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 Corrections Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Shelby County Corrections Department

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 Corrections Department.

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

   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 Corrections Department?

   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 Corrections Department. 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 Corrections Department. 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 Corrections Department?

   Mailing address:

   Shelby County Corrections Department
   1045 Mullins Station Rd
   Memphis, TN 38134
   Phone: (901) 222-8500

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Shelby County Corrections Department?

   Visiting hours at Shelby County Corrections Department 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 (901) 222-8500 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 Corrections Department?

   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 Corrections Department for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Shelby County Corrections Department 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 Corrections Department?

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

   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 Corrections Department 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 Corrections Department, 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 Youth Justice and Education Center, which opened in summer 2023, represents a comprehensive approach to juvenile rehabilitation at Shelby County’s correctional facilities. This specialized facility houses up to 146 youth and provides educational programs through the Memphis Shelby County School Hope Academy, along with culinary arts training and computer science programs. The center also features therapeutic counseling services, recreational activities, and a comprehensive green space where youth can participate in gardening activities, all designed to help young individuals develop employment skills and successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Mental health support forms a cornerstone of services across Shelby County’s correctional facilities, with crisis care staff available 365 days a year to provide listening support and assistance to inmates. The facilities maintain strict adherence to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) with a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual misconduct, supported by a dedicated Sexual Assault Hotline at 901-222-4781. Adult facilities may offer additional programming typical of Tennessee correctional institutions, which often includes substance abuse counseling, basic education classes, and vocational training opportunities to support successful reentry.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office maintains continuous operational oversight through regular meetings with unit managers who track inmate program involvement, processing times, and facility operations. With facilities serving both male and female populations across multiple locations in Memphis, the system typically provides essential services such as medical care, library access, and religious services, while working to connect inmates with community resources and support systems that may assist with their transition back into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Shelby County Jail operates as an accredited facility through the American Corrections Association, housing approximately many individuals daily across its downtown Memphis location at 201 Poplar Avenue for male inmates and the women’s facility in east Memphis at 6201 Haley Road. Inmates typically begin their day with scheduled counts and meal service, though specific timing may vary between the facilities. The jail’s administrative structure includes continuous oversight from the Chief Jailer and staff, who conduct regular meetings to monitor operations, processing times, and inmate program involvement through monthly and weekly assessments.

Mental health support plays a significant role in daily operations, with crisis care staff available 365 days a year to provide counseling and support services to inmates. The facility maintains strict safety protocols, including a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), with a dedicated Sexual Assault Hotline available at 901-222-4781 for reporting concerns. Inmates and their families can access various communication methods, though specific visitation schedules and phone privileges would typically be coordinated through the facility’s administrative offices.

For younger individuals, the Youth Justice and Education Center at 3420 Old Getwell Road, which opened in summer 2023, provides a more specialized environment for its 146 residents. Daily life at this facility includes educational programming through the Memphis Shelby County School Hope Academy, along with recreational activities, therapeutic counseling, and vocational training opportunities. Youth may participate in culinary arts training, computer science programs, and gardening activities in designated green spaces, all designed to develop employment skills and support successful community reentry.