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 Montezuma County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Montezuma County Sheriff 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 Montezuma County Sheriff.

Frequently asked questions about Montezuma County Sheriff

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 Montezuma County Sheriff.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Montezuma County Sheriff?

   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 Montezuma County Sheriff?

   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 Montezuma County Sheriff. 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 Montezuma County Sheriff. 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 Montezuma County Sheriff?

   Mailing address:

   Montezuma County Sheriff
   730 E Driscoll St
   Cortez, CO 81321
   Phone: (970) 565-8452

   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 Montezuma County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Montezuma County Sheriff 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) 565-8452 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 Montezuma County Sheriff?

   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 Montezuma County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Montezuma County Sheriff?

   You can send money to an inmate at Montezuma County Sheriff 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 Montezuma County Sheriff?

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

   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 Montezuma County Sheriff 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 Montezuma County Sheriff, 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 Montezuma County Jail operates comprehensive alternative sentencing programs that include work release, home detention, day reporting, weekend inmate status, and useful public service opportunities. These programs work alongside the facility's worker-inmate initiative, where residents provide maintenance support for the Sheriff's Office and Detention Center while also participating in community service through roadside cleanup crews throughout Montezuma County. The facility's approach emphasizes both accountability and community contribution through structured programming.

Spiritual and counseling services form a cornerstone of the jail's programming, with detention center chaplains providing spiritual counseling, regular religious services, and personal ministry visitation opportunities. The facility hosts Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to support residents dealing with substance abuse issues. Beyond these confirmed programs, the facility may offer additional counseling services, educational opportunities, and life skills programming typical of county detention centers in Colorado.

Built in 2001 with a capacity for 104 residents, the facility maintains approximately 90% occupancy and houses various populations including pre-trial detainees, county-sentenced individuals, parole violators, and those awaiting transport to state facilities. The detention staff, including four sergeants and twenty-six deputies along with civilian personnel, manage diverse responsibilities from booking and medical services to court security and inmate transportation. This comprehensive staffing structure typically supports additional programming that may include mental health services, substance abuse counseling, and reentry preparation to help residents successfully transition back to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Montezuma County Jail, built in 2001 with capacity for 104 inmates, typically operates at around 90% occupancy, creating a structured environment where inmates follow established daily routines. Located on East Driscoll Street in Cortez, the facility houses a diverse population including pre-trial detainees, county-sentenced inmates, parole violators, and those awaiting transfer to the Department of Corrections. Under the supervision of the Detentions Lieutenant and staff including four sergeants and twenty-six deputies, inmates may participate in the worker-inmate program, which provides opportunities for facility maintenance work and roadside cleanup crews throughout Montezuma County.

Daily activities at the detention center often include access to various inmate programs designed to support rehabilitation and personal growth. The facility typically offers religious services, personal ministry visitation opportunities, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, with detention center chaplains available to provide spiritual counseling to those who seek it. Inmates may also have structured meal times, recreational periods, and opportunities for legal consultations as they navigate their cases. Those eligible for alternative sentencing programs might participate in work release, home detention, day reporting, weekend inmate status, or useful public service assignments, which can provide structured alternatives to traditional incarceration.

The facility maintains security protocols while accommodating necessary services such as medical care through trained medical technicians on staff, and coordinated court appearances with dedicated court security and transport services. Family connections are typically supported through scheduled visitation periods, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary based on security classifications and facility operations. The detention center's comprehensive approach balances maintaining security with providing inmates access to programs and services that may support their eventual reintegration into the community.