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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office 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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office

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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office. 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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office. 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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
   1500 Lamont Ave
   Kalamazoo, MI 49048
   Phone: (269) 383-8821

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office 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 (269) 383-8821 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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office 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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, 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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office 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 Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, 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

Communication services through GTL/Viapath form a cornerstone of inmate support at Kalamazoo County Jail, providing multiple channels for individuals to maintain vital connections with family and friends. The facility offers comprehensive telecommunication options including phone calls, text messaging, photo sharing, voice messaging, and video visitation through tablet devices located in housing units. Inmates receive two initial free phone calls immediately after booking to inform loved ones of their location, with subsequent communications available through fee-based services that can be accessed 24/7 via the lobby kiosk at the Sheriff's Office.

Beyond communication services, Kalamazoo County Jail may offer various educational and rehabilitative programs typical of Michigan correctional facilities. These often include GED preparation classes, basic literacy instruction, and life skills workshops designed to support successful reentry. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and anger management programs to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are typically available to support inmates' spiritual needs during their incarceration.

Additional support services may include medical and dental care, library access, and recreational activities to maintain physical and mental well-being. The jail often coordinates with local organizations to provide job readiness training and vocational programs, though specific partnerships vary. Classification-based privileges, such as expanded visitation rights for inmates with good behavior and lower security classifications, demonstrate the facility's approach to incentivizing positive conduct while maintaining security protocols throughout all programs and services.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with the outside world begins immediately after booking at Kalamazoo County Jail, where inmates receive two free phone calls to notify family and friends of their location. These initial calls provide crucial contact information for ongoing communication through the GTL/Viapath system, which handles all telecommunications at the facility. Once these preliminary calls are completed, all subsequent communication operates on a fee-based system managed through accounts that can be established online or at the 24/7 kiosk located in the lobby at 1500 Lamont Avenue.

The facility provides multiple communication options through tablet devices located in each housing unit, allowing inmates to send and receive text messages, access voice messages up to three minutes long, and participate in video visitation based on their classification level. Inmates with low or medium classification and good behavior typically have greater access to these video visitation privileges. Photo sharing is permitted through the system, though images must be unedited and free of inappropriate content such as nudity, weapons, or gang-related imagery. All communications may be monitored and recorded as part of standard security protocols.

Housing units at the jail typically include structured daily schedules that may incorporate meal times, recreation periods, and educational or work programs common to Michigan correctional facilities. Inmates often have designated times for accessing the communication tablets, participating in any available programming, and maintaining personal hygiene. The facility likely follows standard practices for medical care, commissary access, and legal visits, though specific scheduling details vary based on security classification and individual circumstances. Family members can establish GTL/Viapath accounts using cash, Mastercard, or Visa debit cards to maintain regular contact with their incarcerated loved ones.