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 Butler County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Butler 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 Butler County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Butler County Jail
   442 S 2nd St
   Hamilton, OH 45011
   Phone: (513) 785-1000

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

   Visiting hours at Butler 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 (513) 785-1000 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 Butler 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 Butler County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Butler County’s Corrections Division operates through a comprehensive objective jail classification (OJC) system that forms the foundation for program placement and services. This systematic approach to assessing inmates’ custody levels and needs helps determine appropriate programming opportunities while maintaining facility safety. The classification process, which occurs at intake and continues with monthly reviews, places inmates into maximum, medium, or minimum security categories based on factors including criminal history, behavioral patterns, and medical conditions.

The corrections system operates three facilities in Hamilton, Ohio, with the main Corrections Center at 705 Hanover Street serving as the primary booking and housing location for many individuals. This facility accommodates various security levels and may offer educational programs such as GED preparation, adult basic education, and literacy classes to help inmates work toward academic goals. Vocational training opportunities typically include job readiness workshops, basic computer skills, and trade-related instruction that can support successful reentry into the community. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and anger management programs to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services at Butler County’s facilities often include religious programming, library access, and recreational activities that promote positive engagement during incarceration. The classification system’s regular review process allows for program adjustments as inmates progress through their sentences or demonstrate behavioral changes. Medical and mental health services are typically available to address ongoing health needs, while reentry planning may include assistance with job placement, housing resources, and community connections to support successful transition upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Butler County Jail operates through a comprehensive classification system that shapes every aspect of an inmate’s experience, with individuals assessed and categorized into maximum, medium, or minimum security levels based on their criminal history, behavior, and risk factors. This classification, which is reviewed every thirty days, determines not dedicated housing placement within the 848-bed Corrections Center on Hanover Street but also the color of uniform worn and specific armbands that must be displayed at all times throughout the facility.

Inmates typically follow structured daily schedules that may include meals served at designated times, recreational periods when available, and access to basic services within their security classification. The facility often provides opportunities for inmates to maintain contact with family members through scheduled visitation programs and phone privileges, though specific policies may vary based on an individual’s classification level and behavioral record. Medical and mental health services are typically available to address ongoing health needs, while the facility’s administrative staff works to ensure proper placement and safety for all residents.

The corrections system utilizes multiple facilities throughout Hamilton, including the main Corrections Center and the Resolutions Jail on South Second Street, which currently houses overflow inmates from the primary facility. This multi-facility approach allows staff to better manage the inmate population while accommodating various custody levels and special populations, including federal inmates housed under contracts with agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service. The facility administrator maintains authority to adjust housing assignments or increase security measures as needed to preserve order and ensure the safety of all individuals within the system.