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 Covington County Administration Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Covington County Administration 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 Covington County Administration Office.

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

   Mailing address:

   Covington County Administration Office
   290 Hillcrest Dr
   Andalusia, AL 36420
   Phone: (334) 428-2641

5. What are the visiting hours at Covington County Administration Office?

   Visiting hours at Covington County Administration 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 (334) 428-2641 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 Covington County Administration 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 Covington County Administration Office for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Covington County Administration 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 Covington County Administration Office?

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

Personal transformation through structured rehabilitation services forms the cornerstone of the developmental approach at Covington County Jail. Rather than merely housing individuals, the facility typically emphasizes comprehensive support systems designed to address the multifaceted challenges that contribute to recidivism. This philosophy recognizes that meaningful change often requires addressing educational deficits, mental health concerns, and practical life skills simultaneously, creating an environment where inmates may engage in purposeful activities that foster both personal growth and community reintegration preparation.

Educational services often serve as the foundation for long-term behavioral change, with programs that may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities. These educational initiatives typically recognize that many inmates arrive with limited formal schooling, and addressing these gaps can significantly impact their post-release success. Furthermore, the facility may provide access to continuing education resources that allow participants to develop practical skills while incarcerated, potentially including computer literacy and job readiness training that aligns with local employment opportunities.

Support services and therapeutic interventions typically complement the educational framework through diverse programming options. Mental health counseling services may address underlying psychological factors contributing to criminal behavior, while faith-based programs often provide spiritual guidance and community connections for interested participants. Additionally, work release opportunities may allow eligible inmates to maintain employment ties and develop professional relationships, while specialized services such as animal care programs can foster responsibility and emotional development. Janitorial services and similar work assignments typically provide practical experience while contributing to facility operations, creating a sense of purpose and accomplishment that supports the overall rehabilitation process.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and fluorescent lighting of the housing units create a controlled environment where inmates at Covington County Jail must navigate their daily existence within clearly defined boundaries. Today's routine typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service that consistently marks the passage of time throughout each day. Inmates generally wake to the sound of staff conducting security checks, then proceed through a structured schedule that may include meals served in common areas or delivered to housing units, depending on the facility's current operational procedures.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates must adapt to limited personal space and the constant presence of others. Furthermore, the physical environment often includes common areas where inmates may gather during designated periods, though movement throughout the facility remains closely monitored and regulated. Personal belongings are generally restricted to essential items, with additional comfort items potentially available through the commissary system, allowing inmates to purchase approved goods that can make their living situation somewhat more manageable.

Although the structured environment may initially feel overwhelming, many inmates find that participating in available programming helps provide routine and purpose to their days. Work assignments within the facility typically offer opportunities for inmates to contribute to daily operations while developing skills and earning modest compensation. Furthermore, visitation schedules and phone privileges usually provide crucial connections to family members and support systems, helping inmates maintain relationships that often prove essential for successful reintegration. These communication opportunities, combined with any educational or counseling programs that may be available, help create a framework that supports both accountability and personal growth during incarceration.