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 Durham County Detention Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Durham 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 Durham County Detention Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Durham County Detention Facility
   219 S Mangum St
   Durham, NC 27701
   Phone: (919) 560-0912

   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 Durham County Detention Facility?

   Visiting hours at Durham 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 (919) 560-0912 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 Durham 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 Durham County Detention Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Durham County Detention Center has implemented a digital mail processing system through ViaPath Technologies, reflecting the facility's adaptation to modern communication methods while maintaining security protocols. Beginning in early 2023, personal correspondence is processed through an offsite mailscan system where letters, cards, and pictures are digitally scanned and delivered to residents electronically. This streamlined approach may help residents maintain important family connections while ensuring facility security standards are met.

Beyond mail services, Durham County Detention typically may offer educational programming that could include GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and life skills training to help residents prepare for successful reintegration. The facility often provides substance abuse counseling and mental health services, which are common components of rehabilitation programs in North Carolina correctional facilities. Vocational training opportunities may be available, potentially including job readiness workshops and basic computer literacy programs that align with workforce development goals.

Support services at the facility may include religious programming, library access, and recreational activities that promote positive behavior and personal growth. The detention center likely maintains partnerships with local community organizations and educational institutions to enhance programming options, though specific collaborations may vary. Legal mail and educational materials continue to be processed through traditional channels, ensuring residents maintain access to legal representation and learning resources that support their cases and personal development during their stay.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones has undergone significant changes at Durham County Detention Center, with the facility implementing a digital mail scanning system through ViaPath Technologies as of February 2023. Personal correspondence including letters, cards, pictures, and drawings now gets processed offsite in Phoenix, Maryland, where items are scanned and delivered digitally to residents. This modernized approach typically allows for faster delivery while maintaining security protocols, though families should plan ahead as the system may require additional processing time.

The facility maintains separate procedures for different types of mail, with legal correspondence, books, and packages still being processed directly at the Durham location. Residents cannot receive cash, checks, or money orders through the mail system, which encourages families to use alternative methods for financial support. Daily routines at the detention center likely follow standard correctional schedules, with structured meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities that may include educational classes or vocational training depending on the facility's current offerings.

Family connections remain important during incarceration, and the digital mail system represents the facility's effort to balance security needs with maintaining these crucial relationships. While specific visitation policies aren't detailed in the available information, most North Carolina detention facilities typically offer scheduled visiting hours and may provide video visitation options. Residents often have access to commissary services, medical care, and various programs designed to support their well-being during their stay at the facility.