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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Allen Parish Sheriff's Office 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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Allen Parish Sheriff's Office

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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Allen Parish Sheriff's Office?

   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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office?

   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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office. 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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office. 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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Allen Parish Sheriff's Office
   7340 LA-26
   Oberlin, LA 70655
   Phone: (337) 639-4353

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Allen Parish Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Allen Parish Sheriff's Office 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 (337) 639-4353 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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office?

   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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Allen Parish Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Allen Parish Sheriff's Office 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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Allen Parish Sheriff's Office, 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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office?

   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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office 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 Allen Parish Sheriff's Office, 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 transformation form the cornerstone of rehabilitation services within the Allen Parish Sheriff's Office facility. The approach typically emphasizes developing essential life skills while addressing the underlying factors that may have contributed to incarceration. Through a comprehensive framework of educational, vocational, and support services, inmates often have opportunities to build foundations for successful community reintegration.

Educational services may provide inmates with pathways to academic advancement and skill development. Basic literacy and GED preparation programs often serve as starting points for those seeking to complete their education. Moreover, vocational training services typically focus on practical skills that align with local employment opportunities, helping participants develop marketable abilities in various trades and industries. These programs often include hands-on learning experiences that prepare inmates for workforce entry upon release.

Faith-based services frequently play a significant role in the facility's rehabilitation approach, offering spiritual guidance and community support through religious services and related programming. Mentoring programs may connect inmates with positive role models who provide ongoing encouragement and practical advice for personal development. Additionally, housing assistance services often help participants prepare for the transition back to community living by addressing one of the most critical barriers to successful reintegration. These support services typically work together to create a network of resources that extends beyond the facility walls, fostering long-term positive outcomes for program participants.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Allen Parish Sheriff's Office feature dormitory-style accommodations that shape much of the daily experience for those confined there. Inmates now follow structured schedules that typically begin with early morning wake-up calls and regularly include designated times for meals, programming, and recreation. The facility generally maintains consistent routines that help residents adapt to their temporary living situation while serving their sentences.

Living conditions within the facility typically include shared sleeping areas with basic furnishings and personal storage space for approved belongings. Inmates usually have access to common areas where they can interact with others during designated periods. Meals are generally served in a central dining area at scheduled times throughout the day, and residents may have opportunities to purchase additional items from the commissary system. Moreover, the facility typically provides basic hygiene facilities and medical services as needed for the inmate population.

Programming at the facility often includes work assignments that provide structure and may help inmates develop skills during their incarceration. Recreation opportunities typically involve scheduled exercise periods and access to common areas for approved activities. Whereas daily routines are generally regimented, inmates usually have opportunities to maintain contact with family members through visitation programs and telephone access during designated hours. These connections often provide important support systems that help residents adapt to the institutional environment while preparing for their eventual release.