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 Craighead County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Craighead 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 Craighead County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Craighead County Jail
   901 Willett Rd
   Jonesboro, AR 72401
   Phone: (870) 933-4526

   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: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Craighead 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 (870) 933-4526 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 Craighead 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 Craighead County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Through a comprehensive framework of supportive services, the population at Craighead County Jail typically receives access to programs designed to foster personal development and successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes creating meaningful opportunities for skill-building and personal growth, recognizing that structured programming often serves as a cornerstone for positive behavioral change. These initiatives may supply participants with practical tools and resources that extend far beyond their time in custody, potentially strengthening their capacity to rebuild family relationships and contribute meaningfully to their communities upon release.

Educational and vocational programs often form the foundation of the facility's rehabilitative efforts, with vocational education services that may include hands-on training opportunities. The population typically has access to agriculture programs, which often provide valuable experience in sustainable practices while fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to meaningful work. Additionally, specialized vocational training such as upholstery programs may offer participants the opportunity to develop marketable skills that can translate into employment opportunities following their release.

Support services encompass a diverse range of programs designed to address the holistic needs of the population. Faith-based services and religious programs typically provide spiritual guidance and community support, creating spaces for reflection and personal transformation. Additionally, creative outlets through arts and crafts programs may offer therapeutic benefits while encouraging self-expression and stress management. These varied programming options often work synergistically to create a supportive environment where participants can explore different pathways toward personal growth and develop the foundational skills necessary for successful reintegration into their families and communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The systematic organization of daily operations within the facility creates a structured environment where the population now follows established routines that regularly provide predictability and order throughout each day. Wake-up procedures typically occur during early morning hours, followed by scheduled meal service, headcounts, and various programming activities that supply the framework for daily life. The population generally moves through their day according to predetermined schedules that include work assignments, educational opportunities, and recreational periods, with facility staff coordinating these activities to maintain security while supporting rehabilitation goals.

Housing arrangements within the facility typically consist of dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space, where the population resides in accommodations that include basic furnishings and personal storage areas. Living conditions generally provide essential amenities such as bedding, hygiene facilities, and limited personal property storage, while dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal service in designated areas with menus that meet nutritional standards. Additionally, the population may access commissary services to purchase approved personal items and food products, which helps supplement their daily needs and provides some personal choice within the structured environment.

While recreational opportunities often include access to television areas, reading materials, and scheduled outdoor time when weather permits, structured programming schedules typically encompass educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and life skills training that supply valuable preparation for reintegration. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that provide the population with productive activities and sometimes modest compensation. Family connections remain important through visitation programs that usually operate on scheduled days and times, along with telephone access and mail services that help maintain relationships with loved ones and support systems in the community.