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 Somerset County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Somerset 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 Somerset County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Somerset County Jail
   40 Grove St
   Somerville, NJ 08876
   Phone: (908) 231-7150

5. What are the visiting hours at Somerset County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Somerset 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 (908) 231-7150 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 Somerset 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 Somerset County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Following a significant operational change in June 2024, Somerset County Jail now operates on a limited basis, primarily housing short-term detainees awaiting court hearings while longer-term residents are housed through a partnership with Morris County. Despite this reduced capacity, the facility maintains its commitment to providing essential services during residents’ stays, including appropriate medical care through their designated medical provider, along with fundamental needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.

The facility’s staff focuses on ensuring secure confinement while maintaining fair and impartial supervision of daily operations. While the current limited operational model may affect the scope of programming available, Somerset County Jail typically may offer basic educational services, substance abuse counseling, and mental health support for those in short-term custody. Given New Jersey’s emphasis on rehabilitation, the facility often includes access to library services, religious programming, and basic life skills preparation to help residents during their brief stays.

For residents serving longer sentences or requiring extended programming, the partnership with Morris County Correctional Facility may provide access to more comprehensive vocational training, educational opportunities, and therapeutic programs. This collaborative approach allows Somerset County to maintain essential local detention services while ensuring that individuals requiring longer-term incarceration have access to appropriate rehabilitative resources and support services during their time in custody.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Somerset County Jail serves as a temporary holding facility where individuals await trial, sentencing, or transport to other jurisdictions, with operations recently modified to focus primarily on short-term detainees following a 2024 agreement with Morris County. Staff members maintain responsibility for ensuring secure confinement while providing inmates with appropriate food, clothing, shelter, and medical care throughout their stay. The facility’s structured environment requires inmates to observe established rules and regulations while interacting appropriately with both correctional staff and fellow inmates.

Within this controlled environment, inmates typically follow daily routines that may include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and access to basic services coordinated by custody staff. The facility works with medical providers to address healthcare needs, ensuring inmates receive necessary medical attention during their incarceration. Daily activities often revolve around court appearances for those awaiting trial, as well as structured time for personal hygiene, meals, and limited recreational opportunities within the facility’s security parameters.

For families and friends of inmates, maintaining contact typically involves scheduled visitation periods and communication through approved channels, though specific policies may vary based on security classifications and individual circumstances. The jail’s focus on temporary housing means that many inmates experience relatively brief stays while awaiting court proceedings or transfer to longer-term facilities. Those serving municipal court sentences of up to 180 days or superior court sentences up to 364 days may experience more established routines, though the facility’s primary function remains providing secure, temporary custody while ensuring public safety and appropriate care for all inmates in their charge.