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 Potter County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Potter County Detention Center
   13100 NE 29th Ave
   Amarillo, TX 79111
   Phone: (806) 335-4100

   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 Potter County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Potter County Detention 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 at (806) 335-4100 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 Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Potter County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention 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 Potter County Detention Center operates a comprehensive visitation program designed to maintain family connections and community ties for individuals in custody. With structured visiting hours Monday through Friday and a systematic scheduling approach based on inmates’ surnames, the facility recognizes the importance of maintaining relationships during incarceration. The center accommodates both morning and evening visitation periods, allowing flexibility for families and friends to maintain regular contact through non-contact visits.

Beyond visitation services, the facility typically provides educational programming that may include GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and life skills training to help individuals prepare for successful reintegration. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills such as food service, maintenance, and basic computer literacy. The detention center may also offer substance abuse counseling, anger management classes, and mental health services to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Additional support services commonly available include religious programming with chaplaincy services, library access for legal research and recreational reading, and work programs that allow inmates to gain job experience while serving their sentences. The facility’s medical infirmary ensures healthcare needs are addressed, while classification systems help maintain safety and security. These programs work together to provide structure and opportunities for personal growth during an individual’s time at the Potter County Detention Center.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Potter County Detention Center operates on a structured visitation schedule that divides inmates by the established letter of their last name, with each person assigned one specific day per week to receive visitors. Those with surnames beginning A through D can expect visits on Mondays, while inmates with last names starting S through Z are scheduled for Friday visits. Each inmate may receive two twenty-minute non-contact visits per week during designated hours from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Within the 125,000 square foot facility that houses up to many individuals in general population, daily routines typically revolve around structured meal times, recreation periods, and programming activities. The detention center accommodates various populations including those awaiting trial, individuals serving county sentences, and inmates preparing for transfer to state or federal institutions. Medical needs are addressed through the facility’s 27-bed infirmary, while those requiring enhanced security measures may be housed in specialized violent cells. Inmates often spend their days participating in educational programs, work assignments, or recreational activities when not confined to their housing units.

Family connections remain important during incarceration, with the facility requiring visitors to present proper photo identification such as a current driver’s license, military ID, or alien identification card. The visitation rules allow up to two adults or one adult with children under sixteen to visit simultaneously, though all visitors must register fifteen minutes before visiting hours begin and maintain orderly conduct throughout their visit. Between scheduled visits, inmates may typically access other forms of communication such as phone calls or written correspondence, helping them maintain relationships with family and friends while serving their time.