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 Okaloosa County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Okaloosa 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 Okaloosa County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Okaloosa County Jail
   1200 E James Lee Blvd
   Crestview, FL 32539
   Phone: (850) 689-5690

   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 Okaloosa County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Okaloosa 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 (850) 689-5690 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 Okaloosa 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 Okaloosa County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

A comprehensive approach to personal development forms the foundation of opportunities available to individuals at Okaloosa County Jail. The facility typically recognizes that meaningful change requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's life through integrated programming. This philosophy guides the "delivery" of various opportunities designed to support both immediate needs and long-term success upon reentry into the community.

Educational opportunities often serve as a cornerstone of personal development within the facility. Individuals may participate in basic education programs that help them work toward completing their high school equivalency credentials. Distance learning opportunities typically allow participants to access coursework and educational resources that might otherwise be unavailable. These educational initiatives often focus on building foundational skills that can support future employment and personal growth.

Moreover, therapeutic and support opportunities address the underlying challenges that many individuals face. Substance abuse treatment programs may offer structured approaches to recovery and relapse prevention. Work release opportunities typically provide individuals with the chance to maintain employment connections while serving their sentences. Additionally, healthy relationships programming often focuses on developing communication skills and building positive support networks that can contribute to successful reintegration into the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements typically marks the beginning of each day for individuals housed within the facility, as structured routines take precedence over personal schedules. At present, the daily framework actively revolves around scheduled meal times, count procedures, and designated periods for various activities. Generally, individuals wake early for breakfast service, followed by work assignments or programming activities that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training opportunities.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where individuals store their personal belongings in designated areas. The facility generally provides basic necessities such as bedding, hygiene items, and uniforms, while individuals may supplement these through commissary purchases when funds are available. Moreover, meals are served at scheduled times in dining areas or delivered to housing units, with menus typically planned to meet basic nutritional requirements and accommodate certain dietary restrictions.

Recreation opportunities often include access to television viewing areas, library services, and scheduled outdoor time when weather and security conditions permit. Whereas some individuals may participate in facility work assignments such as kitchen duties, cleaning, or maintenance tasks, others engage in structured programming designed to address various needs. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, which typically operate within specific timeframes and follow established security protocols that help maintain contact with loved ones during incarceration.