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 Bi-State Justice Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bi-State Justice 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 Bi-State Justice Center.

Frequently asked questions about Bi-State Justice 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 Bi-State Justice Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bi-State Justice 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 Bi-State Justice 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 Bi-State Justice 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 Bi-State Justice 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 Bi-State Justice Center?

   Mailing address:

   Bi-State Justice Center
   100 N State Line Ave
   Texarkana, TX 75501
   Phone: (903) 255-1900

   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 Bi-State Justice Center?

   Visiting hours at Bi-State Justice 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 (903) 255-1900 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 Bi-State Justice 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 Bi-State Justice Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bi-State Justice Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bi-State Justice 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 Bi-State Justice Center?

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

Support flows through multiple pathways at Weber County Jail, where comprehensive programming addresses the diverse needs of the population. The facility's approach centers on building practical skills and personal stability that extend beyond incarceration. Programs typically focus on preparing individuals for successful community reintegration while addressing underlying challenges that may have contributed to their circumstances.

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, with programs designed to help participants complete their academic goals. The population may access basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education resources. Additionally, vocational training provides hands-on experience in marketable trades, including automotive repair programs that teach mechanical skills valued in the local job market. These educational and vocational initiatives often include career counseling to help participants identify realistic employment pathways.

Therapeutic communities create structured environments where the population can address substance abuse and behavioral challenges through peer support and professional guidance. The facility may supply specialized programs in barbering and cosmetology, offering both practical skills training and potential licensing opportunities. Job placement assistance typically connects participants with local employers willing to hire individuals with criminal histories, while comprehensive reentry preparation addresses housing, transportation, and family reunification needs. These support services often include life skills workshops that cover financial literacy, conflict resolution, and maintaining healthy relationships within the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured schedules and clear protocols shape every aspect of the experience at Weber County Jail, where systematic organization currently guides the population through predictable daily routines. The facility continues to operate on a framework that balances security requirements with basic needs, ensuring residents understand expectations and procedures from intake through release.

Housing units typically accommodate multiple residents in dormitory-style or cell arrangements, with personal property allowances generally limited to essential items and approved commissary purchases. Meals are usually served at designated times in common areas or delivered to housing units, depending on security classifications and facility protocols. The population generally has access to basic recreation opportunities and may participate in educational or religious programming when available. Additionally, residents can typically maintain family connections through scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges, though these communications are usually monitored according to standard correctional procedures.

While daily structure remains consistent, work assignments within the facility may supply additional routine for eligible residents, including kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks. Programming schedules often include opportunities for counseling services, substance abuse education, or other rehabilitative activities designed to support successful reintegration. Additionally, the commissary system allows residents to purchase approved personal items and snacks, providing some degree of personal choice within the structured environment.