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 Alton Police Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Alton Police Department 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 Alton Police Department.

Frequently asked questions about Alton Police Department

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 Alton Police Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Alton Police Department?

   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 Alton Police Department?

   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 Alton Police Department. 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 Alton Police Department. 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 Alton Police Department?

   Mailing address:

   Alton Police Department
   1700 E Broadway
   Alton, IL 62002
   Phone: (618) 463-3505

5. What are the visiting hours at Alton Police Department?

   Visiting hours at Alton Police Department 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 (618) 463-3505 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 Alton Police Department?

   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 Alton Police Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Alton Police Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Alton Police Department 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 Alton Police Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Alton Police Department, 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 Alton Police Department?

   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 Alton Police Department 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 Alton Police Department, 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 Alton City Jail operates under a distinctive dual-custody model, housing both state and federal inmates within its municipal facility structure. This comprehensive operational approach requires specialized protocols and staff training, with corrections officers completing comprehensive academy training to manage the diverse inmate population. The facility’s federal housing arrangement operates under contractual guidelines with the United States Marshall’s Office, while maintaining compliance with both Illinois Municipal and County Jail Standards through separate inspection processes.

The jail’s physical infrastructure includes twenty-seven adult cells, two juvenile cells, and four holding cells, with most cells designed for double occupancy to accommodate up to fifty-three inmates. The holding cells serve multiple functions, including pre-booking detention and housing inmates who may present behavioral, health, or safety concerns. While specific programming details were not outlined in available information, municipal facilities in Illinois typically may offer basic educational services, substance abuse counseling, and reentry planning assistance to help prepare inmates for their return to the community.

Visitation services are structured to accommodate both state and federal populations, with state inmates receiving in-person visits Monday through Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., while federal inmates utilize video visitation technology through the Securus platform. The facility may also provide standard jail services such as medical screening, mental health assessments, and coordination with local social services agencies to support inmates’ immediate needs and potential long-term rehabilitation goals, though specific program offerings would require direct contact with facility administration for confirmation.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Alton City Jail operates visitation schedules Monday through Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for state inmates, while federal inmates connect with family through video visits scheduled via Securus technology. This municipal facility houses both state and federal prisoners across twenty-seven adult jail cells, two juvenile cells, and four holding cells, with most cells accommodating two inmates to reach a capacity of fifty-three individuals. The holding cells serve multiple purposes, temporarily housing new arrivals awaiting booking or inmates requiring special supervision due to behavioral or health concerns.

Inmates at this facility typically follow structured daily routines that may include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities common to Illinois correctional facilities. The jail maintains professional staffing with corrections officers who have completed the Corrections Academy, working under the supervision of the Jail Administrator who oversees daily operations. Given the facility’s comprehensive status as a municipal jail housing both state and federal prisoners, inmates often experience varying protocols depending on their custody classification, with federal inmates following guidelines established through agreements with the United States Marshall’s Office.

The facility undergoes regular inspections by both the Illinois Department of Corrections and the United States Marshall’s Service, reflecting the dual nature of its operations. These oversight requirements often translate to consistent daily procedures for inmates, including regular counts, security checks, and adherence to both municipal and county jail standards. Family members seeking to maintain contact should be aware that communication methods may vary based on whether their loved one is classified as a state or federal inmate, with different visitation and phone policies potentially applying to each population.