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 DeKalb County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about DeKalb 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 DeKalb County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   DeKalb County Jail
   4425 Memorial Dr
   Decatur, GA 30032
   Phone: (404) 298-8145

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

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

   Visiting hours at DeKalb 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 (404) 298-8145 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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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 growth and rehabilitation form the cornerstone of service delivery at DeKalb County Jail, where inmates may access various developmental opportunities designed to address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that recognizes education, skill-building, and personal reflection as essential components of meaningful change. Through structured programming, inmates often have the chance to work on fundamental life skills while addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational services frequently include basic literacy programs alongside more advanced academic coursework, allowing participants to work toward completing their high school equivalency or strengthening foundational skills. Civic education components may help inmates better understand their roles and responsibilities as community members upon release. Moreover, vocational training opportunities often focus on practical, marketable skills that can support successful reentry into the workforce, with hands-on learning experiences that build both technical competence and workplace readiness.

Support services typically encompass faith-based programming that provides spiritual guidance and community connection for those who seek it. Specialized training in areas such as masonry may offer inmates concrete technical skills while fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Moreover, victim awareness services often help participants develop empathy and understanding of how their actions have affected others, contributing to personal accountability and emotional growth that supports lasting behavioral change.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel bars of housing units create a controlled environment where inmates at DeKalb County Jail must quickly learn to navigate structured routines and shared living spaces. At present, the facility actively maintains a schedule that begins with early morning counts and extends through evening lockdown. Inmates typically wake to the sound of corrections officers conducting headcounts, followed by opportunities for hygiene and preparation for the day ahead.

Living accommodations generally consist of multi-person cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates share sleeping quarters with one or more individuals. The confined spaces require residents to adapt their personal habits and develop respectful coexistence with their cellmates. Meals are typically served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, providing inmates with opportunities for social interaction within the facility's security parameters. Moreover, personal property is usually limited to essential items, with additional comfort items available through the commissary system when funds are available.

Structured programming schedules may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and religious services, depending on availability and inmate eligibility. Recreation time often provides access to outdoor areas or gymnasium facilities where inmates can engage in physical exercise and sports activities. Whereas daily routines can feel restrictive, visitation policies typically allow family members to maintain connections through scheduled visits, phone calls, and written correspondence. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, laundry services, or maintenance tasks that provide inmates with purposeful activity and sometimes modest compensation to support their commissary accounts.