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 Hood County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Hood 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 Hood County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Hood County Jail
   400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr
   Granbury, TX 76048
   Phone: (817) 579-3316

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

   Visiting hours at Hood 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 (817) 579-3316 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 Hood 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 Hood County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal transformation begins through structured opportunities that help those incarcerated develop valuable skills and address underlying challenges. Hood County Jail typically emphasizes creating pathways for growth through carefully designed offerings that focus on building practical abilities while maintaining facility security and safety. These opportunities often provide participants with tools they can use both during their incarceration and upon their eventual return to the community.

Educational and vocational development forms a cornerstone of the facility's approach to rehabilitation. Those incarcerated may access vocational training programs that teach marketable skills, with carpentry instruction often serving as a popular option for hands-on learning. These structured programs typically operate within secure environments while allowing participants to gain confidence through productive work. In addition to this, work programs may furnish daily structure and responsibility, helping individuals develop positive routines and work habits that can benefit them long-term.

Therapeutic and support services often complement the educational offerings through comprehensive approaches to personal development. Dual diagnosis treatment may be available for those struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues, providing specialized care within the correctional setting. Faith-based initiatives typically offer spiritual guidance and community support for interested participants. Prison industries programs may furnish additional work opportunities, while victim awareness offerings often help those incarcerated understand the broader impact of their actions and develop empathy for others affected by crime.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and community connections often serve as vital lifelines for those incarcerated at Hood County Jail. Today, maintaining these relationships typically involves structured communication opportunities that help preserve important social ties. The facility generally provides consistent daily routines that may include designated times for phone calls, correspondence, and preparing for visits from loved ones.

Living accommodations at the facility typically feature dormitory-style or cell-based housing arrangements, where those incarcerated often develop supportive relationships with fellow residents. Meals are generally served in common dining areas, furnishing opportunities for social interaction and community building among residents. These shared spaces may allow individuals to maintain social skills and form connections that can provide mutual support during their incarceration.

In addition to this social framework, the facility often offers various programs and activities designed to keep residents engaged and connected to the outside world. Work assignments within the facility typically include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and cleaning responsibilities that may help those incarcerated develop job skills while contributing to the facility's operations. Despite this structured environment, visitation policies generally allow for regular contact with family members and friends, while commissary services may enable residents to purchase personal items and sometimes share snacks or supplies with others, further strengthening the sense of community within the facility.