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 Raymond Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Raymond 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 Raymond Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Raymond Jail
   1450 County Farm Rd
   Raymond, MS 39154
   Phone: (601) 857-4800

5. What are the visiting hours at Raymond Jail?

   Visiting hours at Raymond 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 (601) 857-4800 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 Raymond 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 Raymond Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Raymond 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 Raymond Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Raymond 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 Raymond 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 Raymond 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 Raymond 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

Through a comprehensive framework of interconnected services, meaningful support reaches the population at Hinds County - Raymond Detention Center, fostering personal growth and preparing individuals for successful community reintegration. The facility’s approach emphasizes holistic development, recognizing that effective rehabilitation requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual’s needs simultaneously. This philosophy manifests through carefully structured programs that typically combine skill-building opportunities with therapeutic interventions, creating pathways for positive transformation during incarceration.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility’s offerings, with education services that may supply foundational academic instruction alongside specialized curricula designed to address diverse learning needs. ESL programs often serve the population by providing English language acquisition opportunities, enabling better communication skills that prove essential for future employment prospects. Moreover, vocational programs typically encompass practical skill development, including specialized training in plumbing and other trades that offer tangible career pathways upon release, while animal care programs frequently provide comprehensive opportunities for responsibility-building and emotional connection.

Mental health counseling services typically address the psychological well-being of the population through professional therapeutic interventions that may supply both individual and group support sessions. Faith-based initiatives often complement these clinical services by offering spiritual guidance and community connection, creating additional layers of support that many participants find meaningful in their rehabilitation journey. These therapeutic and support services work synergistically to address underlying issues that may have contributed to incarceration, while simultaneously building the emotional resilience and coping strategies necessary for successful reintegration into family and community life.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic organization forms the backbone of every interaction within the Hinds County Raymond Detention Center, where carefully structured routines now govern each aspect of the population’s daily experience. The facility operates on a regimented schedule that typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by regularly scheduled programming activities, work assignments, and recreational periods. Throughout each day, the population moves through various phases of structured time that may include educational programming, vocational training opportunities, and supervised recreation periods, all designed to maintain order while providing meaningful engagement.

The living accommodations within the facility generally consist of housing units that accommodate multiple residents, with each unit containing basic furnishings and necessary amenities for daily living. Residents typically share common areas within their designated housing sections, where they may interact during approved times under staff supervision. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas according to a rotating schedule that accommodates different housing units, with the population receiving three meals daily that meet basic nutritional requirements. Personal property is generally limited to approved items, and residents may typically access commissary services to purchase additional necessities and approved comfort items.

Moreover, the facility often provides various programming opportunities that supply structure to the population’s weekly routine, which may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and religious services depending on availability and security level considerations. Recreation and exercise opportunities are typically scheduled throughout the week, allowing residents supervised access to outdoor areas or indoor recreational facilities when possible. Whereas in-person visitation policies generally operate on scheduled days with specific time limitations, the population usually maintains contact with family members through monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping to preserve important family connections during their time at the facility.