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 Johns County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about St Johns 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 Johns County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   St Johns County Jail
   3955 Lewis Speedway
   St. Augustine, FL 32084
   Phone: (904) 824-8304

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at St Johns County Jail?

   Visiting hours at St Johns 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 (904) 824-8304 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 Johns 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 Johns County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth and rehabilitation form the cornerstone of the comprehensive service framework at St. Johns County Jail, where inmates have access to structured opportunities designed to address underlying issues and build essential life skills. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to inmate development, recognizing that meaningful change often requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's circumstances. Through carefully designed interventions and support systems, participants may engage in services that target both immediate needs and long-term success upon reentry into the community.

Educational services often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities that help inmates develop marketable skills. These programs may provide foundational learning experiences alongside practical job training that can translate into employment opportunities after release. Furthermore, the facility typically offers structured learning environments where participants can work at their own pace while receiving individualized support from qualified instructors.

Support services and therapeutic interventions may encompass a broad range of offerings designed to address various challenges inmates face. Substance abuse treatment programs often provide evidence-based approaches to addiction recovery, while trauma-informed care services recognize the impact of past experiences on current behavior. The facility may also offer work release opportunities that allow eligible inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences, along with restorative justice programs that focus on accountability and healing. Additionally, wellness programs and janitorial services can provide inmates with practical work experience and contribute to the facility's daily operations while building responsibility and work habits.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at St. Johns County Jail consist of dormitory-style accommodations and individual cells, creating a structured environment where inmates must quickly learn to navigate shared living spaces. Today, inmates follow a regimented schedule that begins early with headcount and consistently moves through designated periods for meals, programming, and recreation. The facility operates on a schedule that typically includes multiple counts throughout the day, ensuring all residents are accounted for while maintaining order within the housing areas.

Living conditions generally feature basic amenities including bedding, personal storage space, and access to restroom facilities within each housing unit. Inmates usually share common areas where they may watch television, play games, or interact with fellow residents during designated free time periods. Meals are typically served in a central dining area or delivered to housing units, with the facility providing three meals daily that meet nutritional standards. Furthermore, inmates can often supplement their diet through commissary purchases, which may include snacks, hygiene items, and writing materials.

The facility typically provides various structured programming schedules that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and religious services. Work assignments often include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and general facility maintenance, which provide inmates with routine and purpose during their incarceration. Although visitation policies may vary, the jail generally offers scheduled visiting hours where family members can maintain contact through video calls or in-person visits. Additionally, inmates usually have access to telephone services and may be able to send and receive mail, helping them maintain important connections with their support systems outside the facility.