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 Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Knox County Jail

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 Jail.

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

   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 Jail?

   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 Jail. 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 Jail. 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 Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Knox County Jail
   152 S Kellogg St
   Galesburg, IL 61401
   Phone: (309) 345-3733

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Knox County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Knox County Jail 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 (309) 345-3733 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 Jail?

   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 Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Knox County Jail 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 Jail?

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

   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 Jail 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 Jail, 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 Knox County Jail maintains comprehensive communication and support systems designed to help incarcerated individuals stay connected with their families and community. Through partnerships with Inmate Canteen services, the facility provides multiple communication channels including phone access, video visitation, and email capabilities, all requiring secure account verification for safety purposes. The commissary system allows individuals to purchase essential hygiene items, food supplies, postage materials, and telephone time through convenient kiosks located throughout the facility, supporting both basic needs and family communication.

Beyond these core services, Knox County Jail typically may offer educational programming and counseling services common to Illinois correctional facilities. These programs often include GED preparation classes, basic literacy instruction, and substance abuse counseling to address underlying issues that may contribute to incarceration. The facility may also provide mental health support services, anger management classes, and life skills training to help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community.

The jail’s 24/7 bonding services, which accept various payment methods including cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, and credit/debit cards, demonstrate the facility’s commitment to accessible processes for families. While maintaining security protocols - such as restricting mail items to letters, postcards, and greeting cards with proper identification, and allowing dedicated Amazon-sourced paperback books - the jail typically works to balance safety requirements with meaningful family connections and personal development opportunities during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Knox County Jail in Illinois can maintain connections with family and friends through multiple communication channels available around the clock. The facility accepts bond payments 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a standard $57 processing fee applied to all bonds, accepting cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, and credit or debit cards for those seeking release.

Communication with incarcerated individuals extends beyond traditional mail to include phone calls, video visitation, and email services through the Inmate Canteen system. Family members and friends must create verified accounts by uploading clear photos of their driver’s license and a personal verification photo. Mail correspondence follows standard correctional protocols, allowing letters, postcards, and greeting cards that include the sender’s full name and return address. The facility maintains specific policies for reading materials, permitting paperback books sent directly from Amazon while restricting magazines and newspapers from individual senders.

Throughout their stay, inmates typically follow structured daily routines that may include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and programming activities. The facility provides commissary services through kiosks where incarcerated individuals can purchase hygiene items, food supplies, postage materials, and telephone time using funds deposited by family or friends. These purchases often supplement basic facility provisions and help maintain personal comfort during incarceration. Like most county facilities, Knox County Jail likely maintains security protocols that balance safety requirements with opportunities for rehabilitation and family contact.