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 Collin County Detention Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Collin County Detention Facility 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 Collin County Detention Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Collin County Detention Facility

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 Collin County Detention Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Collin County Detention Facility?

   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 Collin County Detention Facility?

   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 Collin County Detention Facility. 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 Collin County Detention Facility. 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 Collin County Detention Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Collin County Detention Facility
   4300 Community Ave
   McKinney, TX 75071
   Phone: (972) 547-5200

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Collin County Detention Facility?

   Visiting hours at Collin County Detention Facility 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 (972) 547-5200 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 Collin County Detention Facility?

   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 Collin County Detention Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Collin County Detention Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Collin County Detention Facility 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 Collin County Detention Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Collin County Detention Facility, 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 Collin County Detention Facility?

   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 Collin County Detention Facility 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 Collin County Detention Facility, 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 tutoring initiatives form the foundation of resident development at Collin County Detention Facility, focusing on building essential academic skills that support successful reintegration. These literacy and numeracy programs typically address educational gaps that may have contributed to incarceration patterns. Residents often participate in structured learning sessions that emphasize practical skills needed for employment and daily life management.

Vocational training opportunities complement academic initiatives by providing hands-on experience in marketable trades. Small engine repair programs may deliver technical skills that translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. Moreover, these vocational initiatives often include basic mechanical training and equipment maintenance skills that residents can apply in various work environments. The facility typically emphasizes practical learning that builds confidence while developing job-ready capabilities.

Work programs within the facility provide residents with structured daily routines and responsibility-building experiences. These initiatives may include facility maintenance, food service operations, and clerical duties that teach workplace skills and professional behavior. Faith-based initiatives often support residents seeking spiritual guidance and community connection during their incarceration period. Prison industries programs typically offer additional vocational experience through supervised work assignments that may include manufacturing or service-based activities, helping residents develop work ethics and technical abilities essential for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured schedules currently anchor every aspect of residential life, with consistent routines that continue to provide predictability throughout each day. Wake-up calls typically occur in the early morning hours, followed by scheduled meal times, programming sessions, and recreational periods that deliver stability to residents navigating their time at the facility. These routines generally include designated periods for personal hygiene, unit cleaning responsibilities, and structured activities that help maintain order and purpose.

Living accommodations at Collin County Detention Facility typically consist of housing units designed to accommodate multiple residents, with each person generally assigned a bed, storage space for approved personal items, and access to shared common areas. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times throughout the day, with residents often rotating through in groups to maintain orderly operations. Moreover, the facility typically offers recreational opportunities that may include access to outdoor areas, television viewing periods, and various indoor activities, though these are generally scheduled and supervised according to facility protocols.

Programming schedules often deliver educational opportunities, work assignments within the facility, and structured activities designed to maintain productive daily routines. Residents may typically participate in facility maintenance tasks, kitchen duties, or other work assignments that contribute to daily operations while providing structure to their time. Whereas recreational activities provide physical outlets, visitation policies usually allow residents to maintain connections with family members and approved visitors during designated hours, and communication options typically include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping residents preserve important relationships during their stay at the facility.