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 Hill County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Hill 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 Hill County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Hill County Jail
   406 Hall St
   Hillsboro, TX 76645
   Phone: (254) 582-3878

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

   Visiting hours at Hill 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 (254) 582-3878 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 Hill 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 Hill County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hill 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 Hill 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 Hill 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 Hill 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 inmate communication system at Hill County Jail facilitates meaningful connections between incarcerated individuals and their support networks through modern technology platforms. Inmates can maintain contact with family and friends through tablet-based messaging services, while the facility's structured visitation program provides scheduled face-to-face meetings organized by housing location. These communication services typically support rehabilitation efforts by helping individuals maintain important relationships during their incarceration.

Beyond communication services, Hill County Jail may offer educational programming designed to help inmates develop essential life skills and prepare for successful reentry into the community. Many Texas county facilities provide basic literacy programs, GED preparation courses, and vocational training opportunities that align with local employment needs. The facility likely includes substance abuse counseling and mental health services, as these programs are commonly available in county correctional facilities to address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

The jail's inmate account system, managed through third-party vendors, allows families to provide financial support for commissary purchases and communication services, which can be an important component of maintaining family connections. Additional programming may include religious services, library access, and recreational activities that promote positive social interaction and personal development. These comprehensive services work together to create an environment that supports both security and rehabilitation goals during an individual's period of incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visitation schedules at Hill County Jail operate on a structured system where inmates in different housing units receive designated time slots throughout the week. Inmates housed in areas like A1 may have visitors as early as 8:00 AM on Mondays and Saturdays, while those in other units such as H1 and H2 typically see family during afternoon slots around 1:00 PM. The facility limits visits to 30 minutes with no more than two people at a time, though visitors may swap out during their assigned timeframe if larger groups wish to visit.

Communication between inmates and their families extends beyond in-person visits through multiple channels. The jail utilizes a digital mail processing system where correspondence is sent to a facility in Maryland for electronic delivery to inmates, though this process results in physical items being destroyed after processing. Inmates may also communicate through tablet-based messaging systems, and family members can add funds to inmate accounts through online platforms, though account activation typically requires several business days.

Housing arrangements vary throughout the facility, with inmates assigned to different units designated by letters and numbers such as A1, A2, B1, C1, and separate areas for male and female single cells. The facility also maintains trustee housing for inmates who may have earned additional privileges through good behavior. Like most Texas county jails, inmates likely follow structured daily routines that may include meals at designated times, recreational periods, and work assignments for eligible individuals, though specific scheduling details would depend on housing classification and individual circumstances.