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 Lewis & Clark County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Lewis & Clark County Jail
   221 Breckenridge St
   Helena, MT 59601
   Phone: (406) 447-8232

   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 Lewis & Clark County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Lewis & Clark 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 (406) 447-8232 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 Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lewis & Clark County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis & Clark 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 Lewis and Clark County Detention Center, housed within the Law Enforcement Center on Breckenridge Avenue in Helena, Montana, operates alongside the Pre-Trial Services and 24x7 Program located at the Law and Justice Center. Following facility renovations completed in spring 2021 to accommodate additional capacity, the detention center typically provides essential services to support those in custody. The facility's inmate accounting system allows families to contribute funds through cashier's checks, money orders, or online credit card deposits via correctpay.com, enabling access to commissary items and gift baskets that may help maintain connections with loved ones during incarceration.

While specific programming details are not extensively outlined in public materials, Montana county detention facilities commonly offer educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and life skills training. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and religious programming to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Work programs within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and laundry services that help inmates develop job skills while contributing to daily operations. Medical and dental care are typically available to ensure the health and wellbeing of those in custody, along with library services and recreational activities that support rehabilitation goals and help maintain positive mental health during detention.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Lewis and Clark County Detention Center operates on a structured schedule that revolves around its book and release hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Located at 221 Breckenridge Ave. in Helena, Montana, the facility completed significant renovations in spring 2021 to better accommodate inmates and improve living conditions. The detention center maintains current inmate rosters that are regularly updated and made available to the public, reflecting the facility's commitment to transparency in its operations.

Inmates at the detention center typically follow a regimented daily routine that may include scheduled meal times, recreational periods, and educational or work programs. The facility's recent renovations likely enhanced common areas, housing units, and program spaces to support rehabilitation efforts. Communication with family and friends is facilitated through the commissary system, where loved ones can add funds to inmate accounts using cashier's checks or money orders made out to "LCSO," or through online deposits via correctpay.com with a credit card. The online system also allows families to purchase gift baskets for inmates, which are delivered during scheduled commissary times.

The detention center operates as part of the broader Law and Justice Center complex at 406 Fuller Ave., which houses multiple law enforcement and judicial services including the Sheriff's Office, Helena Police Department, and Pre-Trial Services. This integrated approach may provide inmates with more streamlined access to legal services and court proceedings. Like most Montana correctional facilities, daily life likely includes structured programming aimed at preparing inmates for successful reintegration into the community, though specific program details would vary based on individual needs and facility resources.