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 Mesa County Jail Ministry.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Mesa County Jail Ministry

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 Mesa County Jail Ministry.

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

   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 Mesa County Jail Ministry?

   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 Mesa County Jail Ministry. 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 Mesa County Jail Ministry. 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 Mesa County Jail Ministry?

   Mailing address:

   Mesa County Jail Ministry
   2536 Rimrock Ave
   Grand Junction, CO 81505
   Phone: (970) 244-3351

5. What are the visiting hours at Mesa County Jail Ministry?

   Visiting hours at Mesa County Jail Ministry 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 (970) 244-3351 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 Mesa County Jail Ministry?

   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 Mesa County Jail Ministry for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Mesa County Jail Ministry 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 Mesa County Jail Ministry?

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

   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 Mesa County Jail Ministry 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 Mesa County Jail Ministry, 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

The Mesa County Detention Facility operates a comprehensive digital mail system that transforms traditional correspondence into electronic delivery through inmate tablets, reflecting modern approaches to maintaining family connections while ensuring security. This innovative system scans all personal mail and delivers it digitally, while still accommodating legal correspondence through direct facility delivery. The facility’s commissary program allows inmates to spend up to $100 weekly on personal items, with orders placed on Wednesdays and delivered on Saturdays, providing structure and limited consumer choices during incarceration.

Beyond these basic services, the facility typically may offer educational programming that could include GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and computer skills training delivered through their tablet system. Inmates may have access to substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and anger management programs designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. The facility often provides vocational training opportunities that might include food service, janitorial skills, or other job readiness programs to help prepare inmates for successful reentry into the community.

Support services at Mesa County Detention Facility may include religious programming with chaplaincy services, library access through digital resources, and visitation programs that help maintain family relationships. The facility’s property release system, which operates Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m., demonstrates their commitment to organized reentry support by ensuring inmates can reclaim personal belongings efficiently. Medical and dental care are typically provided on-site, along with mental health crisis intervention services when needed, creating a comprehensive approach to inmate welfare during their stay at the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Mesa County Detention Facility in Colorado, inmates receive their commissary orders every Saturday after placing them on Wednesdays, with spending limited to $100 per week. This weekly routine provides structure to the days, as inmates use tablets to access digital mail delivery and complete necessary forms like Property Release Forms when needed. The facility operates on a digital communication system where personal mail is scanned and delivered electronically to inmates through their tablets, though legal correspondence may still be sent directly to the facility.

The detention center maintains specific operational hours that affect daily routines, with the lobby open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for various services including money deposits via kiosk. Family members and friends can support inmates by depositing funds through the lobby kiosk using government ID, though the system doesn’t accept small bills or coins. For reading material, inmates may receive paperback books and magazines, but dedicated when mailed directly from publishers or approved retailers like Barnes & Noble or Amazon, ensuring security protocols are maintained.

Property management becomes part of the daily administrative process, with releases occurring Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. for housed inmates, though those still in booking may have property released during regular business hours. The facility typically provides standard meals, recreational time, and educational or work opportunities common to Colorado detention facilities, though specific programming may vary based on security level and individual circumstances. Staff members generally maintain order through established schedules that balance security requirements with basic needs and limited privileges for the inmate population.