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 Montcalm County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Montcalm 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 Montcalm County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Montcalm County Jail
   649 N State St
   Stanton, MI 48888
   Phone: (989) 831-7592

   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 Montcalm County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Montcalm 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 (989) 831-7592 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 Montcalm 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 Montcalm County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Montcalm County Jail, which opened in March 2002, operates as a modern correctional facility serving the local community with a current capacity of 205 beds. While the facility maintains essential inmate information services through an automated system for court dates and status updates, the jail typically provides various programs designed to support inmate rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community. These may include educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and life skills training that help inmates develop essential competencies for their eventual release.

Like many Michigan correctional facilities, Montcalm County Jail may offer substance abuse counseling programs, mental health services, and behavioral intervention programs to address underlying issues that often contribute to criminal behavior. The facility potentially provides vocational training opportunities that could include job readiness workshops, basic computer skills training, and work programs that allow inmates to develop practical skills while serving their sentences. These programs often focus on preparing individuals for employment opportunities upon release, which can significantly reduce recidivism rates.

The jail's support services likely extend to family communication programs, including supervised visitation and correspondence monitoring, as well as pre-release planning assistance. Religious services and spiritual counseling may also be available to inmates seeking faith-based support during their incarceration. With a staff of 20 full-time corrections officers and 4 sergeants, the facility maintains adequate supervision while potentially offering individual case management services to help inmates access appropriate programs based on their specific needs and sentence length. The facility also processes sex offender registration services during specified hours, demonstrating its role in broader community safety initiatives.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Montcalm County Jail facility, which opened in 2002 and has undergone multiple expansions to accommodate 205 inmates, operates under the supervision of 20 full-time corrections officers and 4 sergeants who maintain structured daily operations. Inmates typically begin their day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by scheduled activities that may include work assignments, educational programs, or recreational time depending on their housing classification and behavior status. The facility's modern design, incorporating the latest corrections technology available at the time of construction, supports various daily programming aimed at maintaining order and providing constructive activities for residents.

Communication with family and friends remains an important aspect of daily life for inmates at the facility. The jail provides an automated information system accessible at 989-831-7592 where family members can obtain updates on court dates and inmate status, though the most current information is typically available after 3 pm on weekdays when jail officers receive court updates. Visitation schedules and communication policies are generally structured to balance security requirements with maintaining family connections, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary based on housing assignments and individual circumstances.

The daily routine at Montcalm County Jail typically includes regular meal times, medical checks when needed, and various programs designed to maintain institutional safety and provide meaningful activities. Inmates may participate in work details, educational opportunities, or recreational activities as available and appropriate for their classification level. The facility's location at 649 N State Street in Stanton provides a controlled environment where daily operations focus on security, rehabilitation opportunities, and preparing individuals for their eventual return to the community.