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 Early County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Early 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 Early County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Early County Jail
   531 E South Blvd
   Blakely, GA 39823
   Phone: (229) 723-3150

5. What are the visiting hours at Early County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Early 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 (229) 723-3150 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 Early 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 Early County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Early 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 Early 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 Early 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 Early 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 74-bed Early County Jail in Blakely, Georgia, operates under the supervision of the Early County Sheriff and provides essential services to support both pre-trial and sentenced inmates during their incarceration. The facility maintains a structured commissary system that allows inmates to purchase beverages, candy, snacks, health items, stationery, and clothing, with orders processed weekly for those whose funds are received by Tuesday at 1:00 PM. Communication with family and friends is facilitated through a comprehensive mail system, where inmates can purchase stamps, envelopes, paper, and pens from the commissary, though all correspondence is monitored for security purposes.

Visitation opportunities are scheduled based on inmates' last names, with those whose surnames begin with A-J visiting on Saturdays from 2:00-4:00 PM, and K-Z on Sundays during the same hours. Beyond these basic services, Early County Jail may offer additional programming typical of Georgia detention facilities, which could include educational opportunities such as GED preparation, substance abuse counseling, and life skills training designed to support successful reintegration into the community. The facility likely provides access to religious services and may coordinate with local organizations to offer vocational training or job readiness programs, though specific details about these additional services would need to be confirmed directly with the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Early County Jail in Blakely, Georgia, inmates follow a structured visitation schedule that divides families alphabetically - those with last names A through J visit on Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, while families with surnames K through Z have their designated time on Sundays during the same hours. This 74-bed detention facility, located at 18610 East South Blvd., operates under the supervision of the Early County Sheriff and houses a mix of pre-trial detainees, sentenced inmates serving their time at the facility, and individuals held for city and state charges.

The commissary system plays a central role in inmates' weekly routine, with orders typically processed for those whose funds are received by 1:00 PM on Tuesdays. Inmates may purchase beverages, candy, snacks, health items, stationery, and clothing through this system. Family members and friends can contribute to an inmate's account by leaving cash or money orders at the front window seven days a week, or by mailing money orders or cashier's checks directly to the facility. Personal checks are not accepted under any circumstances.

Communication with the outside world follows strict protocols, as all incoming and outgoing mail undergoes inspection for contraband and security concerns. Inmates can purchase stamps, envelopes, paper, and pens from the commissary to maintain correspondence with family and friends. All mail must include proper return addresses, and any incoming mail containing prohibited items will be returned to the sender. The facility's daily operations focus on maintaining security for Early County citizens while ensuring the safety of both staff and inmates within the detention system.