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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility 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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility

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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility?

   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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility?

   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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility. 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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility. 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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility
   5001 Maloneyville Rd
   Knoxville, TN 37918
   Phone: (865) 281-6700

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility?

   Visiting hours at Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility 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 (865) 281-6700 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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility?

   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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility 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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, 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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility?

   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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility 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 Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, 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

Educational initiatives at Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility typically encompass comprehensive academic programming designed to address diverse learning needs among residents. The facility's approach to rehabilitation emphasizes skill development and personal growth through structured learning opportunities that may prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. These initiatives often reflect a philosophy that views education and vocational training as fundamental components of meaningful correctional programming.

Academic services at the facility may deliver basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities that allow residents to advance their educational credentials during their period of incarceration. Moreover, vocational programming typically includes hands-on training in practical trades and marketable skills that can enhance employment prospects upon release. These vocational initiatives often encompass barbering and cosmetology instruction, which may provide residents with certification pathways in personal care services, alongside other trade-specific training programs that address local workforce demands.

Support services and therapeutic initiatives complement the educational framework through faith-based programming that may offer spiritual guidance and community connection opportunities for interested residents. The facility often includes animal care programs that can provide therapeutic benefits while teaching responsibility and empathy through structured interaction with animals. Additionally, life coaching services typically deliver personalized guidance and goal-setting assistance, helping residents develop essential life skills and coping strategies that may support their transition back into the community. These comprehensive support initiatives often work synergistically to address the multifaceted needs of the resident population.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured routines form the backbone of institutional life, where each day unfolds with predictable rhythms that residents can rely upon. Today follows the same carefully orchestrated schedule as yesterday, and residents consistently find themselves moving through a series of planned activities that deliver both purpose and stability. The day typically begins with early morning wake-up calls, followed by personal hygiene time, breakfast service, and the commencement of various programming or work assignments that continue throughout the day until evening lockdown procedures.

Moreover, living accommodations at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility generally consist of housing units designed to accommodate multiple residents, with each person typically assigned their own bed space and limited personal storage area. Residents usually share common areas within their housing units, including dayrooms where they may watch television, play games, or engage in conversation during designated free time periods. Meals are typically served in centralized dining areas at scheduled times, with residents moving in organized groups to maintain security protocols while ensuring everyone receives proper nutrition through planned menu rotations.

The facility typically delivers various recreational and programming opportunities that help residents maintain physical fitness and develop useful skills. Exercise periods often include access to outdoor recreation yards or indoor gymnasium facilities, whereas educational programming may encompass literacy classes, vocational training, or substance abuse counseling sessions. Visitation arrangements generally allow residents to maintain connections with family members and friends through scheduled visits, telephone calls, and correspondence, while work assignments within the facility often provide residents with opportunities to contribute to daily operations through kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles that help structure their time constructively.