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 Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Houston County Sheriff

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 Sheriff.

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

   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 Sheriff?

   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 Sheriff. 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 Sheriff. 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 Sheriff?

   Mailing address:

   Houston County Sheriff
   3330 TN-149
   Erin, TN 37061
   Phone: (931) 289-4614

5. What are the visiting hours at Houston County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Houston County Sheriff 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 (931) 289-4614 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 Sheriff?

   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 Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Houston County Sheriff 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 Sheriff?

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

   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 Sheriff 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 Sheriff, 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 expansive array of developmental opportunities at Houston County Sheriff reflects a multifaceted approach to individual growth and rehabilitation. Through carefully structured programming that addresses educational, vocational, and therapeutic needs, the facility typically provides individuals with comprehensive pathways toward personal advancement. This holistic framework recognizes that meaningful transformation often requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual’s circumstances and aspirations.

Educational advancement opportunities may include fundamental literacy instruction, high school equivalency preparation, and various skills-based learning modules designed to enhance cognitive development. Furthermore, vocational programming often encompasses practical training in landscaping and grounds maintenance, providing individuals with hands-on experience in marketable trade skills. These educational and vocational initiatives typically emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application, creating well-rounded learning experiences that may serve individuals throughout their reintegration process.

Therapeutic and support services often include individual counseling sessions that address personal challenges and behavioral patterns. Furthermore, faith-based programming may offer spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking such resources. The facility’s approach to service delivery typically integrates these various therapeutic modalities with practical skill development, creating an environment where individuals can access multiple forms of support simultaneously. This comprehensive structure often allows participants to engage with programming that aligns with their specific needs and long-term goals.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of breakfast preparation echoes through the housing units each morning, signaling the beginning of another structured day for individuals housed at the Houston County Sheriff’s Office facility in Tennessee. Today’s routine typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by a consistently maintained schedule that balances security requirements with opportunities for personal development and rehabilitation. The facility generally operates on a regimented timeline that includes designated periods for meals, programming, recreation, and rest, ensuring that individuals understand expectations while maintaining order throughout the facility.

Furthermore, living accommodations at the facility typically consist of dormitory-style housing units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and security requirements. Individuals generally share common areas within their designated housing sections, where they may access basic amenities such as television viewing areas and dayroom spaces for socializing during approved hours. Although personal property is usually limited to essential items and approved commissary purchases, individuals can typically maintain basic hygiene supplies and limited personal effects. The facility’s commissary system generally allows individuals to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and writing materials, providing some degree of personal choice within the structured environment.

Daily programming often includes educational opportunities, vocational training, and structured activities designed to offer productive use of time while incarcerated. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, laundry services, and general maintenance tasks, which typically provide individuals with routine responsibilities and sometimes modest compensation. Although recreational opportunities are generally available during designated hours, including outdoor exercise time when weather permits and indoor activities such as reading materials from the facility library, these privileges may vary based on security level and behavior. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and telephone access, with communication policies typically allowing regular contact with approved friends and family members, helping individuals maintain important relationships during their incarceration.