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How to contact an inmate at Onslow County Jail
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate at Onslow County Jail. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:
- Search for the inmate using our search tool below
- Create your account or log in to Penmate
- Write your message (up to 6,000 characters)
- Send instantly - inmates receive printed copies daily
Find an Inmate
Search for an inmate to start communicating today
Tip: You can search by first name, last name, or inmate ID number
To contact a person at Onslow County Jail start by searching for the person on the official facility website. Perform a search by following these steps:
- Step 1: Enter their first name and last name into the search form and click "Search"
- Step 2: Locate their inmate record
- Step 3: Write down their Inmate ID and any housing information provided
Important! Be sure to enter the person's full name. Nicknames should not be used.
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 Onslow County Jail.
Sending Photos and Postcards
A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Onslow 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 Onslow County Jail.
Frequently asked questions about Onslow County Jail
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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 Onslow County Jail.
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How much does it cost to send a message to Onslow 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.
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What services can I use to contact an inmate at Onslow 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 Onslow 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 Onslow 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.
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What is the mailing address of Onslow County Jail?
Mailing address:
Onslow County Jail
717 Court St
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Phone: (910) 455-3113Business 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
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What are the visiting hours at Onslow County Jail?
Visiting hours at Onslow 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 (910) 455-3113 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.
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What items are prohibited when sending mail to Onslow 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 Onslow County Jail for their specific mail policies.
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How do I send money to an inmate at Onslow County Jail?
You can send money to an inmate at Onslow 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.
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Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Onslow County Jail?
Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Onslow 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.
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What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Onslow 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 Onslow County Jail for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.
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How can I find out an inmate's release date?
To find an inmate's release date at Onslow 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.
Facility Overview
Official Website
About Onslow County Jail
The Detention Division of the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office provides comprehensive services through two specialized units that work together to maintain facility operations and inmate welfare. The Detention Facility Unit handles the daily security, management, and health oversight of inmates, while the Detention Administration Unit supports broader operational needs including training programs, building maintenance, inmate transportation, court liaison services, and visitation coordination. This dual-unit structure typically ensures that both immediate security concerns and long-term administrative requirements receive dedicated attention.
Communication and support services for inmates and their families are facilitated through established vendor partnerships. Securus Technologies serves as the communications provider, offering phone services, video visitation through Video Connect, and electronic messaging capabilities. Families can maintain contact by creating accounts to fund phone calls, scheduling video visits, or sending messages through the platform. The facility’s commissary services are managed by Oasis Commissary, allowing families to deposit funds for inmate purchases through multiple channels including phone services, online platforms, and a 24-hour kiosk located in the Sheriff’s Office lobby.
Situated in Jacksonville, North Carolina, the facility serves Onslow County with structured visitation policies that require advance scheduling. Standard visits must be arranged 24 hours in advance, though exceptions may be granted for emergencies, command visits, or urgent attorney consultations. The detention center maintains specialized contact numbers for different services, including separate lines for general questions and visitation, booking procedures, medical concerns, and attorney liaison services, reflecting the facility’s organized approach to managing various aspects of inmate care and administrative functions.
Programs & Services
The Detention Division at Onslow County operates with a comprehensive administrative structure that prioritizes both security and inmate support services. Through their Detention Administration Unit, the facility manages specialized programs including Prison Rape Elimination Act compliance, inmate transport coordination, and court liaison services. The facility maintains robust communication systems through Securus Technologies, enabling inmates to stay connected with family and legal counsel through phone calls, video visitations, and electronic messaging services.
Educational and vocational programming at the facility typically includes basic literacy classes, GED preparation, and job readiness training to help individuals prepare for reentry into the community. The jail may offer substance abuse counseling programs, anger management classes, and mental health services to address underlying issues that often contribute to criminal behavior. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are commonly available, providing spiritual guidance and support during incarceration.
Support services extend beyond the facility walls through coordinated efforts with local agencies. The commissary system operated by Oasis Commissary allows families to provide financial support and care packages, while the 24-hour scheduling requirement for visitations helps maintain structured family connections. Medical services are available on-site, and the facility likely coordinates with community organizations to provide reentry planning assistance, including housing resources, employment referrals, and continued counseling support to help individuals successfully transition back into society.
Daily Life & Visitation
Inmates at the Onslow County Detention Center must plan ahead for family connections, as the facility requires all visits to be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through their Securus Technologies system. The dedicated exceptions to this advance-notice rule include emergencies such as missing child cases, command visits, or urgent attorney consultations. Family members can maintain contact through multiple channels - video visitations scheduled through Video Connect, phone calls funded through inmate accounts, and electronic messaging services, all managed by Securus Technologies.
The detention center operates under the oversight of both the Detention Facility Unit, which handles daily security and inmate health management, and the Detention Administration Unit, which coordinates essential support services including training, building maintenance, inmate transportation to court appearances, and janitorial services. Inmates typically follow structured daily routines that may include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and program activities, though specific schedules often vary based on housing assignments and security classifications.
Financial support from family members flows through the Oasis Commissary system, where loved ones can deposit funds into inmate accounts through multiple methods - calling ATM Customer Service, using the online JailATM.com platform, or visiting the 24/7 kiosk located in the Sheriff’s Office lobby at 717 Court Street. These funds allow inmates to purchase commissary items, while family members can also send care packages containing approved food and personal items through the JailCanteen.com website, providing some comfort and connection to life outside the facility walls.
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