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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bexar County Adult Detention Center 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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Bexar County Adult Detention Center

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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bexar County Adult Detention Center?

   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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center?

   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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center. 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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center. 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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Bexar County Adult Detention Center
   200 N Comal St
   San Antonio, TX 78207
   Phone: (210) 335-6010

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Bexar County Adult Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Bexar County Adult Detention Center 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 (210) 335-6010 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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center?

   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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bexar County Adult Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bexar County Adult Detention Center 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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bexar County Adult Detention Center, 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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center?

   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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center 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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center, 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 Bexar County Adult Detention Center, located at 200 North Comal Street in San Antonio, operates around the clock to serve the community while maintaining various support services for those in custody. The facility provides inmate banking services, allowing individuals to manage their financial needs during their stay. With 24-hour operations and year-round staffing, the center maintains continuous access to essential services and programs designed to support rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

Educational and vocational programming typically forms a cornerstone of services at Texas county detention facilities like Bexar County's center. Inmates may have access to GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and potentially vocational training opportunities that help develop job skills for eventual reentry into the community. Counseling services often include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health support, and behavioral intervention programs that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior.

The facility may also offer religious services, library access, and recreational activities as part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining inmate welfare and promoting positive behavioral change. Support services often extend to family communication programs, legal assistance resources, and reentry planning to help individuals prepare for their return to the community. These programs work together to create an environment focused on rehabilitation rather than solely detention, supporting both public safety and individual transformation during the period of incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Located at 200 North Comal Street in San Antonio, the Bexar County Adult Detention Center operates around the clock, maintaining staffed operations 365 days a year to ensure continuous supervision and services for inmates. The facility's 24-hour operation means that daily routines typically follow structured schedules designed to maintain order and provide essential services throughout each day and night shift.

Inmates at the facility generally experience regimented daily schedules that may include designated meal times, recreational periods, and educational or work program opportunities common to Texas correctional facilities. The center's continuous staffing model ensures that medical needs, security protocols, and basic daily functions are maintained at all hours. Family members and visitors can often maintain contact through established visitation procedures and communication systems, though specific policies may vary and should be confirmed directly with facility staff at 210-335-6315.

The facility's location in downtown San Antonio provides accessibility for family visits, with parking available for a fee in the nearby Bexar County Parking Garage. Like most county detention centers in Texas, the facility typically offers inmate banking services to help manage personal funds and commissary purchases. Daily life is structured around security requirements while attempting to provide basic necessities, potential programming opportunities, and limited recreational time within the constraints of the detention environment.