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 Chester County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Chester 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 Chester County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Chester County Jail
   333 Eric Bell Dr
   Henderson, TN 38340
   Phone: (731) 989-5409

   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 Chester County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Chester 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 (731) 989-5409 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 Chester 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 Chester County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Transformative pathways toward personal development and skill acquisition form the cornerstone of rehabilitative efforts for those incarcerated at Chester County Jail in Tennessee. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change occurs through structured opportunities that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. Through carefully designed offerings that emphasize security and safety, participants can engage in purposeful activities that foster personal growth while maintaining the orderly environment essential to effective correctional operations.

Educational services typically provide foundational learning opportunities, allowing those incarcerated to pursue academic advancement through structured coursework and literacy programs. These educational pathways often complement vocational programs that may furnish practical skills training in various trades and industries. The facility's commitment to comprehensive development extends to commercial driving (CDL) preparation, which can provide valuable certification opportunities for future employment prospects. Such skill-building initiatives operate within a framework that prioritizes both participant safety and institutional security.

In addition to these practical offerings, faith-based programs often serve as meaningful sources of spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking personal transformation. Restorative justice initiatives may furnish structured opportunities for participants to engage in reflective processes that address accountability and healing. These therapeutic and support-oriented offerings typically emphasize the development of interpersonal skills and emotional growth, creating pathways for participants to build stronger foundations for successful community reintegration while maintaining the structured environment necessary for effective correctional management.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and community bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at Chester County Jail, as maintaining relationships with loved ones often provides essential emotional support throughout their time at the facility. Today's routine typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by a consistently structured schedule that may include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities. The facility generally operates on a regimented timeline that furnishes predictability and order, with those incarcerated moving between various areas of the facility according to established schedules and security protocols.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated may develop supportive relationships with fellow residents while navigating the challenges of confined living. Dormitory-style or cell-based housing arrangements generally provide basic necessities including bedding, storage for personal property, and access to hygiene facilities, though space and privacy remain limited. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas or delivered to housing units, with those incarcerated often gathering during these times to maintain social connections and share experiences from their daily activities.

In addition to this structured environment, the facility may offer various programs that furnish opportunities for personal development and skill-building, including educational classes, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling when available. Recreation periods typically allow those incarcerated to engage in physical activities, games, or social interaction within designated areas of the facility. Despite this controlled setting, communication with family members through scheduled visitation, telephone calls, and correspondence often serves as a vital lifeline, helping those incarcerated maintain important relationships and prepare for their eventual return to the community while accessing commissary services that may provide additional comfort items and communication options.