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 Cooke County Sheriff’s Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Cooke 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 Cooke County Sheriff’s Office.

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

   Mailing address:

   Cooke County Sheriff’s Office
   300 Co Rd 451
   Gainesville, TX 76240
   Phone: (940) 665-3471

   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 Cooke County Sheriff’s Office?

   Visiting hours at Cooke 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 (940) 665-3471 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 Cooke 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 Cooke County Sheriff’s Office for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Cooke 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 Cooke County Sheriff’s Office?

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

Meaningful pathways toward personal transformation emerge through carefully structured opportunities designed to address the diverse needs of those incarcerated at Parker County Jail. The facility’s comprehensive approach recognizes that genuine rehabilitation requires multifaceted support systems that encompass skill development, personal growth, and community reintegration preparation. Through these thoughtfully curated offerings, individuals may discover untapped potential while developing the practical competencies necessary for successful transition back into society.

Educational and vocational development forms the cornerstone of the facility’s transformative approach, with vocational training opportunities that may furnish participants with marketable skills in high-demand sectors. Construction trades programs typically provide hands-on experience in essential building techniques, while comprehensive vocational training initiatives often include instruction in various technical fields that align with regional employment opportunities. These skill-building offerings enable those incarcerated to cultivate professional competencies that extend far beyond their period of confinement, establishing foundations for sustainable career advancement.

In addition to these educational components, the facility typically maintains robust support services designed to address the holistic needs of its population. Work programs may offer structured employment opportunities that instill discipline and responsibility, while faith-based initiatives often provide spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking such support. Janitorial services programs frequently serve dual purposes, maintaining facility cleanliness while teaching valuable maintenance skills, and physical fitness offerings may promote both physical wellness and mental health benefits. Veteran services typically address the comprehensive challenges faced by formerly enlisted individuals, ensuring that those who have served their country receive specialized attention during their rehabilitation journey.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and community connections remain vital threads that weave through the daily experience of those incarcerated at Parker County Jail, where maintaining relationships with loved ones often serves as both motivation and emotional anchor during this challenging period. The facility currently operates on a structured schedule that continues to emphasize routine and predictability, with those incarcerated typically beginning their day with morning counts and meal service, followed by various programming opportunities that may include educational sessions, work assignments, or recreational activities. Throughout these daily activities, the emphasis on community interaction manifests through shared meal times, group programming, and collaborative work assignments that help individuals maintain social connections within the facility environment.

Living accommodations at Parker County Jail generally consist of housing units designed to balance security requirements with basic comfort needs, where those incarcerated typically share dormitory-style or multi-person cells that naturally foster interaction among residents. In addition to this communal living arrangement, the facility furnishes common areas where individuals can engage in recreational activities, watch television, or participate in group discussions during designated periods. Meals are usually served in dining areas that accommodate multiple individuals simultaneously, creating opportunities for social interaction and community building, while the commissary system allows those incarcerated to purchase personal items and snacks that can be shared with others, further strengthening interpersonal bonds.

Despite this structured environment, the facility typically offers various programs and activities designed to maintain connections with the outside community, including visitation opportunities that may encompass both in-person and video calling options for families and friends. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and administrative support roles that provide those incarcerated with purposeful activities while contributing to the facility’s daily operations. Communication with family members continues through monitored phone calls and correspondence, while programming schedules may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or religious services that help individuals prepare for eventual reintegration into their communities, ensuring that the bonds with loved ones remain strong throughout their time at the facility.