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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Fairfield County Sheriff's Office 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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Fairfield County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office. 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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office. 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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Fairfield County Sheriff's Office
   345 Lincoln Ave
   Lancaster, OH 43130
   Phone: (740) 652-7900

   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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Fairfield County Sheriff's Office 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 (740) 652-7900 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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Fairfield County Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Fairfield County Sheriff's Office 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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Fairfield County Sheriff's Office, 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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office 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 Fairfield County Sheriff's Office, 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

Video visitation technology and comprehensive inmate support services form the foundation of programming at Fairfield County Jail in Lancaster, Ohio. The facility operates a modern video visitation system that allows families to maintain connections through scheduled 20-minute weekly visits, supporting the important role that family contact plays in successful reentry. Along with this technology-based communication system, the jail typically provides telephone services that enable inmates to stay connected with their support networks throughout their incarceration.

Educational and vocational programming may include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, and job readiness training designed to prepare individuals for employment upon release. The facility often collaborates with local educational institutions and workforce development agencies to offer skills-based training in areas such as construction, food service, or computer literacy. Counseling services typically encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and anger management classes, addressing the underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services at the facility may include religious programming, library access, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being. The jail's commissary system, supported by the inmate account deposit services available through kiosks and online platforms, allows individuals to purchase personal items and maintain some autonomy during their stay. Medical services are available on-site to address healthcare needs, while case management services often help inmates develop reentry plans and connect with community resources prior to release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Video visitation sessions through monitors connect inmates at Fairfield County Jail with their families and friends for twenty-minute conversations each week. Located at 345 Lincoln Avenue in Lancaster, the facility operates a structured visitation schedule from Monday through Friday, with morning sessions from 9am to 11am and afternoon visits from 2pm to 4pm. Visitors must schedule their appointments at least 48 hours in advance using either the lobby kiosk or the online system, and punctuality is essential—arriving more than ten minutes late results in a cancelled visit.

The jail's communication systems extend beyond video visits to include telephone services that allow inmates to maintain contact with their support networks. Financial transactions for inmates typically occur through the lobby kiosk system, which accepts various denominations of cash and bank cards, enabling family members to deposit funds for commissary purchases and other needs. Money orders may also be mailed directly to inmates, while online and telephone deposit options provide additional convenience for families unable to visit the facility in person.

Housing units within the facility may include dormitory-style accommodations or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Inmates often follow structured daily schedules that typically include meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities. Medical services are available on-site, with staff addressing routine healthcare needs and managing any ongoing medical conditions. The facility's booking and processing procedures handle new arrivals, while shift supervisors oversee daily operations to maintain security and ensure the facility runs smoothly throughout each 24-hour period.