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 Jefferson County Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Jefferson County Corrections 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 Jefferson County Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about Jefferson County Corrections

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 Jefferson County Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Jefferson County Corrections?

   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 Jefferson County Corrections?

   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 Jefferson County Corrections. 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 Jefferson County Corrections. 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 Jefferson County Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Jefferson County Corrections
   809 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N
   Birmingham, AL 35203
   Phone: (205) 325-5670

   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 Jefferson County Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Jefferson County Corrections 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 (205) 325-5670 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 Jefferson County Corrections?

   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 Jefferson County Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Jefferson County Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at Jefferson County Corrections 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 Jefferson County Corrections?

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

   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 Jefferson County Corrections 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 Jefferson County Corrections, 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 Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Jail Division provides comprehensive medical care through Quality Correctional Care, maintaining full-time medical staff on-site for 80 hours per week. This medical program allows inmates to supply their own approved medications when cleared by the facility's medical doctor, while also offering various healthcare services including doctor and nurse visits, dental care, prescription management, and over-the-counter medications. The facility encourages individuals with special medical needs to contact nursing staff at least 48 hours before their stay to discuss specific healthcare requirements.

Communication services at the facility include scheduled visitation, collect phone calls initiated by inmates, and traditional mail correspondence. The jail division operates a modern commissary system through jailatm.com, with deposits made online or through kiosk ATMs in the Sheriff's Office lobby. Beyond these confirmed services, Jefferson County's facility may offer additional programs typical of Indiana correctional institutions, such as educational opportunities including GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and potentially vocational training in areas like food service or maintenance skills.

The facility likely provides various support services that may include substance abuse counseling, mental health programs, and reentry planning assistance to help individuals prepare for their return to the community. Religious services and library access are also commonly available at similar facilities, along with recreational activities and life skills programming designed to support personal development and successful reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Jefferson County Jail in Indiana navigate their days within a structured environment where medical care is available 80 hours per week through on-site staff provided by Quality Correctional Care. The facility maintains a comprehensive healthcare system that requires co-payments for various services, including $15 for doctor or nurse visits, dental appointments, and prescription refills, while over-the-counter medications cost $7.50. Those with ongoing medical needs are encouraged to contact the nursing staff at least 48 hours before their arrival to discuss special requirements, and inmates may typically bring approved personal medications that meet facility guidelines.

Communication with family and friends operates through three primary channels: scheduled visits, collect phone calls initiated by inmates, and traditional mail correspondence. The commissary system runs exclusively through digital platforms, with deposits made online via jailatm.com or through a kiosk ATM located in the Sheriff's Office lobby. This cashless system reflects modern correctional practices designed to enhance security and provide convenient access for families. Daily routines often include structured meal times, recreational periods, and educational or work programs that may be available depending on housing assignments and security classifications.

The bond payment process requires specific procedures, with fees of $5.00 applied through the Jefferson County Clerk's Office after initial hearings, though emergency bond payments can be processed 24/7 at the Sheriff's Office using debit or credit cards. Photo identification is mandatory for all bond transactions, and the facility maintains strict policies that bonds cannot be split between different payment methods. These administrative procedures, combined with regular counts, meals, and programmatic activities, create the framework within which inmates structure their time while awaiting court proceedings or serving sentences.