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 Effingham County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Effingham County Prison 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 Effingham County Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Effingham County Prison

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 Effingham County Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Effingham County Prison?

   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 Effingham County Prison?

   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 Effingham County Prison. 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 Effingham County Prison. 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 Effingham County Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Effingham County Prison
   321 GA-119
   Springfield, GA 31329
   Phone: (912) 754-2108

5. What are the visiting hours at Effingham County Prison?

   Visiting hours at Effingham County Prison 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 (912) 754-2108 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 Effingham County Prison?

   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 Effingham County Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Effingham County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Effingham County Prison 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 Effingham County Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Effingham County Prison, 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 Effingham County Prison?

   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 Effingham County Prison 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 Effingham County Prison, 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 Effingham County Sheriff’s Jail Division operates with a clear mission focused on providing care, custody, and control while ensuring ethical and humane treatment for all incarcerated individuals. As a smoke-free facility located in Springfield, Georgia, the jail serves dual functions: housing pre-trial detainees who are unable to make bond and accommodating sentenced inmates serving terms for misdemeanor offenses.

While the facility’s primary responsibility involves the receiving, processing, and housing of individuals charged with various criminal violations, correctional facilities in Georgia typically offer educational and vocational programming to support inmate rehabilitation. The jail may provide basic educational services such as GED preparation classes, literacy programs, and life skills training to help individuals prepare for successful reintegration into the community. Additionally, substance abuse counseling and mental health services are often available to address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

Given the facility’s commitment to maintaining a safe, sanitary, and secure environment, inmates may also have access to religious services, recreational activities, and work programs that help maintain facility operations while providing valuable job skills. The jail likely coordinates with local organizations to offer support services and may facilitate communication between inmates and their families through visitation programs and telephone access, all while ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff remain the top priority.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Effingham County Jail operates as a smoke-free facility where inmates experience a structured environment focused on safety, security, and humane treatment. Located at 502 W established Street in Springfield, Georgia, the facility serves dual functions - housing both pre-trial detainees awaiting court appearances and sentenced individuals serving misdemeanor terms of less than one year.

Inmates typically follow a regimented daily schedule that may include designated meal times, recreation periods, and educational or work opportunities where available. The facility maintains strict custody and control protocols while providing basic necessities and medical care as needed. Those serving sentences longer than one year often remain at the county facility temporarily before transfer to a Georgia Department of Corrections facility. Communication with family members generally occurs through monitored phone calls and scheduled visitation periods, though specific visiting hours and procedures would need to be confirmed by contacting the jail directly at 912-754-3449.

The jail’s mission emphasizes maintaining a safe, sanitary, and secure environment for both inmates and staff. Under the supervision of Captain Brian E. Barrs, the Jail Administrator, the facility processes individuals charged with various criminal violations while ensuring ethical treatment throughout their stay. Inmates unable to post bond remain in custody until their court dates, with daily routines structured around security requirements and basic care provisions typical of county correctional facilities in Georgia.