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 Harris County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Harris 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 Harris County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Harris County Jail
   701 N San Jacinto St
   Houston, TX 77002
   Phone: (713) 755-5000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Sunday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM

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

   Visiting hours at Harris 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 (713) 755-5000 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 Harris 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 Harris County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Harris County Jail in Texas is a large correctional facility that serves its community with a variety of programs and services. The state-of-the-art facility houses up to 9,000 inmates at full capacity and is staffed by over 1,400 dedicated professionals who work to ensure public safety while focusing on rehabilitation and re-entry programs for offenders.

One of the main programs provided by the Harris County Jail is their education and workforce development program. This program offers vocational training, college courses, career counseling, and job placement services for offenders. The goal is to help inmates develop meaningful job skills and become productive members of society upon release. The jail also has an intensive substance abuse and mental health treatment program that addresses issues underlying the criminal behavior of inmates.

Additionally, Harris County Jail has a robust family visitation program. The program enables inmates to strengthen relationships with their families, reducing the chance of recidivism upon release. Furthermore, the K9 unit, which is part of the onsite law enforcement training academy, works with inmates to train service dogs. This initiative provides opportunities for inmates to contribute to society while reaping personal benefits of dog therapy.

The jail takes pride in its environmental stewardship programs, including gardening and composting initiatives, which help to offset carbon emissions while providing vocational training for inmates. The facility leverages technology to deliver cost-effective programming, including video visitation that allows families to communicate remotely with inmates.

Harris County Jail's overall focus on rehabilitation reduces recidivism rates and saves taxpayers money. The facility continually evaluates its programming to ensure effectiveness and makes adjustments as needed to promote ongoing gains in the success of inmate rehabilitation. The jail also partners with local agencies and organizations to develop onsite community outreach programs that promote rest

Daily Life & Visitation

Daily life for inmates at Harris County Jail varies depending on many factors, including the location of their cell and the nature of their crime. The jail is known to be overcrowded and understaffed, leading to some less than desirable living conditions. Inmates are placed into different housing areas based on the type of crime they committed or the severity of their charges. They are typically grouped into categories such as violent crime, non-violent crime, and minor infractions, to name just a few.

Conditions in the cells can be cramped, with some housing up to six people in a small space. Inmates are provided with basic hygiene items such as soap and a toothbrush, but often complain about the food they are given. They are permitted to make telephone calls and receive visitors, but both of these activities are heavily monitored by jail staff.

Many inmates participate in programs that are intended to help them with anger management, substance abuse, and other issues that might have led to their incarceration in the first place. They also have access to religious services, basic education, and other types of rehabilitation programs.

But life in Harris County Jail is not without its problems. In recent years there have been reports of violence, inadequate medical care, and staff misconduct. The facility has also come under fire for the treatment of mentally ill inmates, many of whom are not receiving the care that they need.

Overall, life in Harris County Jail can be challenging, but many inmates are able to find ways to cope during their time there. There is hope that changes to the system will be made to improve conditions for all those who are incarcerated and provide them with the support they need to turn their lives around.