Why You Can't Send Stamps or Stationery to Kankakee County Jail (And What to Do Instead)

Kankakee County Jail won't accept blank stationery, envelopes, stamps, or stamped envelopes sent through the mail. Even with good intentions, those supplies won't reach your person. The facility expects inmates to get writing materials through commissary - so the real way to help is making sure they have funds to buy what they need inside.

For families, this rule changes how you "send postage." You can't mail a sheet of stationery, a pack of envelopes, or a book of stamps and expect it to get through. Instead, support letter-writing by funding commissary - that's where your loved one can buy approved writing supplies. Want to keep communication going? Still doable. You just shift from mailing supplies to adding money for commissary purchases. Once the account has funds, they can buy what they need from inside. No more risking a rejected envelope stuffed with stamps.

This "no mailed-in supplies" policy extends to other items too. Hard cover books and calendars? Not accepted through the mail. Want to send reading material? The facility only allows new books shipped directly from a bookstore, warehouse, or publisher - think Barnes & Noble or Amazon. It's a good reminder that Kankakee County Jail is strict about where items come from. Stick to approved channels rather than trying to tuck extras into a personal letter.

1. Go to the Jerome Combs Detention Center lobby - deposits are made using the kiosk in the lobby.
2. Have the inmate’s details ready - you’ll need the inmate’s date of birth and ID number to complete the deposit at the kiosk.

Adding funds online is another option. The sheriff's inmate search on the county site routes you to SecurusTech's secure site, where you can deposit money into a commissary account. Usually the easiest choice if you don't live nearby or can't get to the lobby kiosk.

Verify and Contact

• ✓ Confirm that stamps/envelopes are currently stocked in commissary before you rely on commissary purchases for mail.
• ✓ If you’re depositing in the lobby kiosk, bring the inmate’s date of birth and ID number.
• ✓ If you’re depositing online, use the inmate search to confirm you’ve selected the correct person before adding funds.