Macon County Detention Center Phone Calls. How NCIC Works

Why You Cannot Call In

You cannot dial the facility and reach your loved one directly. The phones inside Macon County Detention Center are connected to the NCIC system, and outgoing calls go through NCIC to numbers that have been registered and funded. Your job is to make sure your number is set up and there is money available so their calls go through.

Step 1. Create an NCIC Account

Go to accounts.ncic.com and create a free account. Use your real name and a valid email address. You will use this account to add your phone number, fund your balance, and manage everything related to calls, messaging, and video visits.

Step 2. Add Your Phone Number

Once your account is created, add the phone number you want the person to call. Make sure it is a number you answer regularly. If you add a cell number, be aware that some wireless carriers block calls from correctional facilities by default. If calls are not coming through, contact your carrier to unblock them.

You can add more than one number to your NCIC account, but the person has to select which number to call from the facility’s phone system.

Step 3. Fund Your Account

Calls cost money per minute. Add funds to your NCIC account at accounts.ncic.com. The per-minute rate depends on call type and distance. Rates are shown in your account before you add funds. Keep a balance on your account so calls do not get cut off.

The person can also pay for calls from their own commissary account inside the facility. See the send money guide for how to put funds on their account through NCIC.

Step 4. Receive the Call

When the person calls from inside, NCIC will connect the call to your registered number. You may hear a brief automated message identifying the call as coming from a correctional facility before it connects. Accept the call to speak with them.

Call Monitoring

All calls through NCIC at Macon County Detention Center are monitored and recorded. This is standard for county jails. Do not discuss anything on a call that you would not want recorded.

What Numbers Can Be Called

The person can only call numbers that have been approved by the facility. In most cases, they submit a phone number list, and calls can only go to numbers on that list. If your number is not on the person’s approved call list, they will not be able to reach you even if your NCIC account is set up. Have the person request to add your number through the jail’s process.

Digital Messaging Through NCIC

NCIC also offers a messaging platform that works like email for inmates. The person can send and receive digital messages from a tablet or kiosk inside the facility. You receive and reply through your NCIC account online or through the NCIC app on your phone.

Messaging is available 24 hours a day, so it is a good supplement to phone calls, especially for quick updates or times when phone access is limited. Messaging costs money, so make sure there is a balance on the account.

Video Visits Through NCIC

NCIC handles video visits as well. You can schedule a remote video visit and join from a computer or mobile device. See the visitation guide for details on how to schedule a video visit.

If Calls Are Not Connecting

If you have set up your NCIC account and funded it but calls are still not coming through, check these things:

1. Make sure your phone number is listed in your NCIC account.
2. Make sure there is money in the account.
3. Check whether your wireless carrier blocks calls from correctional facilities. Contact your carrier to remove the block.
4. Ask the person whether your number is on their approved call list at the facility.
5. If none of those fix it, call NCIC customer support at 800-943-2189.

International Calls

If you live outside the United States, contact NCIC at 800-943-2189 to ask whether international calls are supported for Macon County Detention Center. International call options and rates vary by facility and are not published online.