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 Jail Records.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Jail Records

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 Jail Records.

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

   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 Jail Records?

   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 Jail Records. 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 Jail Records. 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 Jail Records?

   Mailing address:

   Jail Records
   125 Crest Haven Rd
   Middle Township, NJ 08210
   Phone: (609) 465-2111

5. What are the visiting hours at Jail Records?

   Visiting hours at Jail Records 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 (609) 465-2111 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 Jail Records?

   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 Jail Records for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Jail Records 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 Jail Records?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Jail Records, 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 Jail Records?

   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 Jail Records 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 Jail Records, 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 and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Cape May County Jail, where inmates engage in comprehensive programming designed to address underlying challenges while building practical competencies for successful reintegration. The facility’s approach typically emphasizes evidence-based interventions that target both immediate needs and long-term behavioral change, creating pathways for inmates to develop essential life skills and address personal barriers that may have contributed to their incarceration. Through structured programming and individualized support, participants often gain access to resources that foster self-awareness, accountability, and constructive decision-making capabilities.

Educational services frequently encompass foundational literacy instruction, GED preparation, and specialized curricula that may include financial literacy training to help inmates develop money management skills and understand credit, banking, and budgeting principles. These academic offerings typically complement vocational programs that provide hands-on training in marketable trades and technical skills. Also included are food service operations that allow inmates to gain experience in commercial kitchen environments, learning food safety protocols, meal preparation techniques, and service industry standards that translate directly to employment opportunities upon release.

Support services often extend to comprehensive employment readiness programming, which may provide resume writing assistance, interview preparation, and job search strategies tailored to individuals with criminal backgrounds. Also available are therapeutic interventions, including substance abuse treatment services that address addiction through counseling, education, and relapse prevention strategies. Group therapy sessions typically create supportive environments where inmates can process experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and build interpersonal skills essential for maintaining healthy relationships and managing stress in community settings.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure walls and reinforced windows of Cape May County Jail, inmates navigate a carefully structured environment where concrete floors echo with footsteps and fluorescent lighting illuminates the daily routines that now define their existence. The facility’s housing units typically feature rows of cells or dormitory-style accommodations, where inmates regularly adapt to sharing limited personal space while maintaining the privacy and dignity that institutional living allows. Security protocols generally govern movement throughout the building, as inmates learn to follow established procedures for transitioning between different areas of the facility.

Living accommodations at the facility usually consist of basic furnishings including beds, storage areas for personal belongings, and shared bathroom facilities that serve multiple inmates. The housing units often provide common areas where inmates may gather during designated periods, though these spaces typically remain under staff supervision throughout the day. Inmates generally receive three meals daily in dining areas or housing units, with menus that aim to meet basic nutritional requirements while accommodating various dietary restrictions and medical needs that may arise during incarceration.

Also available to inmates are recreational opportunities that may include access to television viewing areas, reading materials, and physical exercise periods in designated spaces within the facility. However, these activities typically operate according to scheduled programming that provides structure to the daily routine while ensuring security protocols remain intact. Visitation policies generally allow inmates to maintain connections with family members and approved visitors during specific hours, while telephone access and correspondence options usually provide additional means of communication with the outside world. Work assignments within the facility often include maintenance duties, food service responsibilities, and cleaning tasks that help inmates contribute to daily operations while developing routine and purpose during their stay.