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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center 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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center

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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center?

   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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center?

   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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. 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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. 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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center
   3841 Leeds Ave
   North Charleston, SC 29405
   Phone: (843) 529-7300

   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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center 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 (843) 529-7300 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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center?

   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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center 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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, 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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center?

   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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center 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 Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, 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 Al Cannon Detention Center operates with a focus on maintaining secure communication and visitor connections through its comprehensive video visitation system. This technology-based approach allows incarcerated individuals to maintain important family and personal relationships while minimizing security risks. The facility provides multiple daily visitation windows, accommodating up to three 30-minute sessions per week for personal visits, along with dedicated attorney visitation hours throughout the weekdays.

Beyond visitation services, the facility typically may offer educational programming designed to support inmates during their incarceration. Many South Carolina detention facilities often include GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and vocational training opportunities that help individuals develop practical skills. The center's cashless commissary system, which allows inmates to make weekly purchases up to one hundred dollars, supports daily needs while teaching financial responsibility and budgeting skills.

Counseling and support services are commonly available at facilities like Al Cannon, which may include substance abuse counseling, mental health support, and reentry planning assistance. These programs often work in conjunction with community organizations to provide continuity of care upon release. The facility's structured environment typically incorporates religious services, recreational activities, and library access to support inmates' personal development and maintain connections to positive influences during their time in custody.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Al Cannon Detention Center navigate a cashless system where all purchases flow through individual accounts accessed via kiosks in housing units. Using their inmate number from their armband and birth date, residents can order up to one hundred dollars worth of commissary items each week, creating a structured approach to personal purchases and daily necessities.

The facility's video visitation system shapes much of the social interaction for incarcerated individuals, requiring them to wait at least 72 hours after arrival before receiving visits. Family members and friends can schedule up to three 30-minute video sessions per week through an online platform, with time slots available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., 1:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. This technology-based approach minimizes physical movement within the facility while maintaining crucial family connections during incarceration.

Beyond visitation, inmates typically follow structured daily routines that may include meals served in housing units or common areas, recreational periods, and access to tablet services for communication and entertainment. The facility's operational status can affect scheduling, meaning residents must adapt to potential changes in their daily activities. Legal visits occur in-person Monday through Friday during designated morning, afternoon, and evening hours, providing essential access to legal counsel while maintaining security protocols throughout the detention center.