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 Greenville County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Greenville 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 Greenville County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Greenville County Detention Center
   20 McGee St
   Greenville, SC 29601
   Phone: (864) 467-2330

   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 Greenville County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Greenville 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 (864) 467-2330 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 Greenville 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 Greenville County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth and rehabilitation form the cornerstone of service delivery at Greenville County Detention Center, where inmates have access to various opportunities designed to address underlying issues and build essential life skills. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that recognizes each individual's potential for positive change. Through structured programming and supportive resources, inmates may engage in services that target both immediate needs and long-term success upon reentry into the community.

Education services often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and adult education classes that help inmates develop fundamental academic skills. These educational opportunities may provide a foundation for further learning and career advancement. Also, vocational programs typically offer hands-on training in various trades and practical skills that can translate directly into employment opportunities. Such programs often focus on marketable skills that align with local job market demands, giving participants concrete tools for economic stability.

The facility may provide therapeutic services including substance abuse treatment and sex offender treatment programs, which address specific behavioral patterns and underlying issues. Also, support services typically encompass faith-based initiatives that offer spiritual guidance and community connection for interested participants. Conflict resolution and healthy relationships programming often help inmates develop better communication skills and emotional regulation techniques. These various services work together to create a supportive environment where inmates can address personal challenges while building the skills necessary for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and fluorescent lighting of housing units create a controlled environment where inmates at Greenville County Detention Center now navigate their daily routines within clearly defined boundaries. Structured schedules typically begin early with morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments or programming activities that provide essential framework for each day. Inmates regularly participate in facility operations through various job assignments, which may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that help maintain the detention center's daily operations.

Housing accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Inmates typically share living areas with others, adapting to limited personal space and the need for cooperation in close quarters. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates learning to navigate the structured meal periods efficiently. Also, personal property is generally limited to essential items, with additional purchases available through the commissary system when funds are available.

Programming schedules often include educational opportunities, religious services, and recreational activities that provide structure beyond basic housing needs. Exercise periods typically occur in designated areas, allowing inmates to maintain physical fitness within security guidelines. However, visitation policies generally require advance scheduling, with family members and approved visitors meeting inmates in supervised settings. Communication with loved ones usually includes monitored phone calls and written correspondence, helping inmates maintain important family connections during their stay at the facility.