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 Spartanburg County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Spartanburg County 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 Spartanburg County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Spartanburg County 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 Spartanburg County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Spartanburg County 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 Spartanburg County 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 Spartanburg County 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 Spartanburg County 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 Spartanburg County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Spartanburg County Detention Center
   950 California Ave
   Spartanburg, SC 29303
   Phone: (864) 596-2607

5. What are the visiting hours at Spartanburg County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Spartanburg County 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 (864) 596-2607 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 Spartanburg County 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 Spartanburg County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Spartanburg County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Spartanburg County 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 Spartanburg County Detention Center?

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

Communication services form a cornerstone of inmate support at Spartanburg County Detention, with the facility implementing modern digital mail scanning systems and text messaging capabilities through smartinmate.com to help maintain family connections. The detention center recognizes the importance of legal correspondence by providing dedicated mailing procedures for privileged communications from attorneys, court officials, and advocacy groups, ensuring inmates maintain access to legal representation and support services.

Beyond communication services, Spartanburg County Detention typically offers educational and vocational programming designed to support rehabilitation and reentry preparation. Inmates may have access to GED preparation classes, basic literacy instruction, and life skills workshops that focus on financial management, job readiness, and personal development. The facility often provides substance abuse counseling programs and mental health services, recognizing that addressing underlying issues is essential for successful community reintegration.

Library services are supported through partnerships with major book retailers, allowing families to send paperback books directly to inmates, which promotes literacy and constructive use of time. The detention center may also offer religious services, recreational activities, and work programs that provide inmates with structure and skill development opportunities. These comprehensive services typically aim to address the diverse needs of the inmate population while maintaining facility safety and security standards throughout the rehabilitation process.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the experience for individuals housed at Spartanburg County Detention Center. The facility has implemented a digital mail scanning system, where all correspondence sent to inmates at PO Box 9133 in Seminole, FL is scanned and viewed electronically. This modern approach allows inmates to receive messages while maintaining security protocols. For those seeking more immediate contact, inmates can receive text messages through smartinmate.com at rates of $1.00 for pictures and $0.50 per text message, providing families with a direct way to stay connected.

The facility maintains strict guidelines for incoming items and correspondence to ensure safety and security. Money orders must be sent via U.S. Postal Service dedicated, with the inmate’s name and number clearly written on each order. Reading materials are permitted but must follow specific requirements - dedicated paperback books purchased directly from Amazon or Barnes & Noble are accepted, with no used, hardcover, or bound books allowed. Legal correspondence receives special handling, with privileged mail from attorneys, court officials, and advocacy groups directed to the facility’s California Avenue address in Spartanburg.

Daily routines at the detention center typically include structured meal times, recreational periods, and opportunities for educational or rehabilitative programming, though specific schedules may vary based on housing assignments and security classifications. Inmates often have access to common areas during designated hours and may participate in work assignments or programs designed to support their eventual reintegration into the community. The facility’s communication policies reflect a balance between maintaining security and allowing meaningful connections with family members and legal representatives.