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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Gladwin County Sheriff's Office 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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Gladwin County Sheriff's Office

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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Gladwin County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office. 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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office. 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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Gladwin County Sheriff's Office
   501 W Cedar Ave
   Gladwin, MI 48624
   Phone: (989) 426-9284

   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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Gladwin County Sheriff's Office 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 (989) 426-9284 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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Gladwin County Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Gladwin County Sheriff's Office 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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office?

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

   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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office 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 Gladwin County Sheriff's Office, 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 CHILL Grant Program represents one of the specialized initiatives available through Gladwin County Jail's corrections department, reflecting the facility's commitment to addressing substance abuse and mental health challenges within the inmate population. Under the administration of Jail Administrator Matthew McGourty, the facility typically provides a range of rehabilitative services designed to support successful reentry into the community. The jail may offer educational programming, substance abuse counseling, and mental health support services that align with common practices at Michigan correctional facilities of similar size and scope.

Inmates at Gladwin County Jail often have access to basic educational opportunities, which may include GED preparation classes and literacy programs. The facility likely provides vocational training or work programs that help individuals develop job skills for post-release employment. Counseling services typically include individual and group sessions addressing addiction recovery, anger management, and life skills development. Medical and mental health services are generally available to address both routine healthcare needs and specialized treatment requirements.

The jail's location at 501 West Cedar Avenue in Gladwin provides a central point for family visitation and community connections, which are essential components of successful rehabilitation. Support services may include assistance with benefits enrollment, housing placement, and employment preparation as inmates prepare for release. The facility typically maintains connections with local social service organizations and treatment providers to ensure continuity of care and support systems that extend beyond incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Gladwin County Jail, located at 501 West Cedar Avenue in Gladwin, Michigan, operates under the supervision of Jail Administrator Matthew McGourty and maintains structured daily operations typical of county correctional facilities. Inmates typically begin their day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by scheduled activities that may include work assignments, educational programs, or recreational time depending on classification levels and facility capacity.

Communication with family and friends often follows established protocols, with inmates typically having access to telephone services during designated hours and visitation opportunities that comply with facility security requirements. The jail administration, reachable at 989.426.7121, maintains policies regarding approved bondsmen services and coordinates with various county programs. Meals are generally served at regular intervals throughout the day, and inmates may participate in available programming designed to support rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration into the community.

Living conditions within the facility typically include dormitory-style or cell accommodations depending on classification, with inmates following structured schedules that include designated times for meals, recreation, and any available educational or vocational opportunities. The facility operates in coordination with Gladwin County services and may offer programs that align with county initiatives, though specific programming availability can vary based on staffing, resources, and individual inmate eligibility requirements.