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 Carroll County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Carroll 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 Carroll County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Carroll County Detention Center
   100 N Court St
   Westminster, MD 21157
   Phone: (410) 386-2628

5. What are the visiting hours at Carroll County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Carroll County 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 (410) 386-2628 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 Carroll County 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 Carroll County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Carroll County 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 Carroll County Detention Center?

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

Inmates at the Carroll County Detention Center receive tablets upon booking, creating a modern foundation for maintaining family connections and accessing services during incarceration. This technology-forward approach enables video visitations, messaging, and photo sharing, while also serving as a platform for commissary orders when sufficient funds are available. The facility operates telephone services from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily, supporting both collect calls and pre-paid accounts through the Paytel Connect App, ensuring multiple communication pathways remain open for inmates and their support networks.

The detention center typically may offer educational programming to help inmates work toward GED completion or basic literacy improvement during their stay. Counseling services often include substance abuse programs, mental health support, and pre-release planning to assist with community reintegration. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are commonly available, providing spiritual guidance and support groups. The facility may also provide access to legal resources and law library materials to help inmates navigate their cases.

Support services at Carroll County Detention Center likely include medical and dental care, with nursing staff available for routine health needs and medication management. Work programs may be available for eligible inmates, potentially including facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or laundry services. The commissary system allows inmates to purchase personal items and snacks when funds are available, while the securepak program enables family members to send approved items directly through AccessCatalog.com. These comprehensive services work together to maintain safety, security, and basic needs while inmates await court proceedings or serve shorter sentences.

Daily Life & Visitation

From 5:30 AM until 11:30 PM each day, inmates at Carroll County Detention Center in Maryland have access to telephones in their housing units, marking the extended communication window that shapes much of their daily routine. Upon arrival, each person receives a 5-digit identification number and tablet during the booking process, establishing their primary means of staying connected with family and friends throughout their incarceration. These tablets serve multiple functions beyond basic communication, enabling video visitations and allowing inmates to receive messages and photos from loved ones.

The facility operates on a structured schedule that typically includes designated meal times, recreational periods, and work assignments where available. Inmates may order commissary items through their assigned tablets when sufficient funds are available in their accounts, providing access to personal care items and snacks that supplement the standard facility provisions. Housing units are generally organized to accommodate different classification levels, with common areas where inmates can socialize during designated periods and participate in available programming.

Communication with the outside world follows specific protocols designed to maintain security while preserving family connections. All non-legal mail must be processed through a third-party service in North Carolina, while legal correspondence marked as "Legal Mail" is opened in the inmate's presence. Family members and friends can support their loved ones by depositing funds for tablet accounts through PayTel.com or purchasing items through Accesscatalog.com. As of May 2024, all visitations transitioned to virtual format, conducted through the tablet system that has become central to maintaining relationships during incarceration.