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 Allegan County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Allegan 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 Allegan County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Allegan 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 Allegan County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Allegan County Jail
   640 River St
   Allegan, MI 49010
   Phone: (269) 673-0500

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

   Visiting hours at Allegan 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 (269) 673-0500 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 Allegan 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 Allegan County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Allegan 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 Allegan County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Allegan 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 Allegan 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 Allegan 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 Allegan 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

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Allegan County Jail, where inmates have access to various opportunities designed to address individual needs and prepare them for successful community reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that recognizes education and practical skill-building as essential components of reducing recidivism. Through structured programming, inmates may engage in meaningful activities that foster personal responsibility while developing the tools necessary for positive life changes.

Educational and vocational services often include adult basic education opportunities that help inmates work toward completing their high school equivalency credentials. Vocational education programs may provide hands-on training in practical trades and skills that can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. These educational initiatives typically focus on building both academic foundations and marketable job skills, recognizing that stable employment often plays a crucial role in successful reentry into the community.

In addition to these educational offerings, support services may include a prisoner reentry initiative designed to help inmates develop comprehensive release plans and connect with community resources. The facility often provides landscaping programs that combine practical work experience with the therapeutic benefits of outdoor activities and skill development. These support services typically work together to address the multiple challenges inmates may face, offering a foundation for personal development that extends well beyond their time in custody.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secured doors and reinforced windows of Allegan County Jail, inmates navigate a structured environment designed around routine and supervision. Today's schedule typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, establishing a rhythm that inmates consistently follow throughout their stay. The facility operates on a regimented timeline that generally includes designated periods for meals, recreation, programming, and rest.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where inmates may be housed in cells or dormitory-style arrangements depending on classification levels and available space. Personal belongings are usually limited to essential items, with additional comfort items often available through the commissary system. Meals are generally served in designated dining areas or delivered to housing units, providing basic nutrition while inmates adapt to the institutional food service schedule.

In addition to this structured daily routine, the facility typically provides various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and vocational training when available. Recreation time usually offers inmates opportunities for physical exercise and social interaction within supervised settings. Despite this controlled environment, family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, allowing inmates to maintain contact with their support systems. Work assignments within the facility often provide inmates with purposeful activities while contributing to facility operations, helping them develop routine and responsibility during their incarceration.