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 Mercer County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Mercer County Jail
   4835 OH-29
   Celina, OH 45822
   Phone: (419) 586-5753

   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 Mercer County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Mercer 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 (419) 586-5753 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 Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Through a multifaceted approach to personal development, the comprehensive suite of opportunities at Mercer County Jail addresses the diverse needs and aspirations of individuals within the facility. This holistic framework recognizes that meaningful transformation requires access to varied pathways for growth, encompassing intellectual, vocational, and therapeutic dimensions that work synergistically to support long-term success. The facility's commitment to comprehensive programming reflects an understanding that individuals possess different strengths, learning styles, and rehabilitation needs that benefit from diverse intervention strategies.

Educational initiatives typically form the cornerstone of personal advancement opportunities, often including literacy development, GED preparation, and continuing education coursework designed to strengthen foundational academic skills. Furthermore, vocational job training opportunities may provide individuals with practical, marketable skills through hands-on instruction in various trades and technical fields. These educational and vocational components frequently work in tandem, allowing participants to apply academic concepts within practical contexts while developing both intellectual capabilities and professional competencies that enhance their prospects for successful community reintegration.

The therapeutic and support dimensions of programming often encompass cognitive behavioral therapy sessions that address underlying behavioral patterns and decision-making processes. Furthermore, recovery services typically provide specialized support for individuals addressing substance abuse challenges, while landscaping opportunities may offer both vocational skill development and therapeutic benefits through outdoor work experiences. Additionally, restorative justice initiatives often create structured environments for individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue about accountability and community healing, fostering personal growth while addressing the broader impact of their actions on victims and communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of count times punctuates every aspect of life within the walls, creating a predictable cadence that individuals at Mercer County Jail actively adapt to as they navigate their daily experiences. At present, the facility operates on a structured schedule that typically begins with early morning wake-up calls, followed by headcount procedures that ensure accountability throughout the housing units. Individuals generally participate in a routine that includes designated meal times, recreational periods, and various programming opportunities, all while maintaining compliance with the facility's security protocols and operational requirements.

Furthermore, living accommodations within the facility typically consist of shared housing units where individuals may be assigned to dormitory-style arrangements or smaller cell configurations, depending on classification levels and available space. The dining experience usually involves scheduled meal service in designated areas, with individuals receiving nutritionally planned meals that meet basic dietary requirements and may accommodate certain medical or religious restrictions. Although personal property allowances are generally limited, individuals can typically access commissary services to purchase approved items that offer some comfort and personal preference within the structured environment.

Daily programming activities offer structure and purpose, with individuals often having opportunities to participate in educational classes, vocational training, or work assignments that may include facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or laundry services. Recreation and exercise opportunities typically include scheduled yard time or gymnasium access, allowing individuals to engage in physical activity and social interaction within supervised settings. Although visitation policies may vary based on security classifications and facility capacity, individuals generally have access to scheduled visits with family members and approved contacts, along with telephone privileges and mail correspondence that help maintain important connections to their support systems outside the facility walls.