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 Knox County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Knox 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 Knox County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Knox County Detention Center
   570 KY-225
   Barbourville, KY 40906
   Phone: (606) 546-6215

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Knox County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Knox 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 (606) 546-6215 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 Knox 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 Knox County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Communication with family and legal representatives forms a cornerstone of the support services at Knox County Detention in Kentucky. The facility has established a structured mail system that accommodates both personal correspondence and legal communications, with specific addressing protocols to ensure secure and efficient delivery. Legal mail receives special handling through direct facility delivery, while personal correspondence is processed through a centralized system designed to maintain security while preserving important family connections.

Beyond mail services, Knox County Detention typically provides educational and rehabilitative programming to support those in custody. Many Kentucky correctional facilities offer GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and life skills training to help individuals prepare for successful reintegration. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling, anger management courses, and vocational training opportunities that align with local employment needs. Religious services and chaplaincy programs often serve as additional sources of support and guidance.

Mental health services and medical care are typically available to address the comprehensive needs of the incarcerated population. These may include counseling services, medication management, and crisis intervention support. The facility likely maintains connections with community organizations to facilitate transitional services, helping individuals access housing assistance, employment resources, and continued treatment programs upon release. Work programs within the facility may offer opportunities for skill development while contributing to facility operations and maintenance.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with the outside world follows strict protocols at Knox County Detention Center, where all incoming mail must meet specific size requirements and undergo thorough inspection before reaching inmates. Letters and correspondence are limited to standard 8 1/2" x 11" paper that can pass through scanning equipment, while anything containing prohibited items like stamps, cash, or gang-related materials faces immediate destruction. The facility operates two distinct mailing addresses - one for general correspondence through Highland Heights and another for legal mail and financial transactions directed to the Barbourville location.

Inmates typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by structured programming that may include educational classes, work assignments, or counseling sessions. The facility often provides opportunities for inmates to participate in various programs designed to support rehabilitation, though specific offerings can vary based on security levels and individual circumstances. Recreation time and library access are generally incorporated into the daily schedule when security conditions permit.

Family connections remain important through the controlled mail system, where money orders for commissary purchases and account payments help inmates maintain basic necessities and communication privileges. The facility's emphasis on security extends to all aspects of daily operations, with regular inspections and adherence to established protocols governing everything from personal property to visitor interactions. While the environment is structured and regulated, staff typically work to balance security requirements with opportunities for inmates to maintain meaningful connections with approved family members and legal representatives during their time at the facility.