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 Decatur County Farm.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Decatur County Farm 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 Decatur County Farm.

Frequently asked questions about Decatur County Farm

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 Decatur County Farm.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Decatur County Farm?

   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 Decatur County Farm?

   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 Decatur County Farm. 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 Decatur County Farm. 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 Decatur County Farm?

   Mailing address:

   Decatur County Farm
   1153 Airport Rd
   Bainbridge, GA 39817
   Phone: (229) 248-3035

5. What are the visiting hours at Decatur County Farm?

   Visiting hours at Decatur County Farm 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 (229) 248-3035 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 Decatur County Farm?

   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 Decatur County Farm for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Decatur County Farm?

   You can send money to an inmate at Decatur County Farm 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 Decatur County Farm?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Decatur County Farm, 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 Decatur County Farm?

   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 Decatur County Farm 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 Decatur County Farm, 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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Decatur County C.I. The facility typically emphasizes building practical abilities alongside personal responsibility. Inmates often participate in structured activities designed to prepare them for successful community reintegration.

Educational services may provide opportunities for academic advancement and practical skill building. Inmates can typically access basic education programs to complete their high school equivalency requirements. Moreover, vocational training services often include hands-on instruction in marketable trades that support future employment opportunities. These services generally focus on developing both technical competencies and workplace readiness skills.

Support services address personal development through various approaches. Faith-based services may offer spiritual guidance and community connections for interested participants. Additionally, the facility often includes specialized training in barbering and cosmetology, providing inmates with certification opportunities in personal care industries. Grounds maintenance services typically allow participants to develop landscaping and facility upkeep skills while contributing to the institution's daily operations. These diverse offerings generally work together to support inmates' personal growth and practical preparation for their eventual return to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Decatur County C.I. feature dormitory-style accommodations where inmates navigate shared living spaces and establish daily routines within a structured environment. Inmates now wake to scheduled counts and regularly participate in facility operations that provide order throughout each day. The controlled atmosphere requires residents to adapt to communal dining in designated areas, where meals are served at set intervals and inmates typically eat together in supervised settings.

Living conditions involve shared sleeping quarters where inmates maintain personal belongings within designated storage areas and follow established protocols for cleanliness and organization. Whereas privacy is limited, inmates generally develop coping strategies and form supportive relationships with fellow residents. The facility typically provides basic furnishings and bedding, while inmates may purchase additional comfort items through the commissary system when funds are available.

Moreover, structured programming schedules offer inmates opportunities to participate in educational classes, vocational training, and religious services that help maintain connections to personal growth and community values. Recreation periods usually include outdoor exercise time and access to common areas where inmates can engage in approved activities. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, allowing inmates to maintain important relationships while serving their sentences. Work assignments throughout the facility provide inmates with daily responsibilities and may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles.