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 Macon County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Macon 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 Macon County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Macon County Detention Center
   1820 Lakeside Dr
   Franklin, NC 28734
   Phone: (828) 349-2263

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Macon County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Macon 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 (828) 349-2263 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 Macon 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 Macon County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal transformation begins through carefully structured opportunities that recognize the inherent potential within every individual. At Macon County Detention Center, the comprehensive array of offerings reflects a commitment to fostering meaningful development through evidence-based approaches that prioritize both security and personal growth. These initiatives typically emphasize skill-building, self-reflection, and preparation for successful community reintegration, creating an environment where those incarcerated may access resources designed to address their diverse needs and circumstances.

Educational and vocational offerings form the cornerstone of developmental opportunities, providing those incarcerated with pathways to enhance their knowledge and marketable skills. The facility may furnish education services that often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and civic education components designed to strengthen understanding of community responsibilities and civic engagement. Moreover, vocational training opportunities typically focus on practical skill development in various trades, while job readiness training offerings often encompass resume preparation, interview techniques, and workplace communication skills that may prove invaluable upon release.

Therapeutic and support offerings address the underlying factors that frequently contribute to incarceration, emphasizing holistic approaches to personal development. Substance abuse programs typically provide those incarcerated with evidence-based treatment modalities and relapse prevention strategies, while stress management offerings may furnish participants with coping mechanisms and emotional regulation techniques. Additionally, creative outlets such as painting and decorating programs often serve dual purposes, providing both therapeutic benefits and potential vocational skills, demonstrating how the facility’s comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change occurs through multiple pathways of engagement and personal discovery.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building and maintaining connections with family members and the broader community forms a cornerstone of the experience for those incarcerated at Macon County Detention Center. The facility currently operates with a structured daily routine that continues to emphasize both personal accountability and social interaction among residents. Those incarcerated typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by scheduled programming that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training opportunities that furnish essential life skills for successful reintegration.

Living accommodations at the facility generally consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated develop supportive relationships with their peers while navigating the challenges of confinement. Whereas some residents may be housed in dormitory-style settings, others might be placed in smaller cell configurations depending on classification levels and security considerations. Meal times typically serve as important social gatherings where residents can interact with others from different housing units, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and mutual support. The dining arrangements usually accommodate the facility’s population through scheduled meal periods that help maintain order while allowing for community interaction.

Moreover, the detention center continues to provide various recreational activities and programming designed to keep residents engaged and connected to positive influences. Those incarcerated may participate in recreational activities such as television viewing, reading, and limited exercise opportunities within designated areas. Visitation policies generally allow family members and approved visitors to maintain regular contact through scheduled visits, while telephone access and correspondence typically furnish additional means of staying connected to loved ones. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that not dedicated provide structure but also foster teamwork and responsibility among participants, helping to prepare them for eventual reentry into the community.