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 Bandera County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Bandera 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 Bandera County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Bandera County Jail
   3360 TX-173
   Bandera, TX 78003
   Phone: (830) 796-7759

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

   Visiting hours at Bandera 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 (830) 796-7759 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 Bandera 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 Bandera County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Financial literacy education forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative initiatives at Bandera County Jail, where residents typically engage with comprehensive curricula designed to address fundamental gaps in economic understanding. These educational frameworks often encompass budgeting strategies, debt management principles, and banking fundamentals that may prove instrumental in preventing recidivism upon release. The facility's approach to programming emphasizes practical skill acquisition rather than theoretical knowledge, ensuring that residents develop competencies directly applicable to their post-incarceration circumstances.

Vocational training initiatives complement the educational foundation by providing residents with marketable skills across various industry sectors. These programs may deliver hands-on instruction in trades such as construction, automotive maintenance, or food service preparation, depending on facility resources and community employment opportunities. Moreover, work programs within the facility often allow residents to gain practical experience while contributing to institutional operations, creating a structured environment that mirrors traditional workplace expectations and responsibilities.

Faith-based initiatives and chaplaincy programs typically provide crucial emotional and spiritual support throughout residents' incarceration period. These services may offer individual counseling, group discussions, and religious observances that help residents develop coping mechanisms and moral frameworks for decision-making. The chaplaincy component often includes crisis intervention support and pre-release counseling, addressing the psychological challenges associated with reintegration into community life while fostering personal accountability and spiritual growth among participating residents.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythmic sound of count times and meal announcements currently structures each day at the facility, creating a predictable framework that continues to provide residents with essential stability during their stay. Morning routines typically begin early with wake-up calls, followed by headcount procedures and the serving of breakfast in designated dining areas. Throughout the day, residents generally follow a structured schedule that may include work assignments, educational programming, recreational periods, and additional meal services, with each activity designed to deliver meaningful structure to their daily experience.

Living accommodations at Bandera County Jail typically consist of housing units that accommodate multiple residents, with each person generally assigned a designated sleeping area and limited personal storage space. Residents usually have access to basic amenities such as bedding, hygiene supplies, and a commissary system where they may purchase additional items with funds provided by family members or earned through facility work programs. Moreover, the facility typically maintains visiting areas where residents can meet with approved family members and friends during scheduled visitation hours, while also providing access to telephone services and correspondence opportunities to help maintain important connections with their support networks.

Whereas the structured environment emphasizes security and routine, residents often have opportunities to participate in various programs that may include educational classes, religious services, and recreational activities when available. Work assignments within the facility typically provide residents with purposeful daily activities while contributing to the facility's operations, and these positions may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks. The facility generally continues to balance security requirements with programming opportunities, ensuring that residents maintain family contact through regular visitation schedules and communication privileges that support their connections to the outside community during their period of incarceration.