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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex 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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex.

Frequently asked questions about Bledsoe County Correctional Complex

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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bledsoe County Correctional Complex?

   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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex?

   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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex. 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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex. 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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex?

   Mailing address:

   Bledsoe County Correctional Complex
   1045 Horsehead Rd
   Pikeville, TN 37367
   Phone: (423) 881-3251

   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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex?

   Visiting hours at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex 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 (423) 881-3251 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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex?

   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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex 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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, 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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex?

   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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex 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 Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, 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 diagnostic assessment process at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex serves as the foundation for comprehensive rehabilitation planning, with all individuals entering Tennessee Department of Correction custody receiving thorough evaluations to determine their medical, mental health, and programming needs. This evidence-based approach ensures that both male and female residents have access to Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Career Management for Success classes, while specialized vocational training opportunities include Barbering, Core Carpentry I & II, Core Electrical I & II, Core Construction, and Culinary Arts for men, and Computer Aided Drafting, Horticulture & Landscaping, and Cosmetology programs for women.

Behavioral health services form a critical component of the facility's programming, offering cognitive behavior intervention, evidence-based psychotherapy, and specialized housing units including a mental health supportive living unit and protective custody therapeutic community. The substance use therapeutic community provides targeted support alongside substance use group therapy and aftercare services, while workforce development programs help prepare individuals for successful reintegration. Through community partnerships, the facility may also offer associate degree programs and additional educational opportunities.

Beyond these core services, the facility typically provides essential support services that may include library access, recreational activities, religious services, and family visitation programs. Medical and dental care are generally available on-site, while case management services often help coordinate individual treatment plans and prepare residents for their eventual release. The comprehensive programming approach aims to address the diverse needs of the population while supporting successful rehabilitation outcomes.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex in Pikeville, inmates begin their TDOC experience with a comprehensive diagnostic assessment process that shapes their daily routine from the moment they arrive. As Tennessee's primary intake facility for male offenders, the complex processes over 4,500 new arrivals annually, with each individual undergoing thorough medical, mental health, and programming evaluations at Site 1's diagnostic center. This initial assessment period typically involves structured schedules that include medical examinations, classification interviews, and orientation sessions designed to determine appropriate housing assignments and program participation across the facility's three sites spanning 2,500 acres.

Daily activities at BCCX vary significantly based on an inmate's custody level and site assignment, with programming opportunities forming a central component of the routine. Male inmates may participate in vocational training programs including barbering, carpentry, electrical work, construction, and culinary arts, while female offenders housed at Unit 28 can engage in computer aided drafting, horticulture and landscaping, or cosmetology programs. Educational opportunities through Adult Basic Education and Career Management for Success classes are available to both populations, with schedules typically incorporating classroom time, work assignments, meals, recreation periods, and various therapeutic interventions for those enrolled in the facility's substance use or mental health programs.

The complex's extensive behavioral health services integrate into daily life through structured group therapy sessions, cognitive behavior interventions, and specialized housing units including the mental health supportive living unit and therapeutic communities. Inmates may spend portions of their day in evidence-based psychotherapy sessions, workforce development programs, or substance use aftercare meetings, depending on their individual treatment plans. While specific visitation and communication policies weren't detailed in available information, families typically can expect standard TDOC procedures for maintaining contact, with the facility's nearly 700 staff members working to balance security requirements with rehabilitative programming across the minimum to maximum custody levels housed at this comprehensive correctional complex.