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 Jackson County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Jackson 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 Jackson County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Jackson County Detention Center
   1893 McCammon Ridge Rd
   McKee, KY 40447
   Phone: (606) 287-4551

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

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

   Visiting hours at Jackson 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 (606) 287-4551 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 Jackson 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 Jackson County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson County Detention Center in Kentucky provides a comprehensive range of rehabilitation and educational programs designed to support inmate development and community reintegration. The facility operates GED classes twice weekly and offers various Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) programs, including anger management, mentoring, and specialized trauma therapy sessions for both men and women. Additional counseling services include domestic violence programming on Tuesdays, Narcotics Anonymous meetings on Fridays, and relationship-focused courses such as "Untangling Relationships" and parenting classes.

The facility emphasizes community service through its work release programs, maintaining two state road crews that assist with highway maintenance, mowing, and litter pickup, while two county crews help maintain local parks and the welcome center. These programs typically provide valuable work experience while contributing to community improvement projects. The center may also offer additional vocational training opportunities and life skills programming to help prepare inmates for successful reentry.

Support services at the facility include a structured visitation program with specific schedules for men and women, an inmate commissary system, and phone services to help maintain family connections. The facility provides religious services on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and Friday afternoons, and maintains clear procedures for money deposits and property handling. These comprehensive services often work together to address the educational, emotional, and practical needs of the inmate population while promoting positive behavioral changes and community responsibility.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Jackson County Detention Center in Kentucky, inmates participate in a structured weekly schedule that includes educational and therapeutic programming alongside work opportunities. The facility offers GED classes twice per week and various Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) programs addressing anger management, trauma treatment for both men and women, and relationship skills. Fridays typically feature Narcotics Anonymous meetings, while Tuesdays focus on domestic violence programming, creating a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and personal development.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility through the structured visitation program. Women's visits occur on Fridays from 4:30 to 7:50 PM, while men's visits are divided alphabetically across weekends - inmates with last names A-M visit on Saturdays, and N-Z on Sundays, both during 9:00 AM to 3:20 PM timeframes. All visits are limited to 30 minutes and require advance scheduling, though out-of-state visitors may receive extended 60-minute visits. Inmates may have up to two visits per week with different visitors, allowing them to maintain relationships with family and friends during their incarceration.

The facility also provides work release programs that benefit both inmates and the local community. Two state road crews assist with highway maintenance, mowing, and litter pickup, while county crews maintain local parks and the welcome center. These programs offer inmates valuable work experience while contributing to community improvement projects. Religious services are available on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and Friday afternoons, and inmates can receive funds through postal money orders or in-person deposits, with all necessary clothing and basic needs provided by the facility.