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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lyon County Sheriff's Office 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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Lyon County Sheriff's Office

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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lyon County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office. 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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office. 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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Lyon County Sheriff's Office
   425 Mechanic St
   Emporia, KS 66801
   Phone: (620) 341-3205

   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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Lyon County Sheriff's Office 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 (620) 341-3205 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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lyon County Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lyon County Sheriff's Office 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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lyon County Sheriff's Office, 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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office 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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office, 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

Through comprehensive programming designed to address individual needs, the population at Lyon Detention Center receives targeted support that focuses on personal growth and successful community reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to rehabilitation, recognizing that meaningful change occurs when individuals have access to educational opportunities, skill development, and therapeutic interventions. This supportive framework often includes programs that help participants build confidence while addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational and vocational programs form a cornerstone of the supportive services available to the population. High school diploma programs may supply individuals with the opportunity to complete their secondary education, while education programs often include basic literacy and numeracy instruction tailored to various skill levels. Additionally, vocational training typically provides hands-on learning experiences that help participants develop marketable job skills. These programs often focus on trades and industries that offer stable employment opportunities upon release, supporting long-term success in the community.

The facility's therapeutic and support programs address the complex needs many individuals face during their incarceration. Substance abuse treatment may supply evidence-based interventions for those struggling with addiction, while dual diagnosis treatment often includes specialized care for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Additionally, sex offender treatment typically provides targeted therapeutic programming, and trauma-informed care approaches often include recognition of how past experiences impact current behavior. These supportive services work together to help the population develop healthy coping strategies and build stronger connections with family and community members.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational systems at Lyon Detention Center shape every aspect of the population's experience through carefully structured routines and clear expectations. Today's schedule typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by consistently managed housing assignments and supervised activities throughout the day. The facility generally operates on a predictable timeline that helps maintain order while providing the population with opportunities for personal development and maintaining family connections.

Housing units are typically organized to accommodate different classification levels, with the population assigned to appropriate areas based on various factors. Living spaces generally include basic furnishings and personal storage areas, while common areas supply opportunities for supervised interaction. Meals are usually served at designated times in dining areas, with the population following established procedures for movement between housing units and meal locations. Additionally, commissary services may be available to allow residents to purchase approved personal items and snacks.

Structured programming schedules often include educational opportunities, recreational activities, and work assignments that help organize daily routines. The population may participate in various facility jobs such as kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or cleaning assignments, which typically provide structure and responsibility. While maintaining security protocols, visitation policies generally allow for scheduled family contact, and communication options may include monitored phone calls and correspondence. Recreation and exercise opportunities usually supply physical activity through gymnasium access or outdoor recreation areas, depending on security level and facility resources.