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 Jerome Combs Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Jerome Combs Detention Center
   3050 Justice Wy
   Kankakee, IL 60901
   Phone: (815) 802-7272

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Friday: 12:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Jerome Combs Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Jerome Combs 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 (815) 802-7272 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 Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Jerome Combs Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs 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 Jerome Combs 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

Mail correspondence serves as a vital connection between residents and their support networks at Kankakee County Jail in Illinois. The facility maintains structured mail procedures designed to ensure security while preserving important family and legal communications. All incoming and outgoing mail undergoes thorough inspection by detention staff, with specific guidelines governing acceptable materials including photographs, books, and correspondence.

The facility typically provides essential services that may include educational programming, substance abuse counseling, and mental health support to address the diverse needs of residents. Medical services are generally available to ensure proper healthcare during incarceration, while commissary services allow residents to purchase approved personal items and stationery supplies. The jail often facilitates legal correspondence and case-related materials, recognizing the importance of maintaining access to legal resources.

Visitation programs may be offered to help residents maintain family connections, potentially including both in-person and video visitation options. The facility likely provides intake assessments and classification services to determine appropriate housing and programming needs. Additional services commonly found at county detention facilities may include religious services, library access, and discharge planning assistance to help prepare residents for successful reintegration into the community upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with the outside world follows strict protocols at Kankakee County Jail, with all incoming and outgoing mail thoroughly searched by detention staff. Inmates can receive letters and packages at 3050 South Justice Way, though correspondence must include complete return addresses and cannot contain prohibited items like perfume, stickers, or foreign substances. Family members and friends may send up to five standard 4x6 photographs, provided they contain no inappropriate content, and can ship new books directly from retailers like Barnes and Noble or Amazon to help inmates pass time constructively.

The facility typically maintains structured daily schedules that may include designated meal times, recreational periods, and educational programming. Inmates often have access to commissary services where they can purchase writing materials, snacks, and personal hygiene items, since blank stationery and stamps cannot be sent through the mail. Medical care and basic services are generally provided on-site, though specific programming details may vary based on facility capacity and security classifications.

Staying connected with loved ones requires following detailed mail procedures, including the use of proper identification numbers and adherence to content restrictions. The jail holds mail for transferred inmates for thirty days, and correspondence between incarcerated individuals requires prior approval from corrections leadership. While the facility maintains security as a priority, these communication channels help inmates maintain important family relationships during their time in custody, supporting both their immediate well-being and eventual reintegration into the community.