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 Sarpy County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Sarpy 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 Sarpy County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Sarpy County Jail
   1208 Golden Gate Dr
   Papillion, NE 68046
   Phone: (402) 593-2298

   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: Open 24 hours

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

   Visiting hours at Sarpy 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 (402) 593-2298 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 Sarpy 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 Sarpy County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives at Sarpy County Jail emphasize skill development and personal growth through evidence-based programming designed to address the multifaceted needs of residents. The facility's approach recognizes that successful reintegration requires addressing educational deficits, mental health challenges, and employment barriers through coordinated service delivery. These initiatives typically operate under a framework that prioritizes individualized assessment and progressive skill-building, allowing residents to engage with programming that aligns with their specific circumstances and reentry goals.

Educational services may deliver foundational literacy instruction, GED preparation, and basic computer skills training to residents who demonstrate academic needs during intake assessments. Vocational programs often include hands-on training in construction trades, food service operations, and maintenance skills that translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. Furthermore, the facility typically offers commercial driving license (CDL) preparation courses, which may provide residents with access to transportation industry careers that often feature competitive wages and consistent demand for qualified operators.

Mental health services are frequently integrated throughout the facility's programming structure, offering individual counseling sessions, group therapy initiatives, and substance abuse treatment protocols. Family reunification programs may deliver structured visitation opportunities, parenting classes, and communication workshops designed to strengthen relationships that serve as crucial support systems during reintegration. These therapeutic initiatives often include trauma-informed care approaches and cognitive behavioral interventions that help residents develop coping strategies and address underlying issues that may have contributed to their involvement in the criminal justice system.

Daily Life & Visitation

Consistent wake-up calls and structured meal times create a predictable framework that helps residents navigate each day with clear expectations and routine. Today typically begins with morning counts and personal hygiene time, followed by breakfast service in designated dining areas where residents gather according to their housing unit assignments. The day consistently unfolds through scheduled programming blocks, work assignments, and recreational periods that deliver stability and purpose to the daily experience.

Living accommodations at the facility generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where residents maintain their personal sleeping areas and store approved personal property items. Meals are typically served at regular intervals in common dining spaces, with menus that usually meet basic nutritional requirements and accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Furthermore, residents may access commissary services periodically to purchase approved personal items and snacks, providing some degree of personal choice within the structured environment.

Programming schedules often include educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and life skills workshops that residents may participate in based on their individual needs and facility capacity. Recreation time typically involves access to common areas, television viewing, and limited physical exercise opportunities, though specific activities may vary based on security considerations and available space. Although movement throughout the facility is generally restricted and supervised, residents usually maintain contact with family members through scheduled visitation periods and monitored phone calls, helping preserve important personal connections during their stay.