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 Dodge County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Dodge 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 Dodge County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Dodge County Jail
   85 Industrial Blvd
   Eastman, GA 31023
   Phone: (478) 374-8131

   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 Dodge County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Dodge 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 (478) 374-8131 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 Dodge 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 Dodge County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Dodge County Detention Center operates with a comprehensive approach to processing and housing individuals in custody, providing essential services from intake through release or transfer. Under the supervision of Jail Administrator Chris Holland, the facility’s detention operations focus on receiving and processing detainees from various law enforcement agencies while ensuring proper bond procedures and court coordination. The modern facility, designed to house over many individuals, prioritizes the safety of the public, staff, and detainees through modern infrastructure and security protocols.

While the facility’s primary function centers on secure detention and case processing, correctional facilities of this type typically may offer various support services to address detainee needs during their stay. These often include basic medical care, mental health services, and substance abuse counseling programs. Educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes and vocational training programs may be available to help individuals develop skills for successful reintegration. The facility likely provides access to legal resources, including law library materials and attorney visitation, to support detainees’ legal proceedings.

Additional services commonly found in modern detention centers may include religious programs, recreational activities, and work release opportunities for eligible individuals. The facility’s commitment to safety and security often extends to comprehensive classification systems that help determine appropriate housing and program placement. Given the facility’s modern design and capacity, it likely incorporates features that support both security needs and basic quality of life standards, including proper ventilation, lighting, and space allocation that meets current correctional standards.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Dodge County Detention Center operates as a modern processing and housing facility designed to accommodate over 150 detainees in a modern environment that prioritizes safety for the public, staff, and those in custody. Under the administration of Jail Administrator Chris Holland, the facility handles the intake, processing, and detention of individuals brought in by various law enforcement agencies throughout the county. The detention operations follow established protocols where newly arrived individuals are typically given the opportunity to post bond, and those unable to secure release remain housed until court proceedings determine their case outcomes.

Daily routines at the facility generally follow structured schedules common to detention centers, which may include designated meal times, recreation periods, and opportunities for educational or rehabilitative programming. The modern design of the facility often allows for various housing classifications to ensure appropriate separation of detainees based on their individual circumstances and security requirements. Detainees who have been convicted and sentenced typically remain at the facility to serve their time in accordance with the law, though some may be transferred to state facilities depending on the length and nature of their sentences.

Communication with family and legal representatives is typically facilitated through established visitation protocols and phone systems, though specific policies may vary based on security classifications and individual case circumstances. The facility’s commitment to safety extends to maintaining secure environments while providing necessary services for those in custody, whether they are awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving completed sentences within the county detention system.