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 Cass County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Cass 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 Cass County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Cass County Jail
   321 M-62
   Cassopolis, MI 49031
   Phone: (269) 445-3877

   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 Cass County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Cass 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) 445-3877 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 Cass 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 Cass County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation services at Cass County Jail. The facility typically emphasizes helping inmates build practical abilities and address underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration. This comprehensive approach often includes educational opportunities, therapeutic interventions, and specialized support services designed to prepare individuals for successful community reintegration.

Educational and vocational services play a central role in inmate development. The facility may provide vocational education programs that teach marketable job skills in various trades and industries. Education programs often include basic literacy instruction for those needing foundational reading and writing skills. These literacy programs typically serve inmates at different educational levels, helping participants work toward completing their high school equivalency or improving their academic abilities for future employment opportunities.

In addition to educational services, the jail may offer specialized therapeutic and support programs. Sex offender treatment services often provide structured counseling and intervention for inmates with these specific needs. The facility typically participates in prisoner reentry initiatives that help inmates develop transition plans and connect with community resources upon release. Veteran services may also be available for former military personnel, addressing their comprehensive challenges and connecting them with appropriate benefits and support networks in the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind concrete walls and steel doors, Cass County Jail provides a structured environment where inmates navigate their daily existence within clearly defined boundaries. Today’s routine consistently begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by scheduled activities that provide structure throughout the day. Inmates typically wake to announcements over the facility’s intercom system and prepare for breakfast, which generally occurs in designated dining areas or housing units depending on security classifications.

Living accommodations at the facility generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates may be housed with one or more cellmates. Personal space remains limited, with inmates typically allowed basic personal items such as hygiene products, approved clothing, and limited reading materials. In addition to this basic housing arrangement, inmates often have access to common areas during designated recreation periods, where they may watch television, play cards, or engage in conversation with fellow inmates. The commissary system usually provides opportunities to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and writing materials using funds deposited by family members.

Despite this controlled environment, the facility typically offers various programs and activities designed to provide structure and maintain connections with the outside world. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that help inmates contribute to facility operations while developing skills. Visitation policies generally allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits, phone calls, and written correspondence, providing crucial emotional support during incarceration. Educational programming and recreational activities often provide additional outlets for personal development and stress relief within the facility’s daily routine.