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 Allegany County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Allegany 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 Allegany County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Allegany County Jail
   4884 NY-19
   Belmont, NY 14813
   Phone: (585) 268-9208

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Allegany 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 (585) 268-9208 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 Allegany 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 Allegany County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Allegany 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 Allegany 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 Allegany 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 Allegany 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 Allegany County Jail in New York operates with a focus on maintaining professional standards and community connections, having achieved re-accreditation by the New York State Sheriff's Association in both 2016 and 2020. This accreditation process, which reviewed 164 standards exceeding state minimum requirements, reflects the facility's commitment to operational excellence and inmate welfare. The jail staff has worked to expand positive relationships across the greater Allegany County community, which typically supports the development of reentry programs and community-based services for inmates preparing for release.

While specific program details are not extensively outlined on the facility's website, correctional facilities in New York commonly provide educational opportunities such as GED preparation, adult basic education, and literacy programs to help inmates develop essential academic skills. The facility may also offer vocational training programs that could include job readiness workshops, basic computer skills, and trade-related instruction to enhance employment prospects upon release. Substance abuse counseling and mental health services are often available to address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

The jail's visitation program, which operates on weekends with structured time slots for male and female inmates, demonstrates the facility's recognition of the importance of maintaining family connections during incarceration. Additionally, commissary services are typically available to allow inmates to purchase personal items and maintain some autonomy during their stay. The facility's ability to house federal detainees alongside local inmates may provide opportunities for diverse programming and resource sharing that can benefit the overall inmate population through expanded services and support systems.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visitation at Allegany County Jail operates on a structured weekend schedule, with specific time slots designated for male and female inmates. Families must call at least 24 hours in advance to schedule visits, which typically occur on Saturdays and Sundays during five designated periods throughout the day. Visitors are required to arrive at least 15 minutes early, as late arrivals may result in denied visits, reflecting the facility's emphasis on maintaining orderly operations.

The jail maintains an average daily population that has fluctuated in recent years, with the facility housing both local inmates and federal detainees. Inmates typically follow a structured daily routine that may include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities. The facility's accreditation by the New York State Sheriff's Association suggests adherence to standards that often encompass areas such as medical care, educational services, and recreational activities, though specific program details vary based on current operations and security classifications.

Communication with family members extends beyond in-person visits to include commissary services, which allow inmates to purchase approved items and receive funds from family members. Like most New York correctional facilities, the jail likely provides access to telephone services during designated hours, enabling inmates to maintain contact with their support networks. The facility's operations have adapted to various challenges, including COVID-19 protocols and changes in state bail reform policies, which have influenced both daily routines and visitation procedures over time.