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 Saline County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Saline 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 Saline County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Saline County Jail
   1 N Main St
   Harrisburg, IL 62946
   Phone: (618) 252-4805

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: 12:00 AM – 11:15 PM

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

   Visiting hours at Saline 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 (618) 252-4805 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 Saline 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 Saline County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Saline County Detention Center operates under a structured framework that emphasizes both legal rights and privileges for those in custody, reflecting a balanced approach to corrections that may include various rehabilitative services. While the facility's primary focus centers on secure detention and processing, the 32,000 square foot complex typically provides access to educational opportunities that may include GED preparation and basic literacy programs to help individuals work toward academic goals during their incarceration.

Like many Illinois correctional facilities, the Saline County Detention Center may offer substance abuse counseling services, mental health support, and religious programming to address the diverse needs of its population. The facility's emphasis on maintaining privileges for good behavior often extends to vocational training opportunities, which might include basic job skills development and work programs that prepare individuals for reintegration into the community. Library services and recreational activities are commonly available to promote positive use of time while incarcerated.

The detention center's certified staff of 20 full-time employees, operating under state oversight from the Illinois Department of Corrections, typically facilitates various support services including visitation programs, commissary access, and correspondence privileges. Medical and dental care services are generally provided to ensure the health and well-being of those in custody, while case management services may help individuals navigate legal proceedings and prepare for release. These comprehensive services work together to maintain facility security while supporting the rehabilitation and successful reentry of individuals into the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Saline County Detention Center operates as a 32,000 square foot facility housing up to 110 individuals under the supervision of 20 certified staff members who maintain operations around the clock. Since opening in March 1994, the facility has established structured daily routines that balance security requirements with basic inmate needs. Individuals housed at the detention center are subject to specific rights guaranteed by the U.S. and Illinois State Constitutions, along with designated privileges that may include recreational activities, educational opportunities, and communication access, though these benefits can be modified based on behavior and compliance with facility rules.

Daily schedules at the detention center typically revolve around meal times, count procedures, and designated periods for activities such as recreation, legal consultations, and family contact. The facility operates under regular inspection by the Illinois Department of Corrections and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, ensuring compliance with state and federal standards for inmate care and facility operations. Communication with family members and legal representatives is generally facilitated through scheduled visitation periods and telephone access, with specific policies governing when and how these interactions may occur.

The detention center's administration maintains that all jail rules and procedures exist for the well-being of everyone housed within the facility. Violations of these established guidelines may result in the loss of privileges or additional legal consequences under Illinois state law. For families seeking to contact individuals at the facility or obtain information about policies, the jail can be reached directly at 618-252-4805, while the main dispatch number 618-252-8661 handles non-emergency inquiries related to the Saline County Sheriff's Office operations.