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 Lexington County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lexington 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 Lexington County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lexington County Detention Center
   521 Gibson Rd
   Lexington, SC 29072
   Phone: (803) 785-2743

   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 Lexington County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Lexington 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 (803) 785-2743 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 Lexington 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 Lexington County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Lexington County Detention Center provides comprehensive communication and visitation services designed to help inmates maintain vital connections with their families and support networks. The facility operates both traditional on-site visitation during weekday hours from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m., as well as modern remote video visitation available seven days a week with extended hours including evening sessions from 7-10 p.m. This dual approach recognizes that maintaining family relationships is crucial for successful reintegration, allowing visitors the flexibility to connect either in person or from home through the video visitation system.

The detention center's mail system reflects current correctional practices, utilizing electronic processing for regular correspondence and photos while maintaining traditional mail handling for legal documents, court papers, and approved publications. Beyond these communication services, facilities like Lexington County Detention Center typically may offer educational programs such as GED preparation, basic literacy classes, and life skills training. Inmates often have access to substance abuse counseling, anger management programs, and mental health services that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior.

Additional support services commonly found at South Carolina detention facilities may include job readiness training, religious services, and recreational activities that promote positive behavior and personal development. The facility likely provides medical and dental care, library services, and may offer vocational training opportunities that help prepare inmates for employment upon release. These programs, combined with the facility's emphasis on maintaining family connections through flexible visitation options, work together to support rehabilitation efforts and reduce recidivism rates in the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with family members forms a central part of the experience for individuals housed at Lexington County Detention Center. The facility operates a modern electronic mail system through Smart Communications, where traditional letters and photos are digitized and delivered electronically to inmates. This system typically allows for more frequent contact while maintaining security protocols. For legal correspondence, court documents, and approved publications, the facility maintains a separate direct mailing address to ensure privileged communications remain confidential.

Visitation opportunities provide structured times for inmates to maintain connections with their support networks. The facility offers both on-site visits during weekday hours from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m., as well as remote video visitation available seven days a week with extended hours including evening sessions from 7-10 p.m. These video visits can be scheduled through the facility's online system, allowing families to connect from home. The facility typically accommodates up to two adult visitors at a time, though children under 12 are not permitted to visit, and those between 12-17 may require additional authorization.

The structured environment at the detention center likely includes regular meal times, recreational periods, and programming opportunities common to South Carolina correctional facilities. Housing assignments may vary based on classification levels and disciplinary status, which can affect an individual's daily schedule and privileges. The facility maintains various housing units that may operate on different schedules, ensuring appropriate supervision and security measures while providing inmates with opportunities for personal communication, legal consultations, and maintaining family relationships during their stay.