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’s Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Polk County Sheriff’s Office 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’s Office.

Frequently asked questions about Polk County Sheriff’s Office

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’s Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Polk County Sheriff’s Office?

   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’s Office?

   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’s Office. 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’s Office. 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’s Office?

   Mailing address:

   Polk County Sheriff’s Office
   1891 Jim Keene Blvd
   Winter Haven, FL 33880
   Phone: (863) 298-6200

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Polk County Sheriff’s Office?

   Visiting hours at Polk County Sheriff’s Office 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) 298-6200 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 Sheriff’s Office?

   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’s Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Polk County Sheriff’s Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Polk County Sheriff’s Office 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’s Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 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’s Office?

   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’s Office 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’s Office, 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 Sheriff’s Office Detention Division implements a comprehensive digital communication system through Smart Jail Mail, utilizing kiosks in all housing units to facilitate secure correspondence between inmates and their families. This modern approach to inmate communications demonstrates the facility’s commitment to maintaining family connections while ensuring security protocols are met. Upon booking, each inmate receives a detailed handbook outlining rules, regulations, rights, and responsibilities, with multilingual support provided through bilingual deputies to ensure all individuals understand facility expectations and disciplinary procedures.

Beyond these core services, the facility typically may offer educational programming to help inmates work toward GED completion or basic literacy skills. Vocational training opportunities often include maintenance, food service, or other practical skills that can support successful reintegration. The detention center may also provide substance abuse counseling and mental health services, recognizing that many individuals in custody benefit from therapeutic interventions during their incarceration.

The Sheriff’s Office operates a Processing Center on De Castro Road that handles felony and sexual offender registrations, offering appointment scheduling to streamline the process for community members fulfilling legal requirements. This service operates Monday through Friday with extended hours, demonstrating the department’s commitment to providing accessible community services. Religious services and recreational activities are commonly available in facilities of this type, along with library access and legal research capabilities to support inmates’ constitutional rights during their detention.

Daily Life & Visitation

Upon booking into the Polk County Jail, each inmate receives a comprehensive Inmate Handbook outlining the rules, regulations, rights, and responsibilities that govern their time in the facility. For inmates who cannot read or are visually impaired, bilingual deputies ensure the handbook is read aloud and verbally explained, with translation services available for non-English speakers. This structured approach to orientation typically sets the tone for the regulated daily routine that follows, where adherence to facility rules helps maintain order and safety for both inmates and staff.

Communication with family and friends operates through the Smart Jail Mail system, which features digital kiosks located in all housing units throughout the facility. This modern approach to inmate correspondence allows for streamlined written communications for a nominal fee, replacing traditional postal mail except for legal correspondence. Inmates may typically access these kiosks during designated hours as part of their daily schedule, enabling them to maintain important connections with their support networks outside the facility. The digital system often provides faster delivery of messages while enhancing security screening processes.

The facility’s operations generally follow standard correctional protocols common to Florida detention centers, which may include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities. Administrative and disciplinary measures are clearly outlined in the inmate handbook, helping residents understand expectations and consequences. For those required to complete felony or sex offender registration processes, the Sheriff’s Processing Center on De Castro Road in Winter Haven handles these requirements Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with appointments recommended to expedite the process and minimize wait times.