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 Otero County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Otero County Detention Center 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 Otero County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Otero County Detention Center

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 Otero County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Otero County Detention Center?

   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 Otero County Detention Center?

   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 Otero County Detention Center. 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 Otero County Detention Center. 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 Otero County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Otero County Detention Center
   1958 Dr M.L.K. Jr. Dr
   Alamogordo, NM 88310
   Phone: (575) 437-6420

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Otero County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Otero County Detention Center 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 (575) 437-6420 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 Otero County Detention Center?

   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 Otero County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Otero County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Otero County Detention Center 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 Otero County Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Otero County Detention Center, 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 Otero County Detention Center?

   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 Otero County Detention Center 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 Otero County Detention Center, 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 growth and rehabilitation form the cornerstone of service delivery at Otero County Jail, where inmates have access to various programs designed to address underlying issues and build essential life skills. The facility typically operates under a philosophy that meaningful change occurs when individuals are provided with structured opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. Through comprehensive programming, inmates may work toward addressing the root causes of their involvement in the criminal justice system while preparing for successful community reintegration.

Educational services often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and computer skills training to help inmates build foundational knowledge for future opportunities. Also, vocational training may provide hands-on experience in trades such as construction, automotive repair, or food service, giving participants marketable skills that can lead to employment upon release. These educational and vocational offerings typically focus on practical application, allowing inmates to gain confidence while developing competencies that employers value in the community.

Support services play a crucial role in addressing the complex needs of the inmate population. Therapeutic communities may offer structured environments where inmates work together on personal development and accountability, while dual diagnosis treatment typically addresses co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues. Also, employment readiness services often include resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies to help inmates transition successfully into the workforce. Library services and laundry services provide additional support for daily needs and continued learning opportunities throughout an inmate's stay at the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and fluorescent lighting of housing units at Otero County Jail create an institutional environment where inmates now find themselves navigating a highly structured daily existence. Inmates regularly wake to count procedures and meal times that anchor their days. The facility typically operates on a schedule that includes designated periods for meals, recreation, and programming activities.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where inmates adapt to limited personal space and communal living arrangements. Each housing area usually provides basic furnishings and may include common areas where inmates can watch television or participate in approved activities. However, personal belongings are typically restricted to essential items, and inmates often rely on commissary purchases to supplement basic necessities provided by the facility.

Also available are various work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility cleaning responsibilities that provide structure and, in some cases, small earnings. Recreation opportunities typically include access to outdoor areas when weather permits and indoor activities during designated periods. Inmates generally maintain contact with family members through scheduled visitation sessions and phone calls, though these communications are usually monitored and subject to facility regulations. Educational programming and counseling services may also be available to help inmates use their time constructively while adapting to the institutional environment.