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 Morgan County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Morgan 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 Morgan County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Morgan County Jail
   119 Lee St NE
   Decatur, AL 35601
   Phone: (256) 351-4825

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Morgan County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Morgan 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 (256) 351-4825 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Morgan 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 Morgan 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 Morgan 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County Jail in Alabama operates a comprehensive mail management system designed to maintain security while facilitating communication between inmates and their families. Beginning in April 2025, the facility implemented an updated mail processing system that digitally scans physical correspondence and delivers it electronically to inmates through kiosks, while also offering direct electronic messaging through the JailATM platform. This dual approach ensures inmates maintain vital connections with their support networks while adhering to strict security protocols.

Beyond communication services, the facility may offer various rehabilitative programs typical of Alabama correctional institutions. These often include educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy instruction, and life skills workshops that help prepare inmates for successful reintegration. The jail typically provides substance abuse counseling programs, anger management courses, and mental health services to address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior. Work release programs are also commonly available, allowing eligible inmates to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences.

Additional support services may include religious programming, recreational activities, and pre-release planning assistance. The facility often coordinates with local organizations to provide job placement resources, housing assistance, and other transitional services. Inmates typically have access to commissary services for personal items and may participate in visitation programs that help maintain family relationships. The jail's approach to inmate services generally emphasizes both security and rehabilitation, recognizing that successful reentry programs benefit both the individual and the broader community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the inmate experience at Morgan County Jail in Alabama, where a comprehensive mail management system ensures secure correspondence while maintaining family connections. Beginning April 1, 2025, the facility implemented a new electronic mail processing system where physical letters are photocopied and delivered digitally to inmates through kiosk access. Inmates can receive both traditional handwritten mail sent through a specialized processing center in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and electronic messages through the JailATM platform, though all correspondence undergoes staff review and approval before delivery.

The facility operates with structured policies that typically govern most aspects of daily routine, from meal times to recreational periods. Inmates generally follow scheduled activities that may include work assignments, educational programming, and designated times for accessing mail through the electronic kiosk system. The jail's community corrections approach often emphasizes maintaining connections with family and preparing for eventual reintegration, which may include work release opportunities for eligible inmates.

Visitation and communication services extend beyond mail to include video calling and in-person visits, though specific scheduling and procedures follow established security protocols. The facility's VINE notification system keeps victims and community members informed about inmate status changes, while various support services typically address basic needs such as commissary access, property management, and release planning. These structured elements create a framework for daily life that balances security requirements with opportunities for personal communication and preparation for life after incarceration.