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 Nelson County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Nelson 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 Nelson County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Nelson County Jail
   810 W Stephen Foster Ave
   Bardstown, KY 40004
   Phone: (502) 348-1860

   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 Nelson County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Nelson 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 (502) 348-1860 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 Nelson 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 Nelson County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson County Correctional Center operates with a mission to "impact the lives" of inmates in their care, reflecting a commitment that extends beyond basic housing to meaningful rehabilitation efforts. This philosophy typically translates into programming designed to address the diverse needs of the incarcerated population while maintaining the facility's professional standards.

Educational and vocational services may include basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and job readiness training to help prepare inmates for successful reintegration. The facility often provides substance abuse counseling and mental health support services, recognizing these as critical components in reducing recidivism. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are commonly available, offering spiritual guidance and support to those who seek it. Additionally, the center may offer life skills workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, anger management, and communication skills.

Support services typically extend to both inmates and their families, potentially including visitation programs, commissary services, and assistance with maintaining family connections during incarceration. The facility's commitment to excellence, as outlined in their mission statement, suggests they may also provide case management services to help coordinate release planning and community resource connections. As circumstances and programming can change based on staffing, funding, and operational needs, interested parties should contact the facility directly at 502-348-1860 for current program availability and specific details about services offered.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Nelson County Correctional Center, located at 810 W Stephen Foster Ave in Bardstown, Kentucky, operates under the leadership of Jailer Justin Hall with a mission to maintain a professional environment while securely housing inmates and making efforts to positively impact their lives. As a member of the American Correctional Association (ACA), the facility typically follows structured daily schedules that may include meal times, recreational periods, and programming opportunities designed to support inmate rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration into the community.

Inmates at the Nelson County Correctional Center generally experience regulated daily routines that often begin early in the morning with headcount and breakfast service. Throughout the day, the facility may offer various activities such as educational programs, work assignments, recreational time, and visitation periods for approved family members and friends. The center's commitment to excellence, as outlined in their mission statement, suggests that staff members work to create an environment that balances security requirements with opportunities for personal growth and maintaining family connections during incarceration.

For those seeking to contact inmates or visit the facility, the Nelson County Correctional Center can be reached at 502-348-1860, while the Nelson County Sheriff's office is available at 502-348-1840. The facility's website emphasizes their dedication to protecting the community while housing inmates in their care, and they maintain policies designed to comply with public information requirements. Visitors and family members should be aware that circumstances may change without notice due to legal requirements, emergencies, or facility rule modifications, and all communication and visitation policies are subject to the center's security protocols and scheduling requirements.