Swain County Detention Center Phone Calls: NCIC Setup and Rates

How NCIC Phone Calls Work

NCIC is the phone carrier for Swain County Detention Center. People inside use jail phones connected to the NCIC system to make outbound calls. Calls are not inbound: there is no phone number you can dial to reach someone inside. The person inside initiates the call to numbers that are registered on their approved call list.

This means your job is to register your phone number and make sure the account has funds before they try to call.

Step 1: Create an NCIC Account

Go to ncic.com and create a free account. You will need:

• Your name and email address
• A password
• A phone number to link to the account

You can also call 800-943-2189 to set up the account by phone.

Step 2: Add Your Phone Number

Once your account is active, add the phone number you want the person to call. This is typically your cell phone number or home landline. The person inside will have an approved call list managed by the facility. They need to add your number to their list from their end as well. Coordinate with them during a visit or by letter if they have not called yet.

Some numbers may be blocked by the facility. If a call attempt fails, call (828) 488-0159 to ask whether the number is cleared for calls from that facility.

Step 3: Fund the Account

A funded account is what makes calls connect. Deposit at ncic.com by credit or debit card. The deposit fee is $3.00 per transaction.

You can also deposit by calling 800-943-2189. A live agent can take your payment, but the live agent fee is $5.95 per deposit in addition to the $3.00 fee.

If you are at the jail for an on-site video visit, there is a kiosk in the lobby where you can add money.

Deposits through NCIC online typically post within minutes.

Call Rates

Call type	Rate per minute
Prepaid collect	$0.21
Non-prepaid	$0.25

Prepaid collect means you have money on an NCIC account that covers the call as it happens. Non-prepaid means the call charges go directly to your phone number, similar to old collect call billing.

Most families use the prepaid collect option because it is cheaper and gives you more control over spending.

Call Length and Limits

NCIC calls at county jails are typically capped at 15 to 20 minutes per call. The specific call length limit at Swain County is set by the facility. The call will disconnect automatically when the time is up. The person inside can call back immediately if there is time remaining in their allowed call window.

Call (828) 488-0159 if you want to confirm the exact call length limit or any daily call limits.

How Calls Are Monitored

All calls through NCIC are recorded and may be monitored by facility staff. This is standard at all correctional facilities. Do not share personal financial account information, Social Security numbers, or anything you would not want heard by staff. Legal calls with attorneys may be handled differently; the person inside should ask staff about how to make a confidential legal call.

Blocking and Unblocking Numbers

If you want to block your number from receiving calls, contact NCIC at 800-943-2189 or [email protected]. You can unblock the number the same way. The person inside can also remove a number from their approved call list by following the facility’s process for updating the list.

Secure Messaging Through NCIC

NCIC also offers secure messaging, which works like email. Both you and the person inside need an NCIC account. Messages are reviewed by facility staff before delivery. Messaging is a good way to stay in touch between phone calls, especially if call windows are limited.

To get started with messaging, log into your NCIC account at ncic.com and look for the messaging section. The person inside accesses messaging through an NCIC tablet if one is available at the facility.

NCIC Tablets

Swain County Detention Center has NCIC tablets available for people inside. Tablets let them:

• Make video calls (connected to the visit scheduling system)
• Send and receive secure messages
• Access education and self-help programs
• Order commissary (if integrated)

Tablet access is managed by the facility and may vary based on custody status and availability.

Troubleshooting Failed Calls

If calls are not connecting:

1. Check the account balance. A zero balance will prevent calls from going through. Log into ncic.com to see the current balance.
2. Check that your number is on the approved list. The person inside may need to add your number through the facility’s process. Call (828) 488-0159 to ask about number approval.
3. Check for a facility lockdown or restriction. Call (828) 488-0159 to see if calls are temporarily suspended.
4. Contact NCIC support. Call 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069, or email [email protected].

NCIC Contact Information

Contact	Details
Website	ncic.com
Customer service	800-943-2189
Alternate number	903-247-0069
Email	[email protected]
Deposit fee	$3.00 per online deposit
Live agent fee	$5.95 additional

What About Video Calls?

Video calls at Swain County are handled through the NCIC InTouch scheduling system, the same platform used for video visits. They are scheduled in advance and count toward the person’s weekly visit allowance (2 per week). See the visitation guide for full details on scheduling video visits.