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 Smith County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Smith 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 Smith County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Smith County Jail
   206 E Elm St
   Tyler, TX 75702
   Phone: (903) 590-2800

   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 Smith County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Smith 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 (903) 590-2800 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 Smith 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 Smith County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Smith 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 Smith 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 Smith 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 Smith 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

Communication with family and community remains a cornerstone of inmate support at Smith County Jail, with comprehensive correspondence services that facilitate meaningful connections during incarceration. The facility provides inmates with access to writing supplies through the commissary system, while ensuring indigent inmates receive necessary materials at no cost. This communication program allows for the exchange of letters and photographs, helping maintain vital family bonds that research suggests are crucial for successful reintegration.

Beyond correspondence services, Smith County Jail may offer various rehabilitative programs typical of Texas correctional facilities. These could include substance abuse counseling, anger management classes, and basic educational services such as GED preparation. Many facilities in the region also provide job readiness training and life skills workshops to help prepare inmates for their eventual return to the community. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are commonly available, offering spiritual support and guidance throughout the incarceration period.

The facility's approach to inmate services typically extends to mental health support and medical care, which are essential components of comprehensive correctional programming. While specific details about additional programs are not readily available, Smith County Jail likely operates within the framework of Texas Department of Criminal Justice standards, which often emphasize rehabilitation alongside security. Inmates may also have access to library services, recreational activities, and possibly vocational training opportunities that align with local workforce needs, though the availability of such programs can vary based on facility resources and capacity.

Daily Life & Visitation

Correspondence serves as a vital lifeline for individuals housed at Smith County Jail, with inmates permitted to send and receive letters as part of their daily routine. The facility maintains clear guidelines for written communication, accepting letters no larger than 12" by 15" and allowing up to four unframed photographs measuring 4" by 5" or smaller to be included with correspondence. Inmates may purchase writing supplies including paper, envelopes, pens, and stamps through the commissary system, while those without funds typically receive these materials at no cost to maintain their connections with family and friends.

The structured environment at Smith County Jail often revolves around scheduled activities and services that help inmates maintain normalcy during their stay. Beyond correspondence privileges, daily life may include access to commissary services, recreational time, and various programs designed to support rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration. The facility's location at 2830 S. Hulen St. in Fort Worth provides a controlled environment where inmates can focus on personal development while serving their sentences.

Family connections remain a priority within the facility's operations, as evidenced by the comprehensive correspondence system and visitor services. The jail's commitment to maintaining these important relationships extends beyond written communication, with various programs and services typically available to support inmates' mental health and preparation for their eventual return to the community. Staff members work to balance security requirements with the human need for connection, creating an environment where inmates can maintain dignity while addressing the circumstances that brought them to the facility.