NCIC Inmate Communications
Phone, tablet, and video services for regional correctional facilities
- 20+
- States Covered
- 250+
- Facilities Supported
- 4 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
NCIC Inmate Communications Inmate Communication Overview
NCIC Inmate Communications is a regional correctional communication provider serving county jails, detention centers, and smaller correctional facilities across 20 states. The company offers phone calls, video visitation, electronic messaging, and commissary deposits as an integrated service. NCIC is a family-owned company with a long history in the corrections industry, and it positions itself as a more customer-focused alternative to the large national providers. While its network is smaller than Securus or GTL, NCIC holds exclusive contracts at the facilities it serves, meaning it is the only provider available at those locations.
NCIC's services are accessible through the NCIC website and a companion mobile app. Families create an account, confirm the facility is served by NCIC, and fund phone accounts, schedule video visits, or send messages from a single interface. Phone calls follow the standard inmate-calling model — the incarcerated individual initiates calls to approved numbers, and families fund a prepaid account in advance. Video visits are conducted remotely through the app or browser. NCIC also provides tablet services at many of its contracted facilities, with inmates using NCIC-provided tablets for messaging and access to educational content.
NCIC's strongest markets include parts of the South, Southwest, and Great Plains. Families who find their loved one's county jail is not covered by Securus, GTL, GettingOut, or ICSolutions should check NCIC as the next possibility. The provider's focus on smaller regional markets means it often holds contracts at jails that the largest companies overlook. NCIC's customer service is frequently cited as a strength — the company offers extended support hours and is generally easier to reach than the largest national providers for account issues or dispute resolution.
NCIC Inmate Communications Services
Communication services offered by NCIC Inmate Communications and what each one includes.
Messaging
Electronic messaging at NCIC facilities via tablet or kiosk. Messages reviewed before delivery.
Per-message pricing or tablet-access plans at participating facilities.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Remote video visits scheduled through your NCIC account or the mobile app.
Per-session or per-minute pricing. Requires a device with a camera. Advance scheduling required.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
NCIC does not offer digital photo delivery services.
For photo services, use TextBehind or Pigeonly if available at the facility.
Phone Calls
Fund a prepaid account to receive inmate-initiated calls at NCIC-contracted facilities.
Calls are inmate-initiated. Interstate rates are FCC-regulated.
Set Up Phone CallsMoney Transfer
Deposit funds to inmate commissary accounts through NCIC's integrated money transfer service.
Processing fees apply. Debit card, credit card, and money order options available.
Set Up Money TransferNCIC Inmate Communications Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
20 states, concentrated in the South, Southwest, and Great Plains regions
Coverage Notes
NCIC serves smaller regional markets often not prioritized by the largest national providers. It is the exclusive provider at its contracted facilities.
Facilities Served by NCIC Inmate Communications
Sample correctional facilities where this provider operates. Full coverage list available on the provider's website.
NCIC Inmate Communications Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
NCIC Inmate Communications Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- Free
- Phone Calls
- Interstate rates are FCC-regulated. In-state rates vary.
- $0.14–$0.25/min
- Video Visit
- Per-session or per-minute pricing.
- Varies
- Messaging
- Per-message pricing or tablet plan.
- Varies
- Money Transfer
- Percentage or flat fee.
- Fee applies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the NCIC Inmate Communications website before use.
NCIC Inmate Communications — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of NCIC Inmate Communications.
Strengths
- Single account covers phone, video, messaging, and money transfer at NCIC facilities.
- Customer service is considered more accessible than the largest national providers.
- Tablet-based services at many facilities provide a better inmate experience than kiosk-only setups.
- Family-owned company with a long track record in the industry.
- Regional focus means dedicated attention to the markets it serves.
Limitations
- Smaller network — 250 facilities across 20 states. Not a solution for most facilities nationwide.
- No photo delivery service.
- Limited name recognition makes it easy to overlook when searching for a facility's provider.
- Coverage is concentrated in smaller regional markets, not major metropolitan areas.
- Not available at state prisons or federal facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions: NCIC Inmate Communications
Common questions from families about using NCIC Inmate Communications.
- How do I find out if NCIC serves my loved one's facility?
- Visit ncic.com and use the facility search. Enter the facility name, city, or state. If the facility appears, NCIC is the provider. If it does not, another provider holds the contract — Securus, GTL, GettingOut, or ICSolutions are the most common alternatives at county jails.
- How do I set up phone calls through NCIC?
- Create a free account at ncic.com or through the NCIC mobile app. Set up a prepaid calling account linked to your phone number and add funds via debit card, credit card, or money order. The incarcerated individual can then call your number from facility phones once the account is active. Calls are inmate-initiated.
- Does NCIC offer tablet services for inmates?
- Yes. At many NCIC-contracted facilities, inmates have access to NCIC-provided tablets that allow messaging, educational content, and other services. The availability of tablet features depends on the specific facility's contract and policies.
- Can I use NCIC for video visits?
- Yes. Remote video visits are available at participating NCIC facilities. Log into your account, navigate to the video visitation section, and schedule an available time slot. You will need a device with a working camera and a stable internet connection.
- Is NCIC available at state prisons?
- NCIC focuses primarily on county jails and regional detention facilities. It does not serve most state prisons or federal facilities. For state prisons, GTL and JPay are the most common providers. For federal facilities, CorrLinks and ConnectNetwork are required.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
Securus Technologies
45+ states
Phone, video, and messaging for county jails and state prisons
View GuideGet Started with NCIC Inmate Communications
Visit the official NCIC Inmate Communications website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.