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 Metrowest Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Metrowest Detention Center 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 Metrowest Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Metrowest Detention Center

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 Metrowest Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Metrowest Detention Center?

   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 Metrowest Detention Center?

   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 Metrowest Detention Center. 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 Metrowest Detention Center. 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 Metrowest Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Metrowest Detention Center
   13850 NW 41st St
   Doral, FL 33178
   Phone: (786) 263-5100

   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 Metrowest Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Metrowest Detention Center 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 (786) 263-5100 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 Metrowest Detention Center?

   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 Metrowest Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Metrowest Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Metrowest Detention Center 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 Metrowest Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Metrowest Detention Center, 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 Metrowest Detention Center?

   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 Metrowest Detention Center 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 Metrowest Detention Center, 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 Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department has prioritized maintaining connections between individuals in custody and their support networks through comprehensive video visitation services at Metrowest Detention Center. This remote video visitation technology serves both personal and professional visitors, with specialized registration processes for attorneys, professional visitors, and approved friends and family members. The facility requires all visitors to complete applications through Global Tel*Link (GTL) and follow established protocols, with processing typically taking 2-3 business days for professional visitors.

Beyond visitation services, Metrowest Detention Center may offer various educational and vocational programs designed to support rehabilitation and successful reentry. These programs often include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, and job readiness training that help individuals develop essential skills for their return to the community. The facility typically provides access to counseling services, which may encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and behavioral intervention programs tailored to individual needs.

Additional support services at the facility often include religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and library access to promote personal growth and constructive use of time. The center may also coordinate with community organizations to provide reentry planning services, helping individuals prepare for housing, employment, and other essential needs upon release. These comprehensive services reflect the facility’s commitment to rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through meaningful programming and continued community connections.

Daily Life & Visitation

Video visitation technology now connects individuals housed at Metrowest Detention Center with their families and legal representatives through the Global Tel*Link (GTL) platform. The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department has prioritized maintaining these crucial connections while ensuring the health and safety of both residents and staff. Friends and family members must established be placed on an inmate’s approved master visitation list before they can register for remote video visits, while attorneys and professional visitors follow a separate application process that typically requires 2-3 business days for approval.

The implementation of remote video visitation represents a significant shift in how residents maintain contact with the outside world. Those housed at the facility may access these video calls according to scheduled time slots, allowing them to see and speak with loved ones from designated areas within the facility. This technology often supplements traditional phone services and written correspondence, providing multiple ways for residents to stay connected during their time at the facility. The registration process through GTL ensures that all visitors are properly verified and follow established security protocols.

Beyond visitation, residents typically follow structured daily routines that may include meal times, recreational periods, educational programming, and work assignments. The facility often provides basic amenities such as bedding, meals, and access to commissary items, while maintaining security protocols throughout all areas. Medical services are generally available to address health needs, and residents may have access to library services, religious programs, and other rehabilitative activities designed to support their well-being during their stay at the facility.