How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Trying to reach someone at Fentress County Jail in Tennessee? Communication rules vary by facility and can change without notice. Before you send mail, set up phone service, or plan a visit, confirm the current rules directly with the jail. This saves you time and money on something that might get rejected.

What-to-check

• ✓ Which contact methods are currently allowed for inmates (letters, postcards, phone calls, video visits, electronic messages)
• ✓ Exact mailing format required (full name, inmate ID number, housing info if required)
• ✓ Whether the jail limits letters to postcards only, limits the number of pages, or requires specific paper/envelopes
• ✓ Photo rules (how many, what size, whether instant photos are banned)
• ✓ Prohibited content rules (stickers, glitter, perfume, lipstick marks, stamps, colored ink, metal clips)
• ✓ How legal mail is handled and how it must be addressed
• ✓ Package rules (whether any packages are allowed at all, and if books must come directly from an approved seller)
• ✓ Phone call setup details (whether you must create an account, add funds, or get pre-approval)
• ✓ Whether voicemail or message services exist, and what fees apply
• ✓ Video visitation availability and scheduling rules (if offered)
• ✓ In-person visitation rules (days/times, who can visit, ID requirements, dress code, number of visitors)
• ✓ Whether there are limits on how often an inmate can call or how long calls can last
• ✓ How the jail handles blocked numbers and whether you can request to be unblocked
• ✓ The right way to leave an emergency message, if the facility offers that option

1. Ask for the inmate communication rules. Request the current mail rules plus phone and visitation instructions, including anything that changed recently.
2. Confirm the mailing requirements in detail. Read back the format you plan to use (name, ID number, address lines) and ask if anything else is required for delivery.
3. Request the “do not send” list. Have staff tell you the most common reasons mail is rejected so you can avoid easy mistakes.
4. Get the name and role of who you spoke with. Write down the date/time of the call and the staff member’s name so you can reference it if you get conflicting answers later.
5. If you get unclear answers, ask for the right department. Mail rules are often enforced by the mailroom, and visit questions may be handled by a visitation officer or shift supervisor.
6. Test with a simple first attempt. Send one plain letter first (no extras) or set up the smallest phone deposit allowed, then expand once you know what works.

Once you've verified the rules, keep a short log of what you were told and when. Save copies of anything you send. Policies can shift, so re-check before mailing anything time-sensitive or traveling for a visit. The mailing address on file is: Fentress County Jail, 140 Justice Center Dr, Jamestown, TN 38556. Confirm the exact inmate name and ID formatting with the facility before sending.