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 County Jail Administration.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about County Jail Administration

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 County Jail Administration.

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

   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 County Jail Administration?

   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 County Jail Administration. 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 County Jail Administration. 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 County Jail Administration?

   Mailing address:

   County Jail Administration
   259 Water St
   Santa Cruz, CA 95060
   Phone: (831) 454-7800

   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: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at County Jail Administration?

   Visiting hours at County Jail Administration 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 (831) 454-7800 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 County Jail Administration?

   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 County Jail Administration for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At County Jail Administration, 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 County Jail Administration?

   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 County Jail Administration 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 County Jail Administration, 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

The Santa Cruz Main Jail maintains structured communication and visitation protocols designed to support incarcerated individuals' connections with their families and legal representation. Through their noncontact visit scheduling system, the facility enables families to maintain important relationships during incarceration. The jail operates a digital mail system through Smart Communications, where routine correspondence is scanned and made available via kiosks and tablets, ensuring secure delivery while maintaining safety protocols. Legal professionals with California Bar credentials may access their clients at any time, though visits may be subject to operational scheduling around essential facility functions like meals and security counts.

Beyond these communication services, Santa Cruz County Jail may offer educational and vocational programming typical of California correctional facilities. These programs often include basic literacy classes, GED preparation, and job readiness training to help prepare individuals for successful reentry into the community. The facility likely provides access to library materials through their publisher-direct book delivery system, supporting both recreational reading and educational pursuits.

Mental health and substance abuse counseling services are typically available to address the underlying issues that often contribute to incarceration. The jail may also offer religious services and volunteer-led support groups that provide additional emotional and spiritual support during incarceration. These comprehensive services work together to create a structured environment that focuses on rehabilitation and preparation for successful community reintegration, while maintaining the security and safety standards required for effective correctional operations.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Santa Cruz Main Jail on Water Street operates under structured security protocols that shape every aspect of an incarcerated person's routine. Located in downtown Santa Cruz, this facility manages daily operations around essential functions like meal service, regular counts, and emergency procedures, which may occasionally delay attorney visits and other scheduled activities.

Communication with family and friends follows a modern digital system through Smart Communications, where all routine mail sent to their Seminole, Florida processing center gets scanned and made available through electronic kiosks and tablets. Incarcerated individuals can typically view letters, postcards, and greeting cards digitally, though original documents are destroyed after processing. Family members may send up to five photos per mailing (4" x 6" or smaller), and the facility accepts books, magazines, and newspapers when shipped directly from publishers or internet distributors to the Water Street address.

Visitation occurs through a noncontact system, with scheduling information available in both English and Spanish to accommodate the diverse Santa Cruz County community. The facility maintains strict rules regarding mail content and visiting procedures, while attorneys with valid California Bar credentials may access their clients at any time, though they often experience delays during operational priorities. Daily routines likely include structured meal times, recreation periods when available, and access to communication systems, all designed to maintain security while providing essential services to those in custody.