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 Calhoun County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Calhoun 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 Calhoun County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Calhoun County Jail
   185 E Michigan Ave
   Battle Creek, MI 49014
   Phone: (269) 969-6303

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Calhoun 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 (269) 969-6303 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 Calhoun 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 Calhoun County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Educational advancement and personal development opportunities form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts for those incarcerated at Calhoun County Correctional Facility. The facility's comprehensive approach emphasizes skill-building and knowledge acquisition as fundamental pathways toward successful community reintegration. Through carefully structured offerings, participants can engage in meaningful activities that foster intellectual growth while maintaining the security and safety protocols essential to the correctional environment.

Academic and vocational education programs typically provide those incarcerated with essential pathways to develop marketable skills and complete educational milestones. Computer literacy courses may furnish participants with technological competencies increasingly vital in today's workforce, while broader education programs often encompass various academic subjects designed to enhance critical thinking and foundational knowledge. These structured learning environments create opportunities for intellectual engagement within the facility's secure framework.

Furthermore, specialized support services complement the educational foundation through targeted reentry preparation and personal development initiatives. The prisoner reentry initiative typically focuses on practical life skills and community transition planning, while decision-making skills workshops may offer participants tools for improved judgment and problem-solving capabilities. Library services often provide additional educational resources and recreational reading materials, creating quiet spaces for reflection and continued learning. These comprehensive offerings work collectively to prepare those incarcerated for more successful outcomes upon their return to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building meaningful connections with family members and fellow residents forms the cornerstone of daily existence for those incarcerated at Calhoun County Correctional Facility. Today's structured environment consistently provides opportunities for social interaction through shared meals, recreational activities, and scheduled programming that helps maintain essential bonds with the outside world. The facility typically operates on a predictable routine that furnishes stability while allowing residents to participate in various community-building activities throughout each day.

Furthermore, living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units or smaller rooms that encourage interaction among residents while maintaining appropriate supervision. Those incarcerated typically share common areas where they can engage in conversations, watch television, or participate in games during designated free time periods. Meals are usually served in a central dining area, creating natural opportunities for social connection and community building among residents who may come from similar backgrounds or share common interests.

Although security protocols remain consistently in place, the facility often provides various programs designed to help residents maintain connections with their families and prepare for eventual reintegration into the community. Visitation policies typically allow for regular contact with approved family members and friends, while telephone and correspondence privileges generally enable ongoing communication with loved ones. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles that furnish valuable skills while contributing to the daily operations of the institution, creating a sense of purpose and community responsibility among participants.