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 Brown County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Brown 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 Brown County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Brown County Jail
   15 S Washington St
   New Ulm, MN 56073
   Phone: (507) 233-6775

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

   Visiting hours at Brown 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 (507) 233-6775 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 Brown 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 Brown County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Located at 55 State Road 46 East in Nashville, Indiana, the Brown County Jail maintains communication and support systems that connect inmates with their families and essential services. The facility operates a weekly commissary program, with orders processed every Tuesday by midnight, allowing inmates to purchase personal items and necessities. Phone card services are available through multiple convenient options, including an on-site Combined Public Communications (CPC) kiosk in the Sheriff's Office lobby, a toll-free number, and online purchasing, ensuring inmates can maintain vital contact with their support networks during incarceration.

The jail typically provides educational and counseling programs designed to support inmate rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community. These services may include substance abuse counseling, anger management classes, and basic educational opportunities such as GED preparation. Mental health support services are often available to address the underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior, while religious services and chaplaincy programs may offer spiritual guidance and support to those seeking it.

Under the supervision of Jail Commander Andy Reed, the facility may also offer vocational training opportunities and life skills programs that help prepare inmates for employment upon release. Work release programs and community service opportunities could be available for eligible inmates, allowing them to maintain employment or contribute to community projects while serving their sentences. These comprehensive support services work together to address the multiple factors that influence successful rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates in Brown County.

Daily Life & Visitation

Located at 55 State Road 46 East in Nashville, Indiana, the Brown County Jail operates with structured routines that center around weekly commissary distributions and regular communication opportunities for inmates. The facility processes commissary orders once per week, with families and friends needing to deposit funds by midnight on Tuesday through the Stellar Teller kiosk in the Sheriff's Office lobby. This weekly schedule creates a rhythm that inmates typically anticipate, as commissary items often provide comfort foods, hygiene products, and other personal necessities that supplement standard jail provisions.

Communication with the outside world flows through the Combined Public Communications phone card system, with cards available through multiple convenient methods including a lobby kiosk, phone orders at 1-877-998-5678, or online purchases. Inmates generally have scheduled phone access times throughout the day, allowing them to maintain contact with family members and legal representatives. The facility likely follows standard Indiana correctional protocols for meal times, recreation periods, and housing assignments, though specific schedules may vary based on housing units and security classifications.

Under the supervision of Jail Commander Andy Reed, daily operations typically include structured wake-up times, meals served at regular intervals, and designated periods for cleaning, recreation, and programming when available. Inmates may have access to television, reading materials, and limited recreational activities depending on their housing assignment and behavior status. The facility's location in Nashville provides a small-town correctional environment where staff often develop familiarity with regular inmates, though security procedures and protocols remain consistently enforced throughout all daily activities.