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 Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Bledsoe County Jail

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 Jail.

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

   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 Jail?

   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 Jail. 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 Jail. 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 Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Bledsoe County Jail
   235 Allen P Deakins Rd
   Pikeville, TN 37367
   Phone: (423) 447-2197

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Bledsoe County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Bledsoe County Jail 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) 447-2197 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 Jail?

   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 Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Bledsoe County Jail 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 Jail?

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

   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 Jail 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 Jail, 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 programming, with all male offenders entering Tennessee Department of Correction custody receiving thorough evaluations to determine their medical, mental health, and programming needs. This evidence-based approach enables the facility to provide targeted Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Career Management for Success classes to both male and female populations. Male inmates can access specialized vocational training in Barbering, Core Carpentry I & II, Core Electrical I & II, Core Construction, and Culinary Arts, while female offenders participate in Computer Aided Drafting, Horticulture & Landscaping, and Cosmetology programs designed to build marketable job skills.

Addressing behavioral health needs, the complex offers cognitive behavior intervention, evidence-based psychotherapy, and specialized housing units including a mental health supportive living unit and protective custody therapeutic community. The facility's substance abuse treatment includes a dedicated therapeutic community, group therapy sessions, and aftercare programming to support long-term recovery. Through community partnerships, inmates may access associate degree programs that further their educational advancement. Additional services typically available at Tennessee correctional facilities may include library resources, recreational activities, religious programming, and family visitation opportunities, though specific details about these supplementary programs would require verification with facility administration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The comprehensive diagnostic assessment process at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex begins the moment male offenders enter Tennessee Department of Correction custody at Site 1. This initial evaluation determines each individual's medical, mental health, and programming needs, setting the foundation for their daily routine throughout their stay. With nearly 700 staff members serving the facility's 2,265 inmates across three distinct sites on 2,500 acres in Pikeville, the complex operates with structured schedules that accommodate both diagnostic procedures and ongoing correctional programming.

Daily routines typically vary depending on which site inmates are housed at and their custody classification level, which ranges from minimum to maximum security. Those at Site 1 may participate in diagnostic activities and assessments, while inmates at Site 2 and the female population at Site 3 (Unit 28) engage in educational and vocational programming. Men may attend classes in barbering, carpentry, electrical work, construction, or culinary arts, while women participate in computer aided drafting, horticulture and landscaping, or cosmetology programs. Adult Basic Education and Career Management for Success classes are available to both male and female inmates, with schedules typically structured around meals, count times, and security procedures.

The facility's behavioral health services are integrated into daily life through various therapeutic communities and intervention programs. Inmates may participate in cognitive behavior intervention sessions, evidence-based psychotherapy, or substance use group therapy as part of their regular schedule. Those in specialized housing units, such as the mental health supportive living unit or therapeutic communities, follow modified routines designed to support their treatment needs. Communication with family members and visitation arrangements typically follow standard Tennessee Department of Correction policies, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary based on housing assignment and security level.