Milwaukee County Jail care packages help families support incarcerated loved ones with essential items, snacks, hygiene products, and seasonal clothing. Approved vendors like iCare Gifts and Mycarepack allow secure online ordering of pre-assembled packages that meet strict Wisconsin Department of Corrections rules. Packages must weigh under 15 pounds, use sealed containers, and avoid contraband like electronics or sharp objects. Delivery happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays if orders are placed by 7 a.m. the day before. This page covers everything you need to send a safe, timely care package to Milwaukee County Jail.
How to Send Care Packages to Milwaukee County Jail
Families can send care packages only through approved third-party vendors. The jail does not accept homemade or personally assembled boxes. Start by choosing a vendor like iCare Gifts or Mycarepack. Select the state (Wisconsin) and facility (Milwaukee County Central Jail). Then pick items from their catalog, which includes snacks, toiletries, clothing, and holiday gifts. Enter the inmate’s full name, booking number, and housing unit. Pay with a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or electronic check. Orders are processed within two hours and delivered on the next scheduled day if placed before the 7 a.m. cutoff.
Approved Vendors for Milwaukee County Jail Care Packages
Only specific vendors are authorized to send care packages to Milwaukee County Jail. iCare Gifts is the primary provider, offering fresh fruit, protein bars, hygiene kits, and seasonal items. Mycarepack also allows custom selections of snacks, toiletries, and holiday-themed gifts. Both platforms require the inmate’s booking number and full name. Access Securepak, run by the Keefe Group, provides high-security scanning and X-ray inspection for every package. These vendors ensure all items pass contraband checks before delivery. Using unapproved sellers may result in rejected packages or delays.
What Items Are Allowed in Milwaukee County Jail Care Packages?
Allowed items include non-perishable snacks like pretzel sticks, beef jerky, fruit cups, and bottled water. Hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and deodorant are permitted if sealed. Clothing must be new, unworn, and in original packaging—seasonal items like socks or gloves are accepted. Writing supplies like pre-stamped envelopes, pens, and legal pads are also allowed. All items must come from approved vendors and be factory-sealed. Prohibited items include electronics, cash, sharp objects, glass, aerosols, and homemade food. Packages over 15 pounds or larger than 18×24×12 inches will be rejected.
Care Package Delivery Schedule and Cutoff Times
Milwaukee County Jail delivers care packages on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to the third and fourth floors. Orders must be placed by 7 a.m. the day before delivery. For example, a Monday delivery requires an order by 7 a.m. on Sunday. If a holiday falls on a delivery day, packages shift to the next regular day. iCare Gifts processes orders within 24 hours, and shipments arrive within three business days after the cutoff. Tracking numbers are provided so families can monitor progress. Packages are inspected upon arrival and placed in the inmate’s locker.
Inmate Commissary vs. Care Packages: Key Differences
Commissary allows inmates to buy items directly using money deposited into their account. Care packages are sent by family from approved vendors. Commissary offers daily purchases with a $300 daily deposit limit. Care packages are sent less frequently and follow strict delivery schedules. Commissary items include basics like soap, snacks, and stationery. Care packages can include seasonal gifts and personalized selections. Both systems require compliance with contraband policies. Families can use both methods to support inmates, but care packages offer more personalization.
How to Find an Inmate’s Booking Number and Housing Unit
Use the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s In-Custody Locator to find an inmate’s booking number and housing unit. Visit the official site and search by name or booking ID. The database updates every 24 hours and includes charges and location details. You’ll need this information to send a care package. Call (414) 276-1515 during business hours for help. Always verify details directly with the jail, as online data may lag. Incorrect info can delay or reject your package.
Sending Money to an Inmate’s Commissary Account
Deposit money to an inmate’s account by calling (866) 345-1884 anytime. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. The daily limit is $300. Deposits appear in the account within 30 minutes. Kiosks are available at 949 N. 9th Street (lobby and G-level) and the Community Corrections Center on West Vernon Street. Online deposits can be made through the county’s payment portal. Money helps inmates buy commissary items between care package deliveries.
Inmate Mail Rules for Milwaukee County Jail
Regular mail must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, housing unit, and the address: 949 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233. Letters should be on plain paper with no stickers, drawings, or glue. Care packages cannot be mailed directly—only through approved vendors. All mail is inspected for contraband. Inmates receive mail Monday through Friday. Avoid sending cash, stamps, or photos with writing on the back. Follow these rules to ensure delivery.
Using Mycarepack to Send Custom Care Packages
Mycarepack lets families build custom packages online. Choose Wisconsin and Milwaukee County Central Jail from the dropdown. Add snacks, toiletries, or holiday items to your cart. Enter the inmate’s name and booking number. Pay with credit card, debit card, PayPal, or e-check. Orders are processed in two hours. A tracking number is provided for real-time updates. Packages are delivered on the next scheduled day if ordered before 7 a.m.
