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 Brooks Co Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Brooks Co Detention Center
   901 Co Rd 201
   Falfurrias, TX 78355
   Phone: (361) 325-3340

   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 Brooks Co Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Brooks Co Detention 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 (361) 325-3340 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 Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Brooks Co Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention 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 Brooks Co Detention 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

Through comprehensive "service delivery" that addresses multiple aspects of personal development, the population at Brooks County Jail receives structured support designed to foster positive change and prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach recognizes that meaningful transformation often requires addressing various interconnected needs, from practical skills development to personal growth and spiritual wellness. Programs are typically designed to build upon each other, creating a foundation that supports both immediate stability and long-term success.

Educational and vocational opportunities form a cornerstone of the facility's programming structure. Vocational training programs may supply hands-on experience in essential trades, while specialized instruction in areas such as plumbing provides marketable skills that can lead to employment upon release. The population often participates in work programs that not only develop professional capabilities but also instill discipline and responsibility. Also, printing services may be available, offering technical skills training while contributing to facility operations.

Support services extend beyond traditional educational offerings to encompass holistic personal development. Faith-based initiatives typically provide spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking such support. Life coaching programs often focus on helping the population develop essential life skills, improve decision-making abilities, and establish realistic goals for their future. These therapeutic programs may include individual and group sessions that address underlying issues contributing to incarceration, while emphasizing the importance of family relationships and community ties in the reintegration process.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured organization forms the backbone of daily operations, with clear routines that currently guide the population through scheduled activities and continue to provide predictability in their environment. The facility typically operates on a systematic schedule that generally includes designated times for meals, programming, and recreational activities. Count procedures occur regularly throughout the day to maintain security and accountability. The population usually follows established protocols for movement between different areas of the facility, with staff coordination ensuring orderly transitions.

Housing units accommodate the population in various configurations, with dormitory-style and individual cell arrangements depending on classification levels and available space. Living areas typically include basic furnishings and personal storage options for approved items. Also, the facility generally provides three meals daily in designated dining areas, with the population often eating in scheduled groups. Personal hygiene supplies and commissary items may be available for purchase, allowing individuals to supplement basic provisions. However, all personal property must comply with established guidelines and security requirements.

Recreational opportunities typically supply structure through organized activities and exercise periods in designated areas. The population may access programming that often includes educational components, substance abuse counseling, and vocational training when available. Work assignments within the facility generally provide productive activities for eligible individuals, ranging from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks. Also, visitation policies usually allow scheduled contact with family members and approved visitors, while telephone access and correspondence continue to maintain important connections with the outside community. However, all communication and visitation procedures follow security protocols designed to ensure facility safety.