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 Crawford County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Crawford 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 Crawford County Sheriff.

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

   Mailing address:

   Crawford County Sheriff
   200 Michigan Ave
   Grayling, MI 49738
   Phone: (989) 348-4616

5. What are the visiting hours at Crawford County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Crawford 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 (989) 348-4616 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 Crawford 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 Crawford County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Mental health services and community corrections programs form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts at Crawford County Jail in Grayling, Michigan. The facility’s Community Corrections program provides specialized therapeutic interventions including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Seeking Safety classes for qualifying residents. These evidence-based programs work alongside comprehensive mental health services to address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior. The jail also maintains an active Jail Ministry program with religious volunteers and regular church services, while Alcoholics Anonymous meetings provide peer support for those struggling with substance abuse issues.

Veterans housed at the facility may access specialized support through the Veterans Justice Outreach Program, which connects them with Department of Veterans Affairs resources and services tailored to their comprehensive needs. This program typically helps veterans navigate benefits, healthcare, and transition planning upon release. The jail may also offer additional programming common to Michigan correctional facilities, such as educational opportunities for residents working toward their GED, basic life skills workshops, and pre-release planning services to help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community.

The 53-bed facility houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals serving terms of one year or less, accommodating minimum to maximum security classifications for both male and female residents. With its modern surveillance and security systems, the jail maintains various custody levels while providing inmate work opportunities that may include kitchen duties, facility maintenance, and laundry services. These work programs often serve as valuable skill-building experiences and help residents maintain structure during their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Crawford County Corrections Center in Grayling, inmates begin each day within a 53-bed facility that houses both pre-trial detainees and those serving sentences of one year or less. The facility’s modern surveillance and cell door locking system maintains security for inmates ranging from minimum to maximum security levels, including both male and female populations. Throughout the day, eligible inmates may participate in various work programs within the facility, while others engage in structured programming designed to reduce recidivism.

Communication with family and friends follows specific guidelines, with mail accepted dedicated on white, pre-paid postcards written in blue or black ink or pencil - all other correspondence is placed in the inmate’s personal property. Visitation schedules are organized alphabetically by the established letter of the inmate’s last name, allowing families to maintain important connections during incarceration. The facility typically operates on a structured daily schedule that may include meal times, programming hours, and recreational periods, though specific timing varies based on security level and facility operations.

The jail offers several support programs to help inmates prepare for reintegration, including mental health services, Community Corrections programming that provides DBT, CBT, and Seeking Safety classes for qualifying participants, religious services through jail ministry volunteers, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and specialized support through the Veterans Justice Outreach Program. These programs are often integrated into the daily routine, providing inmates with counseling services and life skills training alongside the facility’s housing of inmates from various agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, other counties, and temporary placements from the Michigan Department of Corrections.