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 Sheriff Department and Justice Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice Center?

   Mailing address:

   Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice Center
   161 Industrial Access Cir
   Benton, TN 37307
   

5. What are the visiting hours at Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice Center?

   Visiting hours at Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 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 Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Sheriff Department and Justice 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 Polk County Detention Center in Benton, Tennessee operates with a clear mission to provide safe and secure confinement while maintaining compliance with Tennessee state standards and Tennessee Corrections Institute guidelines. Built in 2007, this 154-capacity facility serves multiple law enforcement agencies including the Benton Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and Area Park Authorities. The facility employs 25 full-time corrections officers who provide indirect supervision and ensure both security and daily care for inmates across five male and four female housing units.

While the facility’s primary focus centers on secure detention, correctional facilities in Tennessee typically offer various support services to assist individuals during their stay. These may include basic educational programs, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services provided through contracted staff or community partnerships. The facility likely provides access to library services, recreational activities, and religious programming to support inmate welfare. Medical care is available through contracted nursing staff, ensuring health needs are addressed appropriately.

The detention center operates with standard visiting procedures, maintaining lobby hours Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding state holidays. Additional support services may include discharge planning assistance, communication with family members, and coordination with community resources to help prepare individuals for reintegration. The facility’s commitment to operating within prescribed ethical and constitutional limits suggests a focus on maintaining appropriate standards of care while fulfilling its primary mission of public safety through secure detention.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Polk County Detention Center operates with structured routines overseen by 25 full-time corrections officers who provide indirect supervision throughout the facility’s nine housing units. Built in 2007, this 154-bed facility separates male and female populations, with inmates housed in five male units and four female units designed to maintain security while meeting daily needs. The corrections staff works alongside contracted nursing personnel and kitchen staff to ensure inmates receive proper medical attention and meals throughout their stay.

Family connections remain important during incarceration, with the Justice Center lobby typically open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding state holidays. This schedule allows families to conduct business related to their incarcerated loved ones during regular business hours. Like most Tennessee correctional facilities, the center likely maintains specific visitation schedules and communication policies that help inmates stay connected with family members while maintaining the security protocols required for safe operations.

The facility’s mission emphasizes providing safe and secure confinement in compliance with Tennessee state standards and Tennessee Corrections Institute guidelines. Daily operations focus on maintaining the highest levels of protection for Polk County citizens while ensuring inmates are detained within constitutional and ethical limits. The presence of temporary holding cells in the booking section facilitates the processing and release procedures that mark the beginning and end of each person’s stay at the facility.