How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Adams County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Adams County Jail is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Adams County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Adams County Jail

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Adams County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Adams County Jail?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Adams County Jail?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Adams County Jail. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Adams County Jail. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Adams County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Adams County Jail
   521 Vermont St
   Quincy, IL 62301
   Phone: (217) 277-2202

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Adams County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Adams County Jail vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (217) 277-2202 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Adams County Jail?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Adams County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Adams County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Adams County Jail through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Adams County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Adams County Jail, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Adams County Jail?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Adams County Jail for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Adams County Jail, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Adams County Jail's 192-bed facility, which opened in 2020, provides essential support services designed to maintain connections between inmates and their families while addressing basic needs during incarceration. The facility operates a comprehensive commissary system accessible through a 24-hour kiosk at the east visitation entrance, allowing families to add funds using credit/debit cards or cash. Additionally, the jail offers Family Care Packs available for weekly purchase, providing inmates with personal items and necessities that support their well-being during their stay.

Communication services play a vital role in maintaining family relationships, with the facility providing phone access through funded accounts that can be managed via the same convenient kiosk system or through online platforms. The jail's eight-pod design and separate work release section suggest a structured approach to housing that may accommodate different security levels and program participation. While the facility maintains strict policies regarding phone usage to ensure security, these communication services typically help inmates maintain important family connections that can be crucial for successful reintegration.

Beyond these core services, Adams County Jail may offer additional programming common to Illinois correctional facilities, such as educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and religious services. The facility's modern design, including specialized areas like the negative pressure booking room and nursing station, indicates a focus on health and safety that often extends to comprehensive medical care and mental health support services. Work release programs suggested by the facility's dedicated section may provide eligible inmates with opportunities to maintain employment or develop job skills while serving their sentences.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 192-bed Adams County Jail operates under the oversight of Jail Administrator Brian Curran, with inmates housed across eight separate pods plus a dedicated work release section. Each morning around 6:00 AM, staff update the daily population sheet, marking the beginning of structured routines that define life within this facility that opened in 2020. The pod-based housing system typically allows for organized meal times, recreation periods, and programming activities, while the separate work release section provides eligible inmates with opportunities to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences.

Family connections remain vital through the jail's modern communication systems, with funds for phone calls and commissary purchases easily added through the 24-hour kiosk located at the east jail visitation entrance. This convenient system accepts both credit cards and cash (though not dollar bills), and families can also manage accounts online through JAILATM.COM. The facility offers weekly family care packs that arrive with regular commissary orders, providing inmates with additional comfort items and maintaining important family bonds during incarceration.

The booking area features specialized accommodations including a negative pressure room and nursing station, ensuring proper medical screening and care for incoming inmates. While specific visitation schedules weren't detailed on the website, the presence of dedicated visitation infrastructure and communication systems suggests regular opportunities for family contact. Inmates housed for federal charges through the US Marshals Service follow different protocols, with inquiries directed to the US Marshals Service rather than county jail staff, reflecting the facility's role in housing both county and federal detainees.