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 St Clair County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about St Clair 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 St Clair County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   St Clair County Jail
   700 N 5th St
   Belleville, IL 62220
   Phone: (618) 207-4374

   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 St Clair County Jail?

   Visiting hours at St Clair 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 (618) 207-4374 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 St Clair 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 St Clair County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at St Clair 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 St Clair County Jail?

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

Transformative pathways toward personal development and skill acquisition form the cornerstone of the correctional approach at St. Clair County Jail in Belleville, Illinois. The facility typically emphasizes creating structured environments where those incarcerated can engage in meaningful activities that foster both intellectual growth and practical skill development. This comprehensive framework of offerings operates within a secure setting that prioritizes safety while encouraging participants to pursue constructive changes in their lives.

Educational advancement opportunities may furnish those incarcerated with essential academic foundations, including high school diploma programs designed to help individuals complete their secondary education. Moreover, vocational programs often provide hands-on training in practical trades, allowing participants to develop marketable skills that can support successful reintegration into the community. Food service operations typically offer valuable experience in culinary arts and kitchen management, while barbering and cosmetology programs may furnish training in personal care services that can lead to licensure opportunities upon release.

Mental health treatment services often form a crucial component of the facility’s therapeutic offerings, providing professional support for those facing psychological challenges or substance-related issues. The facility may also furnish specialized veteran services, recognizing the comprehensive needs of formerly enlisted individuals within the correctional population. These support systems typically work in conjunction with other rehabilitative offerings to create a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term personal development goals, all delivered within the structured environment that characterizes modern correctional facilities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and community connections remain central to how those incarcerated at St. Clair County Jail navigate their daily experiences, with many residents finding ways to maintain relationships despite the physical barriers of confinement. Today’s routine typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by consistently structured periods that may include work assignments, programming activities, and designated times for communication with loved ones outside the facility walls.

The living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units or smaller cells, where those incarcerated share common spaces and develop informal support networks among themselves. Meals are typically served in designated dining areas at scheduled intervals throughout the day, providing opportunities for social interaction and community building among residents. Moreover, the facility often furnishes recreational activities such as television viewing, card games, and reading materials in common areas, while outdoor recreation time may be available depending on weather conditions and facility operations.

Whereas the physical environment places certain limitations on movement and privacy, the jail typically maintains visitation programs that allow families to connect with their incarcerated loved ones through scheduled visits, either in-person or via video conferencing systems. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that provide structure and the opportunity to earn modest compensation for commissary purchases. Furthermore, those incarcerated generally have access to telephone services and may participate in educational programming or counseling services designed to support their eventual reintegration into the community, helping maintain hope and connection to life beyond the facility’s walls.