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 Chickasaw Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Chickasaw Jail
   130 Lancaster Cir
   Houston, MS 38851
   Phone: (662) 456-3319

5. What are the visiting hours at Chickasaw Jail?

   Visiting hours at Chickasaw 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 (662) 456-3319 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 Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw Jail?

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

Building life skills and fostering personal growth form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Chickasaw Correctional Facility. The facility typically emphasizes helping inmates develop practical abilities and positive mindsets that support successful reintegration into their communities. This approach often includes structured programming designed to address educational gaps, build job readiness, and strengthen personal values.

Educational services play a central role in inmate development at the facility. High school diploma programs may provide opportunities for inmates to complete their secondary education through structured coursework and testing. These educational initiatives often focus on core academic subjects while helping participants build confidence and learning skills. In addition to this, vocational programs typically offer hands-on training in practical trades and workplace skills that can lead to employment opportunities upon release.

Support services complement the educational offerings through various pathways for personal growth. Faith-based initiatives may provide spiritual guidance and community connections for inmates seeking this type of support. Food service operations often serve as both a practical training ground and a way for inmates to contribute meaningfully to facility operations. These combined services typically work together to help inmates develop responsibility, work habits, and interpersonal skills that support long-term positive change.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the security perimeter of Chickasaw Correctional Facility, inmates navigate a highly structured environment where concrete housing units and controlled movement define their physical world. Today’s routine consistently begins with early morning counts, followed by scheduled meal times in the central dining hall where inmates typically gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at designated hours. The facility generally maintains strict adherence to daily schedules that include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of multi-person cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates adapt to shared spaces with limited personal belongings. Each housing area generally provides basic amenities including beds, storage areas, and access to bathroom facilities, though personal space remains minimal. In addition to this structured living arrangement, inmates usually have access to a commissary system where they may purchase approved items to supplement their basic needs, helping them maintain some personal preferences within the institutional setting.

Despite this controlled environment, the facility typically provides various programs and activities that help inmates maintain connections with the outside world and develop skills. Work assignments often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and facility operations that provide structure and may offer modest compensation. Recreation opportunities generally include outdoor exercise periods, television viewing in common areas, and organized activities when available. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, though these communications typically operate under specific guidelines and monitoring procedures that help inmates maintain important relationships while serving their sentences.