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 Hopkins County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Hopkins 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 Hopkins County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Hopkins County Jail
   2250 Laffoon Trail
   Madisonville, KY 42431
   Phone: (270) 821-6704

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
   • 3:30 – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

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

   Visiting hours at Hopkins 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 (270) 821-6704 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 Hopkins 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 Hopkins County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hopkins 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 Hopkins 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 Hopkins 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 Hopkins 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 with access to meaningful opportunities, and the comprehensive service framework at Hopkins County Jail reflects a commitment to fostering individual growth during incarceration. The facility’s approach to rehabilitation emphasizes skill development and personal accountability, recognizing that sustainable change occurs when inmates are equipped with practical tools and educational foundations. This philosophy permeates the facility’s service delivery, creating an environment where participants can address underlying challenges while building competencies that support successful community reintegration.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility’s developmental offerings, typically encompassing basic literacy instruction and computer literacy training designed to enhance inmates’ technological skills for modern employment opportunities. These academic services often provide pathways for individuals to complete their educational goals, whether through fundamental learning or more advanced coursework. Furthermore, vocational programs complement the educational framework by offering hands-on training in practical trades and marketable skills, enabling participants to develop professional competencies that may translate into sustainable employment upon release.

The facility’s support infrastructure extends beyond academic and vocational training to encompass essential life skills services, including laundry services that teach proper maintenance and organizational habits. Additionally, specialized services such as upholstery training may provide inmates with specific trade skills while fostering patience, attention to detail, and craftsmanship. Therapeutic interventions, particularly substance abuse treatment services, address the underlying behavioral patterns that often contribute to criminal involvement, offering inmates structured approaches to recovery and personal accountability that support long-term behavioral change.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of Hopkins County Jail create a structured environment where every aspect of daily life operates within carefully defined boundaries. The facility’s housing units typically accommodate inmates in cells designed for basic living needs, with common areas that serve as gathering spaces for meals and supervised activities. Inmates currently adapt to this environment through established routines that continue to provide predictability and order throughout each day.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared or individual cells equipped with basic furnishings including bunks, storage areas, and essential facilities. Furthermore, inmates typically receive three meals daily in designated dining areas, with menu options that meet basic nutritional requirements. The facility usually maintains commissary services where inmates may purchase approved personal items and snacks, helping them maintain some connection to personal preferences within the institutional setting. Although space may be limited, common areas often provide opportunities for social interaction during designated periods.

Daily programming typically includes work assignments that may involve facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or cleaning responsibilities, providing inmates with structured activities and potential skill development. Recreation opportunities generally include access to television viewing areas, reading materials, and exercise periods when available. The facility usually maintains visitation policies that allow family members and approved visitors to maintain contact through scheduled visits, while telephone access typically provides additional communication options. Although the environment presents significant adjustments, many inmates find that participating in available programs and maintaining family connections helps them adapt to the structured nature of facility life.