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 Fort Bend County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Fort Bend County Jail 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 Fort Bend County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Fort Bend County Jail

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 Fort Bend County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Fort Bend County Jail?

   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 Fort Bend County Jail?

   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 Fort Bend County Jail. 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 Fort Bend County Jail. 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 Fort Bend County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Fort Bend County Jail
   1410 Williams Way Blvd
   Richmond, TX 77469
   Phone: (281) 341-4735

5. What are the visiting hours at Fort Bend County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Fort Bend County Jail 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 (281) 341-4735 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 Fort Bend County Jail?

   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 Fort Bend County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Fort Bend County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Fort Bend County Jail 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 Fort Bend County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Fort Bend County Jail, 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 Fort Bend County Jail?

   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 Fort Bend County Jail 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 Fort Bend County Jail, 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

Digital communication services form a cornerstone of maintaining family connections at Fort Bend County Jail, with inmates having access to eMessaging through Securus technology platforms. This system enables two-way communication between inmates and their approved contacts, allowing them to share messages, photos, and eCards for special occasions. The facility has modernized its mail system as of January 2024, transitioning from physical personal mail to a digital scanning service where correspondence is processed at the Securus Digital Mail Center and made available to inmates through tablets and kiosks.

The jail's communication infrastructure reflects a broader commitment to supporting inmates' connections with their support networks during incarceration. Beyond the digital messaging services, Fort Bend County Jail may offer additional programs typical of Texas correctional facilities, which often include educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and vocational training in areas like food service or maintenance skills. Counseling services may also be available, potentially including substance abuse programs, anger management courses, and mental health support services designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services at the facility likely extend to reentry preparation programs that may help inmates develop job search skills, obtain identification documents, and connect with community resources upon release. Religious services are typically available through chaplaincy programs, and inmates may have access to recreational activities and library services. While specific details about all programming vary, these types of comprehensive services work together to support rehabilitation goals and help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into their communities following their release from custody.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones has undergone significant changes at Fort Bend County Jail, with digital messaging now serving as the primary connection between inmates and their families. Through the Securus eMessaging system, inmates can engage in two-way communication, sharing photos, eCards for special occasions, and personal messages throughout their day. This digital platform allows family members to prepay messages and enables inmates to initiate conversations once an initial connection is established, though all communications are subject to monitoring by law enforcement staff.

The transition to digital mail processing, implemented in January 2024, has transformed how inmates receive correspondence from the outside world. Personal mail is now processed through the Securus Digital Mail Center, where letters and photos are scanned and made available on tablets and kiosks within the facility. This system typically allows inmates to access their mail during designated hours, viewing scanned documents and images on secure devices. Physical items that cannot be digitized, including oversized papers and non-paper materials, are returned to senders, while packages and certified mail are no longer accepted.

Throughout their stay, inmates may access communication services during scheduled periods, often integrated with other daily activities such as meals, recreation time, and educational programming. The facility's emphasis on digital communication reflects broader trends in correctional technology, allowing for more efficient mail processing while maintaining security protocols. Family members are encouraged to utilize the smartphone app or website for the most reliable contact, as the digital format ensures faster delivery and reduces the likelihood of mail delays or returns that can occur with traditional postal services.