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 Belknap County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Belknap 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 Belknap County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Belknap County Jail
   76 County Dr
   Laconia, NH 03246
   Phone: (603) 527-5480

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
   • Tuesday: 12:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

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

   Visiting hours at Belknap 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 (603) 527-5480 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 Belknap 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 Belknap County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Belknap County Jail. The facility typically emphasizes building practical abilities that inmates can use both during incarceration and after release. This approach recognizes that meaningful change happens when people gain confidence through learning new skills and addressing underlying challenges.

Educational services may provide inmates with opportunities to advance their academic knowledge and earn important credentials. Basic literacy and GED preparation are often available to help participants complete their high school education. Also, vocational training services typically focus on teaching marketable job skills that can lead to employment opportunities. HVAC certification programs may be offered to give inmates specialized technical training in heating and cooling systems, providing them with valuable trade skills.

Support services often include therapeutic communities that create structured environments for personal development and positive peer interaction. Domestic violence programs may address relationship patterns and communication skills for those with relevant backgrounds. Also, identification document assistance typically helps inmates obtain essential paperwork like birth certificates and state IDs, which are crucial for securing housing and employment after release. These comprehensive services work together to address multiple aspects of an inmate’s preparation for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Belknap County Jail feature dormitory-style accommodations and individual cells, creating a structured environment where inmates now follow established daily routines. Inmates regularly participate in scheduled activities that begin with morning counts and meal service. The facility typically operates on a predictable schedule that provides structure through consistent wake-up times, meals, and programming periods.

Living accommodations generally include basic furnishings and shared common areas where inmates spend portions of their day. The housing units may offer television access and recreational spaces during designated hours. Inmates typically receive three meals daily in dining areas, with menus that meet nutritional standards. Also, the facility usually maintains a commissary system where inmates can purchase approved personal items and snacks with funds from their accounts.

Work assignments within the facility often provide inmates with structured activities and may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks. The jail typically offers educational programming and recreational opportunities that help inmates maintain connections with their families through scheduled visitation periods and phone access. However, all activities and movements generally occur under appropriate security supervision, with inmates adapting to the routine-based environment that emphasizes safety and order throughout their stay.