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 Mason County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Mason County Jail 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 Mason County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Mason County Jail

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 Mason County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Mason County Jail?

   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 Mason County Jail?

   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 Mason County Jail. 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 Mason County Jail. 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 Mason County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Mason County Jail
   102 W Market St
   Havana, IL 62644
   Phone: (309) 543-4311

   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 Mason County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Mason County Jail 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 (309) 543-4311 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 Mason County Jail?

   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 Mason County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Mason County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Mason County Jail 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 Mason County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Mason County Jail, 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 Mason County Jail?

   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 Mason County Jail 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 Mason County Jail, 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 with access to meaningful opportunities, and those incarcerated at Mason County Jail may find pathways to growth through a structured framework of offerings designed to address individual needs. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that recognizes rehabilitation as a multifaceted process requiring educational, therapeutic, and practical components. Within a secure environment that prioritizes safety, those incarcerated often have access to various programs that may help them develop new skills, address underlying issues, and prepare for successful community reintegration.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility's approach to personal development. Those incarcerated may participate in basic literacy programs, GED preparation courses, and continuing education opportunities that help bridge gaps in formal learning. Moreover, vocational programs often provide hands-on training in practical skills that may enhance employment prospects upon release. These offerings typically operate within structured schedules that maintain facility security while allowing participants to engage meaningfully with instructional content and develop both technical abilities and work habits valued in various industries.

The facility may furnish therapeutic offerings that address mental health needs through professional counseling services and dual diagnosis treatment for those managing both mental health and substance use challenges. Support programs often include victim awareness initiatives that help participants understand the impact of their actions and develop empathy and accountability. Additionally, those incarcerated may have opportunities to engage in arts and crafts activities that provide creative outlets and stress relief, while animal care programs typically offer unique opportunities to develop responsibility and compassion through structured interaction with animals under professional supervision.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at Mason County Jail, where maintaining relationships with loved ones helps provide stability during a challenging time. Today's routine typically begins early with morning counts and meal service, followed by structured programming schedules that furnish opportunities for personal development and community interaction. Those incarcerated generally find that consistent daily routines help create a sense of normalcy, with activities often including educational programs, group discussions, and recreational periods that encourage positive social engagement among residents.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated may develop supportive relationships with their peers. Dormitory-style or multi-occupancy cells are commonly used, allowing residents to interact throughout the day while maintaining appropriate supervision. Meals are usually served in common dining areas, providing natural opportunities for conversation and community building. Moreover, the facility generally offers recreational activities and exercise periods that allow those incarcerated to maintain physical health while building connections with others who share similar interests or backgrounds.

Programming opportunities often include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and job training that may help residents prepare for successful reintegration. Work assignments within the facility typically furnish structure and purpose, with tasks that may include kitchen duties, maintenance, or clerical work. Whereas daily schedules provide necessary routine, visitation policies and communication options help those incarcerated maintain vital connections with family members and friends on the outside. Phone calls, video visits, and written correspondence are generally available, allowing residents to nurture relationships that provide emotional support and motivation for positive change during their time at the facility.