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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Rusk County Sheriff's Office 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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Rusk County Sheriff's Office

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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Rusk County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office. 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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office. 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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Rusk County Sheriff's Office
   311 Miner Ave E
   Ladysmith, WI 54848
   Phone: (715) 532-2200

5. What are the visiting hours at Rusk County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Rusk County Sheriff's Office 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 (715) 532-2200 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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Rusk County Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Rusk County Sheriff's Office 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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Rusk County Sheriff's Office, 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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office 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 Rusk County Sheriff's Office, 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

Court-ordered testing programs and work release opportunities form key components of the rehabilitative services at Rusk County Jail in Wisconsin. The facility administers preliminary breath tests and urine analysis testing as part of court-mandated supervision, with affordable rates for county residents. The Huber work release program allows eligible inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences, requiring participants to contribute $18 per day in program fees along with addressing 25% of any outstanding jail debt before beginning the program.

Beyond these documented services, Rusk County Jail may offer additional programming typical of Wisconsin correctional facilities. Educational opportunities often include GED preparation classes and basic literacy programs to help individuals work toward completing their high school equivalency. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling and support groups, given the prevalence of addiction-related issues in the criminal justice system. Mental health services and crisis intervention support are commonly available to address the psychological needs of those in custody.

The jail's commissary system, accessible through multiple payment methods including online platforms and lobby kiosks, helps maintain connections between inmates and their families while providing access to personal items and snacks. Additional programming may include vocational training opportunities, life skills workshops, and reentry planning services designed to prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. Religious services and library access are also typically available to support personal growth and rehabilitation during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Rusk County Jail in Wisconsin navigate a structured environment where financial responsibilities are integrated into their daily routine. Those participating in the Huber work release program pay $18 per day in fees and must settle 25% of any existing jail debt before beginning their work assignments. The facility operates with modern payment systems, including a Stellar Teller kiosk in the lobby that accepts both cash and cards, allowing family members to deposit funds for commissary purchases or handle bond payments with the required $10 processing fee.

The commissary system at Rusk County Jail provides inmates access to personal items and snacks through multiple convenient payment methods. Family members and friends can deposit money through the lobby kiosk, online platforms like JailATM.com and GovPayNet.com, or by setting up accounts that allow for regular commissary deposits. These funds help inmates purchase hygiene items, writing materials, and approved food items that supplement their daily meals. The facility typically maintains regular meal schedules and structured activity periods, though specific timing may vary based on security classifications and housing assignments.

Court-ordered responsibilities often influence daily routines for many inmates, particularly those required to complete testing programs. The jail charges $5 for Rusk County court-ordered preliminary breath tests and urine analyses, while tests ordered by other agencies cost $10 each and must be paid in advance. These testing requirements, along with work release schedules for eligible inmates, create a framework that balances accountability with preparation for eventual reintegration into the community. The facility's booking fee of $20, implemented in 2018, reflects the administrative costs associated with processing new inmates into the system.