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 Shelby County Clerk.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Shelby County Clerk 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 Shelby County Clerk.

Frequently asked questions about Shelby County Clerk

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 Shelby County Clerk.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Shelby County Clerk?

   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 Shelby County Clerk?

   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 Shelby County Clerk. 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 Shelby County Clerk. 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 Shelby County Clerk?

   Mailing address:

   Shelby County Clerk
   501 Washington St
   Shelbyville, KY 40065
   Phone: (502) 633-4410

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Shelby County Clerk?

   Visiting hours at Shelby County Clerk 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 (502) 633-4410 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 Shelby County Clerk?

   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 Shelby County Clerk for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Shelby County Clerk?

   You can send money to an inmate at Shelby County Clerk 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 Shelby County Clerk?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Shelby County Clerk, 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 Shelby County Clerk?

   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 Shelby County Clerk 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 Shelby County Clerk, 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

Transformative opportunities await those incarcerated at Shelbyville Office Shelby County, KY, where personal development takes center stage through carefully structured offerings designed to build essential life skills. The facility's approach emphasizes creating pathways for meaningful change, focusing on practical skill development that can translate into future success. This comprehensive framework typically provides a secure environment where participants can engage in various growth-oriented activities while maintaining the necessary structure and safety protocols.

Educational services form the foundation of personal advancement, offering those incarcerated the chance to strengthen academic skills and pursue learning opportunities that may have been previously unavailable. Construction trades training provides hands-on experience in a field with strong employment prospects, allowing participants to develop marketable skills through structured instruction. These educational and vocational offerings often include classroom instruction combined with practical application, creating a well-rounded learning experience that emphasizes both knowledge acquisition and skill mastery.

Also available are support services that address multiple aspects of personal development and future planning. Vocational programs may furnish additional training opportunities beyond construction, while commercial driving (CDL) preparation can open doors to transportation industry careers. Masonry instruction typically provides another avenue for developing specialized trade skills. Substance abuse treatment offerings focus on addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to incarceration, providing therapeutic support designed to promote lasting behavioral change and personal growth within a structured, supportive environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family connections and peer relationships often serve as vital anchors for those incarcerated at the Shelbyville Office Shelby County facility. Today's structured environment consistently provides opportunities for meaningful social interaction while maintaining essential links to the outside community. The daily routine typically begins with morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments or programming that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated develop supportive relationships with their peers. These residential areas typically house multiple individuals who often form informal support networks that help navigate daily challenges. Meals are usually served in common dining areas, creating natural opportunities for conversation and community building. Also, recreational periods may furnish time for group activities, television viewing, or outdoor exercise when weather permits.

The facility's programming schedule typically includes various activities designed to maintain family connections and prepare individuals for successful reintegration. Visitation policies generally allow regular contact with loved ones, while telephone access and correspondence help sustain important relationships. However, these communication opportunities are subject to security protocols and scheduling requirements. Work assignments within the facility often provide structure and may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or clerical work that helps those incarcerated develop job skills while contributing to the facility's daily operations.