Burlington County Jail Commissary gives families a safe way to send money and care packages to inmates. The system works 24/7 through online tools, in-person visits, or mailed money orders. Deposits show up fast—online payments take two business days, while mailed orders are ready by the next morning. Accepted payments include cash, debit cards, and credit cards, each with a small service fee shown before checkout. The portal also lists current balances, item prices, and past transactions so families stay informed.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
Families can add funds using three simple methods. First, visit the jail during approved hours and hand over cash or a money order at the front desk. Second, mail a U.S. postal money order to the intake office—make sure it’s signed and includes the inmate’s full name and Jail ID. Third, use the county’s secure online payment system. Online deposits cost extra for card use but are processed quickly. ACH bank transfers have a lower flat fee. All deposits must follow state rules: no more than $1,000 per day or $5,000 per month per inmate.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash (in person only)
- U.S. Postal Money Order (mailed or dropped off)
- Debit Card (online or kiosk)
- Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover – online only)
- ACH Bank Transfer (online, lowest fee)
Each method has a clear fee structure. Card payments carry a 2.5% charge, while ACH costs just $1.00 per transaction. Fees appear on screen before payment is finalized. Once processed, funds appear in the inmate’s account within one to two business days.
Ordering Care Packages Through MyCarePak
Burlington County partners with Access Securepak to offer pre-packed care bundles under the MyCarePak brand. These packages let families send approved snacks, hygiene items, books, and more without worrying about contraband. Three tiers are available based on budget and need.
MyCarePak Package Options
| Package Name | Max Value | Included Items |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Care | $25 | Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, deodorant), basic snacks (crackers, chips) |
| Standard Care | $55 | Everything in Basic, plus protein bar, paperback book |
| Premium Care | $115 | Extra hygiene products, digital magazine subscription, limited-edition snack |
Orders are placed on the Access Securepak website. Each package ships directly to the jail after inspection. Delivery happens twice a week—on Tuesdays and Fridays—after staff check for banned items like electronics or nicotine. Families get tracking numbers and delivery confirmations via email.
Using the Inmate Search Tool
The county’s online Inmate Search tool helps families locate loved ones quickly. Users can search by last name, first name, or Jail ID number. Results show the inmate’s housing unit, bail amount, and estimated release date. For example, Thomas E. Acker (Jail ID 116299) had a $5,000 bail and was set for release on August 15, 2025. The database updates every night at 2:00 AM EST to reflect new bookings, releases, and transfers.
How to Use the Search Tool
- Go to the official Burlington County Inmate Search page.
- Type the inmate’s name or Jail ID into the search box.
- Review the results for facility assignment and legal status.
- Call the Records Unit at 609-265-5993 for case details not shown online.
The tool is free and public. It does not require login or personal information. However, some sensitive data—like medical records or disciplinary history—is not displayed for privacy and security reasons.
Commissary Item Prices and Rules
Inmates can buy food, hygiene products, stationery, and small comforts from the jail’s commissary list. Prices are fixed and posted online. Common items include a pack of gum for $1.25, a toothbrush for $2.00, and instant coffee for $3.50. All purchases come from the inmate’s account balance. If funds run low, no new orders can be placed until more money is added.
Sample Commissary Prices
- Gum (1 pack): $1.25
- Toothbrush: $2.00
- Bar of soap: $1.75
- Instant coffee (8 packets): $3.50
- Notebook: $2.50
- Pens (2-pack): $1.00
Items are delivered weekly. Inmates receive their orders during scheduled distribution times. Unused balances stay in the account until release or transfer. Refunds are not given unless the inmate is released with a positive balance, which can be requested as a check mailed to a verified address.
Visitation and Money Deposits
Families can deposit cash or money orders during scheduled visits. Visits must be booked at least 48 hours ahead using the online portal. Each visit lasts 30 minutes and allows two visitors per inmate. Only one deposit per visit is permitted. Visitors must bring valid ID and follow dress code rules—no revealing clothing or gang-related symbols.
Visiting Hours
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
All visitors pass through metal detectors and may be searched. Food, gifts, or extra clothing cannot be handed to inmates during visits. Only money deposits are allowed at the front desk.
Mail Rules for Inmates
Letters must include the sender’s full name and complete return address in the top-left corner. Mail without this info will be returned or destroyed. Envelopes cannot exceed 9 x 12 inches. Only one 4 x 6 inch photo per letter is allowed. Prohibited items include stickers, perfume, glitter, or anything that could hide contraband.
