Texas

How to contact an inmate at Cameron County Detention Center

Last Updated on May 20, 2023

A friendly help guide for Cameron County Detention Center. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Cameron County Detention Center

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about Cameron County Detention Center
  5. Overview of Cameron County Detention Center
  6. Inmate services at Cameron County Detention Center

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Cameron County Detention Center:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Cameron County Detention Center

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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at Cameron County Detention Center .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Cameron County Detention Center

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Cameron County 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 Cameron County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Cameron County 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 Cameron County Detention Center.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Cameron County 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 Cameron County Detention Center?
    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 Cameron County 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 for 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 Cameron County 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 Cameron County Detention Center?
    Mailing address:

    Cameron County Detention Center
    7100 Old Alice Rd
    Olmito , TX 78575
    (956) 554-6701

Overview of Cameron County Detention Center

The Cameron County Detention Center is a correctional facility located in the outskirts of Brownsville, Texas. It belongs to the Cameron County Sheriff's Office and has been in operation for more than 25 years. The jail has gone through changes both in structure as well as inmate population, and it continues to strive towards offering a safe and rehabilitative environment for its prisoners.

The detention center is split into three separate units, with a total of about 1,500 beds. The main unit houses majority of the detention officers and male inmates who are arrested under felony charges. The female unit houses female inmates of all custody levels while the open bay holds male inmates with a medium to minimum security need. Inmates are categorized into different tiers based on their behavior and risk-level; there are varying levels of disciplinary actions and extensions to privileges. The Cameron County jail also offers on-site educational opportunities such as GED courses, as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Alongside inmate groups who provide guidance and support through programs such as juveniles mentoring, religious services, legal assistance and educational programs, inmates can also receive counseling from licensed professionals.

The Cameron County Detention Center also accommodates federal inmates needing housing pending trial or to satisfy a sentence awarded in a federal criminal trial. Overall, the center caters to incarcerating individuals of all types and nationwide citizenship who legal deeds have been allegedly committed under Texan state, federal, and local auspices.

What services are provided by Cameron County Detention Center?

The Cameron County Detention Center offers a range of programs and services to its inmates, aimed at helping them lead a productive life after release. One of the most notable programs the center offers is vocational training. Inmates can receive training in fields such as cosmetology, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and culinary arts. These courses help inmates gain practical skills and knowledge that can be useful for finding employment after their incarceration period ends. This is an excellent way to help inmates avoid getting involved in illegal activities and reintegrate with society.

The detention center also provides educational programs that help inmates to improve their reading, writing, and analytical skills. Education is one of the key factors that can contribute to the overall awareness and well-being of individuals. Given that many inmates may have limited access to quality education before their arrest, providing education within detention centers is necessary to prepare them for a better quality of life after their release.

The center also provides substance abuse treatment programs since inmates with substance misuse frequently struggle with breaking the addiction cycle. The program offers options such as counseling, recovery courses, life skills, and prevention programs. Rehabilitation can increase the odds of avoiding challenges and prevent the possibility of homelessness.

Furthermore, a host of religious and spiritual programs are also available. Spirituality has a calming effect for the prisoners, and the opportunity to grieve and inspire hope may alleviate other conditions such as depression and anxiety. The goal of these activities is to provide prisoners with the moral, mental, and social development that they require, to find purpose, to develop lifelong skills, and to make a positive impact in their lives and within their community. Overall, the Center's programs and services aim to make a valuable contribution to a reentry process and reduce crime