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 Iredell County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Iredell 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 Iredell County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Iredell County Detention Center
   221 E Water St
   Statesville, NC 28677
   Phone: (704) 878-3131

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Iredell 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 (704) 878-3131 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 Iredell 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 Iredell County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Iredell 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 Iredell 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 Iredell 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 Iredell 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 expansive array of developmental opportunities at Irrendell County Detention in North Carolina reflects a comprehensive philosophy that recognizes rehabilitation as a multifaceted process requiring diverse pathways for personal growth. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, the facility typically emphasizes individualized programming that addresses the varied educational, vocational, and therapeutic needs of its population. This holistic framework acknowledges that meaningful reintegration often depends upon equipping individuals with practical skills, academic foundations, and emotional tools necessary for successful community reentry.

Educational services form the cornerstone of the facility’s academic offerings, providing individuals with opportunities to pursue basic literacy, GED preparation, and continuing education coursework. Additionally, ESL (English as Second Language) instruction may be available for non-native speakers, ensuring that language barriers do not impede personal development or future employment prospects. The vocational training component typically complements these academic pursuits by offering hands-on skill development in various trades and technical fields, allowing participants to gain marketable competencies that enhance their employment readiness upon release.

Therapeutic interventions, particularly substance abuse programs, often address the underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior, providing individuals with evidence-based treatment modalities and relapse prevention strategies. Additionally, support services such as landscaping programs may offer both vocational training and therapeutic benefits through outdoor work experiences. Employment readiness initiatives typically focus on job search skills, interview preparation, and workplace behavior, while community service opportunities often allow individuals to contribute meaningfully to local organizations while developing a sense of civic responsibility and personal accomplishment.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of institutional bells and announcements currently shapes the fundamental structure of each day for individuals housed at Iredell County Detention, as personal routines adapt to the facility’s established schedule. Daily life continues to revolve around predetermined meal times, security counts, and programming opportunities that provide both structure and purpose within the correctional environment. Generally, individuals wake early for breakfast service, followed by work assignments or educational programming that typically extends through the morning and afternoon hours.

Living accommodations at the facility generally consist of shared housing units where individuals maintain personal sleeping areas while navigating the communal aspects of dormitory-style or cell-based housing arrangements. The dining experience usually involves scheduled meal service in designated areas, where individuals receive nutritionally planned meals that meet basic dietary requirements, with commissary purchases often supplementing these provisions when funds are available. Additionally, personal property allowances typically include essential items and limited personal belongings, while laundry services and basic hygiene supplies are generally provided through facility operations.

While recreational opportunities may offer structured physical activities and leisure time in designated areas, programming schedules often include educational classes, vocational training, or work assignments that provide individuals with productive daily engagement. Family connections continue to be maintained through scheduled visitation periods and telephone access, though these communication options typically operate within specific timeframes and security protocols. The facility generally provides various work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations support, offering individuals the opportunity to contribute to daily operations while potentially earning modest compensation or privileges within the institutional framework.