten in block letters—no stickers, tape, or pre-printed labels are allowed. All letters are inspected by jail staff before delivery. Sending items like cash, clothing, or colored pencils will result in the mail being returned. Always verify current rules before mailing.
Phone, Fax, and Email Contacts
Call the main jail line at 208-446-1300 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays to reach the Intake Desk or Inmate Services. For faxed documents such as legal papers or medical releases, use 208-446-1308. Include the inmate’s booking number on every page. Email inquiries about classification, visitation, or property can be sent to jailbureau@kcsheriff.com. The Jail Bureau office operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the same Government Way address. Staff respond to emails within one business day.
How to Locate an Inmate
Use the online inmate search tool on the Kootenai County Sheriff’s website. Enter the person’s last name or booking number to find their housing unit, charges, bond amount, and next court date. The roster updates every hour and includes photos, arrest details, and release schedules. You can also call 208-446-1400 during business hours for verbal confirmation. The system flags special needs like medical isolation or protective custody. Real-time alerts for status changes—such as release or transfer—are available by signing up through the Sheriff’s portal with a valid phone and email.
Visiting Hours and Rules
Visits must be scheduled in advance through the online portal. Each visitor needs a government-issued photo ID and must pass a background check. Face-to-face visits last 30 minutes on weekdays and 45 minutes on weekends. Video visitation is also available. Only two visitors are allowed per session. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. No personal items, phones, or bags are permitted inside. Dress modestly—no revealing clothing or gang-related symbols. Violating rules may result in permanent bans.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Deposit funds electronically via Access Corrections using a debit or credit card. A $5 processing fee applies per transaction. Cash or money orders can be deposited at the lobby kiosk during visiting hours. Funds appear in the inmate’s account within 24 hours. The commissary offers snacks, hygiene products, and writing supplies. Inmates can use these items daily. Refunds are not available once money is added. Always keep your receipt for tracking.
Mail Guidelines and Restrictions
Only handwritten letters on plain white 8½ × 11 inch paper are accepted. One 4 × 6 inch color photo per envelope is allowed. Do not send cash, checks, money orders, stickers, tape, or address labels. Bubble-wrap envelopes are prohibited. Personal items like clothing or toiletries will be confiscated. Mail without a booking number or with incorrect formatting will be returned. All correspondence is scanned and may be read by staff. Legal mail is exempt from content inspection but still subject to physical screening.
Current Inmate List and Daily Reports
The jail publishes a daily PDF listing all current inmates, updated every morning at 6 a.m. It includes names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and scheduled releases. For example, an entry might show “R. Hinchee,” arrested for probation violation under Idaho Code 23-4719, with a $5,000 bond due. The list also notes arresting officers, incident locations, and court dates. This document is publicly accessible and refreshed hourly online. Use it to verify custody status or track legal proceedings.
Jail Bureau Services and Responsibilities
The Jail Bureau manages inmate classification, housing assignments, visitation logs, and property release. Located at 5500 N Government Way, it operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff maintain detailed records of daily activities, disciplinary actions, and program participation. Faxed documents must include the inmate’s booking number. Email jailbureau@kcsheriff.com for questions about housing, medical needs, or release paperwork. The bureau ensures compliance with state safety and health standards.
Facility Details and Capacity
Opened in 1999, Kootenai County Jail has a rated capacity of 380 beds. It features a medical unit staffed by a certified nurse practitioner, a commissary kiosk, and a video visitation system. The facility detains adults charged with misdemeanors or felonies within the county. Sentences longer than one year are transferred to state prisons. Security includes 24/7 monitoring, controlled access points, and routine inspections. The jail follows Idaho Department of Correction guidelines for safety and inmate welfare.
Nearby Correctional Facilities
Within a 42-mile radius, six other correctional facilities operate in the region. The closest is the Kootenai County Juvenile Detention Center, located just 0.1 miles away at East Dalton Avenue in Dalton Gardens, ID. Other nearby jails include those in Bonner County and Shoshone County. Each serves different age groups or jurisdictions. Always confirm the correct facility before traveling. Use the county GIS portal for turn-by-turn directions and GPS coordinates.
