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 Anderson County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Anderson County 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 Anderson County Sheriff's Office.

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

   Mailing address:

   Anderson County Sheriff's Office
   1200 E Lacy St
   Palestine, TX 75801
   Phone: (903) 729-6068

   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: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Anderson County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Anderson County 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 (903) 729-6068 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 Anderson County 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 Anderson County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Anderson County 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 Anderson County Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Anderson County 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 Anderson County 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 Anderson County 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 Anderson County 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

Through comprehensive support networks and structured programming, Anderson County Jail prioritizes the rehabilitation and personal development of its population. The facility's approach centers on addressing the multifaceted challenges individuals face, recognizing that meaningful change requires both practical skills development and emotional support systems. This philosophy guides the implementation of various initiatives designed to foster personal growth while preparing participants for successful community reintegration.

Educational and vocational training programs typically form the cornerstone of skill-building opportunities within the facility. These programs may supply participants with marketable abilities that enhance employment prospects upon release, focusing on trades and technical skills relevant to the regional job market. Also, work programs often provide structured environments where the population can develop professional habits, responsibility, and teamwork skills while contributing to facility operations and gaining valuable experience.

Support services encompass a broad spectrum of therapeutic and personal development initiatives that address the underlying factors contributing to incarceration. Faith-based initiatives may offer spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking such support, while stress management programs typically provide coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques. Also, specialized services such as printing operations often serve dual purposes, offering both vocational training opportunities and practical work experience that builds confidence and professional competencies among participants.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic organization forms the backbone of every interaction within Anderson County Jail, where carefully structured routines now govern the daily experiences of the population. The facility operates on a regimented schedule that typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service and housing unit assignments that regularly rotate throughout the day. Security protocols generally dictate movement patterns, with the population moving between designated areas under staff supervision for meals, medical appointments, and approved activities.

Living accommodations usually consist of multi-occupancy housing units where the population shares dormitory-style or cell-based arrangements, depending on classification levels and available space. Personal property allowances typically include basic hygiene items, limited clothing, and approved personal effects that residents may keep in designated storage areas. Also, commissary services generally operate on scheduled days, allowing the population to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and writing materials to supplement their basic provisions.

However, recreational opportunities and programming schedules supply important structure beyond the basic housing routine. Exercise periods typically occur in designated areas during specific time blocks, while educational or counseling programs may offer additional structured activities for eligible participants. Visitation policies generally allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits and phone calls, though these communications usually operate within established time frames and security guidelines. Work assignments within the facility often provide the population with opportunities to contribute to daily operations while maintaining productive routines during their stay.