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 Canadian County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Canadian 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 Canadian County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Canadian County Jail
   208 W Rogers St
   El Reno, OK 73036
   Phone: (405) 422-3188

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

   Visiting hours at Canadian 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 (405) 422-3188 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 Canadian 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 Canadian County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Canadian County Jail operates with a dedicated team of 35 full-time detention officers and deputies, providing essential medical and mental health services to both pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders. Through a contracted private medical vendor, the facility ensures inmates have access to comprehensive healthcare including full-time nursing staff, regular physician visits, and primary mental health services to address various medical needs during incarceration.

Given the facility’s role in housing individuals at different stages of the legal process, the jail typically may offer educational programs designed to help inmates work toward their GED or improve basic literacy skills. Vocational training opportunities often include job readiness workshops, computer literacy courses, and life skills development programs that prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling and treatment programs, recognizing that addiction issues frequently contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services at the Canadian County Jail often include religious and spiritual programs, library access for legal research and recreational reading, and visitation opportunities to help maintain family connections. The facility may offer anger management classes, parenting programs, and financial literacy workshops as part of its approach to addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal activity. With its capacity to process approximately many individuals annually, the jail’s programs aim to provide meaningful opportunities for personal growth and preparation for release, though specific program availability may vary based on staffing, funding, and individual circumstances.

Daily Life & Visitation

With a capacity of many individuals beds but housing approximately many individuals daily, the Canadian County Jail operates as a high-capacity facility serving both pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders in El Reno, Oklahoma. The facility’s 35 full-time detention officers and deputies work around the clock to maintain structured daily routines that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service. Inmates may find themselves housed not dedicated within the main facility but also in neighboring county detention centers including Grant, Dewey, Washita, Ellis, and Pottawatomie Counties due to ongoing capacity challenges.

Daily operations at the facility often include scheduled meal times, recreational periods, and access to basic services under the supervision of detention staff. The jail contracts with a private medical vendor to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including a full-time nurse on staff, regular physician visits, and primary mental health services to address inmates’ medical needs. This medical support typically integrates into the daily schedule, with sick call and medication distribution occurring at designated times throughout the day.

For families seeking to maintain contact with inmates, the facility processes approximately many individuals annually, creating a significant need for visitation and communication services. While specific visitation schedules may vary, most county facilities in Oklahoma typically offer designated visiting hours and phone privileges to help inmates maintain family connections. Those with questions about daily procedures or inmate services can contact the jail administration at 405-422-3188, where staff can provide current information about schedules, policies, and available programs within this busy correctional facility.