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 Sevier County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Sevier 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 Sevier County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Sevier County Jail
   137 Commerce St
   Sevierville, TN 37862
   Phone: (865) 453-4668

   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: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Sevier 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 (865) 453-4668 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 Sevier 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 Sevier County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth takes center stage through comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to address the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Sevier County Jail in Tennessee typically focuses on providing inmates with practical skills and therapeutic support that can lead to meaningful life changes. The facility's approach emphasizes addressing both immediate needs and long-term development goals through structured programming.

Educational opportunities may include vocational education services that help inmates develop marketable job skills for their eventual reintegration into the community. These programs often focus on trades and technical skills that align with local employment opportunities. Furthermore, the facility typically provides basic educational support to help inmates complete their high school equivalency requirements or improve their literacy levels.

Support services often encompass a range of programs designed to address various aspects of personal development and rehabilitation. Agriculture programs may offer inmates hands-on experience with farming and gardening activities, providing both practical skills and therapeutic benefits. Faith-based services and religious services typically provide spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking this type of assistance. Additionally, therapeutic services may include individual counseling to help inmates work through personal challenges, while specialized treatment such as sex offender treatment addresses specific behavioral concerns through structured intervention programs.

Daily Life & Visitation

Concrete walls and steel doors define the physical boundaries where inmates at Sevier County Jail navigate their daily existence. Today's routine begins with early morning counts and consistently follows a structured schedule that provides stability within the confined environment. Inmates typically wake to overhead lighting and the sounds of facility operations, with meals served at regular intervals throughout the day. The dining arrangements generally involve inmates receiving trays in their housing units or designated eating areas, depending on the facility's current protocols.

Living accommodations usually consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where inmates adapt to limited personal space and communal living. Each housing area typically contains basic furnishings including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. Furthermore, inmates often develop routines around maintaining their personal belongings and navigating the commissary system for additional necessities and approved items. The environment requires residents to adjust to constant supervision and structured movement throughout the facility.

Programming schedules may provide opportunities for educational classes, religious services, and limited recreational activities when available. Although space and resources can be restricted, inmates often have access to television viewing areas and may participate in work assignments such as facility maintenance or kitchen duties. Visitation policies typically allow for scheduled family contact through in-person visits or video communication systems, helping inmates maintain connections with their support networks. These various elements combine to create a highly regulated environment where inmates must adapt to institutional routines while managing the challenges of confinement.