Security Measures for Care Package Processing
All care packages undergo strict security checks. Vendors like Access Securepak use X-ray scanning, manual inspection, and contraband detection. This reduces processing time by up to 40%. Items are verified against approved lists. Sealed packaging prevents tampering. The Keefe Group manages these systems to ensure safety. Families benefit from faster delivery and fewer rejections. Security protects both inmates and staff.
Common Reasons Care Packages Are Rejected
Packages are rejected if they exceed 15 pounds or 18×24×12 inches. Unsealed items, homemade food, or prohibited objects like electronics cause rejection. Incorrect inmate details (name, booking number, housing unit) delay delivery. Using unapproved vendors leads to automatic refusal. Always double-check vendor approval and packaging rules. Contact customer support if your package is rejected for clarification.
Holiday and Seasonal Care Package Options
Holiday-themed packages include ornaments, seasonal snacks, and warm clothing. iCare Gifts offers special boxes for Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. Mycarepack allows custom holiday selections. These packages follow the same rules—sealed, under 15 pounds, and from approved vendors. Order early during peak seasons to meet cutoff times. Seasonal items boost morale and show support during important times.
Customer Support for Care Package Orders
iCare Gifts offers live chat from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. Mycarepack provides email and phone support. Access Securepak assigns a dedicated account manager. Use support for order changes, tracking, or compliance questions. Keep your order number ready. Most issues are resolved within one business day. Reliable support ensures smooth delivery.
Recent Security Incident at Milwaukee County Jail
In August 2023, 27 inmates barricaded themselves in the jail library for two hours. Officers responded peacefully, and all surrendered. Charges included assault and unlawful confinement. The incident led to revised library access rules. While unrelated to care packages, it shows the facility’s focus on security. Families can trust that package inspections are thorough and consistent.
Tips for First-Time Care Package Senders
Start by finding the inmate’s booking number using the In-Custody Locator. Choose an approved vendor like iCare or Mycarepack. Stick to sealed, non-perishable items. Avoid electronics, glass, or cash. Weigh your package before ordering. Place orders by 7 a.m. for next-day delivery. Use tracking to monitor progress. Contact support if unsure. First-time senders succeed by following rules closely.
Cost of Care Packages at Milwaukee County Jail
Prices range from $10.49 for basic kits (envelopes, pens, paper) to $104.99 for bulk snack boxes with 85 items. Hygiene kits cost $15–$25. Seasonal clothing bundles are $20–$40. Shipping is included in the price. No extra fees for standard delivery. Compare vendors for the best value. Budget $50–$75 for a well-rounded package.
How Care Packages Help Inmates
Care packages provide comfort, nutrition, and personal connection. Snacks improve morale between meals. Hygiene items maintain health. Clothing ensures warmth. Letters and gifts reduce isolation. Studies show supported inmates have better behavior and lower recidivism. Families play a key role in rehabilitation through consistent care.
Legal and Policy Compliance for Care Packages
All packages must follow Wisconsin Department of Corrections rules. Vendors are audited regularly. Contraband policies are strict. Violations can result in rejected packages or account bans. Families must provide accurate inmate details. Misuse of the system is taken seriously. Compliance ensures fair access for all.
Tracking Your Care Package Delivery
After ordering, you’ll receive a tracking number via email. Use it on the vendor’s website to see real-time status. Updates show when the package leaves the warehouse, arrives at the jail, and is delivered. Most deliveries occur within three business days. Contact support if tracking stops updating. Keep records for future orders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milwaukee County Jail Care Packages
Below are answers to common questions about sending care packages to Milwaukee County inmates. How long does delivery take? Packages placed before the 7 a.m. cutoff are typically delivered on the next scheduled day, provided there are no holidays. What items are prohibited? Sharp objects, electronic devices, and any form of cash are strictly forbidden. Can I track my shipment? Yes; iCare and Mycarepack provide a tracking number that updates in real time as the package moves through the facility’s receiving dock. Can I send homemade food? No, only factory-sealed items from approved vendors are allowed. What if my package is rejected? Contact the vendor’s support team to learn the reason and resubmit if possible. Is there a weight limit? Yes, packages must not exceed 15 pounds. Can I send clothes? Yes, but only new, unworn items in original packaging.
Official Resources and Contact Information
Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office: (414) 276-1515
Detention Services Payment Line: (866) 345-1884
In-Custody Locator: http://www.incustodysearch.mkesheriff.org/
iCare Gifts Milwaukee CJF: https://www.icaregifts.com/MilwaukeeCJFWI.html
Mycarepack: https://mycarepack.com/index.aspx
Access Securepak: https://www.accesscatalog.com/
Jail Address: 949 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (by appointment only)
