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 Preble County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Preble County Jail

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 Preble County Jail.

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

   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 Preble County Jail?

   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 Preble County Jail. 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 Preble County Jail. 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 Preble County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Preble County Jail
   1139 Preble Dr
   Eaton, OH 45320
   Phone: (937) 456-6323

5. What are the visiting hours at Preble County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Preble County Jail 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 (937) 456-6323 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 Preble County Jail?

   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 Preble County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Preble County Jail 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 Preble County Jail?

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

   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 Preble County Jail 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 Preble County Jail, 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

Therapeutic and rehabilitative initiatives form the cornerstone of resident development at Preble County Jail, emphasizing skill-building and personal growth through structured programming. The facility typically operates under a philosophy that combines accountability with opportunity, recognizing that meaningful change occurs when residents engage in purposeful activities that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. These comprehensive initiatives often include multiple pathways for residents to develop essential life skills while addressing underlying challenges that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational initiatives may deliver basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and adult learning opportunities designed to help residents achieve academic milestones. The facility often provides computer literacy training and basic mathematics courses that serve as foundations for further learning. Moreover, vocational initiatives typically focus on construction trades training, where residents can develop hands-on skills in areas such as carpentry, electrical work, and general maintenance. Job training components may include resume writing workshops, interview preparation sessions, and workplace readiness programs that help residents understand professional expectations and communication standards.

Support services form a critical component of the facility’s rehabilitative approach, with recovery services addressing substance abuse issues through counseling sessions and educational workshops about addiction and relapse prevention. The jail may offer specialized veteran services that recognize the comprehensive challenges faced by former military personnel, providing targeted resources and peer support opportunities. These therapeutic initiatives often include mental health counseling, anger management courses, and life skills training that covers financial literacy, parenting education, and conflict resolution techniques, all designed to equip residents with practical tools for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structure defines every moment from wake-up to lights out, creating a predictable framework that residents can rely on consistently. Today begins with early morning counts and continues through scheduled meals, programming sessions, and work assignments that deliver stability throughout each day. This routine typically includes breakfast served in housing units, followed by various activities such as educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training programs that help residents maintain focus and purpose.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where residents store their approved personal belongings and commissary items. The facility usually provides basic necessities while allowing residents to purchase additional comfort items through the commissary system. Meals are typically served at designated times in common areas or delivered to housing units, depending on the facility’s current operational procedures and security level requirements.

Moreover, recreational opportunities may include access to television, reading materials, and periodic outdoor exercise time when weather and staffing permit. Visitation policies generally allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits, phone calls, and written correspondence, though specific arrangements often depend on the resident’s housing classification and behavior record. Whereas some residents participate in facility maintenance or kitchen duties, others may engage in structured programming that addresses educational needs or personal development goals, helping maintain meaningful daily engagement within the correctional environment.