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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Cherokee County Sheriff's Department 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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department.

Frequently asked questions about Cherokee County Sheriff's Department

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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Cherokee County Sheriff's Department?

   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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department?

   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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department. 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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department. 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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department?

   Mailing address:

   Cherokee County Sheriff's Department
   577 Regal St
   Murphy, NC 28906
   Phone: (828) 837-2589

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Cherokee County Sheriff's Department?

   Visiting hours at Cherokee County Sheriff's Department 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 (828) 837-2589 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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department?

   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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Cherokee County Sheriff's Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Cherokee County Sheriff's Department 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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, 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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department?

   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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department 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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, 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

Educational advancement and vocational skill development form the cornerstone of Cherokee County Jail’s comprehensive rehabilitation framework, reflecting a commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges that residents face during their incarceration. These initiatives operate under the philosophy that meaningful reintegration requires addressing not dedicated immediate behavioral concerns but also the underlying educational and professional deficits that may have contributed to an individual’s involvement with the justice system. The facility’s approach emphasizes creating pathways for residents to develop both practical competencies and personal accountability, recognizing that sustainable change often emerges through structured learning opportunities and skill acquisition.

The educational services typically encompass basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and computer literacy training, providing residents with foundational academic skills essential for future employment and personal development. These programs may deliver individualized instruction tailored to varying educational backgrounds, ensuring that participants can progress at appropriate paces while building confidence in their learning abilities. Furthermore, vocational training initiatives often include practical skill development in areas such as masonry, which provides residents with tangible, marketable abilities that translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. These hands-on programs typically combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing participants to develop both technical proficiency and work ethic.

Support services and therapeutic initiatives address the broader spectrum of challenges that residents encounter, with substance abuse programs forming a critical component of the facility’s rehabilitation efforts. These therapeutic interventions may deliver evidence-based treatment modalities designed to help individuals understand addiction patterns and develop coping strategies for long-term recovery. Additionally, transitional planning services typically assist residents in preparing for reintegration by addressing housing, employment, and social support needs, while parenting classes often focus on developing healthy family relationships and responsible caregiving skills. Time management workshops may complement these offerings by helping residents develop organizational skills and personal discipline that prove essential for successful community reintegration and sustained behavioral change.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of wake-up calls, meal times, and scheduled activities now forms the backbone of each day, creating a predictable framework that residents regularly depend upon for stability. This structured approach typically begins before dawn and continues through evening hours, with designated periods for meals, programming, recreation, and rest that help establish routine in an otherwise uncertain environment. The consistency of these daily schedules generally provides residents with a sense of order and purpose, allowing them to plan their time and maintain focus on personal goals.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where residents are assigned beds and personal storage space for approved belongings. Furthermore, the dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in common areas, where residents receive nutritionally planned meals that often accommodate dietary restrictions and medical needs. Personal property policies generally allow residents to maintain essential items while commissary services may provide opportunities to purchase additional necessities and approved comfort items that help maintain connections to life outside the facility.

Although the structured environment limits certain freedoms, residents typically have access to recreational activities that may include exercise periods, television viewing, and reading materials that deliver both entertainment and educational value. Programming schedules often encompass various services such as educational classes, life skills training, and counseling sessions designed to support personal development and successful reintegration. Family connections remain vital through visitation policies that usually allow scheduled visits with loved ones, while communication options typically include phone calls and correspondence that help residents maintain important relationships and support systems throughout their stay.