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 Houston County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Houston County Detention Center 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 Houston County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Houston County Detention Center

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 Houston County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Houston County Detention Center?

   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 Houston County Detention Center?

   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 Houston County Detention Center. 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 Houston County Detention Center. 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 Houston County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Houston County Detention Center
   203 Perry Pkwy
   Perry, GA 31069
   Phone: (478) 218-4900

5. What are the visiting hours at Houston County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Houston County Detention Center 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 (478) 218-4900 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 Houston County Detention Center?

   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 Houston County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Houston County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Houston County Detention Center 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 Houston County Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Houston County Detention Center, 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 Houston County Detention Center?

   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 Houston County Detention Center 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 Houston County Detention Center, 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 Houston County Detention Center prioritizes meeting the comprehensive needs of pretrial detainees through both essential services and rehabilitative programming. The facility provides ministerial services and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) programs for inmates, recognizing the importance of spiritual support and substance abuse recovery in the rehabilitation process. As a direct supervision facility that opened in 2002, the center operates with a mission to ensure not dedicated security and basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, and medical care, but also to address mental health care and religious needs of those in custody.

The detention center’s comprehensive approach extends beyond basic custody to include a fully operational 24-hour medical unit staffed by full-time nursing personnel and physicians, ensuring continuous healthcare support for the inmate population. While specific details about additional programming are not extensively outlined, facilities of this type in Georgia typically may offer educational services such as GED preparation, basic literacy programs, and life skills training. Vocational training opportunities might include job readiness workshops, basic computer skills, and certification programs that prepare individuals for employment upon release.

Support services at the Houston County Detention Center likely encompass various forms of counseling and case management to address the diverse needs of the 665-capacity facility’s population. The center may provide mental health counseling, anger management classes, and substance abuse education programs beyond the AA meetings already mentioned. Family support services, including structured visitation programs and communication assistance, often help maintain important connections during incarceration. These comprehensive services work together to support the facility’s mission of providing a safe environment while addressing the fundamental needs that contribute to successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Houston County Detention Center operates on structured schedules that begin early each morning, with inmates following established routines for meals, medical appointments, and court appearances under the facility’s direct supervision model. Since opening in 2002, this modern facility has maintained its capacity for many individuals while providing around-the-clock medical care through its fully operational 24-hour medical unit staffed by nursing personnel and physicians.

Visitation opportunities are available for family members and attorneys during designated hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm, though the facility continues to monitor CDC guidelines for health and safety protocols. The detention center typically provides structured daily activities that may include educational programs, recreational time, and access to rehabilitative services. As part of their mission to meet basic needs, inmates receive regular meals, clothing, and shelter, while the facility works to restart ministerial services and AA programs that support personal development during incarceration.

The facility’s direct supervision approach allows staff to closely monitor inmates’ day-to-day activities, from feeding and cleaning schedules to coordinating court appearances and medical appointments. Transportation services are regularly provided for court hearings and transfers to other correctional facilities throughout Georgia. While maintaining security as a primary concern, the Houston County Detention Center strives to create an environment that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of pretrial detainees, ensuring they receive appropriate care while awaiting their legal proceedings.