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 Buffalo County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Buffalo 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 Buffalo County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Buffalo County Jail
   1512 Central Ave
   Kearney, NE 68847
   Phone: (308) 233-5281

   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 Buffalo County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Buffalo 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 (308) 233-5281 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Through comprehensive programming designed to address the multifaceted needs of individuals in custody, Buffalo County Jail in Nebraska demonstrates a commitment to rehabilitation that extends far beyond basic detention services. The facility's approach to inmate support recognizes that meaningful reintegration into society requires addressing educational deficits, developing practical skills, and fostering personal growth through structured therapeutic interventions. This holistic philosophy permeates throughout the institution's various offerings, creating an environment where the population can actively engage in their own transformation while serving their sentences.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's rehabilitative efforts, with education programs typically encompassing basic literacy instruction, adult education courses, and comprehensive GED preparation services. These academic initiatives may supply individuals with the foundational knowledge necessary for future employment opportunities and higher education pursuits. In addition to this educational foundation, vocational training programs often provide hands-on instruction in practical trades and skills that align with regional employment demands, enabling participants to develop marketable abilities that can facilitate successful community reintegration upon release.

The facility's commitment to comprehensive support extends through specialized therapeutic interventions and structured work opportunities that address both psychological well-being and practical preparation for release. Cognitive behavioral therapy programs typically focus on helping the population develop healthier thought patterns, improve decision-making skills, and build coping mechanisms for managing stress and interpersonal relationships. Work programs may offer participants the opportunity to maintain productive routines, develop workplace skills, and contribute meaningfully to facility operations while earning modest compensation that can support their families or personal needs during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic organization forms the backbone of every interaction and activity within Buffalo County Jail, where structured schedules and clear protocols actively guide the population through each day's progression. At present, the facility operates on a regimented timeline that typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by designated periods for programming, recreation, and facility maintenance duties. The population actively participates in this structured environment, where predictable routines supply stability and help maintain order throughout the housing units.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where the population may be housed based on factors such as security classification, gender, and specific needs. Personal property is typically limited to essential items and approved commissary purchases, with storage space carefully regulated to maintain safety and security standards. In addition to this basic housing structure, the facility usually provides common areas where the population can gather during designated recreation periods, though movement between areas is generally supervised and follows established protocols.

Programming schedules typically supply the population with opportunities for educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and vocational training when available, though specific offerings may vary based on staffing and resources. Recreation periods usually include access to exercise areas, television viewing, and limited recreational activities that help break up the daily routine. Despite this structured environment, the facility generally maintains visitation policies that allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, providing crucial support systems that help the population stay connected to their communities while serving their time.