Online Resources and Tools
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s official website offers a searchable inmate roster, court date lookup, and online reporting for non-emergencies. Users can file incident reports, upload evidence, and receive case numbers. The site also hosts forms for bail bonds, visitor logs, and property claims. A sex offender registry allows searches by name, zip code, or offense type. Hazard mitigation plans detail flood response and evacuation routes. All tools are free and updated regularly.
Court Dates and Legal Information
Inmate records show upcoming court appearances, including arraignments, trials, and sentencing hearings. You can subscribe to email or SMS alerts for changes in court schedules. The daily press log lists new bookings and notable incidents. For legal assistance, contact the Public Defender’s Office or a private attorney. Bond payments can be made online or at the jail lobby. Failure to appear in court may result in additional charges or warrant issuance.
Emergency Contacts and Support Services
In case of medical emergencies involving an inmate, call 208-446-1300 immediately. The jail’s medical unit handles routine care, but serious cases are transported to local hospitals. Mental health support is available through contracted providers. Family members can request welfare checks by calling the Inmate Services desk. Community resources include substance abuse counseling, re-entry programs, and victim advocacy services. All support is confidential and free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if someone is in jail? Use the online inmate search tool or call 208-446-1400. What items can I send in the mail? Only letters, plain paper, and one photo per envelope. Can I visit without an appointment? No—all visits must be scheduled online. How much does it cost to send money? A $5 fee applies for card deposits. Is legal mail inspected? No, but it must still pass physical screening for contraband.
Official Links and Verification
For the most accurate information, always refer to official sources. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s website provides real-time inmate data, forms, and alerts. The current inmate list PDF is updated daily. Jail Bureau contact details are verified and current as of 2024. Never rely on third-party sites for critical decisions. Bookmark the official pages to stay informed.
Map and Directions
Kootenai County Jail is located at 5500 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. Use GPS coordinates 47.7128° N, 116.7836° W for precise navigation. The facility is accessible via US-95 and I-90. Free parking is available on-site. Public transportation options include local bus routes with stops near Government Way. Allow extra time during peak hours. The county GIS portal offers printable maps and real-time traffic updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send mail to an inmate at Kootenai County Jail?
Address envelopes to: Inmate’s Full Name, Booking #, 5500 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. Use only handwritten block letters. Include the booking number on the envelope. Allowed items are plain white paper letters and one 4×6 color photo per envelope. Do not send stickers, tape, cash, or personal items. All mail is inspected. Violations result in return to sender.
What are the visiting hours and rules?
Visits must be scheduled online in advance. Weekday visits last 30 minutes; weekends allow 45 minutes. Bring a photo ID and arrive 15 minutes early. Only two visitors per session. No phones, bags, or personal items allowed. Dress modestly. Video visits are an option. Background checks are required. Banned visitors cannot return.
How can I check if someone is in custody?
Use the inmate search tool on the Kootenai County Sheriff’s website. Enter the person’s last name or booking number. Results show housing unit, charges, bond, and court dates. Call 208-446-1400 for verbal confirmation. Sign up for SMS or email alerts to get notified of status changes like release or transfer.
Where do I send money for an inmate?
Deposit funds online via Access Corrections with a debit or credit card. A $5 fee applies. Cash or money orders can be deposited at the lobby kiosk during visiting hours. Funds post within 24 hours. The commissary sells snacks, hygiene items, and supplies. Keep your receipt for tracking.
What is the jail’s phone number and address?
The main phone number is 208-446-1300. Fax documents to 208-446-1308. Email jailbureau@kcsheriff.com for inquiries. The physical and mailing address is 5500 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Are there nearby jails or detention centers?
Yes. The Kootenai County Juvenile Detention Center is 0.1 miles away at East Dalton Avenue, Dalton Gardens, ID. Other facilities within 42 miles include jails in Bonner and Shoshone counties. Always confirm the correct location before traveling.
How often is the inmate list updated?
The current inmate list is refreshed hourly online. The daily PDF report is posted at 6 a.m. each morning. It includes names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and release dates. Real-time alerts are available through the Sheriff’s portal.
Official Website: http://www.kcsheriff.com/
Phone: 208-446-1300
Fax: 208-446-1308
Email: jailbureau@kcsheriff.com
Address: 5500 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Weekends by appointment