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 San Juan County Adult Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   San Juan County Adult Detention Center
   871 Andrea Dr
   Farmington, NM 87401
   Phone: (505) 566-4500

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at San Juan County Adult Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at San Juan County Adult 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 (505) 566-4500 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 San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at San Juan County Adult Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult 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 San Juan County Adult 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

Religious services form a cornerstone of programming at the San Juan Adult Detention Center, with the facility maintaining strong partnerships with numerous community faith organizations to serve detainees of various religious backgrounds. Through coordination with a dedicated Religious Services Coordinator, individuals can request spiritual guidance and participate in faith-based activities by submitting requests via the facility’s electronic kiosk system.

The facility’s communication infrastructure supports family connections and legal coordination through ViaPath’s telephone and video visitation systems. Detainees may maintain contact with approved visitors through scheduled video visits via the Getting Out platform, while telephone services offer multiple payment options including collect calls, debit accounts, and advance pay arrangements. These communication services typically operate during extended hours throughout the week, with designated blackout periods to accommodate facility operations and security protocols.

Beyond communication services, the San Juan Adult Detention Center may offer additional programming common to correctional facilities in New Mexico, which often includes educational opportunities such as GED preparation, basic literacy classes, and life skills training. Substance abuse counseling and mental health services are typically available to address the underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior. The facility may also provide work programs that allow detainees to develop job skills while contributing to facility operations, along with pre-release planning services to help individuals prepare for successful reintegration into the community upon their release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones operates within structured timeframes at San Juan County Adult Detention Center, with telephone calls and video visits available through ViaPath’s system Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, and weekends from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. However, detainees experience daily blackout periods from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 9:30 pm to 7:00 am when no phone calls or visits are permitted, creating natural breaks in the day’s rhythm that typically coincide with facility operations and meal times.

The facility’s connection to community religious organizations provides spiritual support throughout the week, with detainees able to request religious visits through the electronic kiosks or tablets available in their housing areas. These digital systems likely serve multiple purposes beyond religious requests, potentially offering access to educational materials, legal resources, and facility communications that help structure portions of each day. Property management operates on weekday schedules, with items accepted from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and released between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, indicating the facility maintains regular business hours for administrative functions.

Detainees typically follow established routines that may include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and work assignments, though specific programming details vary based on housing classification and individual circumstances. The facility’s integration of technology through kiosks and tablets suggests detainees have regular access to digital resources, while the structured visitation and communication windows help maintain connections with family members and legal representatives. Like most New Mexico detention facilities, the center likely provides basic medical care, educational opportunities, and recreational activities within the constraints of security protocols and staffing schedules.