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 Lenoir County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lenoir 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 Lenoir County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lenoir County Jail
   130 S Queen St
   Kinston, NC 28501
   Phone: (252) 559-6100 ext. 2

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
   • 1:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
   • 1:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Lenoir 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 (252) 559-6100 ext. 2 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 Lenoir 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 Lenoir County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lenoir 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 Lenoir 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 Lenoir 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 Lenoir 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 W.E. “Billy” Smith Detention Center operates as Lenoir County’s pre-trial holding facility with a comprehensive approach to inmate services and daily operations. The facility maintains inmate financial accounts that enable individuals to purchase essential items including snacks, toiletries, paper, writing materials, envelopes, and stamps through the commissary system. Phone services are also accessible through these accounts, helping inmates maintain connections with family and legal representatives during their stay. The center features specialized areas including a medical wing for healthcare services, processing areas for law enforcement, and dedicated trustee housing that may provide work opportunities for eligible inmates.

Beyond the basic services outlined, Lenoir County’s detention facility typically may offer educational programming to help inmates work toward GED completion or basic literacy improvement during their time in custody. Counseling services often include substance abuse programs and mental health support, which are common components in North Carolina correctional facilities. The facility may also provide religious services and chaplaincy programs to address spiritual needs. As a participant in the North Carolina State Misdemeanant Confinement Program and housing for inmates from other counties, the center likely maintains protocols for various classification levels and may offer work details or vocational training opportunities for suitable candidates.

The detention center’s structure, with its 285-inmate total capacity and professional staffing including medical facilities, suggests a commitment to providing comprehensive care and programming. Visitation services for attorneys and professionals ensure that inmates can maintain necessary legal communications, while the facility’s policies regarding books and materials indicate structured procedures for educational and recreational resources that support rehabilitation goals during pre-trial detention.

Daily Life & Visitation

The W.E. “Billy” Smith Detention Center operates as Lenoir County’s pre-trial holding facility, where inmates typically follow structured routines overseen by detention officers working in shifts. Each shift maintains staffing with 14 detention officers, including supervisors at the sergeant and corporal levels, ensuring consistent supervision throughout daily activities. The facility’s design incorporates specialized areas including a medical wing for health services, kitchen facilities for meal preparation, and laundry operations, which may provide work opportunities for eligible inmates housed in the trustee housing section.

Communication with family and friends occurs through the facility’s phone system, which inmates access using funds from their individual financial accounts created upon entry. These same accounts allow inmates to purchase necessities and comfort items from the commissary, including snacks, toiletries, writing materials, envelopes, and stamps. Family members can support their loved ones by depositing money into these accounts through the facility’s designated system. The detention center maintains specific policies regarding incoming items, particularly requiring that books be sent directly from manufacturers or authorized sellers rather than from individuals.

The facility accommodates up to many individuals in the newer detention center, which combines with the previous facility to provide a total capacity of many individuals across both buildings. Professional and attorney visitation is available to ensure inmates maintain necessary legal contact, while the facility also participates in the North Carolina State Misdemeanant Confinement Program and houses inmates from other counties when needed. The structured environment balances security requirements with access to essential services, creating a routine that typically includes scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and opportunities for inmates to manage their personal affairs through the commissary and communication systems.