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 Black Hawk Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Black Hawk 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 Black Hawk Sheriff's Office.

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

   Mailing address:

   Black Hawk Sheriff's Office
   225 E 6th St
   Waterloo, IA 50703
   Phone: (319) 291-2587

   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 Black Hawk Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Black Hawk 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 (319) 291-2587 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 Black Hawk 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 Black Hawk Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Black Hawk 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 Black Hawk Sheriff's Office?

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

The Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive approach to inmate services through their Special Services division, which focuses on court processes and supporting the judicial system. This foundation enables the facility to provide various programs designed to assist inmates during their incarceration and prepare them for successful reintegration into the community.

Communication and financial services form a core component of the jail's offerings, with established systems for inmate mail correspondence, money deposits through multiple channels including online platforms, and structured visitation through the CIDNET account system. These services help maintain crucial family connections and support networks. The facility may also offer educational programs such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy instruction, and life skills workshops that address practical needs like budgeting and job readiness. Counseling services typically include substance abuse programs, mental health support, and behavioral intervention programs designed to address underlying issues that may have contributed to incarceration.

Additional programming may encompass vocational training opportunities, religious services, and library access to support personal development and rehabilitation goals. The jail's commitment to professional law enforcement and community partnership, as reflected in their mission statement, often extends to reentry planning services that may include job placement assistance and connections to community resources. These comprehensive services work together to support inmates' immediate needs while fostering long-term positive outcomes for both individuals and the broader Black Hawk County community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with family and friends forms a central part of the inmate experience at Black Hawk County Jail, with multiple channels available for maintaining these vital connections. The facility operates through the CIDNET system for visitation scheduling, requiring family members to create accounts before arranging visits. Inmates can receive mail following established guidelines, while their commissary accounts can be funded through various methods including in-person deposits via credit or debit card, mailed checks, or online transactions, providing flexibility for families managing different financial situations.

The daily structure at Black Hawk County Jail typically revolves around established meal times, recreational periods, and programming opportunities, though specific schedules may vary based on housing assignments and security classifications. Inmates often have access to common areas during designated hours, where they can interact with others in their housing unit, watch television, or participate in available activities. The facility maintains focus on court processes and supporting the judicial system, meaning many inmates spend portions of their day preparing for or attending court proceedings, meeting with legal counsel, or participating in related administrative tasks.

Room and board fees are assessed to inmates as part of their stay, with payment arrangements that can be made through the sheriff's office either in person or by mail. This financial responsibility, combined with the facility's emphasis on professional law enforcement and correctional services, reflects the structured environment that characterizes daily operations. While maintaining security remains the primary concern, the jail's community outreach focus suggests efforts to balance institutional requirements with programs that may support rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community upon release.