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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Colbert County Sheriff's Office

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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office.

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

   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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office. 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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office. 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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Colbert County Sheriff's Office
   201 N Main St
   Tuscumbia, AL 35674
   Phone: (256) 383-0741

   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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Colbert County Sheriff's Office 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 (256) 383-0741 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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Colbert County Sheriff's Office 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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office?

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

   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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office 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 Colbert County Sheriff's Office, 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

Based on the available information, the Colbert County Jail operates with specific protocols and administrative structures designed to manage its inmate population effectively. Built in 1962 with a capacity for 62 prisoners, the facility houses male inmates while female prisoners are transferred to the Tuscumbia City Jail. The jail maintains organized shift schedules with dedicated correction officers, transport officers, and supervisory staff to ensure proper facility operations and inmate management.

While specific programming details are not extensively outlined in available materials, correctional facilities in Alabama typically may offer basic educational services, substance abuse counseling, and behavioral programs to support inmate rehabilitation. The facility likely provides essential services such as medical care, mental health support, and religious services that are common in county jail systems. Inmates may have access to library services, recreational activities, and work programs that help maintain facility operations while providing structured activities during incarceration.

The jail has implemented specific procedures for inmate clothing requests, particularly during health-related restrictions, which demonstrates an organized approach to inmate needs management. Family communication and support systems are typically facilitated through approved visitation schedules and correspondence policies, though these may be subject to operational modifications based on facility requirements and public health considerations.

Daily Life & Visitation

Built in 1962 to accommodate 62 prisoners, the Colbert County Jail operates under strict protocols that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Male inmates housed at this facility currently face limitations on traditional visitation, as the jail has temporarily suspended in-person visits and the ability for families to drop off personal items directly. Instead, the facility has implemented a mail-dedicated system for clothing packages, requiring inmates to established file an approved request with jail staff before family members can send essential items.

The clothing package system reflects the structured nature of daily operations at the facility. Once an inmate’s request is approved, they may contact family or friends to arrange for a package containing dedicated specific approved items: three pairs each of white socks, underwear, t-shirts, towels, and washcloths - all of which must be new, unopened, and in original packaging. This system typically requires coordination between inmates and their support network, as packages sent without prior approval are returned to the sender. The facility is staffed around the clock with correction officers working both day and night shifts, ensuring continuous supervision and security.

Female inmates from Colbert County are housed separately at the Tuscumbia City Jail, which operates under different guidelines and can be contacted at 256-386-3121 for specific information. The separation of male and female populations is common in many county jail systems, often allowing for specialized programming and housing arrangements. While current restrictions limit traditional family contact methods, the jail staff works to maintain communication channels between inmates and their families through approved correspondence and the structured clothing request system.