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 McDowell County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about McDowell 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 McDowell County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   McDowell County Jail
   593 Spaulding Rd
   Marion, NC 28752
   Phone: (828) 652-2236

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at McDowell County Jail?

   Visiting hours at McDowell 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 (828) 652-2236 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 McDowell 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 McDowell County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Marion Correctional Institution's computer training center serves as the Western Region hub for technology education, while McDowell Technical Community College delivers comprehensive academic and vocational programming on-site. The facility's educational offerings include adult education courses, GED preparation, and specialized horticulture training. Through the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Outreach Program, residents can earn college credits, providing pathways to higher education during their incarceration.

The institution emphasizes cognitive behavioral programming to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. Residents may participate in evidence-based courses such as Cognitive Behavior Intervention, Character Education, Reasoning and Rehabilitation, and Thinking for a Change. These programs focus on developing critical thinking skills and providing alternative approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.

As a combination close and minimum custody facility operating under the Unit Management concept, Marion Correctional Institution typically offers additional support services that may include substance abuse counseling, mental health services, religious programming, and pre-release preparation. The facility may also provide work assignments, recreational activities, and family visitation programs to maintain community connections. Library services and basic medical care are commonly available to support the daily needs of the 793-capacity male population housed at this McDowell County facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Unit Management concept at Marion Correctional Institution shapes how the facility's 793 male residents navigate their structured environment in Marion, North Carolina. This combination close and minimum custody facility operates with distinct housing assignments based on individual classification levels, creating different daily experiences depending on custody status and program participation.

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of daily programming, with residents attending classes through McDowell Technical Community College's on-site academic and vocational programs. The day typically includes structured time for GED preparation, adult education courses, and specialized training in areas like horticulture. Those eligible may participate in the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Outreach Program to earn college credits, while the facility's computer training center for the Western Region provides technology skills development. Between educational sessions, residents may attend behavioral intervention programs including Cognitive Behavior Intervention, Character Education, and Thinking for a Change courses designed to support personal development.

The facility's close and minimum custody levels create varying degrees of movement and programming access throughout the day. Residents follow established schedules for meals, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities, with those in minimum custody typically having expanded privileges and responsibilities. While specific visitation and communication policies weren't detailed in available information, North Carolina correctional facilities generally provide scheduled visiting opportunities and monitored communication options to help residents maintain family connections. The 96 segregation beds accommodate those requiring specialized housing, where daily routines may be more restricted with limited programming access.