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 Hendricks County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Hendricks 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 Hendricks County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Hendricks County Jail
   925 E Main St
   Danville, IN 46122
   Phone: (317) 745-9332

   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 Hendricks County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Hendricks 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 (317) 745-9332 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 Hendricks 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 Hendricks County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Hendricks County Jail operates with a mission centered on providing safe, secure, and constitutional detention in a respectful and professional manner. The facility maintains specialized units including a transport division that handles inmate transfers both in and out of state, as well as a Special Response Team (SRT) comprised of specially trained deputies who respond to facility incidents using the least amount of force necessary. The jail enforces a zero-tolerance policy under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), ensuring protection against sexual behavior, harassment, or misconduct by any inmate or staff member.

While the facility’s primary focus remains on secure detention, Indiana correctional facilities typically may offer educational programs such as GED preparation and basic literacy courses to help incarcerated individuals work toward educational goals. Vocational training opportunities often include programs in areas like food service, janitorial skills, or basic maintenance, which can provide valuable job skills for reentry into the community. The facility may also provide access to substance abuse counseling and mental health services, recognizing that many individuals in the justice system benefit from therapeutic interventions.

The jail division emphasizes ongoing professional development for its 57 jail deputies through yearly in-service training and additional certification opportunities, which often translates to better programming and services for those in custody. Religious services and library access are commonly available in Indiana facilities, along with visitation programs that help maintain family connections during incarceration. Medical and mental health services typically form a core component of jail operations, ensuring that individuals receive necessary healthcare while detained and awaiting the conclusion of their criminal proceedings.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Hendricks County Jail operates as a modern detention facility where inmates typically follow structured daily routines designed to maintain safety and security. Under the supervision of 57 jail deputies led by Captain Josh Watts, inmates generally experience scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and housing arrangements that comply with constitutional standards. The facility’s mission emphasizes providing detention services in a respectful and professional manner, which often translates to daily operations that balance security needs with humane treatment of those awaiting the conclusion of their criminal proceedings.

Inmates housed at the facility typically have access to visitation opportunities, though specific scheduling and procedures may vary based on housing assignments and individual circumstances. Communication with family members often includes phone privileges and correspondence options, subject to facility security protocols. The jail’s zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual behavior, harassment, or misconduct by inmates or staff helps create an environment focused on safety for all individuals within the facility.

Daily activities at the Hendricks County Jail may include educational programming, work assignments, and recreational time, depending on available resources and individual case status. The facility’s specialized units, including the Special Response Team, help maintain order and respond to any incidents that may disrupt normal operations. Inmates awaiting transport for court appearances or other legal proceedings typically follow modified schedules, as the jail division handles all inmate transportation both within and outside the state of Indiana.