How to send messages, photos, and packages
St Clair County Jail handles online communication through SmartInmate (Smart Communications). The vendor offers free signup for friends and family. The jail publishes multiple phone numbers—lines for the front desk (plus an alternate), booking/intake/classification, the Smart Communication vendor line, property storage, and a toll-free option. Phone calls, video visits, and electronic messages are monitored and recorded, which is standard for Illinois facilities. Both the incarcerated person and their contacts need approval to communicate. To get started, create an account with SmartInmate and complete any identity or visitor verification they require. For video visits, use the vendor's system or app—not the jail's phone lines. Download it early, test it, and log in a few minutes before your appointment.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Bell County Jail lists two different mailing addresses for inmate mail. Here's what each one is for and how to track your letter once it's sent.
Sending mail to someone at Bell County Jail works a bit differently than you might expect—regular inmate mail gets routed through Smart Communications in Florida. Use the correct address format and include the booking number to avoid delays or returns.
Use SmartInmate (Smart Communications), the jail’s approved vendor, and create an account through their platform. Complete any identity or visitor verification required, and keep in mind electronic messages are screened and monitored.
Yes—schedule video visits through the vendor’s system or app rather than by calling the jail. Download and test the app ahead of time, and log in a few minutes before your scheduled visit.
St Clair County Jail publishes multiple contact numbers, including lines for the front desk, alternate front desk, booking/intake/classification, the Smart Communication/vendor line, property storage, and a toll-free line. Check the facility’s official contact list for the exact numbers before you call.
Use the facility's Smart Communications mailing address—St Clair County Jail mail has been processed through Smart Communications since June 20, 2022. The jail also lists an alternate mailing address in Belton, Texas for some deliveries.
Yes. Senders are encouraged to sign up for MailGuard Tracker to follow delivery and confirm arrival. Since personal mail is commonly scanned into PDFs for digital viewing, tracking can help you confirm it made it through processing.
Usually not. Personal mail is typically opened, inspected, and scanned into PDF images, and originals that are scanned generally can’t be returned. An inmate may be able to request paper photocopies or submit the required request for physical copies or originals, depending on processing and approval.
Visiting someone at Bell County Jail goes a lot smoother when you know the rules upfront. This guide covers what you need to get in the door—and how to make the most of your time together.
Bell County Jail keeps in-person time short — but remote visits can help fill the gap. Here's how both options work together so you can plan your week without surprises.
