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 Rutherford County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Rutherford County Detention Center 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 Rutherford County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Rutherford County Detention Center

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 Rutherford County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Rutherford County Detention Center?

   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 Rutherford County Detention Center?

   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 Rutherford County Detention Center. 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 Rutherford County Detention Center. 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 Rutherford County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Rutherford County Detention Center
   198 N Washington St
   Rutherfordton, NC 28139
   

5. What are the visiting hours at Rutherford County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Rutherford County Detention Center 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 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 Rutherford County Detention Center?

   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 Rutherford County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Rutherford County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Rutherford County Detention Center 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 Rutherford County Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Rutherford County Detention Center, 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 Rutherford County Detention Center?

   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 Rutherford County Detention Center 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 Rutherford County Detention Center, 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

The Rutherford County Detention Center provides structured religious programming through regular non-denominational chapel services, offering inmates spiritual support during their incarceration. With a capacity of 208, the facility maintains family connections through modern video visitation technology via Securus, allowing daily visits between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM when scheduled in advance. The center operates a commissary system with weekly ordering on Thursdays, enabling inmates to purchase necessary items while maintaining communication through postcard-dedicated mail correspondence.

Beyond these confirmed services, the facility may offer additional programming typical of North Carolina detention centers. Educational opportunities could include GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and life skills workshops designed to support successful reintegration. The center might also provide substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and anger management programs to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Work programs within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and cleaning assignments that help inmates develop work habits and contribute to facility operations.

Support services at the detention center likely encompass medical care for routine health needs, prescription medication management, and crisis intervention when necessary. The facility may coordinate with local organizations to provide job placement assistance, housing resources, and family reunification services for inmates preparing for release. While maintaining security as the primary focus, these programs typically aim to reduce recidivism by addressing the educational, vocational, and personal development needs of the inmate population.

Daily Life & Visitation

Video visitation sessions run from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Rutherford County Detention Center, connecting the facility’s many individuals with family members through Securus tablets provided within the housing units. Visitors must schedule these sessions 24 hours in advance through the Securus website or mobile app, with free terminal visits available in the Magistrates Lobby for those who prefer not to use their personal devices. This technology-based approach to family contact reflects the facility’s adaptation to modern communication methods while maintaining security protocols.

The facility operates on structured routines typical of county detention centers, with inmates receiving meals at designated times and participating in various activities throughout the day. Commissary orders are processed weekly on Thursdays after 2:00 AM, allowing inmates to purchase personal items, snacks, and hygiene products using funds deposited into their accounts through money orders or online deposits via Team3.InmateCanteen.com. Non-denominational chapel services provide spiritual support on a regular basis, with all clergy visits coordinated through the facility’s chaplain to ensure proper scheduling and security clearances.

Communication with the outside world follows specific guidelines designed to maintain facility security while preserving family connections. All incoming mail must be in postcard format dedicated, with packages and large envelopes prohibited unless pre-approved by administration. The facility no longer accepts books, magazines, stamps, or stationery through the mail system, requiring inmates to purchase these items through commissary instead. This streamlined approach to mail processing helps staff efficiently manage security screening while ensuring inmates can maintain correspondence with loved ones during their time at the 198 North Washington Street facility in Rutherfordton.