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 Craven County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Craven 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 Craven County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Craven County Jail
   1100 Clarks Rd
   New Bern, NC 28563
   Phone: (252) 636-6619

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

   Visiting hours at Craven 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 (252) 636-6619 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 Craven 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 Craven County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Craven County Detention Center provides essential administrative services to support inmates' legal and personal needs, including notary services available every Friday during designated business hours. This service, which carries a $10 per page fee billed to inmates' accounts, demonstrates the facility's commitment to helping those in custody maintain important legal documentation and personal affairs while incarcerated.

Modern communication technology plays a central role in maintaining family connections at the facility through video visitation services. The detention center utilizes an online platform that requires visitors to create accounts through www.videovisitanywhere.com, with approval processes typically taking 48-72 hours. This system allows for flexible scheduling and requires visitors to log in at least 15 minutes before their scheduled visit time. The facility offers multiple visitation windows throughout the day, including morning sessions from 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM, afternoon visits from 2:15 PM to 4:15 PM, and evening hours from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Beyond these documented services, Craven County Detention Center may offer additional programming typical of North Carolina correctional facilities. These could include educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and life skills training. The facility might also provide counseling services addressing substance abuse issues, mental health support, and pre-release planning to help prepare inmates for successful reintegration into the community. Religious services and recreational activities may be available to support inmates' spiritual and physical well-being during their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Craven County Detention Center in North Carolina can access notary services every Friday during business hours, with documents processed during morning hours from 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM, afternoon sessions from 2:15 PM to 4:15 PM, and evening availability from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This service, charged at $10 per page and billed to the inmate's account, represents one of the administrative resources available to help residents handle legal paperwork and personal affairs while incarcerated.

The facility operates a video visitation system through www.videovisitanywhere.com, requiring family members and friends to create online accounts with government-issued photo identification. The approval process typically takes 48-72 hours, after which visitors can schedule sessions through their Securus Online account. Visitors must log in at least 15 minutes before their scheduled visit time, allowing families to maintain regular contact despite physical separation. These virtual visits often provide crucial emotional support and help inmates stay connected to their support networks during their stay.

Daily routines at the detention center likely follow standard correctional practices common throughout North Carolina facilities, which may include scheduled meal times, recreational periods, and programming opportunities. Inmates typically have access to basic amenities such as commissary services, telephone privileges, and mail correspondence, though specific policies and schedules are subject to facility rules and security classifications. The combination of administrative services like notary assistance and modern communication options reflects the facility's approach to balancing security requirements with inmates' practical needs and family connections.