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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hennepin County Public Safety Facility 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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Hennepin County Public Safety Facility

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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Hennepin County Public Safety Facility?

   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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility?

   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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility. 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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility. 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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Hennepin County Public Safety Facility
   401 S 4th Ave
   Minneapolis, MN 55415
   Phone: (612) 348-5112

   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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility?

   Visiting hours at Hennepin County Public Safety Facility 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 (612) 348-5112 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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility?

   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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Hennepin County Public Safety Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Hennepin County Public Safety Facility 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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hennepin County Public Safety Facility, 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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility?

   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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility 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 Hennepin County Public Safety Facility, 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 Hennepin County Jail, operating from two locations in downtown Minneapolis, maintains essential services for individuals in custody while they await trial. The facility provides a comprehensive jail roster system that is updated hourly, allowing families and legal representatives to locate inmates and access important information including charges, bail amounts, and scheduled court dates. Video visitation services are available to maintain family connections, with 20-minute sessions offered at a cost of $4.00, while attorneys and law enforcement officials have 24/7 in-person access to support legal proceedings.

While specific programming details are not extensively outlined in available public information, correctional facilities in Minnesota typically offer educational services that may include GED preparation and basic literacy programs to support inmates' academic development. The facility likely provides access to counseling services and substance abuse programs, which are common components of county jail operations designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Mental health support services may also be available to assist individuals dealing with psychological challenges during their incarceration.

Additional support services often found in facilities of this type may include job readiness training, life skills workshops, and reentry planning assistance to help prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. The jail's location near public transportation, specifically the Government Plaza light rail station serving both METRO Blue and Green Lines, facilitates family visits and court appearances. Bail and bond services are available 24/7 at the Public Safety Facility location, requiring exact cash payments and proper identification to ensure secure transactions for inmate release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Video visits at the Hennepin County Jail typically provide one of the primary connections inmates maintain with the outside world, with sessions lasting up to 20 minutes for $4.00 per visit. Located in downtown Minneapolis with facilities in both the Public Safety Facility building and City Hall, the jail operates as an Adult Detention Center where individuals await trial. The facility's proximity to the Government Plaza light rail station, serving both the METRO Blue and Green Lines, makes it accessible for family members seeking to post bail or arrange visits, though all visitors must pass through weapons screening for security purposes.

The jail maintains an hourly-updated roster system that allows families to track inmates and view charges, bail amounts, and scheduled court dates. Bail posting operates around the clock, seven days a week, though the process requires exact cash amounts with no change provided and no electronic payment options available. Communication with inmates may include phone privileges and commissary services, though specific details about daily schedules, meal times, and recreational activities would typically follow standard correctional facility protocols common throughout Minnesota.

While in-person visits by friends and family are currently suspended in favor of video visitation, attorneys and law enforcement personnel maintain 24/7 access to inmates. The facility's dual-location structure across from each other in downtown Minneapolis reflects the operational needs of housing individuals at various stages of the legal process, from initial booking through court appearances, with transportation typically coordinated between the jail and nearby courthouse facilities.