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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Pocahontas County Sheriff Department 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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department.

Frequently asked questions about Pocahontas County Sheriff Department

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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Pocahontas County Sheriff Department?

   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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department?

   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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department. 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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department. 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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department?

   Mailing address:

   Pocahontas County Sheriff Department
   99 Court Square
   Pocahontas, IA 50574
   Phone: (712) 335-3308

   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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department?

   Visiting hours at Pocahontas County Sheriff Department 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 (712) 335-3308 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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department?

   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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Pocahontas County Sheriff Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Pocahontas County Sheriff Department 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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Pocahontas County Sheriff Department, 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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department?

   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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department 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 Pocahontas County Sheriff Department, 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

Video conferencing technology enables inmates at Pocahontas County Jail to maintain crucial family connections through scheduled visitation sessions on Thursdays and Sundays. This modern approach to visitation, combined with the facility's structured communication systems including the inmate phone service, reflects a commitment to supporting rehabilitation through maintained community ties. The jail's comprehensive inmate handbook and organized staff structure under supervision create a framework for consistent program delivery and inmate support.

Educational and vocational programming at the facility may include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, and job readiness training to help prepare individuals for successful reentry. Counseling services often encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and behavioral modification programs tailored to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. The facility typically coordinates with local service providers to offer religious services, life skills workshops, and anger management classes that support personal development during incarceration.

Work programs and community service opportunities may be available for eligible inmates, providing valuable job experience and contributing to facility operations. Medical and mental health services are typically provided through partnerships with local healthcare providers, ensuring inmates receive necessary treatment and medication management. The jail's canteen system and structured correspondence policies support inmates' daily needs while maintaining security protocols, creating an environment where rehabilitation programs can effectively operate alongside necessary safety measures.

Daily Life & Visitation

Video visitation appointments on Thursdays from 9:30am to 10:30am and Sundays from 2:00pm to 3:30pm provide crucial family connections for inmates at Pocahontas County Jail. Located at 99 Court Square in Pocahontas, Iowa, this facility operates under the supervision of Jail Supervisor Mackenzie Pedersen and her staff. Inmates must arrange for visitors to be placed on their approved visitation list, and all visits require 24-hour advance scheduling through the jail's main number. The 20-minute video conferences serve as lifelines to the outside world, though visitors must arrive promptly with government-issued photo identification or risk having their appointment cancelled.

Communication beyond visitation typically revolves around the facility's inmate phone system, which allows inmates to make outgoing calls during designated hours, though incoming calls are generally prohibited except for attorneys and bondsmen. Mail correspondence follows standard correctional protocols, with letters sent via USPS to the jail's Court Square address and properly marked with return addresses. Throughout their stay, inmates may access the TurnKey Inmate Canteen system for approved purchases of personal items and snacks, providing some comfort and normalcy within the structured environment.

The daily routine at this county facility likely follows patterns common to Iowa correctional institutions, with structured meal times, recreational periods, and opportunities for reading or educational activities when available. Inmates receive an Inmate's Handbook upon arrival that outlines facility rules and procedures, helping them navigate their stay while maintaining safety and security standards. The VINE system also keeps victims and community members informed about inmate status, reflecting the facility's commitment to public safety and transparency in its operations.