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 Garland County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Garland County Detention Center 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 Garland County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Garland County Detention Center

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 Garland County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Garland County Detention Center?

   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 Garland County Detention Center?

   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 Garland County Detention Center. 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 Garland County Detention Center. 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 Garland County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Garland County Detention Center
   3564 Albert Pike Rd
   Hot Springs, AR 71913
   Phone: (501) 622-3660

   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 Garland County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Garland County Detention Center 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 (501) 622-3660 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 Garland County Detention Center?

   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 Garland County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Garland County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Garland County Detention Center 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 Garland County Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Garland County Detention Center, 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 Garland County Detention Center?

   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 Garland County Detention Center 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 Garland County Detention Center, 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

The Garland County Detention Center operates under a direct supervision philosophy that emphasizes active management of inmate behavior while providing comprehensive programming designed to support rehabilitation and successful reintegration. This approach allows detention staff to work continuously with inmates in housing units, creating an environment where accountability is reinforced and problems can be identified early. The facility's inmate programs are integrated into this supervision model, ensuring that educational and support services are delivered in a secure yet constructive setting.

Within the facility's 168,000 square feet, the detention center houses dedicated space for inmate programs alongside its alternative sentencing unit and health services. These programs may typically include educational opportunities such as GED preparation and basic literacy courses, which are common offerings in Arkansas correctional facilities. Vocational training programs often focus on practical skills that can lead to employment upon release, potentially including construction trades, food service, or maintenance skills. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling and mental health services, recognizing that many individuals in the correctional system benefit from addressing underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration.

The detention center's commitment to operating a "humane and orderly facility" extends to support services that help inmates maintain family connections and prepare for release. Video visitation capabilities allow inmates to communicate with family members, which research shows can be crucial for successful reintegration. Life skills programming may cover topics such as financial literacy, job search techniques, and anger management. Religious services and library access are also typically available, providing inmates with opportunities for personal reflection and continued learning during their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Garland County Detention Center operates under a direct supervision philosophy where staff continuously interact with inmates throughout their housing units, creating a structured environment focused on accountability and early problem identification. This 168,000 square-foot facility, which opened in 2015, houses inmates across eight specialized housing units designed to maintain safety and security for all individuals within the facility.

Inmates typically follow a structured daily schedule that may include meals served through the facility's food service operations, participation in available inmate programs, and opportunities for video visitation with family members and friends. The direct supervision model means that detention staff are actively present in housing areas, monitoring daily activities and reinforcing behavioral expectations. Health services are available on-site to address medical needs, while the facility's alternative sentencing unit may provide different programming options for eligible individuals.

Communication with the outside world often includes the video visitation system, which allows families to maintain contact while adhering to security protocols. The facility's comprehensive design incorporates various support services including maintenance and housekeeping operations that help maintain the structured environment. Inmates may have access to educational or rehabilitative programs as part of their daily routine, though specific offerings can vary based on individual circumstances and facility capacity. The booking department processes new arrivals, beginning their integration into the facility's daily operational structure.