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 Porter County Sheriff’s Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Porter 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 Porter County Sheriff’s Office.

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

   Mailing address:

   Porter County Sheriff’s Office
   2755 IN-49
   Valparaiso, IN 46383
   Phone: (219) 477-3000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Porter 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 (219) 477-3000 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 Porter 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 Porter County Sheriff’s Office for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Porter 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 Porter 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 Porter 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 Porter 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 Porter County Jail emphasizes inmate services, education, and self-help programs as core components of its mission to improve inmate wellbeing. Operating under the Porter County Sheriff's Office since 2002, the facility provides structured programming through its multipurpose classrooms and comprehensive support services division. The jail's law library serves as a resource for inmates seeking legal assistance, while the facility's design with indoor and outdoor recreation areas supports both physical wellness and structured activities. Classification services help ensure inmates are placed in appropriate programs based on their individual needs and circumstances.

Educational and vocational programming may include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, and job readiness training designed to prepare inmates for successful reintegration. The facility typically offers substance abuse counseling and mental health services, recognizing that many individuals in the correctional system benefit from addressing underlying issues. Religious services and chaplaincy programs often provide spiritual support and guidance, while anger management and life skills classes help inmates develop coping strategies and decision-making abilities.

Support services extend beyond programming to include visitation coordination, commissary services, and transportation management, all aimed at maintaining family connections and ensuring inmates can access necessary resources. The jail's commitment to providing "a safe, secure, and humane facility" reflects an approach that balances security needs with rehabilitation opportunities. Through its various programs and services, the facility works to address the diverse needs of its inmate population while maintaining the safety and security standards expected of a modern correctional facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Porter County Jail's 22 housing units accommodate inmates within a structured environment designed around safety and rehabilitation. Under the direction of Jail Commander Steve Lawrence, the facility operates with two main detachments that oversee different aspects of inmate life - Security/Operations manages the kitchen, laundry, and maintenance functions that keep the facility running, while Support Services handles classification, commissary, visitation, and transportation needs.

Inmates typically begin each day with scheduled meal times in their housing units, followed by opportunities to participate in various programs offered in the facility's multipurpose rooms. The jail may provide educational classes, self-help programs, and access to the law library for those who wish to participate, reflecting the facility's mission to improve inmate wellbeing. Recreation time often includes access to both indoor and outdoor areas, allowing inmates some physical activity and fresh air as part of their daily routine.

Family connections remain important during incarceration, with the Support Services detachment managing visitation schedules and policies. Inmates can typically maintain contact with loved ones through the facility's visitation program, and the commissary system allows families to contribute to an inmate's trust fund for purchasing approved items. The jail's emphasis on providing "humane" conditions, as stated in their mission, suggests that basic needs like meals from the kitchen facility, clean laundry services, and medical care through the Medical Isolation Ward are integral parts of daily operations for the facility's up to 449 inmates.