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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office 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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office

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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office?

   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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office?

   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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office. 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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office. 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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office
   205 Franklin St
   Mansfield, LA 71052
   Phone: (318) 872-3956

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office 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 (318) 872-3956 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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office?

   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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office 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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, 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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office?

   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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office 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 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, 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 begins with the right foundation, and those incarcerated at DeSoto Parish Jail in North Dakota may find themselves with access to meaningful opportunities designed to build essential life skills. The facility typically emphasizes structure and safety as cornerstones of its rehabilitation approach, recognizing that meaningful change often occurs when individuals have access to comprehensive programming. These offerings are generally designed to address various aspects of personal development, from basic education to practical job skills that can serve participants well beyond their time at the facility.

Educational advancement forms a significant component of the available opportunities, with education programs that may furnish participants with foundational academic skills and literacy development. Moreover, vocational training offerings often include hands-on learning experiences that teach marketable skills, allowing those incarcerated to develop expertise in various trades and technical areas that align with local employment opportunities.

Support services typically encompass work programs that provide structure and responsibility while building work ethic and time management capabilities. The facility may also offer specialized training in areas such as masonry, which combines practical skill development with the discipline required for construction trades. These comprehensive offerings often include therapeutic components that address underlying issues, helping participants develop the tools necessary for successful reintegration into their communities while maintaining the secure environment essential for both staff and participant safety.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at DeSoto Parish Jail, as maintaining these relationships often provides crucial emotional support during their time at the facility. Those housed here now follow structured daily routines that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service. The day regularly includes designated periods for recreation, programming activities, and personal time that allow individuals to write letters, make phone calls, or simply reflect on their circumstances.

Living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Those incarcerated typically share common areas where meals are served at scheduled times throughout the day. The dining arrangements often provide opportunities for social interaction, as individuals may sit together and engage in conversation during these structured meal periods. Moreover, recreational activities may include access to television viewing areas, card games, or outdoor exercise time when weather and security considerations permit.

Programming schedules generally furnish educational opportunities, religious services, and counseling sessions that help maintain community connections both within the facility and with the outside world. Visitation policies typically allow family members and approved friends to maintain regular contact through scheduled visits, which often serve as vital lifelines for those incarcerated. Whereas in-person visits may be limited by space and security requirements, phone calls and written correspondence usually provide additional means of staying connected with loved ones. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that not only provide structure but also foster a sense of contribution to the facility community.