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 Montgomery Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Montgomery 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 Montgomery Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Montgomery Jail
   320 N Ripley St
   Montgomery, AL 36104
   Phone: (334) 241-2645

   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 Montgomery Jail?

   Visiting hours at Montgomery 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 (334) 241-2645 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Montgomery 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 Montgomery Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery City Jail maintains structured communication and visitation protocols designed to support inmates' connections with family and legal representation. The facility operates a comprehensive mail system through P.O. Box-Drawer 159, Montgomery, Alabama 36101, accepting money orders from the U.S. Postal Service to help inmates manage their commissary needs. Attorney visitation schedules are established during morning hours from 8:00-11:00 AM and afternoon sessions from 2:30-4:00 PM, ensuring inmates maintain access to legal counsel throughout their incarceration.

Visitation programs at the facility are carefully organized to accommodate different inmate populations, with federal inmates and city prisoners with pending court dates receiving Saturday visiting privileges, while convicted city inmates and female inmates have designated Sunday visitation times. These structured programs typically support family relationships and community connections that may be crucial for successful reintegration. The facility may also offer basic educational services, substance abuse counseling, and religious programs commonly found in municipal correctional facilities throughout Alabama.

Beyond the documented communication and visitation services, Montgomery City Jail likely provides additional support programs that often include mental health counseling, medical services, and pre-release planning assistance. These services may help inmates address underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration while preparing them for eventual return to the community. The facility's approach to inmate services typically emphasizes maintaining family connections and legal access as fundamental components of the correctional process.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured visitation schedule at Montgomery City Jail reflects the facility's organized approach to maintaining family connections while managing security protocols. Male inmates have access to visitors on Saturdays, with federal inmates and those awaiting court dates receiving extended visiting hours from 8:00am to 10:30am and again from noon to 4:00pm, while convicted city inmates serving their sentences can meet with family and friends on Sundays during similar time blocks. Female inmates have their designated visiting period on Sunday afternoons from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, ensuring all inmates have regular opportunities for personal contact with their support networks.

Communication with the outside world follows established procedures designed to maintain security while preserving important relationships. Inmates receive mail through the facility's P.O. Box address, though packages are prohibited for security reasons. Family members and friends may send financial support through U.S. Postal Service money orders made out in the inmate's name, providing a secure method for inmates to access funds for commissary purchases or other approved expenses. All visitors must present valid photo identification before entry, and personal items like cell phones and packages are not permitted inside the facility.

The facility typically maintains structured daily routines that may include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities, though specific details of these activities are managed according to security classifications and individual circumstances. Attorney consultations are accommodated during designated hours from 8:00am to 11:00am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm, ensuring inmates maintain access to legal representation. Like most municipal facilities in Alabama, the jail likely provides basic medical services, educational materials, and religious services, though the availability of specific programs may vary based on staffing and facility resources.