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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Harrison County Sheriff's Office 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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Harrison County Sheriff's Office

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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Harrison County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office. 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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office. 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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Harrison County Sheriff's Office
   10451 Larkin Smith Dr
   Gulfport, MS 39503
   Phone: (228) 896-3000

   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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Harrison County Sheriff's Office 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 (228) 896-3000 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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Harrison County Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Harrison County Sheriff's Office 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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Harrison County Sheriff's Office, 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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office 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 Harrison County Sheriff's Office, 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

From basic literacy skills to advanced conflict resolution techniques, the breadth of developmental opportunities at Harrison County Adult Detention Center reflects a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of individuals in custody. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change often requires multiple pathways for growth and self-improvement. Through carefully structured programming, individuals can engage with services designed to build both practical skills and personal resilience.

Educational services typically form the foundation of the facility's offerings, providing individuals with opportunities to pursue GED completion and basic literacy development. These academic programs often work alongside vocational training opportunities that may include job readiness workshops and skill-building initiatives. The educational component frequently emphasizes practical knowledge that individuals can apply both during their incarceration and upon reentry into the community.

Individual counseling services provide therapeutic support tailored to personal circumstances and challenges. Also available are faith-based initiatives that offer spiritual guidance and community connection for those who seek such support. The facility may offer restorative justice programming that focuses on accountability and healing, while conflict resolution training typically helps individuals develop better communication and problem-solving skills. These varied therapeutic and support opportunities work together to address the complex factors that often contribute to involvement in the justice system.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements typically marks the beginning of each day for individuals housed at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center. Today, like most days, the structured routine begins early with wake-up calls, followed by head counts that occur consistently throughout the day to maintain security and accountability. Individuals generally follow a predetermined schedule that includes meal times, programming opportunities, and designated periods for personal activities, creating a framework that helps maintain order within the facility.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of housing units designed to accommodate multiple individuals, with sleeping arrangements that may include bunk beds or single beds depending on the specific unit. The environment generally provides basic necessities such as bedding, personal hygiene items, and limited storage space for approved personal belongings. Also, individuals usually have access to common areas within their housing units where they can interact with others during designated times. However, movement throughout the facility remains controlled and supervised, with specific protocols governing when and where individuals may go.

Structured programming schedules often include educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and various life skills workshops that aim to provide constructive use of time. Recreation and exercise opportunities typically offer individuals chances to participate in physical activities, though these may be limited by space and security considerations. Also, the facility generally maintains visitation policies that allow family members and approved visitors to maintain contact, while communication options may include monitored phone calls and correspondence. Work assignments within the facility often provide individuals with responsibilities such as food service, cleaning duties, or laundry operations, which can offer structure and potentially reduce the length of stay through good behavior credits.