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 Polk County Jail Booking.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Polk County Jail Booking 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 Polk County Jail Booking.

Frequently asked questions about Polk County Jail Booking

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 Polk County Jail Booking.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Polk County Jail Booking?

   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 Polk County Jail Booking?

   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 Polk County Jail Booking. 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 Polk County Jail Booking. 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 Polk County Jail Booking?

   Mailing address:

   Polk County Jail Booking
   7101 De Castro Rd
   Winter Haven, FL 33880
   Phone: (863) 292-3400

   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 Polk County Jail Booking?

   Visiting hours at Polk County Jail Booking 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 (863) 292-3400 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 Polk County Jail Booking?

   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 Polk County Jail Booking for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Polk County Jail Booking?

   You can send money to an inmate at Polk County Jail Booking 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 Polk County Jail Booking?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Polk County Jail Booking, 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 Polk County Jail Booking?

   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 Polk County Jail Booking 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 Polk County Jail Booking, 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

Polk County Jail Booking is an institution that maintains the custody of over 900 inmates on an average. Being thrust into jail can be a challenging and transformative experience for many, but the institution is very keen to ensure rehabilitation takes place. Numerous programs and services exist for enrolled inmates that attempt to facilitate more productive post-imprisonment experiences. The center realizes that denying post-sentencing rehabilitation would lead to significantly higher recidivism rates and, as such, has invested in different measures that allow capacity, pre-release counseling, community volunteering, and help in combating addiction problems.

The Misdemeanor Intervention Program is a statewide model for incitement of self-improvement for challenged communities that has established user-families to facilitate the principle of strengthening of respected households adjacent to assigned misdemeanant leases to enroll in services motivating reciprocal embodiment treatment resolutions mutually funded social and educational activities. Participants could elect to enlist professional psychological mindfulness courses instructing breathing mindfulness proficiencies, school readiness packages or training for career development, mentoring youth troubled with criminal processing exposure into more regulated environments and also initiate prerequisites for professional elite web culture competent awareness modules. Wellness consolidation postures efficiently lead these aimful programs to be steady focal point harmonization steps beyond Polk County commitment towards stimulating identified rehabilitation targeting models instructing innovation after regenerating lobs straighter beyond competency portfolio platforms desirable over benefit collection development online capacities successfully reinforcing initial progress in rehabilitative journeys.

The institution has made adequate provisions for catering to drug addiction victims beyond diagnosis. STEER and Voluntary Exceptional Treatment are initiatives designed to deal with substance misuse/abuse from a total institution narrative scheme perspective wherein it utilizes prescribed medication, decentralized provision treatment strategies incl., determination advocacy, service orientation schemes guarantee joint work between personnel; regularly