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 Cumberland County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Cumberland 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 Cumberland County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Cumberland County Detention Center
   204 Gillespie St
   Fayetteville, NC 28301
   Phone: (910) 672-5630

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

   Visiting hours at Cumberland 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 (910) 672-5630 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Through a multifaceted approach to personal development and skill acquisition, individuals at Cumberland County Detention Center encounter an extensive array of opportunities designed to address diverse needs and aspirations. The facility's comprehensive programming philosophy recognizes that meaningful change emerges through varied pathways, whether through hands-on learning, therapeutic intervention, or educational advancement. This holistic framework ensures that participants can engage with multiple complementary opportunities simultaneously, creating a robust foundation for personal growth and successful community reintegration.

Educational and vocational opportunities form a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, providing individuals with practical skills and academic advancement possibilities. Vocational training initiatives typically encompass specialized technical instruction, while small engine repair programs may offer hands-on experience with mechanical systems and equipment maintenance. Moreover, distance learning opportunities often enable participants to pursue academic credentials and continue their educational journey, bridging the gap between incarceration and future career aspirations through flexible, technology-supported coursework.

Therapeutic and support services complement the educational framework by addressing underlying challenges and facilitating successful transitions. Substance abuse treatment programs typically provide evidence-based interventions designed to support recovery and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Additionally, reentry programs may offer comprehensive preparation for community reintegration, while restorative justice opportunities often focus on accountability, healing, and relationship repair. These interconnected services create a supportive environment where individuals can address personal challenges while developing the tools necessary for sustained positive change.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of breakfast preparation now signals the beginning of another structured day for individuals housed at Cumberland County Detention Center, where routines provide both predictability and purpose in an otherwise uncertain environment. Each morning typically begins with count procedures, followed by meal service that brings residents together in common areas where conversations flow quietly among tables. Throughout the day, individuals regularly participate in scheduled activities that may include educational programming, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training opportunities designed to support their eventual reintegration into the community.

Housing units at the facility generally accommodate multiple individuals in dormitory-style settings or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Personal belongings are typically limited to essential items and approved commissary purchases, which individuals can obtain through a structured ordering system that operates on designated days. Moreover, the living areas often include common spaces where residents can watch television, play games, or simply socialize during designated recreation periods, while maintaining the security protocols necessary for facility operations.

Whereas the structured environment may feel restrictive, various programs offer meaningful ways for individuals to spend their time productively and maintain connections with loved ones. Visitation opportunities typically occur on scheduled days, allowing family members to maintain important relationships through face-to-face contact or video conferencing systems. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles that provide individuals with responsibility and routine while contributing to facility operations. Communication with the outside world generally includes access to telephone services and mail correspondence, helping residents preserve vital family bonds and community connections during their stay at the facility.