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 Alpena County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Alpena County Sheriff 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 Alpena County Sheriff.

Frequently asked questions about Alpena County Sheriff

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 Alpena County Sheriff.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Alpena County Sheriff?

   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 Alpena County Sheriff?

   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 Alpena County Sheriff. 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 Alpena County Sheriff. 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 Alpena County Sheriff?

   Mailing address:

   Alpena County Sheriff
   4900 M-32
   Alpena, MI 49707
   Phone: (989) 354-9830

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Alpena County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Alpena County Sheriff 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 (989) 354-9830 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 Alpena County Sheriff?

   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 Alpena County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Alpena County Sheriff?

   You can send money to an inmate at Alpena County Sheriff 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 Alpena County Sheriff?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Alpena County Sheriff, 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 Alpena County Sheriff?

   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 Alpena County Sheriff 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 Alpena County Sheriff, 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 Alpena County Jail operates a comprehensive commissary system that allows inmates to purchase personal supplies, food items, and other necessities during their incarceration. This service, combined with structured visitation hours Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm, helps maintain important connections between inmates and their families while providing access to essential items that support daily living needs within the facility.

Beyond these core services, the jail typically may offer educational programming designed to help inmates develop literacy skills and work toward completing their GED requirements. Vocational training opportunities often include basic job readiness courses that focus on resume writing, interview skills, and workplace behavior expectations. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling programs, given that addiction-related issues frequently contribute to incarceration, along with mental health support services to address underlying behavioral health needs.

Additional support services at the facility often include religious programming with chaplaincy services for various faith traditions, anger management courses, and life skills workshops covering topics such as financial literacy and parenting education. The jail may coordinate with local community organizations to provide reentry planning assistance, helping inmates prepare for successful transition back into the community upon release. Medical and nursing services are available on-site, ensuring that inmates receive necessary healthcare during their stay at this modern correctional facility located on M32 West in Alpena.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Alpena County Jail facility on M32 West can maintain connections with family and friends through structured visitation periods Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm, excluding holidays. The facility operates under standard correctional protocols where personal mail is monitored, as inmates have no expectation of privacy for correspondence that doesn’t come from their attorney of record. Communication with the outside world typically follows established security procedures, with staff reviewing incoming mail to ensure facility safety.

The commissary system allows inmates to purchase personal supplies, food items, and other approved goods to supplement their basic needs during their stay. Like most Michigan county facilities, the jail likely operates on a structured schedule that may include designated meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities, though specific daily routines can vary based on security classifications and facility operations. Inmates generally receive three meals per day and may have access to common areas during approved hours.

Family members seeking to visit or send mail can contact the facility directly at 989-354-9830, with corrections staff available through option 4 on the phone system. The jail maintains standard operating hours Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm for general inquiries, and visitors should verify current visitation schedules and requirements before arriving. Bond payment information and current inmate searches are available through the county’s online resources, helping families stay informed about their loved ones’ status and legal proceedings.