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 Butte Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Butte 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 Butte Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Butte Detention Center
   155 W Quartz St
   Butte, MT 59701
   Phone: (406) 497-1040

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Butte Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Butte 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 (406) 497-1040 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 Butte 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 Butte Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Butte 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 Butte Detention Center?

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

Communication and support services form a cornerstone of daily operations at the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Facility, with comprehensive systems in place to help inmates maintain connections with family and access essential resources. The facility operates a commissary program that serves dual purposes - providing inmates with personal items like snacks, beverages, and candy while generating revenue that directly benefits the inmate population through purchases of televisions, cable services, newspapers, board games, and indigent supplies. This self-sustaining approach ensures that funds contributed by inmates and their families circle back to enhance living conditions and recreational opportunities for all residents.

The facility maintains structured protocols for inmate correspondence and package delivery, requiring all packages to be sent directly from manufacturers or established retailers to ensure security and proper processing. Phone services are available to help inmates maintain crucial family connections during their incarceration. Beyond these communication services, Montana detention facilities typically may offer educational programming such as GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and vocational training opportunities that could include construction trades, food service, or maintenance skills relevant to the local job market.

Support services often include substance abuse counseling, mental health resources, and reentry planning programs designed to prepare inmates for successful community reintegration. The facility may also provide religious services, library access, and recreational activities that complement the board games and entertainment options funded through commissary revenue. These comprehensive services work together to address both immediate needs during incarceration and longer-term goals of rehabilitation and community safety.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with family and friends forms a vital part of the experience for individuals housed at the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Facility. Inmates can receive packages directly from manufacturers or retailers like Amazon, though all items must include proper identification and return address information when sent to 155 W. Quartz St. The facility maintains strict policies regarding mail, with any letters accompanying commissary funds being destroyed to maintain security protocols.

The commissary system provides inmates with opportunities to purchase comfort items including candy, snacks, and beverages, though booking fees and medical copay charges are typically deducted established from any deposited funds. Money can be added to inmate accounts through cash or cashier’s checks mailed directly to the facility, or through online payment systems. Revenue generated from commissary sales helps fund recreational amenities for the inmate population, including televisions, cable programming, newspapers, board games, and supplies for those without personal funds.

Daily routines at the facility likely follow standard correctional schedules common to Montana detention centers, with structured meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities. The facility’s location in Butte provides inmates with access to mountain views and seasonal weather changes that may influence outdoor recreation time. While specific visiting hours weren’t detailed in available information, most facilities in Montana typically offer scheduled visitation periods that allow families to maintain important connections during an individual’s stay at the detention center.