How to Send Mail to Someone at Harnett County Detention Center (PO Box in Greensboro)

For non-legal mail, address your envelope exactly like this (include the inmate's name, ID, and facility ID): Harnett County Detention Center, Inmate Name, Inmate ID #, Facility ID # 5090, PO Box 18247, Greensboro, NC 27419. This is a third-party PO Box in Greensboro - don't use the jail's physical location for regular personal mail. Using the wrong address is one of the most common reasons mail gets delayed or never arrives.

Harnett County Detention Center uses a mail-scanning service for all non-legal inmate mail. Your letter goes through the scanning process instead of being delivered as the original paper item. That means delivery won't feel as immediate as dropping a letter in the mailbox and having it show up in someone's hands the next day.

1. Write the address exactly as required - Use “Harnett County Detention Center” followed by the inmate’s name and inmate ID number.
2. Add the facility ID - Include “Facility ID # 5090” on the address so it routes correctly.
3. Send it to the Greensboro PO Box - Mail non-legal items to: PO Box 18247, Greensboro, NC 27419.
4. Plan for scanning - Because the jail is implementing scanning for all non-legal mail, build in extra patience for processing before your message reaches the inmate.
5. Keep your mailing simple - If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, check restrictions first (the full list is available to inmates on their tablets).

Want to avoid rejected mail? The jail posts its complete list of inmate mail requirements and restrictions on the inmate tablets. Before sending anything beyond a basic letter, have your loved one check the tablet rules so you're both working from the same up-to-date list.

Need to reach someone quickly? The facility says phone calls or messaging are the fastest options. They direct friends and family to set up an account through PayTel at www.paytel.com. The jail's notice doesn't include step-by-step setup instructions, but this is the communication method they recommend for speed.

Pre Mail Checklist

• ✓ Use the exact non-legal mailing address format, including the inmate’s name, inmate ID #, and Facility ID # 5090, and send it to PO Box 18247 in Greensboro.
• ✓ Have the inmate check the full mail requirements and restrictions posted on the inmate tablets.
• ✓ Remember non-legal mail is handled through a scanning service, so processing can take time.
• ✓ If timing matters, consider phone calls or messaging through PayTel (the facility calls this the fastest way to communicate).