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's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about 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 Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to 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 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 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 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 Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Sheriff's Office
   165 Fayette St W
   Hillsdale, MI 49242
   Phone: (517) 437-7317

5. What are the visiting hours at Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at 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 (517) 437-7317 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'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 Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at 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 Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At 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 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 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 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 Hillsdale County Jail in Michigan provides inmates with access to religious programming through church services, pastoral visitations, and group meetings for religious studies, recognizing the important role spiritual support plays in the rehabilitation process. These faith-based programs work alongside mental health services and substance abuse programs to address the diverse needs of the inmate population housed within the facility's 67-bed general population capacity.

Beyond the core programming, the facility typically may offer educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes and basic literacy instruction to help inmates develop essential skills for successful reintegration. Vocational training programs often include job readiness workshops, basic computer skills, and life skills development courses that focus on practical abilities like budgeting, resume writing, and interview preparation. These educational initiatives are commonly supplemented by counseling services that may include individual therapy sessions, group counseling for various issues, and cognitive behavioral programs designed to address underlying behavioral patterns.

The jail's comprehensive approach to inmate services extends to maintaining family connections through video visitation systems and phone services, which research shows can significantly impact successful reentry outcomes. Additional support services may include medical and dental care, library access for legal research and recreational reading, and work programs that allow inmates to develop job skills while contributing to facility operations. These combined programming efforts reflect a commitment to providing inmates with tools and resources that support positive behavioral change and preparation for community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Hillsdale County Jail operates with a capacity of 67 inmates in general population, plus 13 additional holding cells for those awaiting arraignment. Inmates typically begin their day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by structured programming opportunities that may include religious services, substance abuse programs, and mental health support groups. The facility maintains detailed records through their JailTracker system, which tracks booking details and court appearances for each individual housed at the facility.

Communication with family and friends occurs through multiple channels designed for convenience and security. Video visitation has replaced traditional in-person visits, available both online through designated platforms and at a kiosk located in the Sheriff's Office lobby. Inmates can make phone calls by purchasing time through online systems, while family members can deposit funds for commissary and phone services either online, by phone, or at the lobby kiosk. All visitors under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during video visits.

The facility offers various rehabilitative programs that may include church services, pastoral visits, and group meetings for religious studies, alongside mental health and substance abuse programming. Inmates typically follow a structured daily schedule that includes designated times for meals, programming, recreation when available, and lockdown periods. The jail's location in Hillsdale County means that court appearances and legal proceedings are coordinated with local courts, with transportation and scheduling managed through the facility's tracking systems. Bond payments can be processed online through secure payment systems, accepting major credit cards with applicable service fees.