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 Hardin County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Hardin 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 Hardin County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Hardin County Detention Center
   100 Lawson Blvd
   Elizabethtown, KY 42701
   Phone: (270) 765-4159

   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 Hardin County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Hardin 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 (270) 765-4159 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 Hardin 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 Hardin County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hardin 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 Hardin 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 Hardin 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 Hardin 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 opportunities within correctional settings often serve as catalysts for meaningful change. Hardin County Jail typically emphasizes services that address the underlying factors contributing to incarceration while building essential life skills. The facility may provide a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that recognizes each inmate’s potential for positive transformation through structured learning and therapeutic intervention.

Educational services often form the foundation of personal development efforts at the facility. Inmates may participate in basic education programs designed to improve literacy and numeracy skills. Civic education services typically help participants understand their rights and responsibilities as community members. These educational opportunities often provide inmates with the knowledge base necessary for successful reintegration into society upon release.

Furthermore, vocational programs may offer practical skill development in various trades and crafts. The facility often includes specialized training such as upholstery services, which can provide inmates with marketable skills for future employment. Substance abuse treatment services typically address addiction issues through counseling and support groups. These therapeutic interventions often help inmates develop coping strategies and decision-making skills essential for maintaining sobriety and avoiding future legal troubles.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure walls of Hardin County Jail, inmates navigate a structured environment designed around predictable routines and shared living spaces. Inmates now follow a daily schedule that typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service and various programming opportunities. The facility regularly maintains order through scheduled activities that provide structure throughout the day, with inmates moving between housing units, common areas, and program spaces according to established timeframes.

Living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Inmates typically share living areas with others and must adapt to limited personal space and belongings. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates receiving three meals daily that meet basic nutritional requirements. Furthermore, the facility may offer commissary services where inmates can purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their basic provisions.

Although recreational opportunities may be limited by space and security considerations, inmates often have access to television viewing areas, reading materials, and occasional outdoor recreation time. Work assignments within the facility typically include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and general maintenance tasks that help inmates maintain daily structure while contributing to facility operations. Visitation policies generally allow scheduled visits from approved family members and friends, while telephone access and mail services provide additional means of maintaining connections with loved ones outside the facility.