How to send messages, photos, and packages
Staying in touch with someone at Dawson County Jail typically means using phone calls, video visits (on-site or from home), and electronic messaging—usually through a third-party vendor. Options, schedules, and costs vary by facility and vendor. Some calls or messages are prepaid, some are collect, and others require you to fund a vendor account first. The basic setup is the same: create and verify an account with the approved vendor, add a payment method or deposit funds if required, then schedule video visits or enable calling. Calls and electronic messages are commonly monitored, and your loved one may need to add you to an approved contact list before communication is allowed. For at-home video visits, confirm device and browser/app requirements ahead of time.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Create an account with the facility’s approved communications vendor and complete any verification steps required. If the service has fees, fund the account or set up the vendor’s accepted payment method before you try to schedule visits or receive paid calls.
Yes—phone calls and electronic messages are commonly monitored (and often recorded) depending on facility policy and vendor practices. Your loved one may also need to add you to an approved contact list before calling or messaging is allowed.
You’ll generally need a webcam-enabled computer or a smartphone/tablet with a camera and microphone, plus stable internet. Check the vendor’s device, browser, and app requirements before your scheduled visit.
Maybe, but don’t mail books directly unless the jail allows it. Many Georgia facilities require books to be ordered through an approved vendor or publisher-only program, so check Dawson County’s specific rules and any limits or deadlines before you order.
Use the jail’s correct mailing address, and include the inmate’s full name and GDC/inmate number on every piece of mail. Confirm the address through an official source before sending so it doesn’t get returned or delayed.
Non‑privileged mail is inspected for contraband and may be opened by staff. Legal or privileged mail is handled under separate procedures and may be opened in the inmate’s presence but is not read by staff.
Dawson County Detention Center uses Smart Communications for inmate phone services. Whether you're setting up calling, adding money, or troubleshooting an issue, Smart Communications is the system you'll be working through.
Dawson County Detention Center gives you two ways to visit: a free, 30-minute on-site visit or a shorter paid video visit. Both require scheduling at least 24 hours ahead.
Getting money onto an inmate's account makes a real difference. Here are the deposit options Dawson County Detention Center accepts, plus the Keefe commissary schedule so you can time deposits around order and delivery days.
