The Benewah County Jail accommodates adult males and females, housing inmates from various jurisdictions beyond Benewah County. The facility accepts individuals at the state, local, and federal levels. While the majority of inmates are awaiting trial, going through the trial process, or awaiting sentencing, there is also a small group of inmates who have already been sentenced and are currently serving their sentences within the facility.
Mailtime within the confines of Benewah County Jail brings a sense of joy to the inmates, much like in any prison facility. The inmates are encouraged to maintain correspondence with their friends and loved ones, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their mail. However, the jail administration ensures that all incoming and outgoing mail is thoroughly inspected to prevent any security breaches or the inclusion of prohibited materials.
For mailing purposes, individuals can utilize the following address format:
[Inmate’s Name/Booking Number]
In custody of Benewah County Jail
701 College Avenue, St. Maries, ID, 83861
To facilitate financial transactions, inmates have access to a commissary account, where family and friends can deposit money. Within the prison, there are canteens and shops offering essential items such as writing materials and snacks. In the case of Benewah County Jail, the facility employs the services of Touchpay to enable money transfers to inmates. Setting up an account with the company allows individuals to conveniently send funds to their incarcerated loved ones.
At the Benewah County Jail, inmates are granted the privilege of making phone calls during their time at the facility, with a minimum duration of fifteen minutes. It is important to note that all conversations are closely monitored by prison officials.
Prior to entering the Benewah County Jail, individuals wishing to visit inmates are subject to an investigation conducted by the facility. It is mandatory for visitors to carry a photograph of the specific inmate they intend to visit. Furthermore, visitors must dress appropriately and present a valid form of identification.
Visiting hours at the jail are available throughout the entire week, from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM, providing ample opportunity for visits. The schedule for visiting hours is as follows:
· Monday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
· Tuesday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
· Wednesday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
· Thursday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
· Friday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
· Saturday: 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
· Sunday: 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
The primary objective of the Benewah County Sheriff’s Office is to safeguard the lives, properties, and rights of the residents in Benewah County. In pursuit of this mission, they establish specific objectives and goals to uphold these values throughout their tenure. The operation of the Benewah County Jail is a significant part of their responsibilities. Their aim is to maintain a professional and compassionate correctional facility, where individuals who require confinement are securely held while being treated with the dignity they deserve.
Established on January 23, 1915, Benewah County is situated in the Panhandle region of Idaho and has a population of 9,530 residents. The county seat is located in St. Maries. The origin of the county’s name, Benewah, has been a subject of debate. One account suggests that it resulted from a misspelling of the French name “Benoit,” given to an Indian man who was baptized. English speakers pronounced and spelled it as “Benwah,” and a typographical error led to the current spelling. Another perspective suggests that the French pronunciation of “Benoit” proved challenging, leading to the addition of an extra syllable.
Benewah County encompasses several communities, with St. Maries serving as the county seat. Joseph Fisher played a significant role in the establishment of St. Maries by becoming the postmaster and opening a general merchandise store. Alongside his brothers, Fisher also established the first sawmill in the area. The steamboat era and the construction of the Milwaukee railroad contributed to the growth of other communities like St. Joe, which thrived with sawmills, stores, hotels, saloons, and a hospital.
The county is home to various communities built by homesteaders, including Santa, Emida, and Fernwood. Settlements also emerged on the western part of the county, such as Sanders and Tensed, near the Indian Mission town of DeSmet. Plummer, ranking second in population after St. Maries, experienced substantial development. Benewah County boasts two State Parks: Heyburn State Park, Idaho’s oldest park, and Mary Minerva McCroskey Memorial State Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s, the longest paved bike path in the United States. Stretching 73 miles, the trail begins in Plummer, travels east across the county through Heyburn State Park, passes over Chatcolet Lake, and reaches Mullen, Idaho.
Benewah County Jail Inmate Search
Benewah County Jail
701 W College Ave, Suite 301
St Maries, ID 83861
208-245-2555
https://www.benewahcountyid.gov/departments/sheriff