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 Forrest County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Forrest County Sheriff

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 Forrest County Sheriff.

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

   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 Forrest County Sheriff?

   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 Forrest County Sheriff. 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 Forrest County Sheriff. 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 Forrest County Sheriff?

   Mailing address:

   Forrest County Sheriff
   55 Arena Dr
   Hattiesburg, MS 39401
   Phone: (601) 545-6148

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Forrest County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Forrest County Sheriff 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 (601) 545-6148 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 Forrest County Sheriff?

   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 Forrest County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Forrest County Sheriff 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 Forrest County Sheriff?

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

   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 Forrest County Sheriff 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 Forrest County Sheriff, 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 transformation begins through carefully structured opportunities that recognize the potential within every individual. Forrest County Jail typically approaches rehabilitation through a comprehensive framework that emphasizes skill development, spiritual growth, and practical preparation for community reintegration. The facility's offerings reflect a philosophy that views incarceration as a period for meaningful change, where those incarcerated may access resources designed to address underlying challenges while building foundations for future success.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's developmental approach, with education services that often include literacy programs, GED preparation, and basic academic instruction tailored to diverse learning needs. Furthermore, vocational programs may furnish hands-on training in essential trades and marketable skills, providing those incarcerated with concrete pathways toward employment upon release. The facility typically offers specialized training in building maintenance, equipping participants with practical construction and repair capabilities, while commercial driving instruction may prepare individuals for CDL certification—a credential that often opens doors to stable employment opportunities in the transportation sector.

The facility's support structure extends beyond academic and vocational training to encompass faith-based initiatives that address spiritual and emotional well-being. These offerings typically provide counseling, mentorship, and community-building activities that help those incarcerated develop healthy coping mechanisms and support networks. The integration of these various program components creates an environment where personal growth may flourish within a secure, structured setting that prioritizes both safety and meaningful engagement in rehabilitation efforts.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family members and maintaining relationships with the outside world becomes a central focus for those incarcerated at Forrest County Jail, where structured communication opportunities and shared living experiences help create a sense of community within the facility's walls. The daily routine now revolves around regularly scheduled activities that furnish both structure and opportunities for social interaction, beginning with early morning wake-up calls and extending through evening count procedures that punctuate each day.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated develop informal support networks and navigate the complexities of communal living in dormitory-style or multi-person cell arrangements. The dining experience generally brings residents together in common areas where meals are served at designated times, creating natural opportunities for conversation and relationship-building among those who may come from diverse backgrounds but now share similar circumstances. Furthermore, recreational periods often include access to television viewing areas, outdoor exercise yards when weather permits, and indoor common spaces where card games and casual interactions help pass the time while maintaining social connections.

Although security protocols necessarily govern many aspects of daily life, the facility typically offers work assignments that may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that provide both structure and the opportunity to contribute to the facility's operations. Structured programming schedules generally incorporate educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling sessions, and religious services that furnish additional avenues for personal growth and community engagement. Visitation policies usually allow for regular contact with family members and friends, while telephone access and correspondence privileges help those incarcerated maintain vital connections to their support systems outside the facility, ensuring that relationships can continue to develop despite the physical separation imposed by incarceration.