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 Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Cumberland 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 Cumberland County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

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

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

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

   Visiting hours at Cumberland 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 (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 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 Cumberland County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives at Cumberland County Jail focus on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior while equipping residents with practical skills for successful reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes personal development through structured programming that targets education, employment readiness, and behavioral modification. These initiatives typically operate through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and therapeutic interventions designed to support long-term positive outcomes.

Educational services form the foundation of the facility's programming, often including adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy development courses. Vocational programs may deliver training in various trades and technical skills that align with local employment opportunities. Additionally, prison industries initiatives typically provide residents with work experience in areas such as food service, maintenance, and manufacturing operations. Agriculture programs often offer hands-on learning opportunities that teach sustainable farming practices while contributing to the facility's food production needs.

Therapeutic initiatives address behavioral and substance-related challenges through evidence-based treatment approaches. Substance abuse treatment programs may deliver both individual and group counseling sessions, helping residents develop coping strategies and relapse prevention skills. Anger management courses typically focus on emotional regulation techniques and conflict resolution strategies. Additionally, parenting classes often provide essential skills for maintaining healthy family relationships and supporting children's development, recognizing that strong family connections can significantly impact successful reentry outcomes.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structure and routine currently form the foundation of daily operations, with residents following established schedules that continue to provide predictability throughout each day. Wake-up typically occurs in the early morning hours, followed by scheduled meal times, programming sessions, and designated periods for recreation and personal activities. This consistent framework generally helps residents adapt to facility life while maintaining a sense of order and purpose.

Living accommodations vary based on classification levels and available space, with residents typically housed in dormitory-style units or individual cells depending on their custody status. Meals are generally served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with menus planned to meet basic nutritional requirements. Additionally, residents may have access to commissary services where they can purchase approved personal items and snacks using funds from their accounts. Personal property is usually limited to essential items and must comply with facility security guidelines.

While daily routines deliver structure, residents typically have opportunities to participate in various programs and activities designed to support their rehabilitation and personal development. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or laundry services, which often provide residents with a sense of responsibility and purpose. Recreation time usually includes access to exercise areas, television viewing, and reading materials. Family connections remain important, with visitation policies generally allowing scheduled visits and phone calls to maintain contact with loved ones, though specific procedures and scheduling requirements typically apply to ensure facility security and order.