How to send messages, photos, and packages
Sampson County Detention handles video visitation through a visiting app. You'll only be able to connect if you're on the incarcerated person's approved visitors list. Depending on the vendor's setup, you can schedule a video visit in advance or start one on-demand through the app—typically, both you and the incarcerated person must be approved in the vendor system first. The facility relies on third-party vendors for video, phone, messaging, and tablet services, so you'll create an account in the vendor portal or app to manage visits, messaging, and payments. Some vendors also offer digitized mail services. TextBehind, for example, can scan USPS letters, cards, photos, and artwork into digital files for tablet delivery. Confirm which vendor Sampson County uses before sending mail.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Sending a letter, card, or photos to someone at Sampson Correctional? Here's the key thing: non-legal mail gets routed through TextBehind first. Get the address right, and the rest is easy.
Want to send a care package or shoes to someone at Sampson? Your safest bet is the state's pre-approved package program—just double-check eligibility before placing your order.
Non-legal mail at Sampson Correctional Institution doesn't go straight to the mailroom as paper. TextBehind screens and scans it first, then delivers a digital copy to your loved one's tablet. Even a handwritten letter arrives as a scanned image — not the original sheet of paper.
- Postage stamps, stationery, blank envelopes, or pre-stamped envelopes (these will be returned; your loved one can buy stamps and mailing supplies through the prison canteen) - Money of any kind in the envelope, including cash, money orders, payment checks, or IRS checks (use the state’s electronic options for sending funds instead) - Books, magazines, or newspapers tucked into a letter (those are handled as packages, not regular mail) - Materials or texts for religious correspondence courses unless you’re following the separate FAQ guidance for those items
Video visits run through the facility's visiting app—only approved visitors on the incarcerated person's list can use it. In the vendor app, you can usually schedule a visit ahead of time or start an on-demand visit, but you'll need an account and approval in the vendor system first.
Yes. Phone, messaging, and video services are typically run through third-party vendors, so you’ll create an account in the vendor’s portal or app to manage communication services and payments.
Sometimes. Some vendors (for example, TextBehind) scan USPS mail—like letters, cards, photos, or artwork—into digital files that can be delivered by tablet. Check which vendor Sampson County uses and whether digitized mail is accepted before sending anything.
Address it exactly to TextBehind’s Maryland facility: inmate name and Opus number, the full facility name (do not abbreviate), and “P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131.” If the format is wrong—or your return address doesn’t include a full first and last name—your mail will be returned.
No. TextBehind returns all packages to the sender. Books, publications, and approved vendor items should be ordered from the publisher or an approved retailer and shipped directly to the prison street address—not through TextBehind. Contact the offender's prison for vendor and restriction details.
TextBehind holds original letters for 30 days after scanning. You can request the original back within that period by emailing info@textbehind.com and paying a $2.50 return mailing fee; after 30 days, originals are shredded.
Getting approved to visit requires some paperwork, but the process is straightforward once you understand how applications work and what limits apply.
Getting approved to visit at Sampson Correctional Institution boils down to two steps: submit a complete visitor application and wait for approval, then schedule your visit by appointment.
Trying to confirm someone is at Sampson Correctional Institution? Start with North Carolina's official offender search. Once you find them, save the OPUS number—you'll need it for mail and other paperwork.
