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 Bonneville County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Bonneville 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 Bonneville County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Bonneville County Jail
   900 Environmental Way
   Idaho Falls, ID 83401
   Phone: (208) 529-1315

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

   Visiting hours at Bonneville 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 (208) 529-1315 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 Bonneville 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 Bonneville County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bonneville 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 Bonneville 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 Bonneville 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 Bonneville 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 Bonneville County Jail in Idaho Falls utilizes modern digital mail processing technology to maintain family connections for individuals in custody. Through a partnership with Viapath Technologies and Earth Class mail processing services, all personal correspondence is scanned and delivered digitally to inmates' tablets at no cost. This system allows for indefinite storage of mail items and may approve certain materials like artwork with crayons or stickers for digital viewing, provided they meet safety guidelines. Books and magazines must be sent directly from online vendors to the facility's physical address, while personal correspondence is processed through a specialized P.O. Box in Maryland.

Beyond communication services, Bonneville County Jail typically may offer educational programming to support inmates' personal development during their stay. Many Idaho correctional facilities provide GED preparation classes, basic literacy instruction, and life skills workshops that help individuals prepare for successful reintegration. The facility often includes substance abuse counseling and mental health support services, recognizing that addressing underlying issues is essential for reducing recidivism.

Work programs and vocational training opportunities may also be available, allowing inmates to develop job skills while contributing to facility operations. These programs often include kitchen services, maintenance work, and cleaning duties that provide structure and work experience. Religious services and recreational activities typically complement these offerings, creating a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals during their incarceration while maintaining facility safety and security standards.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with the outside world plays a central role in inmates' experiences at Bonneville County Jail, where all personal correspondence is processed through a digital mail system. Letters and cards sent to the facility are scanned by Earth Class mail processing company and delivered electronically to inmates' Viapath Technologies tablets at no cost to the recipient. This modern approach allows inmates to access their mail indefinitely through their digital accounts, though all correspondence undergoes review by jail staff to ensure compliance with safety and security guidelines.

The digital mail system reflects the facility's integration of technology into daily operations, with inmates typically having scheduled access to their tablets throughout the day. While personal mail must be sent to a Phoenix, Maryland processing center, books and magazines can be shipped directly from online vendors to the jail's Idaho Falls address. This dual-system approach may initially seem complex to families, but it often provides inmates with more reliable access to correspondence than traditional paper mail systems.

Daily routines at the facility typically follow structured schedules common to county jails, with inmates participating in meals, recreation periods, and various programming opportunities when available. The emphasis on maintaining family connections through the digital mail system suggests that the facility recognizes the importance of outside support in inmates' daily lives. Staff members are available at 208-529-1315 to assist families with questions about the mail process or to provide inmate ID numbers needed for correspondence, helping maintain these vital connections during incarceration.