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 Anoka County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Anoka County Jail 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 Anoka County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Anoka County Jail

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 Anoka County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Anoka County Jail?

   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 Anoka County Jail?

   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 Anoka County Jail. 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 Anoka County Jail. 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 Anoka County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Anoka County Jail
   325 Jackson St
   Anoka, MN 55303
   Phone: (763) 324-5100

5. What are the visiting hours at Anoka County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Anoka County Jail 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 (763) 324-5100 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 Anoka County Jail?

   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 Anoka County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Anoka County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Anoka County Jail 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 Anoka County Jail?

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

   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 Anoka County Jail 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 Anoka County Jail, 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 Anoka County Jail Division operates with a mission centered on providing secure, safe, and humane confinement while delivering programs and services designed to address the individual problems and needs of detainees. As a 238-bed facility housing primarily non-sentenced inmates through both direct and remote supervision models, the jail emphasizes cost-effective and efficient service delivery that meets or exceeds state and national standards. Staff members work to tailor programming to the diverse population they serve, recognizing that effective interventions can make a meaningful difference during an individual's time in custody.

While the facility's core focus remains on secure detention, Anoka County Jail may offer various support services typical of Minnesota correctional facilities. These often include basic educational opportunities such as GED preparation, life skills programming, and substance abuse education to address underlying issues that may have contributed to an individual's legal troubles. The jail may also provide mental health services, including counseling and crisis intervention, given the significant number of individuals in the justice system who face behavioral health challenges. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are commonly available to support spiritual needs during incarceration.

Additional programming may encompass vocational training opportunities, work release preparation, and reentry planning services to help individuals transition back into the community. The facility typically maintains connections with local social services agencies and treatment providers to facilitate continuity of care upon release. Given the jail's focus on meeting individual needs, case management services may be available to help coordinate various programs and ensure detainees receive appropriate support during their stay and preparation for their eventual return to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Anoka County Jail Division operates as a 238-bed facility that primarily houses non-sentenced inmates in both direct supervision and remote supervision housing units. Inmates typically begin their day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by structured activities that may include educational programs, work assignments, or recreational time depending on their housing classification. The facility's staff members work to provide programs and services designed to meet individual needs of detainees, which often includes access to library services, religious programming, and basic medical care throughout the day.

Daily routines at the facility generally revolve around scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and visiting hours for family members and legal counsel. Inmates housed in direct supervision units may have more opportunities for interaction and movement within their housing areas, while those in remote supervision typically have more restricted schedules. The jail maintains communication services that usually include telephone access and mail processing, allowing inmates to stay connected with their support systems during their stay.

For families seeking information about loved ones in custody, the facility provides an Inmate Locator service to search for current or recently released individuals. Visitors can typically expect structured visitation schedules, though specific policies may vary based on housing assignments and security classifications. The jail division operates under state and national standards, ensuring that daily operations maintain appropriate levels of safety and security while providing humane conditions for all detainees in their care.