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 Cowley County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Cowley County Sheriff 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 Cowley County Sheriff.

Frequently asked questions about Cowley County Sheriff

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 Cowley County Sheriff.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Cowley County Sheriff?

   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 Cowley County Sheriff?

   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 Cowley County Sheriff. 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 Cowley County Sheriff. 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 Cowley County Sheriff?

   Mailing address:

   Cowley County Sheriff
   911 Fuller St
   Winfield, KS 67156
   Phone: (620) 221-5444

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • 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 Cowley County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Cowley County Sheriff 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 (620) 221-5444 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 Cowley County Sheriff?

   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 Cowley County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Cowley County Sheriff?

   You can send money to an inmate at Cowley County Sheriff 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 Cowley County Sheriff?

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

   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 Cowley County Sheriff 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 Cowley County Sheriff, 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 intervention forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Cowley County Sheriff, where inmates encounter comprehensive opportunities designed to address underlying factors contributing to their incarceration. The facility's approach emphasizes holistic development, recognizing that sustainable reintegration requires addressing educational deficits, vocational limitations, and therapeutic needs simultaneously. Through carefully coordinated service delivery, participants may access resources that foster both immediate skill acquisition and long-term behavioral change, creating pathways toward productive community participation upon release.

Educational services typically encompass fundamental academic instruction alongside specialized civic education components that enhance participants' understanding of legal responsibilities and community engagement. These learning opportunities often include distance learning options, allowing inmates to pursue coursework that aligns with their individual goals and circumstances. Furthermore, vocational training services may provide hands-on instruction in marketable trades, equipping participants with practical skills that enhance employment prospects and economic stability following their release from custody.

Therapeutic interventions address the complex psychological and behavioral challenges that frequently underlie criminal activity, with substance abuse treatment services forming a critical component of the facility's rehabilitative framework. Individual counseling sessions may offer personalized support for addressing trauma, mental health concerns, and decision-making patterns that contributed to legal difficulties. Additionally, peer support groups often create structured environments where inmates can share experiences, develop accountability relationships, and practice communication skills essential for successful community reintegration, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that reinforces positive behavioral changes throughout their incarceration period.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures of the housing units at Cowley County Sheriff create an institutional environment where inmates must quickly learn to navigate both the physical constraints and social dynamics of their temporary home. Within these secure quarters, inmates currently adapt to a highly structured daily routine that continues to revolve around scheduled counts, meal times, and designated periods for various activities. The facility's layout typically includes dormitory-style housing or individual cells, depending on classification levels, where personal space becomes a precious commodity that inmates learn to respect and organize efficiently.

Furthermore, the living accommodations generally provide basic necessities including bedding, personal hygiene items, and limited storage space for approved personal property that inmates may receive through the commissary system or approved packages. Meals are usually served in a common dining area at designated times, with inmates typically rotating through in groups to maintain order and security. Although the environment may seem restrictive, inmates often find ways to personalize their immediate living space within the boundaries of facility regulations, creating small routines and arrangements that provide a sense of normalcy during their stay.

The facility typically offers various structured programming schedules that may include educational opportunities, work assignments within the facility, and recreational activities that provide both physical exercise and social interaction. Visitation policies generally allow inmates to maintain connections with family members and friends through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, which often serves as a crucial lifeline to the outside world. Although the institutional setting presents daily challenges, many inmates gradually develop coping strategies and relationships with fellow residents that help them navigate their time at the facility while working toward their eventual release and reintegration into the community.