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 Benton County Jail Administration.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Benton County Jail Administration

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 Benton County Jail Administration.

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

   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 Benton County Jail Administration?

   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 Benton County Jail Administration. 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 Benton County Jail Administration. 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 Benton County Jail Administration?

   Mailing address:

   Benton County Jail Administration
   1300 SW 14th St
   Bentonville, AR 72712
   Phone: (479) 271-1011

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Benton County Jail Administration?

   Visiting hours at Benton County Jail Administration 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 (479) 271-1011 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 Benton County Jail Administration?

   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 Benton County Jail Administration for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Benton County Jail Administration 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 Benton County Jail Administration?

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

   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 Benton County Jail Administration 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 Benton County Jail Administration, 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

As the dedicated correctional facility serving Benton County, the jail faces comprehensive challenges in managing capacity while providing essential services to adults in custody. The facility operates under strict state requirements and has developed creative approaches to meet the diverse needs of individuals arrested throughout the county by various law enforcement agencies, including those from Corvallis, Philomath, Albany, and Oregon State University Police. Due to its distinction as the smallest jail per capita in Oregon, the facility must implement innovative solutions, including early release programs for capacity management and bed rental arrangements with other facilities to accommodate overflow.

The jail typically provides fundamental support services that may include basic educational programming, substance abuse counseling, and mental health resources to address the underlying issues that often contribute to incarceration. Given Oregon’s emphasis on rehabilitation and reentry preparation, the facility likely offers job readiness training, life skills workshops, and connections to community resources that help prepare individuals for successful reintegration. These programs often focus on practical skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, and financial literacy to reduce recidivism rates.

The facility maintains strong community connections through its collaboration with the Oregon Department of Corrections and participation in the Victim Information System in Oregon (VISOR), which demonstrates its commitment to public safety and victim services. Additional support services may include religious programming, library access, and recreational activities designed to maintain positive mental health during incarceration. The jail’s approach to programming reflects the broader Oregon correctional philosophy of balancing public safety with rehabilitation opportunities, even within the constraints of a smaller facility managing capacity challenges.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Benton County Jail operates as the sole correctional facility for the entire county, housing adults in custody from arrests made by various law enforcement agencies including Corvallis Police, Philomath Police, Albany Police, Oregon State University Police, and Benton County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies. As Oregon’s smallest jail per capita, the facility maintains structured daily routines that accommodate its comprehensive capacity constraints while ensuring public safety. Adults in custody typically follow scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and program activities, though specific programming may vary based on the facility’s creative approaches to managing limited space and resources.

Families and friends can maintain contact with adults in custody through the jail’s established visitation procedures and communication systems. The facility provides information on how to visit and contact individuals housed there, ensuring that important family connections remain intact during incarceration. Given the jail’s size limitations, visitation schedules may be more structured than larger facilities, and families are encouraged to review current policies before planning visits.

The jail’s operations reflect the challenges of serving a diverse county with limited resources, including the need to rent 40 beds in other facilities and implement early release programs when capacity issues arise. During periods when the jail reaches capacity or closes for processing, daily routines may be adjusted accordingly. The facility participates in Oregon’s Victim Information System (VISOR), which helps coordinate information between various correctional agencies throughout the state, ensuring that daily operations align with broader public safety goals while maintaining appropriate services for adults in custody.