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 Pierce County Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Pierce County Corrections 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 Pierce County Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about Pierce County Corrections

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 Pierce County Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Pierce County Corrections?

   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 Pierce County Corrections?

   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 Pierce County Corrections. 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 Pierce County Corrections. 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 Pierce County Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Pierce County Corrections
   910 Tacoma Ave S
   Tacoma, WA 98402
   Phone: (253) 798-4668

5. What are the visiting hours at Pierce County Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Pierce County Corrections 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 (253) 798-4668 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 Pierce County Corrections?

   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 Pierce County Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Pierce County Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at Pierce County Corrections 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 Pierce County Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Pierce County Corrections, 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 Pierce County Corrections?

   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 Pierce County Corrections 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 Pierce County Corrections, 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 begins within the structured environment where those incarcerated encounter diverse pathways toward rehabilitation and skill development. Pierce County Jail’s comprehensive offerings emphasize security and safety while fostering meaningful opportunities for individuals to engage in constructive activities during their incarceration. The facility’s approach typically centers on providing structured programming that addresses both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals, creating an environment where personal growth can flourish despite the constraints of confinement.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility’s developmental approach, with education services that may furnish foundational learning opportunities alongside more advanced academic pursuits. Those incarcerated often have access to college correspondence courses, enabling them to pursue higher education credentials while maintaining the security protocols essential to institutional safety. Furthermore, vocational programs typically provide practical skill development in various trades and industries, while work programs offer structured employment opportunities that instill discipline and work ethic. Food service operations frequently serve as both a practical training ground and a means of contributing to the facility’s daily operations.

Therapeutic interventions and comprehensive support services round out the facility’s holistic approach to rehabilitation and personal development. Mental health counseling may furnish crucial psychological support for those struggling with various emotional and behavioral challenges, while individual counseling sessions often provide personalized guidance tailored to specific circumstances and goals. These therapeutic offerings typically operate within a framework that prioritizes both participant wellbeing and institutional security, ensuring that those incarcerated receive appropriate care while maintaining the structured environment necessary for effective program delivery.

Daily Life & Visitation

Maintaining connections with family members and loved ones becomes a central focus for those incarcerated at Pierce County Jail, as these relationships often provide crucial emotional support during their time at the facility. The daily routine now revolves around structured schedules that typically begin with early morning wake-up calls, followed by breakfast service and regular head counts throughout the day. Those incarcerated regularly participate in scheduled activities that may include educational programming, work assignments within the facility, and recreational periods that furnish opportunities for social interaction and physical exercise.

The living accommodations generally consist of housing units designed to accommodate multiple individuals, where those incarcerated share common areas and develop informal support networks among themselves. Meals are typically served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, providing structured opportunities for social interaction and community building within the facility’s guidelines. Although privacy may be limited, these shared spaces often become venues where those incarcerated can maintain social connections and support one another through their experiences.

Furthermore, the facility typically offers various programs and activities designed to help those incarcerated maintain productive routines and connections to the outside community. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility cleaning responsibilities that provide structure and purpose to daily life. Visitation policies generally allow for regular contact with family members and friends, while communication options such as telephone access and written correspondence help those incarcerated maintain important relationships. Additionally, recreational opportunities and structured programming schedules may furnish outlets for physical activity, education, and personal development, helping individuals prepare for their eventual return to the community while fostering positive social interactions during their incarceration.