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 Bastrop County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

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

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

   Mailing address:

   Bastrop County Sheriff's Office
   200 Jackson St
   Bastrop, TX 78602
   Phone: (512) 303-1080

   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 Bastrop County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Bastrop 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 (512) 303-1080 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 Bastrop 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 Bastrop County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation services at Bastrop County Jail, where inmates typically have access to structured programming designed to address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. The facility often emphasizes a comprehensive approach that combines practical skill-building with therapeutic intervention, recognizing that successful rehabilitation requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's circumstances. These services may provide inmates with opportunities to develop new competencies while working through underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational and vocational services typically include vocational training programs that may focus on marketable skills relevant to the local job market. These training opportunities often emphasize hands-on learning experiences that can translate directly into employment prospects upon release. The vocational training services may cover various trades and technical skills, allowing inmates to develop expertise in areas that align with their interests and aptitudes while building confidence through practical application.

Additionally, the facility often provides comprehensive support through work programs that may offer inmates structured daily activities and responsibility-building experiences. Faith-based initiatives typically serve inmates seeking spiritual guidance and community connection during their incarceration. The facility may also offer specialized services such as masonry training, which can provide inmates with concrete construction skills. Therapeutic services often include cognitive behavioral therapy, which may help inmates develop healthier thought patterns and coping strategies that support successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Bastrop County Jail feature dormitory-style accommodations alongside individual cells, creating distinct living environments where inmates must navigate shared spaces and personal boundaries. Within these concrete and steel surroundings, residents currently follow structured daily schedules that begin with early morning counts and continue through evening lockdown procedures. The facility's layout typically includes common areas where inmates gather for meals and limited recreation time.

Living conditions generally involve shared sleeping quarters in many housing units, where inmates learn to coexist in close proximity with others from diverse backgrounds. Personal property remains limited to essential items and approved commissary purchases, encouraging residents to adapt to minimalist living arrangements. While the environment may initially feel overwhelming, many inmates typically develop routines that provide stability and structure within the controlled setting. The facility usually maintains temperature control and basic amenities, though comfort levels differ significantly from home environments.

Additionally, the jail often provides work assignments that may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and facility maintenance tasks that help inmates stay occupied during daytime hours. Programming schedules generally incorporate educational opportunities and life skills classes when available, though participation may depend on housing classification and behavior records. Family connections continue through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, allowing inmates to maintain important relationships that often prove crucial for successful reintegration. Recreation time typically includes access to television viewing areas and limited outdoor exercise periods, providing brief respites from the structured institutional environment.