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 Shiawassee County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Shiawassee County Jail 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 Shiawassee County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Shiawassee County Jail

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 Shiawassee County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Shiawassee County Jail?

   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 Shiawassee County Jail?

   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 Shiawassee County Jail. 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 Shiawassee County Jail. 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 Shiawassee County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Shiawassee County Jail
   201 E McArthur St
   Corunna, MI 48817
   Phone: (989) 743-2230

   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 Shiawassee County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Shiawassee County Jail 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 (989) 743-2230 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 Shiawassee County Jail?

   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 Shiawassee County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Shiawassee County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Shiawassee County Jail 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 Shiawassee County Jail?

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

   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 Shiawassee County Jail 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 Shiawassee County Jail, 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 multifaceted approach to individual development at Shiawassee County Jail encompasses a broad spectrum of opportunities designed to address the diverse needs of those in custody. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all methodology, the facility typically recognizes that meaningful rehabilitation requires comprehensive programming that spans educational advancement, practical skill development, and essential life preparation. This holistic framework acknowledges that successful reintegration into the community depends upon equipping individuals with both tangible competencies and the foundational knowledge necessary for sustainable change.

Educational and vocational opportunities form the cornerstone of the facility’s comprehensive offerings, with education programs that may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and academic coursework tailored to various skill levels. Vocational education opportunities often focus on practical trades and marketable skills that can translate directly into employment upon release. Also integral to this educational framework are financial literacy courses, which typically address budgeting, banking, and money management skills that prove essential for successful community reintegration. These educational initiatives are generally delivered through structured curricula that accommodate different learning styles and educational backgrounds.

Support services and practical training opportunities further enhance the comprehensive nature of programming available to individuals. The prisoner reentry initiative often provides crucial guidance and resources for those preparing to transition back into the community, addressing everything from housing assistance to employment placement support. Also available may be building maintenance training, which not dedicated provides valuable vocational skills but also contributes to the facility’s operational needs while offering hands-on learning experiences. These support-oriented opportunities typically complement the educational programming by providing practical application of learned skills and fostering a sense of responsibility and accomplishment among participants.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of scheduled counts punctuates each day, serving as anchor points around which all other activities revolve at Shiawassee County Jail. Individuals currently housed at the facility typically begin their mornings with breakfast service, which continues to be followed by housing unit cleaning assignments and preparation for various scheduled programming activities. The structured environment generally includes regular meal times, with lunch and dinner served at consistent intervals, while individuals may also access commissary items to supplement their dietary needs when funds are available through their accounts.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where individuals are assigned based on various classification factors including security level and program participation. The dormitory-style or cell-based housing arrangements generally provide basic necessities such as bedding, personal hygiene items, and limited storage space for approved personal property. However, space remains at a premium, and individuals usually must follow specific guidelines regarding personal belongings and maintain their living areas according to established cleanliness standards throughout their stay.

Also available to individuals are various structured programming opportunities that may offer educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training designed to support rehabilitation goals. Recreation periods typically include access to television viewing areas, reading materials, and limited physical exercise opportunities, though these activities generally operate within the constraints of facility security requirements. Family connections continue to be maintained through scheduled visitation periods and telephone access, while some individuals may also participate in work assignments within the facility that can provide structure and potentially reduce housing costs, helping to maintain important support systems during their incarceration.