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 Crittenden County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Crittenden County Detention Center 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 Crittenden County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Crittenden County Detention Center

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 Crittenden County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Crittenden County Detention Center?

   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 Crittenden County Detention Center?

   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 Crittenden County Detention Center. 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 Crittenden County Detention Center. 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 Crittenden County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Crittenden County Detention Center
   208 W Carlisle St
   Marion, KY 42064
   Phone: (270) 965-3185

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Crittenden County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Crittenden County Detention Center 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 (270) 965-3185 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 Crittenden County Detention Center?

   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 Crittenden County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Crittenden County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Crittenden County Detention Center 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 Crittenden County Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Crittenden County Detention Center, 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 Crittenden County Detention Center?

   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 Crittenden County Detention Center 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 Crittenden County Detention Center, 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 Crittenden County Detention Center in Kentucky emphasizes rehabilitation through comprehensive programming designed to address multiple aspects of inmate reentry. Their educational initiatives include GED preparation through Pearson Vue testing, along with specialized parenting programs such as “24/7 Dads,” “New Direction Mom’s,” and “Father’s Parenting and Family Values.” The facility also provides therapeutic interventions including Moral Reconation Therapy (M.R.T.) in various formats - standard M.R.T., M.R.T. Trauma, M.R.T. Untangling Relationships, and M.R.T. Mentoring - alongside anger management courses and relapse prevention programming.

Work-based programs form a significant component of the facility’s rehabilitation approach, featuring community service opportunities through partnerships with local organizations. Inmates may participate in road crew assignments with the City of Marion, park maintenance crews, mowing operations, and litter abatement projects. The facility also operates a Victory Garden program and maintains work release and weekend program options for eligible participants. Additional vocational preparation may include NCRC/Work Keys certification and the “Rubies For Life” program, providing inmates with practical skills for successful community reintegration.

Support services typically encompass standard correctional facility offerings including commissary access, regulated visitation schedules, mail and phone privileges, and inmate property management. The facility maintains compliance with Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards, providing informational materials in both English and Spanish. Family support programming extends beyond individual participants through comprehensive parenting curricula, while counseling services may address trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse concerns to support long-term behavioral change and community safety.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured environment at Crittenden County Detention Center revolves around established schedules for meals, commissary access, and various programming opportunities that help maintain order throughout the facility. Inmates typically begin their day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by opportunities to participate in educational programs like the Pearson Vue GED preparation or various therapeutic initiatives including Moral Reconation Therapy and anger management courses. The facility operates several work programs that may provide inmates with purposeful daily activities, including participation in community service projects, road crew assignments, and maintenance of the Victory Garden, which offers both structure and skill development during incarceration.

Communication with family and friends forms an important part of daily routine, with designated phone hours and mail services available to help inmates maintain connections to their support systems. The facility provides commissary services on a scheduled basis, allowing inmates to purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their daily needs. Visitation opportunities are structured according to facility policies, giving families regular opportunities to maintain relationships during incarceration periods.

Educational and rehabilitative programming occupies significant portions of the daily schedule, with various options including parenting classes like “24/7 Dads” and “New Direction Mom’s,” substance abuse programming such as Relapse Prevention, and workforce development through NCRC/Work Keys training. These programs typically operate during designated hours throughout the week, providing inmates with constructive activities while working toward personal improvement goals. The facility’s mission emphasizes returning individuals to society with enhanced skills and professional behavior, which is reflected in the variety of daily programming options available to participants.