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 Kenton County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Kenton County 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 Kenton County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Kenton County 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 Kenton County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Kenton County 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 Kenton County 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 Kenton County 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 Kenton County 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 Kenton County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Kenton County Detention Center
   3000 Decker Crane Ln
   Covington, KY 41017
   Phone: (859) 363-2400

   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 Kenton County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Kenton County 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 (859) 363-2400 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 Kenton County 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 Kenton County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Kenton County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Kenton County 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 Kenton County Detention Center?

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

The Kenton County Detention Center operates under the constitutional authority of Jailer Marc Fields, providing essential services that support individuals during their time in custody. The facility maintains structured visitation guidelines that allow families to stay connected, while also offering commissary services and regulated phone time to help maintain important relationships with the outside community.

Beyond basic services, the detention center typically provides educational opportunities that may include GED preparation programs and literacy classes to help individuals work toward their academic goals. Vocational training programs are often available, potentially covering areas such as basic computer skills, job readiness preparation, and life skills development. The facility may also offer substance abuse counseling and mental health support services, recognizing that many individuals benefit from addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.

As a Kentucky correctional facility operating under state statutes, Kenton County Detention Center likely provides religious services and chaplaincy programs to support spiritual needs, along with medical and mental health care as required by law. The facility’s approach to programming often focuses on preparing individuals for successful reintegration into the community, which may include pre-release planning services and connections to local resources. These comprehensive services work together to address the various needs of the inmate population while maintaining the security and safety standards expected of a modern detention facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Kenton County Detention Center operates under the leadership of Jailer Marc Fields, who serves as a constitutionally elected official with sworn peace officer status. Inmates at the facility typically follow structured daily routines that may include scheduled meal times, recreational periods, and designated phone time for maintaining contact with family members. The facility provides commissary services, allowing inmates to purchase approved items to supplement their basic needs, while mail correspondence follows specific guidelines to ensure security protocols are maintained.

Visitation at the detention center operates according to established guidelines that help families stay connected with their loved ones during incarceration. The facility’s visiting procedures typically include scheduled time slots and security screening processes designed to maintain safety while facilitating meaningful contact between inmates and their visitors. Communication options often extend beyond in-person visits to include regulated phone access, enabling inmates to maintain relationships and coordinate legal matters with approved contacts.

The detention center functions within Kentucky’s comprehensive constitutional framework, where county jailers serve as elected officials with specific duties outlined in state statutes. This structure may influence how daily operations are conducted, with emphasis on both security protocols and the constitutional responsibilities of the office. Inmates generally experience a routine that balances necessary security measures with opportunities for communication, basic services, and preparation for legal proceedings, all overseen by sworn peace officers who maintain order and safety within the facility.