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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Delta County Sheriff’s Department 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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department.

Frequently asked questions about Delta County Sheriff’s Department

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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Delta County Sheriff’s Department?

   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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department?

   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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department. 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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department. 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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department?

   Mailing address:

   Delta County Sheriff’s Department
   2800 College Ave
   Escanaba, MI 49829
   Phone: (906) 786-3633

5. What are the visiting hours at Delta County Sheriff’s Department?

   Visiting hours at Delta County Sheriff’s Department 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 (906) 786-3633 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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department?

   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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Delta County Sheriff’s Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Delta County Sheriff’s Department 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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Delta County Sheriff’s Department, 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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department?

   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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department 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 Delta County Sheriff’s Department, 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

The McLean County Detention Facility maintains a comprehensive communication system that connects individuals with their families and support networks through both traditional and digital mail services. All correspondence is processed through a digital scanning system, with mail addressed to the Phoenix, Maryland processing center before being made available electronically to those housed at the facility. This modern approach to mail handling reflects the facility's integration of technology to maintain important family connections during incarceration.

Beyond communication services, the McLean County Detention Facility typically offers educational and rehabilitative programs designed to support individuals during their stay. These may include basic literacy classes, GED preparation courses, and life skills workshops that help prepare participants for successful reintegration into the community. The facility often provides access to substance abuse counseling and mental health services, recognizing the importance of addressing underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

Additional support services at the facility may include vocational training opportunities, religious services, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being. The detention center's approach to programming often emphasizes personal development and accountability, with case management services that help individuals navigate legal proceedings and plan for their release. These comprehensive services work together to create an environment focused on both public safety and individual rehabilitation, supporting positive outcomes for those in custody and the broader McLean County community.

Daily Life & Visitation

The McLean County Detention Facility operates around-the-clock services for both inmates and their families, with bond posting available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through multiple convenient options. Inmates and their loved ones can stay connected through a modernized mail system where correspondence is digitally scanned and made available for viewing, with all mail directed to a centralized processing center in Phoenix, Maryland before being delivered electronically to the facility.

Within the facility, inmates typically follow structured daily routines that may include scheduled meal times, recreational periods, and programming opportunities common to Illinois correctional facilities. The detention center maintains various security levels and housing units designed to accommodate different classifications of inmates, with daily activities often including educational programs, work assignments, and access to library services. Medical and mental health services are typically available to address inmates' healthcare needs throughout their stay.

Family connections remain a priority through the facility's visitation program, which includes on-site visitation hours where families can also handle bond-related matters using dedicated kiosks. The facility's lobby features additional kiosks for bond posting and account management, allowing families to add funds to inmates' accounts through the AccessCorrections system. These technological conveniences help maintain important family relationships while ensuring security protocols are followed, as all electronic communications are subject to standard inspection procedures typical of detention facilities.