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 Columbia County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Columbia 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 Columbia County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Columbia County Jail
   2273 County Camp Rd
   Appling, GA 30802
   Phone: (706) 541-0754

   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 Columbia County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Columbia 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 (706) 541-0754 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 Columbia 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 Columbia County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

A multifaceted approach to personal development and rehabilitation characterizes the opportunities available to individuals at Columbia County Jail in Georgia. Rather than viewing incarceration solely through a punitive lens, the facility typically emphasizes comprehensive programming that addresses the diverse needs of its population. This holistic philosophy recognizes that meaningful change often requires multiple pathways for growth, encompassing educational advancement, practical skill development, and therapeutic intervention to support successful community reintegration.

Educational opportunities may include structured learning environments where individuals can pursue academic advancement, while vocational training programs often focus on developing marketable skills that enhance employment prospects upon release. These educational initiatives typically provide foundational knowledge and practical competencies that serve as stepping stones toward economic stability. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational programs may offer hands-on training in various trades and technical fields, allowing participants to develop expertise that aligns with local workforce demands and personal interests.

The therapeutic and support services dimension often includes cognitive behavioral therapy sessions designed to address underlying behavioral patterns and decision-making processes. Faith-based services typically provide spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking such support, while restorative justice opportunities may facilitate meaningful dialogue between individuals and their communities. Community resource connections often help participants identify external support systems, and practical services such as laundry facilities contribute to maintaining dignity and preparing individuals for successful transitions. These comprehensive offerings work synergistically to address the complex factors that influence personal growth and community safety.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythmic sounds of meal preparation echo through the housing units well before dawn, signaling the beginning of another structured day for individuals housed at Columbia County Jail. Today, like every day, follows a carefully orchestrated schedule that balances security requirements with basic human needs, creating a routine that many individuals find both challenging and stabilizing. The facility consistently maintains this predictable framework, which typically begins with early morning counts and extends through evening lockdown procedures.

Living accommodations within the facility generally consist of shared housing units where individuals are assigned beds in dormitory-style settings or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Personal belongings are typically limited to essential items such as basic hygiene products, a few approved clothing items, and perhaps some personal correspondence, all of which must be stored in designated areas within each housing unit. In addition to this basic living arrangement, individuals usually have access to common areas during designated hours where they may interact with others, watch television programming, or engage in quiet activities like reading materials from the facility's collection.

Programming opportunities often include educational classes, religious services, and various counseling sessions that offer structure and potential skill development during incarceration. Despite this, recreational activities may be somewhat limited, though individuals typically have access to some form of physical exercise or outdoor time when weather and security conditions permit. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, which generally allow individuals to maintain contact with their support systems, while the facility's commissary service usually provides access to additional food items, hygiene products, and writing materials that can make daily life more manageable.