McDowell County Detention Facility Phone Calls. How NCIC Works

How Calls Work at McDowell County Detention

The person inside McDowell County Detention Facility uses the facility phones to call out through NCIC. They dial your number, and the call goes through NCIC’s system. You’ll receive an incoming call, usually with a recorded message identifying it as a call from a correctional facility. You’ll be prompted to accept or decline.

You cannot call into the facility to reach the person directly. All calls are outbound from the facility.

Step-by-Step: Getting Set Up to Receive Calls

Step 1. Create an NCIC account. Go to accounts.ncic.com on your phone or computer. Click “Sign Up” or “Create Account.” Enter your name, email address, and a password. Verify your email.

Step 2. Add your phone number. Once logged in, add the phone number you want the person to call. This registers your number with NCIC. The person can then add your number to their approved call list.

Step 3. Add funds. Go to your NCIC account and deposit money. Calls are charged per minute and the balance decreases as calls happen. Keep an eye on the balance so calls don’t drop mid-conversation. You can also call 800-943-2189 to add funds by phone.

Step 4. Wait for the call. Once funds are on your account and your number is approved, the person inside can call you from the facility phones. When the call comes through, accept it and the conversation will begin.

Rates and Call Length

NCIC charges per minute for calls. Rates depend on the call type and current pricing. The rates are listed in your NCIC account and shown before you add funds. There is no guaranteed call length: calls may be limited by the facility’s policies. The person can hang up and call back if needed.

Phone Account vs. Commissary Account

The phone account through NCIC is separate from the commissary account through InmateCanteen. Money you deposit with InmateCanteen cannot be used for phone calls. Money you deposit with NCIC cannot be used for commissary orders. You need to fund both accounts separately if you want the person to have access to both.

See the send money guide for details on funding the InmateCanteen commissary account.

Monitoring and Recording

All calls through NCIC at McDowell County Detention Facility are monitored and recorded by facility staff. Do not discuss anything sensitive, such as legal strategy, ongoing cases, or anything that could be used in court. Calls with attorneys may have different rules, but you should confirm this with the facility at (828) 652-2235 or with the attorney directly.

Adding and Removing Numbers

The person inside controls which numbers they can call through the NCIC system. To make sure your number is on their approved list, confirm this with the person. If your number needs to be added, NCIC may require approval from the facility. Call 800-943-2189 for help with this process.

If you want to block calls from the facility, you can do so through your NCIC account settings or by calling 800-943-2189.

Digital Messaging Through NCIC

NCIC also offers a digital messaging service at ncic.com. This is similar to email. You write a message, it is reviewed by the facility, and then delivered to the person. The person can reply. Messages are also monitored.

Digital messaging is a good option when:

• You can’t take a call at work or in a quiet setting
• You want to send information the person can read later
• You want to stay in touch between calls

To set up digital messaging, log into your NCIC account at ncic.com. The messaging feature is part of the same account you use for phone calls.

Video Visits Through NCIC

NCIC also runs the video visitation program at McDowell County Detention. See the visitation guide for full scheduling details. Video visits and phone service are connected through the same NCIC account.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The call isn’t connecting:

• Check that you have enough funds in your NCIC account
• Confirm your phone number is registered in your NCIC account
• Ask the person to verify your number is on their approved call list
• Call NCIC support at 800-943-2189

The call keeps dropping:

• This can happen if funds run low mid-call. Add money to your account.
• Poor cell signal can also cause drops. Try a location with stronger signal.

You’re not receiving calls at all:

• Confirm the person is still at McDowell County Detention. Use the McDowell Sheriff NC app or call (828) 652-2236.
• Make sure your number hasn’t been accidentally blocked. Check your NCIC account.

Your NCIC account is locked: Call NCIC support at 800-943-2189 for account recovery.