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 Harvey County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Harvey 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 Harvey County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Harvey County Detention Center
   800 N Main St
   Newton, KS 67114
   Phone: (316) 284-6959

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Harvey County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Harvey 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 (316) 284-6959 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 Harvey 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 Harvey County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Harvey County Detention Center, with individuals able to pursue their high school degree while incarcerated. The facility recognizes that addressing underlying issues often requires comprehensive support, which is why anger management and meditation programs are available alongside traditional recovery resources like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. These evidence-based approaches help individuals develop coping strategies and address behavioral patterns that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the detention center emphasizes practical life skills through resume building workshops and parenting programs that help individuals prepare for successful community reintegration. Spiritual programs provide additional support for those seeking faith-based guidance during their incarceration. The facility's transition programs and mentoring initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between incarceration and release, connecting individuals with community resources and ongoing support systems.

Harvey County Detention Center may also provide additional services commonly found in Kansas correctional facilities, such as basic literacy classes, job readiness training, and substance abuse counseling. Mental health services and medical care are typically available to address the comprehensive needs of the incarcerated population. These programs collectively aim to reduce recidivism by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and equipping individuals with the tools necessary for successful reentry into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Harvey County Detention Center structures its programming around rehabilitation and personal development, with inmates having access to educational opportunities including high school degree completion alongside various therapeutic and life skills programs. The facility's comprehensive approach to inmate programming creates a daily environment where individuals may participate in anger management sessions, meditation practices, and substance abuse recovery meetings through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups.

Throughout the week, inmates typically follow a structured schedule that may include educational classes, vocational training, and participation in specialized programs such as parenting courses and resume building workshops. The facility's spiritual programs and mentoring initiatives often provide additional support for personal growth and preparation for reintegration into the community. Daily routines generally include designated times for meals, recreation, programming activities, and personal time, with the facility maintaining security protocols while accommodating these rehabilitative services.

The detention center's transition programs work to prepare inmates for their eventual release, focusing on practical skills and community connections that may help reduce recidivism. Visitation and communication policies typically allow for regular contact with family members and approved visitors, supporting the maintenance of important relationships during incarceration. The facility's emphasis on comprehensive programming suggests that daily life is structured around both security requirements and opportunities for personal development and skill building.