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 Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Decatur 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 Decatur County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Decatur County Jail
   333 S Franklin St
   Decatur, IL 62523
   Phone: (217) 424-1341

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

   Visiting hours at Decatur 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 (217) 424-1341 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 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 Decatur County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal transformation through structured intervention forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Macon County Jail in Illinois. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change requires addressing multiple dimensions of an individual's circumstances, from educational deficits to underlying psychological challenges. Through carefully designed service delivery, inmates encounter opportunities that foster self-reflection, skill acquisition, and the development of coping mechanisms essential for successful community reintegration.

Educational services typically encompass basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and foundational academic support designed to address learning gaps that may have contributed to an individual's involvement with the justice system. These academic interventions often work in conjunction with vocational programs that may provide hands-on training in practical trades and employment skills. Such educational initiatives frequently emphasize not merely knowledge acquisition but the cultivation of discipline, goal-setting abilities, and confidence that extend far beyond the classroom environment.

Mental health treatment services often include both individual mental health counseling and group therapy sessions, creating multiple avenues for addressing psychological barriers to personal growth. Also available may be specialized animal care programs, which typically serve dual purposes of teaching responsibility while providing therapeutic benefits through human-animal interaction. Job placement assistance services frequently complement these therapeutic interventions by helping inmates develop realistic post-release employment strategies, ensuring that the personal development achieved during incarceration translates into tangible opportunities for sustained rehabilitation and community contribution.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel bars of the housing units at Macon County Jail create a controlled environment where inmates must quickly learn to navigate structured routines and limited personal space. Currently, inmates follow a regimented schedule that typically begins with early morning counts and continues to provide structure throughout each day. The facility generally maintains consistent meal times, with inmates receiving three meals daily in designated dining areas or within their housing units, depending on security classifications and facility operations.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates may be housed with one or more cellmates in spaces equipped with basic necessities including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. The environment requires inmates to adapt to close quarters and establish respectful relationships with their housing unit neighbors. Also, personal property remains limited to approved items, with inmates often relying on commissary purchases to supplement basic toiletries and snacks, while maintaining their living spaces according to facility cleanliness standards.

However, the facility generally provides various programming opportunities that help inmates maintain connections with family and structure their time constructively. Recreation periods typically include access to dayrooms, television viewing, and limited outdoor exercise when weather and security conditions permit. Work assignments within the facility may offer inmates opportunities to contribute to daily operations while developing routine and responsibility. Also, visitation policies usually allow scheduled visits with approved family members and friends, while telephone access and mail correspondence continue to provide essential communication links with the outside community, helping inmates maintain supportive relationships during their incarceration.