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 Mc Cracken County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Mc Cracken 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 Mc Cracken County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Mc Cracken County Jail
   400 S 7th St
   Paducah, KY 42003
   Phone: (270) 444-4730

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Mc Cracken County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Mc Cracken 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 (270) 444-4730 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 Mc Cracken 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 Mc Cracken County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Mc Cracken 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 Mc Cracken County Jail?

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

Under the leadership of its correctional staff, McCracken County Regional Jail operates with a clear mission to provide safe and secure services while maintaining compliance with Kentucky Jail Standards. The facility emphasizes fair and impartial correctional services delivered by dedicated professionals who understand their accountability to both residents and the broader community they serve.

The jail typically provides essential inmate services that may include educational programming, substance abuse counseling, and basic life skills training. Residents often have access to religious services and may participate in work programs designed to develop job readiness skills. The facility likely offers mental health support services and may provide access to GED preparation programs, which are common in Kentucky correctional facilities. Additionally, inmates may have opportunities to participate in anger management classes and other behavioral intervention programs aimed at reducing recidivism.

Support services at the facility often include medical care, visitation programs, and commissary services to help maintain connections with family members. The jail may also offer reentry planning assistance to help prepare residents for their transition back into the community. These programs typically focus on developing the skills and resources necessary for successful reintegration, including job placement assistance and connections to community support services. The facility's approach emphasizes professional accountability and effective service delivery in accordance with state correctional standards.

Daily Life & Visitation

Under the leadership of Jailer David Knight, the McCracken County Regional Jail operates with a clear mission to maintain safety and security while providing fair and effective correctional services in compliance with Kentucky Jail Standards. The facility's structured environment reflects this commitment through organized daily routines that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by scheduled activities that may include educational programs, work assignments, and recreational periods when available.

Inmates at the facility generally follow a regulated schedule that balances security requirements with opportunities for personal development and family connection. The jail typically offers various communication options for inmates to maintain contact with their families, which may include scheduled phone calls and visitation periods. These services are often essential for helping inmates maintain important relationships during their incarceration. The facility's staff, guided by the jail's vision of professional accountability, work to ensure that daily operations run smoothly while treating all individuals with fairness and impartiality.

The McCracken County Regional Jail's approach to daily operations emphasizes both security and rehabilitation, with inmates potentially having access to services that support their eventual reintegration into the community. The facility's commitment to Kentucky Jail Standards means that daily life is structured around established protocols for meals, medical care, and programming, while maintaining the secure environment necessary for the safety of inmates, staff, and the broader community that the jail serves.