Eau Claire County Jail visitation operates through a secure, non-contact video system managed by a third-party platform. All visits require a government-issued photo ID at check-in and are scheduled in 15-minute blocks from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 11:25 AM. Sessions are recorded for safety, and participants must complete an online orientation before their first visit. The standard fee is $5.00 per session, paid via credit card or electronic check through the Jail Exchange portal. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. For scheduling help, call 715-839-4702; for technical support, dial 877-578-3658. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian.
How to Schedule a Video Visit
All visitation at Eau Claire County Jail is conducted remotely through the Jail Exchange platform. To book a session, users must create an account on the official portal and select an available time slot. Each visit lasts 15 minutes and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Payment is required at the time of booking using a credit card or electronic check. No cash payments are accepted. Once payment is processed, a confirmation email is sent with login details and instructions. Visitors should log in 10 minutes early to complete the check-in process. Late arrivals may forfeit their session without a refund.
Visitation Rules and Requirements
Every visitor must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID, upon arrival or during virtual check-in. Minors under 18 are not permitted to visit alone and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All participants must complete a brief online orientation before their first visit. This covers conduct expectations, prohibited behaviors, and technical requirements. Recording, screenshotting, or streaming any part of the visit is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in permanent bans. Dress code rules apply: no revealing clothing, hats, or gang-related symbols. The jail reserves the right to terminate visits for inappropriate behavior.
Visiting Hours and Availability
Visitation is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:25 AM. No visits are held on weekends or federal holidays. Each inmate is allowed one 15-minute session per day, and only one visitor may participate per session. Time slots fill quickly, so families are encouraged to book early. The system updates availability in real time, but changes can occur due to inmate transfers, court appearances, or emergencies. It is recommended to confirm your appointment 24 hours before the scheduled time by calling 715-839-4702.
Fees and Payment Methods
The cost for each video visitation session is $5.00. Payments must be made online through the Jail Exchange portal using a credit card or electronic check. Debit cards are accepted if they carry a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover logo. No cash, personal checks, or money orders are accepted for visitation fees. Refunds are only issued if the visit is canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Technical issues on the platform’s end may qualify for a refund, but user-side problems like internet outages do not. All transactions are final after the session begins.
Inmate Roster and Search Tools
The Eau Claire County Jail maintains a public online roster listing all current inmates. Each entry includes the individual’s full legal name, booking date, charge description, bond amount, and housing unit. The roster is updated every weekday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. A downloadable PDF version is available on the county website. Visitors can search by name, date of birth, or booking number. For in-person assistance, the administrative office at 710 Oxford Avenue provides printed rosters during business hours. Staff require a government-issued ID for verification.
How to Locate an Inmate
To find someone in custody, use the official inmate search tool on the Eau Claire County website. Enter the person’s full name or booking number to retrieve current status. The system shows whether the individual is housed at the jail, transferred, or released. For phone verification, call 715-839-4702 during office hours. Staff can confirm custody status, projected release dates, and pending court dates. Mugshot requests must be submitted in writing to the Media Relations office with the inmate’s name and booking number. Responses typically take five business days.
Inmate Communication Options
Inmates can receive phone calls through Securus Technologies. Families must set up a prepaid account to fund calls, which cost $1.00 per minute. Bulk purchases offer discounted rates. Email messages are sent via JPay, with each message limited to 250 characters. Inmates have secure inboxes accessible through the JPay website. Messages are reviewed for contraband content before delivery. Phone and email services are available 24/7, but visitation follows strict scheduling rules. For account help, call 1-800-844-6591 or visit correctionalbillingservices.com.
Sending Mail and Money to Inmates
All mail sent to inmates must be addressed to their full legal name and include the jail’s address: 710 Second Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Letters, postcards, and photographs are allowed. Items containing metal, plastic, glue, or electronic components are prohibited. Mail is opened and inspected at a screening station. Money can only be sent via money order made payable to the inmate’s full name. Only one money order per inmate per week is accepted, with a maximum value of $50.00. Personal checks and cash are not accepted. Online deposits are not supported.
Remote Video Visitation After COVID-19
On January 4, 2023, Eau Claire County Jail resumed remote video visitation after the pandemic-related suspension. The service is hosted on the Jail Exchange platform and supports both on-site and fully remote connections. Sessions are limited to 20 minutes and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Participants must agree to a code of conduct that bans recording, harassment, and contraband exchange. The system uses secure encryption to protect privacy. Technical support is available at 877-578-3658 for login or connection issues.
