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 Cleveland County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Cleveland 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 Cleveland County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Cleveland County Detention Center
   100 Justice Pl
   Shelby, NC 28150
   Phone: (704) 669-3040

   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 Cleveland County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Cleveland 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 (704) 669-3040 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal transformation begins with opportunity, and Cleveland County Detention typically emphasizes comprehensive services designed to foster individual growth and positive change. The facility's approach to rehabilitation often centers on providing inmates with practical tools and resources that address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. Through a structured framework of educational, vocational, and therapeutic offerings, the detention center may create pathways for inmates to develop new skills, address underlying challenges, and build foundations for successful community reentry.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's development-focused services. Inmates may access basic literacy programs, GED preparation courses, and continuing education opportunities that help bridge educational gaps and expand learning horizons. Also, vocational training services often include hands-on instruction in marketable trades and technical skills. These programs typically prepare participants for employment opportunities upon release while building confidence and work-related competencies that extend beyond specific job functions.

Wellness programs may encompass both physical and mental health components, offering inmates structured activities that promote overall well-being and stress management. Music programs often provide creative outlets for self-expression while fostering discipline and collaborative skills. Also, physical fitness services typically include organized exercise routines and recreational activities that support physical health and positive social interaction. Substance abuse programs may offer therapeutic interventions and counseling services designed to address addiction issues and develop coping strategies, creating comprehensive support systems that recognize the interconnected nature of personal challenges and growth opportunities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure walls of Cleveland County Detention, the physical environment shapes every aspect of an inmate's experience. The facility's housing units typically feature multiple-occupancy cells or dormitory-style arrangements, where inmates adapt to shared living spaces with limited personal storage. Today, inmates consistently follow structured schedules that begin with early morning counts and continue through designated meal times, work assignments, and evening lockdown procedures.

Living accommodations generally include basic furnishings such as beds, lockers, and shared bathroom facilities within each housing unit. Inmates typically adapt to the communal environment by establishing routines around personal hygiene, maintaining their assigned living areas, and respecting shared spaces. The facility usually provides three meals daily in a common dining area, where inmates may have brief opportunities for social interaction during designated meal periods. Also, inmates often develop strategies for managing their limited personal property, utilizing commissary services when available to supplement basic necessities and maintain connections to life outside the facility.

Recreational activities typically provide structure during non-work hours and may include access to outdoor exercise areas, television viewing in common areas, and library services. However, these opportunities generally operate within strict scheduling frameworks that vary based on housing assignments and security classifications. Work programs often include facility maintenance, kitchen duties, and laundry services, giving inmates productive ways to spend their time while potentially earning small wages. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges, though inmates must adapt to limited communication windows and facility policies governing outside contact. Also, some inmates may participate in educational or counseling programs that provide additional structure and support during their time at the facility.