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 James V Allred Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at James V Allred Unit 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 James V Allred Unit.

Frequently asked questions about James V Allred Unit

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 James V Allred Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to James V Allred Unit?

   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 James V Allred Unit?

   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 James V Allred Unit. 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 James V Allred Unit. 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 James V Allred Unit?

   Mailing address:

   James V Allred Unit
   2101 FM 369
   Iowa Park, TX 76367
   Phone: (940) 855-7477

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at James V Allred Unit?

   Visiting hours at James V Allred Unit 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 (940) 855-7477 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 James V Allred Unit?

   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 James V Allred Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at James V Allred Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at James V Allred Unit 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 James V Allred Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At James V Allred Unit, 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 James V Allred Unit?

   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 James V Allred Unit 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 James V Allred Unit, 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 growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts, where inmates engage with services designed to address individual needs while building practical capabilities for successful reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that recognizes education, vocational training, and personal support as interconnected elements essential for meaningful change. Through structured programming, participants may access resources that help them develop both technical competencies and the personal foundation necessary for long-term success.

Educational services often include computer literacy training, which provides inmates with essential digital skills increasingly required in today’s workforce. These technology-focused sessions may cover basic computer operations, software applications, and digital communication tools that enhance employment prospects upon release. Additionally, vocational training services typically offer hands-on instruction in various trades and technical fields, allowing participants to develop marketable skills while gaining practical work experience. Such programming often emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and applied learning, helping inmates build confidence alongside technical proficiency.

Work programs provide structured opportunities for inmates to develop responsibility, time management, and collaborative skills while contributing to facility operations. Faith-based initiatives may offer spiritual guidance and community support, addressing personal development through values-based programming and peer connections. Additionally, printing services often serve as both a vocational training opportunity and a practical skill-building exercise, teaching inmates technical processes while producing materials that support facility operations. These support services typically work together to create a network of resources that address various aspects of personal growth and practical preparation for community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at James W. Allred Unit feature dormitory-style accommodations where inmates adapt to shared living spaces and structured routines. At present, the facility actively maintains a regimented schedule that begins with early morning counts and extends through evening lockdown procedures. Inmates typically wake before dawn for the established of several daily headcounts, followed by breakfast service in the central dining hall. The day generally includes assigned work details, educational programming, and recreational periods that provide structure and purpose to institutional life.

Living accommodations consist of multi-person housing units where inmates share sleeping quarters, bathroom facilities, and common areas with their assigned housing group. Personal property remains limited to approved items that can be stored in designated areas, while inmates may purchase additional necessities and comfort items through the commissary system. The dining hall serves meals at scheduled times throughout the day, with inmates typically eating in shifts based on their housing assignments and work schedules. Additionally, the facility provides outdoor recreation yards and indoor common areas where inmates can engage in physical exercise, watch television, or participate in various recreational activities during designated periods.

While daily routines remain highly structured, inmates often find opportunities to maintain family connections through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, laundry operations, and other facility support roles that help inmates develop job skills and earn modest wages. The facility typically offers educational programs, vocational training opportunities, and religious services that allow inmates to pursue personal development goals. Communication with loved ones generally occurs through monitored phone calls, written correspondence, and approved visitation sessions that provide essential emotional support during incarceration.