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 Cecil County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Cecil 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 Cecil County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Cecil County Detention Center
   500 Landing Ln
   Elkton, MD 21921
   Phone: (410) 996-5800

   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 Cecil County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Cecil 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) 996-5800 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 Cecil 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 Cecil County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Cecil County Detention Center operates as a comprehensive correctional facility serving individuals awaiting trial as well as those serving sentences of up to 18 months. With a capacity of 200 beds (168 male and 32 female), the facility houses inmates across all security levels from minimum to maximum. A dedicated staff of 79 sworn personnel and 3 support staff work to maintain safety and security while facilitating various services for residents. The facility includes specialized divisions such as Pre-Trial Services, Operations, Administrative Services, Support Services, and Special Operations, each designed to address different aspects of inmate management and rehabilitation.

While specific program details are not extensively outlined on the facility's website, Cecil County Detention Center may offer educational services that could include GED preparation and adult basic education classes to help residents improve their academic skills. Vocational training programs might be available to provide inmates with practical job skills for successful reintegration into the community. The facility likely provides counseling services, which may include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health support, and behavioral modification programs. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are typically available to address spiritual needs, while recreational activities may help maintain physical and mental well-being.

The detention center's approach to inmate services appears to be structured through its various operational divisions, with Pre-Trial Services specifically addressing the needs of those awaiting court proceedings. Support services may include medical care, library access, and visitation programs to help maintain family connections. The facility's mission emphasizes providing a clean, safe, and secure environment, suggesting that all programs and services are designed to operate within this framework while preparing inmates for eventual release and successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Cecil County Detention Center, which has operated since 1984 and underwent significant expansion in 2012, houses both male and female inmates across different security levels in its 200-bed facility. With administrative offices open from 8 AM to 4 PM and financial operations available Monday through Friday until 3 PM, the facility maintains structured operational hours that typically extend into the daily routines for those housed within. Inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences of up to 18 months may find their days organized around standard institutional schedules, which often include designated times for meals, recreation, and various programming activities overseen by the facility's staff of 79 sworn personnel and support staff.

Communication with family and friends typically follows established protocols, with visitors able to contact the main facility at 410-996-5800 or reach pre-trial services at 410-996-5810 for specific inquiries. Like most Maryland detention facilities, inmates may have access to scheduled visitation periods, phone privileges during designated hours, and possibly video calling services. The facility's mission to provide "a clean, safe and secure place of confinement" suggests that daily routines likely emphasize maintaining order while offering basic services such as medical care, educational opportunities, and recreational activities appropriate for both the male and female populations housed in separate areas of the facility.

Living conditions at the detention center may include dormitory-style or individual cell accommodations depending on security classification and available space. Inmates often participate in work details, educational programs, or counseling services as part of their daily structure, while meals are typically served at regular intervals throughout the day. The facility's commitment to safety and security means that daily activities are generally supervised and conducted according to established schedules designed to maintain institutional order while providing necessary services to those in custody.