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 Grainger County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Grainger 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 Grainger County Sheriff.

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

   Mailing address:

   Grainger County Sheriff
   270 Justice Center Dr
   Rutledge, TN 37861
   Phone: (865) 828-3613

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Grainger 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 (865) 828-3613 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 Grainger 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 Grainger County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Grainger 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 Grainger 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 Grainger 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 Grainger 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

Based on the facility’s operational structure, Grainger County Detention Center in Rutledge, Tennessee, maintains regular visitation schedules Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3:00pm, allowing individuals two 30-minute visits within a seven-day period. The facility utilizes modern communication systems including City TeleCoin phone services and Care Pack commissary ordering, which typically supports maintaining family connections—an important component of successful reintegration programs.

The detention center may offer various educational and vocational programs common to Tennessee correctional facilities, which often include basic literacy classes, GED preparation, and life skills training. Counseling services typically encompass substance abuse programs, mental health support, and pre-release planning to help individuals prepare for their return to the community. The facility’s structured environment may also include work programs that provide valuable job skills and work experience.

Support services at the facility likely include medical care, religious services, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being. The commissary system and money deposit options through Smart Deposit or lobby kiosks help maintain connections with family members while teaching financial responsibility. These programs collectively work to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to incarceration while preparing individuals for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visitation at Grainger County Detention Center operates Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3:00pm on a established-come, established-served basis, with inmates allowed two 30-minute visits within each seven-day period. For families unable to visit during weekday hours, off-site scheduled visits can be arranged any day of the week through the facility’s online scheduling system. This structured approach to family contact reflects the facility’s balance between maintaining security protocols and supporting the important connections between inmates and their loved ones.

Communication extends beyond in-person visits through the City TeleCoin phone system, allowing families to add minutes to an inmate’s phone account by calling the designated number. The commissary system operates on a weekly schedule, with orders placed on Mondays and delivered on Wednesdays, giving inmates access to personal items and snacks that may help make their stay more comfortable. Families can add money to inmate accounts through multiple convenient methods, including online deposits, phone transactions, or the lobby kiosk at the facility.

Located at 270 Justice Center Drive in Rutledge, the detention center typically maintains structured daily routines that may include designated meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities. Like most Tennessee county facilities, inmates likely follow a schedule that balances security requirements with basic needs, though specific daily programming details would need to be confirmed directly with facility staff. The facility’s emphasis on multiple communication and support options suggests an understanding of how maintaining family connections can be beneficial during an inmate’s time in custody.