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 Macoupin County Sheriff's.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Macoupin County Sheriff's

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 Macoupin County Sheriff's.

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

   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 Macoupin County Sheriff's?

   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 Macoupin County Sheriff's. 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 Macoupin County Sheriff's. 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 Macoupin County Sheriff's?

   Mailing address:

   Macoupin County Sheriff's
   215 S East St
   Carlinville, IL 62626
   Phone: (217) 854-3135

5. What are the visiting hours at Macoupin County Sheriff's?

   Visiting hours at Macoupin County Sheriff's 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 (217) 854-3135 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 Macoupin County Sheriff's?

   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 Macoupin County Sheriff's for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Macoupin County Sheriff's 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 Macoupin County Sheriff's, 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

Comprehensive support services form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts within Macoupin County Jail, where a multifaceted approach addresses the diverse needs of the population through carefully structured programming. The facility's commitment to fostering positive change manifests through various initiatives designed to equip individuals with essential skills and resources necessary for successful community reintegration. This holistic framework recognizes that meaningful transformation requires addressing educational deficits, vocational development, and underlying personal challenges that may have contributed to incarceration.

Educational opportunities typically encompass a broad spectrum of academic services, ranging from fundamental literacy instruction to more advanced learning pathways. The population may access special education services tailored to accommodate diverse learning needs, while tutoring programs often provide individualized academic support to help participants achieve their educational goals. College correspondence courses frequently serve as a bridge to higher education, enabling motivated individuals to pursue post-secondary studies and expand their intellectual horizons during their period of incarceration.

In addition to these academic foundations, vocational programs may supply practical training in construction trades, offering hands-on experience that translates directly into marketable employment skills upon release. Mental health treatment services typically address the psychological and emotional challenges faced by many within the correctional population, providing therapeutic interventions that support both immediate wellness and long-term stability. These comprehensive support services work synergistically to create an environment where personal growth and positive behavioral change can flourish, ultimately strengthening the likelihood of successful family reunification and community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic organization forms the backbone of every interaction and movement within the Macoupin County Jail, where carefully structured schedules and clearly defined protocols shape each aspect of the population's daily experience. At present, the facility actively maintains a regimented routine that typically begins with early morning counts and extends through evening lockdown, with designated time blocks allocated for meals, programming, recreation, and personal care activities. The population generally follows a predictable sequence of events that may include work assignments, educational sessions, and structured free time, all coordinated through a comprehensive scheduling system that ensures security while providing opportunities for constructive engagement.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of housing units designed to manage the population efficiently while maintaining appropriate supervision levels. The population usually resides in cells or dormitory-style arrangements, depending on classification levels and available space, with personal property generally limited to essential items and approved commissary purchases. In addition to this basic housing structure, the facility ordinarily provides common areas where the population may gather during designated periods for meals, which are typically served in a central dining area or delivered to housing units according to established schedules and security protocols.

Despite this highly regulated environment, the facility generally supplies various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities designed to provide structure and purpose to daily life. Work assignments often include facility maintenance, kitchen duties, and cleaning responsibilities, which typically offer the population opportunities to develop skills while contributing to facility operations. Family connections remain actively supported through scheduled visitation periods and communication options that may include telephone access and correspondence, helping to maintain important relationships that often prove essential for successful reintegration into the community upon release.