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 Justice Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Macon County Justice 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 Justice Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Macon County Justice Center
   902 TN-52 Bypass
   Lafayette, TN 37083
   Phone: (615) 666-7155

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

   Visiting hours at Macon County Justice 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 (615) 666-7155 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 Justice 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 Justice Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Macon County Justice 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 Justice 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 Justice 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 Justice 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 growth and rehabilitation form the foundation of service delivery at Macon County Jail in Tennessee. The facility typically recognizes that meaningful change occurs when inmates have access to structured opportunities for self-improvement and skill development. Services are often designed to address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals, helping participants build the tools necessary for successful community re-entry.

Educational services may provide inmates with opportunities to complete their high school equivalency or develop basic literacy skills. These academic programs often focus on practical learning that can translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. Additionally, vocational programs typically offer hands-on training in various trades and skills that are in demand in the local job market. These services may include instruction in areas such as construction, food service, or general maintenance, giving participants marketable abilities for their future.

Faith-based programs often serve as a cornerstone of support for many inmates, providing spiritual guidance and community connection during incarceration. Chaplaincy services typically offer regular worship opportunities, Bible study groups, and individual counseling sessions. Additionally, therapeutic services may include grief counseling to help inmates process loss and trauma that may have contributed to their current circumstances. These support services work together to address the emotional and spiritual aspects of rehabilitation, complementing the educational and vocational components of the facility’s overall approach to inmate development.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure walls of Macon County Jail, inmates navigate a structured environment where every aspect of daily life follows established routines. Today’s schedule typically begins with early morning headcounts, followed by meal service and work assignments that provide essential structure to each day. Inmates consistently adapt to the facility’s rhythm, learning to manage their time within the constraints of institutional schedules and security protocols.

Housing units at the facility generally accommodate multiple inmates in shared living spaces, where personal belongings may be limited to approved items stored in designated areas. Meals are typically served in common dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates following specific procedures for movement throughout the facility. Additionally, the commissary system allows inmates to purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their basic needs, providing some degree of personal choice within the institutional setting.

The facility usually offers recreational opportunities that may include outdoor exercise time, television viewing in common areas, and structured activities designed to maintain physical and mental well-being. While security requirements govern all movement and activities, inmates typically have access to visitation programs that allow face-to-face contact with approved family members and friends. Work assignments within the facility often provide inmates with purposeful daily activities, ranging from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks that help maintain facility operations and offer valuable work experience.