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 Fentress County Sheriff Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Fentress County Sheriff Department 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 Fentress County Sheriff Department.

Frequently asked questions about Fentress County Sheriff Department

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 Fentress County Sheriff Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Fentress County Sheriff Department?

   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 Fentress County Sheriff Department?

   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 Fentress County Sheriff Department. 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 Fentress County Sheriff Department. 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 Fentress County Sheriff Department?

   Mailing address:

   Fentress County Sheriff Department
   140 Justice Ctr Dr
   Jamestown, TN 38556
   Phone: (931) 879-8142

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Fentress County Sheriff Department?

   Visiting hours at Fentress County Sheriff Department 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 (931) 879-8142 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 Fentress County Sheriff Department?

   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 Fentress County Sheriff Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Fentress County Sheriff Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Fentress County Sheriff Department 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 Fentress County Sheriff Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Fentress County Sheriff Department, 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 Fentress County Sheriff Department?

   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 Fentress County Sheriff Department 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 Fentress County Sheriff Department, 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

Personal growth opportunities within Fentress County Jail focus on building skills and knowledge that can transform lives. Those incarcerated have access to structured offerings designed to address educational gaps while fostering personal development. The facility’s approach emphasizes creating pathways for positive change through meaningful participation in various developmental activities.

Educational services form the foundation of growth opportunities, with adult basic education helping participants strengthen fundamental academic skills. These offerings typically include literacy improvement and basic mathematics instruction delivered through structured classroom settings. In addition to this, vocational programs may furnish hands-on training in practical skills that can support future employment opportunities. Those incarcerated often benefit from learning trades and technical skills that provide concrete pathways toward self-sufficiency upon release.

Faith-based programs offer spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking personal reflection and moral development. These offerings typically provide group discussions, counseling sessions, and opportunities for worship within a secure environment. Arts and crafts activities may furnish creative outlets that help participants develop new talents while building confidence and self-expression. The combination of these support services often includes structured daily routines that promote discipline and personal responsibility, contributing to overall rehabilitation goals within the facility’s secure framework.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family connections and peer relationships often serve as anchors for those incarcerated at Fentress County Jail, helping them navigate the structured environment while maintaining ties to their community. Today’s routine consistently revolves around scheduled activities that furnish stability, with wake-up calls typically occurring in the early morning hours followed by facility counts and meal service. Those incarcerated generally participate in work assignments that may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or facility maintenance tasks, which provide opportunities for social interaction and skill development.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared housing units where individuals develop daily routines alongside their peers. The facility generally provides basic bedding, personal hygiene items, and storage space for approved personal property. Meals are usually served in common dining areas, creating natural opportunities for conversation and community building among residents. In addition to this structured meal service, commissary privileges may allow those incarcerated to purchase additional food items and personal care products, often funded through support from family members.

Recreation and exercise opportunities typically include access to outdoor areas and common spaces where individuals can engage in physical activities and maintain social connections. Visitation policies generally allow family members and approved visitors to maintain regular contact, while phone privileges and mail services furnish additional communication options. Despite this structured environment, many facilities offer programming that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or religious services, helping those incarcerated prepare for reintegration while building supportive relationships with both staff and peers during their stay.