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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Alvin S Glenn Detention Center 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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Alvin S Glenn Detention Center

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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Alvin S Glenn Detention Center?

   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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center?

   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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center. 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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center. 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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Alvin S Glenn Detention Center
   201 John Mark Dial Dr
   Columbia, SC 29209
   Phone: (803) 576-3200

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Alvin S Glenn Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Alvin S Glenn Detention Center 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 (803) 576-3200 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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center?

   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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Alvin S Glenn Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Alvin S Glenn Detention Center 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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Alvin S Glenn Detention Center, 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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center?

   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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center 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 Alvin S Glenn Detention Center, 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 Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center operates with a commitment to providing quality service as an integral component of Richland County's criminal justice system. The facility maintains religious services to support the spiritual needs of individuals in custody, recognizing the important role faith-based programming can play during incarceration. Additionally, the center provides structured inmate visitation programs that help maintain family connections, along with comprehensive mail services that facilitate communication with the outside community.

Beyond these core services, the facility typically may offer educational programming to help individuals work toward completing their GED or developing basic literacy skills. Substance abuse counseling and mental health services are often available to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. The detention center may also provide access to legal resources and library services to support individuals navigating their cases.

Life skills programming and pre-release preparation services are commonly integrated into the facility's offerings to help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community. These programs often include job readiness training, financial literacy education, and guidance on accessing community resources upon release. The facility maintains an inmate accounts system to manage personal funds and commissary purchases, while also providing access to an inmate guidebook that outlines facility rules, procedures, and available resources to help individuals navigate their time in custody effectively.

Daily Life & Visitation

Located at 201 John Mark Dial Drive in Columbia, the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center operates as an integral component of Richland County's criminal justice system, where structured routines and established protocols shape the experience for those in custody. The facility maintains specific guidelines for mail and publications, with current restrictions temporarily suspending the acceptance of books, magazines, and periodicals until further notice, reflecting the center's commitment to maintaining security standards while balancing communication needs.

Inmates at the facility typically follow structured daily schedules that may include designated times for meals, recreation, and various programming opportunities. The detention center provides religious services as part of its comprehensive approach to inmate welfare, recognizing the importance of spiritual support during incarceration. Family connections remain a priority through established visitation procedures, with the facility maintaining detailed guidelines to ensure both security and meaningful contact between inmates and their loved ones.

The center's operations reflect its mission to provide quality and efficient service to both facility users and Richland County citizens. Communication with the outside world often includes regulated mail correspondence, though families should be aware of current restrictions on certain publications. The facility typically maintains inmate account services, allowing for the management of funds that may be used for commissary purchases and other approved expenses, helping inmates maintain some personal autonomy within the structured environment while supporting their basic needs during their stay.