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 Ripley County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Ripley 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 Ripley County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Ripley County Jail
   210 N Monroe St
   Versailles, IN 47042
   Phone: (812) 689-3437

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

   Visiting hours at Ripley 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 (812) 689-3437 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 Ripley 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 Ripley County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth opportunities within Ripley County Jail create pathways for those incarcerated to build essential skills and prepare for successful community reintegration. The facility's comprehensive approach emphasizes structured learning environments that foster both intellectual development and practical skill acquisition. These offerings typically operate within a secure framework that prioritizes safety while encouraging meaningful participation in transformative experiences.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's developmental approach, with adult basic education serving those who seek to complete fundamental academic requirements. Those incarcerated may access education programs designed to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking capabilities essential for future success. Moreover, vocational training opportunities often include hands-on instruction in practical trades and marketable skills. These structured programs typically provide participants with industry-relevant knowledge that may enhance their employment prospects upon release.

Support services complement the educational and vocational offerings through faith-based programs that address spiritual growth and moral development. Those incarcerated often find meaningful connection and guidance through these voluntary religious services and counseling opportunities. Moreover, veteran services may furnish specialized support for those who have served in the military, addressing unique challenges they face during incarceration. These comprehensive support systems typically create a network of resources that promote personal reflection, accountability, and positive behavioral change within the facility's secure environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Maintaining connections with family and friends remains a cornerstone of the experience for those incarcerated at Ripley County Jail. The facility currently operates on a structured schedule that continues to emphasize both individual accountability and community interaction among residents. Daily routines typically begin with morning counts and meal service, followed by various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or work assignments within the facility. Those incarcerated generally have access to common areas during designated hours where social interaction occurs naturally.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of dormitory-style housing units or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Those incarcerated usually share living spaces, which often fosters a sense of community among residents. Meals are generally served in a central dining area, providing opportunities for social interaction during breakfast, lunch, and dinner periods. Moreover, the facility may offer recreational activities such as television viewing in common areas, reading materials from a library collection, and limited exercise opportunities either indoors or in outdoor recreation areas when weather permits.

Structured programming schedules furnish those incarcerated with opportunities to participate in various activities that may include religious services, educational programs, or vocational training when available. Visitation policies typically allow family members and approved visitors to maintain regular contact through scheduled visits, while telephone access and mail correspondence continue to serve as vital links to the outside community. Whereas some facilities restrict communication, Ripley County Jail generally provides reasonable access to these essential services. Work assignments within the facility, such as kitchen duties, cleaning, or maintenance tasks, not only provide structure but also allow those incarcerated to contribute to the daily operations of their temporary community while potentially earning small wages for commissary purchases.