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 McKean County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about McKean County Sheriff's Office

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 McKean County Sheriff's Office.

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

   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 McKean County Sheriff's Office?

   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 McKean County Sheriff's Office. 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 McKean County Sheriff's Office. 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 McKean County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   McKean County Sheriff's Office
   17013 RT. 6
   Smethport, PA 16749
   Phone: (814) 887-3454

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at McKean County Sheriff's Office 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 (814) 887-3454 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 McKean County Sheriff's Office?

   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 McKean County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 McKean County Sheriff's Office 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 McKean County Sheriff's Office, 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

Based on the website information, McKean County Jail has adapted its visitation services to better serve families and maintain connections between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. The facility resumed normal weekly in-person visitation as of September 2022, while continuing to offer paid video visits through ICSolutions for added flexibility. This dual approach to visitation reflects the facility's recognition that maintaining family relationships plays a crucial role in successful reintegration.

While the website primarily focuses on administrative functions and visitation policies, McKean County Jail likely provides additional programming typical of Pennsylvania correctional facilities. These may include educational services such as GED preparation and basic literacy programs, which help individuals develop essential skills for their eventual return to the community. The facility may also offer substance abuse counseling and mental health services, as these programs are commonly needed in correctional settings and support rehabilitation efforts.

Given the facility's role within the broader McKean County justice system, inmates may have access to pre-trial services and case management support. The jail might also provide work programs that allow individuals to develop job skills while serving their sentences, along with religious services and recreational activities that promote positive behavior and personal growth. These programs, when available, typically aim to address the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior while preparing individuals for successful reentry into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

McKean County Jail has recently resumed normal weekly in-person visitation as of September 2022, marking a return to more traditional family connection opportunities for inmates housed at the facility on Route 6 in Smethport. While the two free weekly video visits have been discontinued, families and friends may still maintain contact through paid video visits by creating accounts through the ICSolutions platform to schedule virtual meetings. This blend of in-person and digital communication options typically helps inmates maintain important relationships with their support networks during their stay at the facility.

The daily routine at this Pennsylvania correctional facility likely follows standard operational procedures common to county jails throughout the state. Inmates may expect structured schedules that often include designated meal times, recreational periods, and potential access to educational or work programs depending on their classification level and length of stay. The facility operates under the oversight of the McKean County Sheriff's Office, which handles various law enforcement duties including court security, warrant service, and prisoner transportation, suggesting inmates may occasionally be transported for court appearances or other legal proceedings as part of their daily experience.

Communication with the outside world extends beyond visitation, as inmates typically have access to telephone services and may be able to send and receive mail according to facility policies. The jail's location in rural McKean County may influence certain aspects of daily life, potentially affecting everything from meal preparation using local suppliers to the types of work or educational opportunities available. While specific programming details aren't outlined in available information, Pennsylvania county facilities often provide basic services such as medical care, library access, and religious services to help inmates maintain their physical and mental well-being during incarceration.