How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Harnett County Detention Center offers on-site video visitation. The Detention Lobby has video stations for visiting with inmates (it's also where you'd speak with a Magistrate if needed). All housing pods have their own video visitation booths too, separate from the lobby stations.

For everyday communication, phone calls or messaging are the fastest way to reach an inmate. The facility directs friends and family to PayTel to set up an account for these services. The policy doesn't spell out fees, funding options, or setup time, so confirm those details before adding money to your account.

Harnett County Detention Center is implementing a mail scanning service for all non-legal inmate mail. The policy doesn't explain processing times or how quickly scanned items reach the inmate, so treat mail as a slower option than phone or messaging. A complete list of mail requirements and restrictions is posted on the inmate tablets. If you're unsure whether something is allowed, have the inmate check those rules before you send it.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Set up a PayTel account to handle payments for inmate phone calls or messaging.
• ✓ Use phone calls or messaging when you need the fastest response.
• ✓ Use the Detention Lobby video stations if you are doing an on-site video visit.
• ✓ Ask about video visitation booths in the housing pods, since the facility states all pods have them.

• ✓ Address non-legal mail like this: Harnett County Detention Center, Inmate Name, Inmate ID #, Facility ID # 5090, PO Box 18247, Greensboro, NC 27419.
• ✓ Double-check you have the inmate’s correct name and inmate ID number before you mail anything.
• ✓ Have the inmate review the tablet-posted mail requirements and restrictions, and follow those rules closely.
• ✓ Keep in mind the facility is implementing scanning for all non-legal inmate mail, so do not send anything you would not want handled through that process.

1. Confirm where to go for on-site video: Ask the facility about using the Detention Lobby video stations, including when the lobby is available.
2. Ask about housing pod video visitation rules: Since all housing pods have video visitation booths, confirm whether there are schedules, sign-ups, or other limits.
3. Check the inmate tablet postings: Have the inmate review the tablet list of mail requirements and restrictions so your mail follows the current rules.