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 Juvenile Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Rutherford County Juvenile 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 Juvenile Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center
   1710 S Church St
   Murfreesboro, TN 37130
   Phone: (615) 898-7954

   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: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Rutherford County Juvenile 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 at (615) 898-7954 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 Rutherford County Juvenile 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 Juvenile Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Educational advancement and behavioral change form the cornerstone of programming at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, with inmates able to enroll in HiSet/GED preparation courses alongside comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives. The facility’s approach centers on changing destructive behaviors through education, faith, and treatment, offering programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, life skills training, parenting classes, Reformers Unanimous, Bible studies, and regular church services. These evidence-based programs aim to equip residents with practical skills and support systems necessary for successful reintegration into the community while reducing recidivism rates.

The detention center operates with a goal of preparing inmates for productive lives beyond incarceration, providing essential services including medical care, library access, legal materials, and outdoor recreation opportunities within its 956-bed facility. A trusty program allows non-violent inmates with lesser charges to participate in supervised work assignments such as facility maintenance, grounds keeping, and cleaning services, which may reduce their sentences under state law provisions. The facility typically may offer additional counseling services, substance abuse treatment programs, and vocational training opportunities, though program expansion is planned as new classroom space becomes available.

Beyond core programming, Rutherford County Adult Detention Center maintains family connections through a structured visitation system that requires background checks and scheduling after an initial adjustment period. The facility often includes mental health services, case management support, and reentry planning assistance to help residents transition successfully back into the community. These comprehensive services work together to create an environment focused on rehabilitation rather than solely detention, supporting both immediate needs and long-term behavioral change goals.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center begin each day in their double-cell accommodations, sharing living space with another person in this 956-bed facility that houses both pretrial and sentenced individuals. The structured environment typically starts early with headcounts and meal service, followed by opportunities for those enrolled in educational programs like HiSet/GED preparation courses, life skills training, or faith-based programs including Bible studies and church services. Non-violent inmates with lesser charges may be selected as trusties, working under supervision to maintain the facility through tasks like cleaning, grounds maintenance, and vehicle washing - work that allows them to reduce their sentence by one day for each day of labor performed.

Family connections remain an important part of daily life, though visitation requires advance planning and approval. Families must established undergo background checks and cannot have felony records to be approved for visits, which may be scheduled after an inmate’s established week at the facility. The detention center operates commissary and phone account systems that allow families to deposit money for inmates to purchase approved items or make supervised phone calls. Between structured activities, inmates typically have access to the library for legal research and reading materials, along with scheduled outdoor recreation time.

The facility’s rehabilitation focus means many inmates participate in programs designed to address underlying issues and develop positive life skills. These may include Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, parenting classes, and Reformers Unanimous sessions, all aimed at reducing recidivism and preparing individuals for successful reintegration into the community. Medical services are available on-site to address health needs, while the laundry facilities ensure inmates can maintain clean clothing and bedding throughout their stay, which can range from brief pretrial detention to sentences of up to eight years.