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 Drew County Detention Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Drew County Detention Facility 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 Drew County Detention Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Drew County Detention Facility

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 Drew County Detention Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Drew County Detention Facility?

   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 Drew County Detention Facility?

   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 Drew County Detention Facility. 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 Drew County Detention Facility. 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 Drew County Detention Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Drew County Detention Facility
   106 S Main St
   Monticello, AR 71655
   Phone: (870) 460-6215

5. What are the visiting hours at Drew County Detention Facility?

   Visiting hours at Drew County Detention Facility 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 (870) 460-6215 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 Drew County Detention Facility?

   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 Drew County Detention Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Drew County Detention Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Drew County Detention Facility 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 Drew County Detention Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Drew County Detention Facility, 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 Drew County Detention Facility?

   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 Drew County Detention Facility 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 Drew County Detention Facility, 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 skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Drew County Jail, where inmates typically have access to various educational and therapeutic opportunities designed to address underlying issues and build practical life skills. The facility’s approach to rehabilitation often emphasizes both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. Through structured programming, inmates may work toward developing the tools necessary for successful community reentry while addressing personal challenges that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational services at the facility typically include vocational education opportunities that may help inmates develop marketable job skills for future employment. Computer literacy training often provides essential technological skills needed in today’s workforce, while financial literacy courses may cover budgeting, banking, and money management concepts. These educational components generally aim to address practical skill gaps that inmates might face upon release, potentially improving their employment prospects and financial stability.

Furthermore, the jail may provide agriculture programs that offer hands-on learning experiences and work skills development in farming or gardening activities. Faith-based services are often available for inmates seeking spiritual support and guidance during their incarceration. Group therapy sessions typically address various personal and behavioral issues, providing inmates with coping strategies and emotional support. Additionally, victim awareness programming may help participants understand the impact of criminal behavior on communities and victims, potentially fostering empathy and personal accountability as part of the rehabilitation process.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures of Drew County Jail create a controlled environment where every aspect of daily life follows established protocols. Inmates currently adapt to a structured routine that begins with early morning counts and continues through scheduled meals, programming, and evening lockdown procedures. The facility typically maintains consistent daily schedules that provide predictability, helping residents adjust to institutional life while serving their sentences.

Housing units generally accommodate multiple inmates in dormitory-style settings or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Living accommodations usually include basic furnishings such as bunks, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. Furthermore, inmates typically receive three meals daily in designated dining areas, with menus that meet basic nutritional requirements. Personal property is generally limited to approved items, and commissary services may offer additional food items and hygiene products for those with available funds.

The facility often provides recreational opportunities that include television viewing, reading materials, and exercise periods when space and staffing permit. Although visitation policies vary based on security considerations, inmates usually have opportunities to maintain contact with family members through scheduled visits and telephone calls. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that provide structure and can help offset commissary costs. Programming schedules typically incorporate educational opportunities, religious services, and other activities designed to support rehabilitation goals while inmates serve their time.