In-Person Roster Lookup
Visitors may conduct an in-person inmate search at the jail’s administrative office, located at 710 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry. Security officers perform a metal detector scan and bag check before access is granted. Staff provide a printed roster with booking photos, charges, and release dates. This service is free but limited to one lookup per visitor per day.
Statewide Inmate Search Resources
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections offers a statewide inmate lookup tool that includes all county jails, such as Eau Claire County. Users can search by name, DOC number, or date of birth to find custody status, sentencing details, and release dates. The portal updates hourly and provides contact information for each facility’s liaison. This resource is helpful for locating individuals who may have been transferred from Eau Claire to another facility. The service is free and accessible 24/7 online.
Bail and Bond Information
For bond-related questions, contact the jail’s Bond Information Desk at 715-839-4702. Staff can confirm the exact bail amount and accepted payment methods, which include cash, cashier’s check, or approved bond agencies. The Eau Claire County Circuit Court’s public records portal provides full case files, including charging documents and hearing transcripts. Bond hearings are typically scheduled within 48 hours of booking. Failure to post bond results in continued detention until the court date.
Recent Inmate Booking Example
In December 2023, authorities confirmed that Helmbrecht was booked into the Eau Claire County Jail on charges of aggravated assault and unlawful firearm possession. His first court appearance was scheduled for December 4 at the Eau Claire County Circuit Court. The Eau Claire Police Department coordinated with the sheriff’s office for transport. Such updates are reflected in the online roster within 24 hours of booking. Families can monitor the roster or call 715-839-4702 for real-time status checks.
Contact Information and Location
The Eau Claire County Jail is located at 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703. The main phone number is 715-839-4702. Visitation services operate Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:25 AM. For technical support with video visits, call 877-578-3658. The administrative office is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays. All visitors must present a valid ID. The facility is accessible via public transit and offers limited parking. Emergency updates are posted on the county website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many families have questions about visitation rules, fees, and inmate communication. Below are answers to the most common concerns based on official policies and recent updates. These responses are designed to help visitors prepare and avoid common mistakes.
Can I visit on weekends or holidays?
No. Eau Claire County Jail visitation is only available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:25 AM. No sessions are held on weekends, federal holidays, or during facility emergencies. All visits must be scheduled in advance through the Jail Exchange portal. Attempting to book a weekend slot will result in an error message. If a holiday falls on a weekday, visitation is canceled for that day. Refunds are automatically processed for pre-booked sessions on canceled days. Check the county website for holiday closures.
What happens if I miss my scheduled visit?
If you miss your visit without canceling at least 24 hours in advance, the $5.00 fee is not refunded. The system does not allow rescheduling on the same day. You must book a new slot for a future date. Technical issues on your end, such as internet failure or device problems, do not qualify for a refund. However, if the Jail Exchange platform experiences an outage, refunds may be issued. Always log in early and test your connection before the session starts.
Can children visit inmates alone?
No. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the visit. The guardian must present their own government-issued ID and complete the online orientation. Minors are not allowed to schedule visits independently. If the guardian is not present, the visit will be canceled. This rule applies to both video and in-person interactions. The jail does not provide childcare services during visits.
How do I send money to an inmate?
Money can only be sent via money order made payable to the inmate’s full legal name. The maximum amount is $50.00 per inmate per week. Personal checks, cash, and online transfers are not accepted. Mail the money order to 710 Second Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Include the inmate’s name and booking number on the envelope. Funds are added to the inmate’s account within 3 to 5 business days. For tracking, call 715-839-4702.
Are video visits recorded?
Yes. All video visitation sessions are recorded for safety and security purposes. Recordings are stored securely and may be reviewed by jail staff if misconduct is suspected. Visitors are notified of this policy during the online orientation. Recording, screenshotting, or streaming the session by the visitor is strictly prohibited and may result in a permanent ban. The jail uses encrypted systems to protect privacy while maintaining oversight.
How often is the inmate roster updated?
The online inmate roster is refreshed every weekday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Updates include new bookings, releases, transfers, and charge changes. The system does not update on weekends or holidays. For real-time status, call 715-839-4702. The downloadable PDF version reflects data as of the last update. In-person lookups at the administrative office provide the most current information.
Can I visit more than one inmate per day?
No. Each visitor is limited to one 15-minute session per day, regardless of how many inmates they wish to see. If you need to visit multiple people, you must schedule separate sessions on different days. Only one visitor is allowed per session. Group visits are not permitted. This rule ensures fair access for all families and maintains security protocols.