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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lancaster County Department of Corrections 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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about Lancaster County Department of Corrections

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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lancaster County Department of Corrections?

   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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections?

   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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections. 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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections. 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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Lancaster County Department of Corrections
   3801 W O St
   Lincoln, NE 68528
   Phone: (402) 441-1900

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Lancaster County Department of Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Lancaster County Department of Corrections 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 (402) 441-1900 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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections?

   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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lancaster County Department of Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lancaster County Department of Corrections 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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lancaster County Department of Corrections, 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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections?

   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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections 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 Lancaster County Department of Corrections, 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

Personal transformation through structured learning opportunities forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Lancaster County Prison. The facility’s approach to inmate development emphasizes building practical skills while fostering critical thinking abilities that support successful community reintegration. Through carefully designed service delivery methods, inmates may access resources that address both immediate educational needs and long-term career preparation, creating pathways for meaningful personal growth during incarceration.

Educational services typically encompass literacy development, GED preparation, and adult basic education courses that help inmates strengthen foundational academic skills. These learning opportunities often progress naturally into vocational training services, where participants may develop marketable skills in areas such as construction trades, food service, or computer applications. The integration of academic and practical learning creates a comprehensive framework that addresses diverse learning styles and career interests among the inmate population.

Support services complement educational offerings through structured work programs that provide hands-on experience in building maintenance, facility operations, and administrative functions. Also available are decision-making skills workshops that focus on developing problem-solving abilities and personal responsibility. These therapeutic services may include counseling support and behavioral programming designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, helping inmates build the emotional and psychological tools necessary for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and controlled environment of Lancaster County Prison create a structured atmosphere where inmates navigate carefully regulated routines within housing units designed for both security and basic living needs. At present, inmates actively participate in daily schedules that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, programming opportunities, and designated recreation periods that provide essential structure to institutional life.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates adapt to limited personal space while maintaining their few approved belongings and accessing basic amenities through the commissary system. The dining areas serve meals at scheduled times throughout the day, with inmates typically eating in supervised group settings that also provide opportunities for social interaction within the facility’s guidelines. However, personal property remains restricted to essential items, requiring inmates to adjust their daily habits and routines to fit within the institution’s security protocols.

Also available to inmates are various work assignments within the facility that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or laundry services, which help structure their days while potentially providing small wages for commissary purchases. Recreation opportunities typically include access to outdoor yards during designated periods, along with indoor activities that may offer physical exercise and social engagement. Family connections generally remain possible through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, though these communications usually operate under specific time restrictions and monitoring procedures that help inmates maintain important relationships with their support systems outside the facility walls.