What Can’t Be Mailed
- Nicotine products (cigarettes, vapes)
- Electronics (phones, chargers)
- Promotional materials (flyers, catalogs)
- Drawings made with markers or paint
- Plastic bags or packaging
All mail is opened and inspected by staff before delivery. Legal mail from attorneys is handled separately and marked clearly on the envelope. Questions about mail policies can be directed to 609-265-5979 during weekday business hours.
Educational Tablets and Digital Services
Inmates have access to secure tablets loaded with educational apps, e-books, and legal research tools. Usage is limited to two hours per day. Content includes GED prep courses, vocational training videos, and religious materials. Tablets cannot connect to the internet or send messages. All activity is monitored and logged.
Available Digital Content
- GED study guides
- Legal forms and court procedure videos
- Religious texts (Bible, Quran, etc.)
- Health and wellness articles
- Vocational skill tutorials (carpentry, cooking)
Tablets are provided free of charge. Damage or misuse may result in loss of privileges. Families cannot send digital content directly—only approved materials are preloaded by the facility.
Health Services and Medical Requests
The jail offers weekly medical clinics staffed by a licensed physician. Nurses are available 24/7 for emergencies. Inmates can request medical care through their housing unit officer or tablet system. Common services include prescription refills, mental health counseling, and chronic disease management.
How to Request Medical Help
- Submit a written request to your housing officer.
- Use the tablet’s medical request form.
- Call the 24-hour nursing line for urgent issues.
All requests are reviewed within 24 hours. Non-emergency appointments are scheduled during clinic days. Released inmates can obtain medical summaries by contacting the health unit within ten business days of release.
Community Service and Sentence Reduction
Eligible inmates can reduce their sentence by working weekend community service shifts. Projects include park cleanups, building maintenance, and recycling drives. Each shift is supervised, and hours are recorded. Completing 40 hours can cut up to 10 days off a sentence—if approved by a judge.
Eligibility Requirements
- No disciplinary violations in the past 90 days
- Completion of safety training
- Minimum security classification
- Sentence longer than 30 days
The program runs out of the Community Services Center at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Olive, NJ 08060. Participants wear orange vests and work in small groups. Tools and transportation are provided by the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send more than $1,000 at once? No—state law caps daily deposits at $1,000 per inmate. Larger amounts require written approval from the inmate and facility administrator. Are electronics allowed in care packages? No. Items like phones, headphones, or USB drives are strictly prohibited. Will my money order be lost in the mail? Use certified mail with tracking when sending money orders. The jail processes all mailed deposits nightly and posts them by morning. How do I check my loved one’s balance? Log into the official Inmate Money/Commissary portal using their Jail ID. Balances update in real time after deposits clear.
Contact Information
Burlington County Detention Center
54 Grant Street
Mt. Holly, NJ 08060
Phone: 609-265-5979
Records Unit: 609-265-5993
Visiting Hours: Tue–Thu & Sat, 8 AM–11 AM and 1 PM–4 PM; Fri 8 AM–11 AM
Official Resources
https://co.burlington.nj.us/498/Inmate-MoneyCommissary
https://co.burlington.nj.us/1723/Inmate-Resources
https://bcnj.co.burlington.nj.us/pages/JL/InmateSearch
https://co.burlington.nj.us/485/Community-Service
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my deposit doesn’t show up after two days? First, check your email for a receipt. If the payment was processed but not posted, call the Records Unit at 609-265-5993. Have your transaction ID ready. Most delays are due to incorrect inmate names or Jail IDs. Always double-check spelling before submitting.
Can inmates receive birthday cakes or special food? No. All food must come through approved commissary items or MyCarePak packages. Homemade treats or outside food are not allowed due to safety and allergy concerns. Premium Care packages include special snacks that serve as substitutes for traditional gifts.
Are there fees for using the online deposit system? Yes. Credit and debit cards charge 2.5% per transaction. ACH bank transfers cost $1.00 flat. Cash and money orders have no fee when deposited in person. Fees are disclosed before payment and cannot be refunded even if the deposit is canceled.
How often can I order a care package? There’s no strict limit, but packages must be spaced at least 72 hours apart. This prevents overcrowding in storage and ensures fair access for all inmates. Each order is processed within 24 hours and shipped on the next Tuesday or Friday delivery day.
What if my loved one is transferred to another facility? Contact the new jail immediately to learn their commissary rules. Funds in the Burlington County account do not transfer automatically. Request a balance refund by calling 609-265-5979. Refunds take 10–14 business days and are mailed as checks to verified addresses.