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 Office of Genesee County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Office of Genesee 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 Office of Genesee County Sheriff.

Frequently asked questions about Office of Genesee 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 Office of Genesee County Sheriff.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Office of Genesee 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 Office of Genesee 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 Office of Genesee 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 Office of Genesee 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 Office of Genesee County Sheriff?

   Mailing address:

   Office of Genesee County Sheriff
   1002 Saginaw St
   Flint, MI 48502
   Phone: (810) 257-3426

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Office of Genesee County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Office of Genesee 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 (810) 257-3426 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 Office of Genesee 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 Office of Genesee County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Office of Genesee County Sheriff?

   You can send money to an inmate at Office of Genesee 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 Office of Genesee County Sheriff?

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

Personal transformation often begins with access to meaningful opportunities that address both immediate needs and long-term aspirations. The comprehensive service delivery at Genesee County Jail typically emphasizes holistic development through carefully structured interventions designed to foster growth across multiple dimensions of an inmate's life. This multifaceted approach recognizes that sustainable rehabilitation requires addressing educational deficits, developing practical skills, and strengthening physical and emotional well-being through diverse programming initiatives.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's developmental framework, with education programs often encompassing both foundational academic instruction and specialized vocational education pathways. These services may provide inmates with opportunities to complete high school equivalency requirements while simultaneously acquiring marketable trade skills that enhance employment prospects upon release. The vocational education component typically focuses on practical skill development in areas that align with regional employment opportunities, allowing participants to build competency in fields that offer stable career trajectories.

In addition to this educational foundation, the facility often includes comprehensive support services designed to address the complex challenges inmates face during incarceration and beyond. The prisoner reentry initiative may provide structured preparation for community reintegration, while wellness programs typically address physical and mental health needs through evidence-based interventions. Intramural sports services often contribute to physical fitness and social skill development, creating opportunities for positive peer interaction and stress management. Furthermore, building maintenance programs may offer practical work experience while contributing to facility operations, allowing inmates to develop responsibility and technical skills in a structured environment that mirrors workplace expectations.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of Genesee County Jail create a controlled environment where every movement is monitored and every hour follows a predetermined schedule. Within this structured setting, inmates now find themselves adapting to a routine that begins with early morning counts and extends through evening lockdown, with activities regularly punctuated by security checks and institutional protocols. The facility's housing units typically accommodate multiple inmates per cell or dormitory-style living areas, where personal space becomes a precious commodity and adaptation to communal living proves essential for daily survival.

Living accommodations generally consist of basic furnishings including bunks, a small table, and limited storage space for personal belongings that inmates may purchase from the commissary or receive through approved channels. The dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in a common area, where inmates gather under supervision to receive standardized portions that meet basic nutritional requirements. Despite this regimented approach to daily sustenance, many inmates find ways to supplement their meals through commissary purchases, creating small rituals around food preparation and sharing that help maintain connections to life outside the facility walls.

In addition to this basic structure, Genesee County Jail typically provides recreational opportunities that may include access to a dayroom area, limited outdoor exercise time, and television viewing during designated hours. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that provide inmates with purposeful activity while contributing to institutional operations. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, allowing inmates to maintain relationships that prove crucial for their emotional well-being and eventual reintegration into the community, while structured programming schedules may offer educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, or other rehabilitative services designed to address underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration.