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 Grimes County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Grimes 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 Grimes County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Grimes County Jail
   382 FM 149
   Anderson, TX 77830
   Phone: (936) 873-6439

5. What are the visiting hours at Grimes County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Grimes 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 (936) 873-6439 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 Grimes 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 Grimes County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Grimes 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 Grimes County Jail?

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

Through volunteer programs, Grimes County Jail provides religious and library services to all residents, creating opportunities for spiritual growth and educational advancement during incarceration. The facility operates two distinctive inmate work programs that benefit both residents and the broader community: the diversion work program enables supervised inmates to contribute to community service projects such as trash collection at public events and maintenance of government facilities and cemeteries, while the garden project allows residents to cultivate an on-site garden that produces fresh vegetables for the jail kitchen, teaching valuable agricultural skills and promoting self-sufficiency.

The jail's staffing structure includes medical personnel with a nurse on staff, suggesting that basic healthcare services are available to residents. Given the facility's capacity to house 111 inmates of varying classifications, including those awaiting trial and others preparing for transfer to state facilities, the jail may offer additional support services typical of Texas correctional facilities. These could include substance abuse counseling, mental health support, and pre-release planning assistance to help residents prepare for their eventual return to the community.

Educational programming may also be available through partnerships with local organizations or volunteer groups, potentially including GED preparation, literacy programs, or life skills training. The facility's commitment to maintaining compliance with Texas Commission on Jail Standards requirements demonstrates a focus on providing a safe, structured environment where residents can access these rehabilitative services while serving their sentences or awaiting court proceedings.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Grimes County Jail operates as a modern correctional facility that has maintained compliance with state standards through 29 consecutive inspections since becoming operational in December 1998. Housing up to 111 inmates of both genders facing misdemeanor and felony charges, the facility maintains structured daily routines that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service. Inmates may participate in religious services through volunteer programs, while library services provide access to reading materials and legal resources. The facility's compliance with Texas Commission on Jail Standards ensures that daily operations meet security and safety requirements, with annual inspections covering fire safety and health standards.

Daily activities at the facility often center around the two established work programs that provide meaningful engagement for eligible inmates. The diversion work program allows supervised inmates to contribute to community service by maintaining grounds at government facilities, cleaning up after public events, and performing cemetery maintenance work. The on-site garden project enables inmates to cultivate produce that directly supports the jail's kitchen operations, providing both practical skills and a sense of contribution to the facility's daily needs. These programs typically operate during daytime hours under supervision, offering structure and purpose to the daily routine.

The facility's staffing structure, which includes jail lieutenants, sergeants, deputies, and a nurse, ensures that daily operations maintain appropriate supervision and medical oversight. All jail officers meet Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensing requirements, providing professional oversight of daily activities. While specific visitation schedules and communication policies may vary, most Texas county facilities typically offer scheduled visiting hours and phone access for inmates to maintain family connections. The presence of courthouse deputies also suggests coordination for inmates attending court proceedings, which may interrupt regular daily routines for those with scheduled appearances.