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 Palm Beach County Main Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Palm Beach County Main Detention Center
   3228 Gun Club Rd
   West Palm Beach, FL 33406
   Phone: (561) 688-3000

   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 Palm Beach County Main Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Palm Beach County Main 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 (561) 688-3000 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 Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Palm Beach County Main Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main 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 Palm Beach County Main 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

The West Detention Center operates as a program-oriented facility where inmates are actively encouraged to participate in rehabilitation and educational opportunities. The facility's "Another Way" drug educational program serves as a cornerstone of its treatment offerings, addressing substance abuse issues that often contribute to incarceration. Religious services provide spiritual support and community connection, while self-improvement educational programs help inmates develop essential life skills and personal growth strategies.

Through partnerships with community providers, the facility offers comprehensive reentry services designed to support inmates transitioning back into society. These programs typically may include job placement assistance, housing resources, and continued counseling support to reduce recidivism rates. The facility may also provide basic educational services such as GED preparation, adult literacy programs, and vocational training opportunities that align with local employment needs in the Belle Glade area.

Additional support services often include mental health counseling, anger management classes, and parenting programs for inmates with families. The facility's direct supervision housing model creates an environment that may facilitate better program participation and positive behavioral changes. Inmates may also have access to library services, recreational activities, and legal assistance programs. The video visitation program, while primarily serving family connection needs, also supports the overall rehabilitation process by helping inmates maintain important relationships during their incarceration period.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at the West Detention Center in Belle Glade follow structured routines within a facility designed around direct supervision housing concepts. The 998-bed facility operates with inmates housed across minimum, medium, and maximum custody levels, with programming activities integrated throughout the day. Inmates typically begin their day with scheduled counts and meal service, followed by opportunities to participate in educational and rehabilitative programs.

The facility emphasizes program participation as a central component of the daily experience. Residents may engage in the "Another Way" Drug educational program, attend religious services, or participate in self-improvement educational programs. These activities are often scheduled during specific time blocks, allowing inmates to maintain productive routines while serving their sentences. The direct supervision model means that correctional staff maintain closer interaction with residents throughout their daily activities, which may include work assignments, recreational periods, and structured programming time.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life through the facility's video visitation program. Rather than traditional in-person visits, family members and friends can connect with inmates through live video feeds available at designated public visitation centers. This system allows for regular communication while maintaining security protocols. The facility also provides reentry services through community partnerships, helping residents prepare for their eventual return to the community through counseling and transition planning that may be incorporated into their weekly schedules.