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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office 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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office.

Frequently asked questions about Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office

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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office?

   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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office?

   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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office. 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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office. 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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office?

   Mailing address:

   Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office
   791 US-180
   Albany, TX 76430
   Phone: (325) 762-9500

5. What are the visiting hours at Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office?

   Visiting hours at Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office 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 (325) 762-9500 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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office?

   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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office 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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office, 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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office?

   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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office 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 Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office, 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 Shackelford County Jail in Texas maintains structured visitation policies designed to support family connections while ensuring facility security. With designated visiting hours Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, the facility allows each inmate up to two visits per week, with sessions limited to twenty minutes each. These visits are restricted to immediate family members, with minors under seventeen requiring accompaniment by a parent, legal guardian, or legal counsel.

The facility provides commissary services through a modern kiosk system located in the public lobby, allowing families and friends to deposit funds into inmates’ trust accounts around the clock. This service utilizes both cash deposits and credit card transactions, with funds automatically transferred to inmates’ accounts for purchasing approved items. The jail typically may offer additional support services common to Texas correctional facilities, which often include basic educational programs, substance abuse counseling, and religious services to help inmates during their incarceration.

Beyond the core visitation and commissary services, Shackelford County Jail likely provides standard inmate support programs that may include mental health resources, medical care, and reentry planning assistance. The facility’s structured approach to visitation and clear policies regarding visitor requirements suggest an organized system that often extends to other rehabilitative services designed to support inmates’ successful transition back to the community upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visitation and Family Connection at Shackelford County Jail

Family connections remain a vital part of the incarceration experience at Shackelford County Jail, with structured visitation hours available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm, and Saturday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Each inmate may receive up to two visits per week, with sessions limited to twenty minutes to accommodate all families while maintaining facility operations. The jail restricts visits to immediate family members dedicated, requiring valid photo identification and completion of a detailed visitor roster that includes contact information and relationship details.

The facility maintains strict security protocols during visits, including restrictions on former inmates visiting within 90 days of their release and immediate removal of any visitors who create disturbances. Children under seventeen may visit when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or legal counsel, though the entire group may be asked to leave if any disruption occurs. These policies typically reflect the jail’s focus on maintaining order while supporting family relationships during incarceration.

Beyond visitation, families can support their incarcerated loved ones through the commissary system, which accepts deposits 24 hours a day through the Stellar Services Kiosk in the jail lobby or online at jailatm.com. Cash deposits incur a $4.00 service fee, while credit card transactions may include additional processing fees. Like most Texas county facilities, the jail likely provides basic necessities while allowing inmates to purchase additional comfort items and communication services through their trust accounts, helping maintain connections with the outside world during their stay.