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 Joseph County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about St Joseph 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 Joseph County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   St Joseph County Jail
   401 W Sample St
   South Bend, IN 46601
   Phone: (574) 245-6500

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

   Visiting hours at St Joseph 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 (574) 245-6500 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 Joseph 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 Joseph County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The St. Joseph County Jail operates with a focus on maintaining safety and professional treatment for all inmates, visitors, and staff through its team of 102 corrections officers who follow rigorous training standards set by Indiana state requirements. The facility serves as the central intake point for individuals arrested by eleven police departments throughout St. Joseph County, where they either post bond or await charges and prosecution. In some cases, inmates may complete their entire sentence at the county facility rather than being transferred to the Indiana Department of Corrections, depending on judicial discretion and bed availability.

The jail’s modern infrastructure supports various operational programs through its modern security system, which includes pneumatically controlled doors, computerized touch screen security with internal communications, and over 130 monitoring cameras that record continuously. The facility’s video arraignment system enables remote court proceedings with judges and magistrates throughout the county, streamlining the judicial process for inmates. Like many Indiana county facilities, the jail may offer educational programs such as GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and vocational training opportunities that help inmates develop job skills for reentry into the community.

Support services at the facility typically include substance abuse counseling, mental health programs, and religious services to address various inmate needs during incarceration. The jail may also provide work programs that allow inmates to gain experience while contributing to facility operations, along with reentry planning services that help individuals prepare for release. Visitation programs maintain family connections, while medical and mental health services ensure inmates receive necessary care throughout their stay at the 401 W. Sample Street facility in South Bend.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the St. Joseph County Jail on West Sample Street in South Bend, inmates experience a structured environment overseen by 102 corrections officers who maintain rigorous training standards according to Indiana state requirements. The facility’s modern security system, featuring pneumatically controlled doors and over 130 monitoring cameras operating around the clock, ensures constant supervision while inmates navigate their daily routines. Those housed here typically include individuals awaiting charges and prosecution from arrests made by the eleven police departments within St. Joseph County, as well as some sentenced inmates serving their time at the facility rather than being transferred to the Indiana Department of Corrections.

The jail’s modern infrastructure includes a computerized touch screen security system with internal communications, which likely facilitates coordination of daily activities such as meals, recreation periods, and programming. Inmates may have access to educational opportunities, work assignments, and other rehabilitative services commonly found in Indiana county facilities. The facility also features a video arraignment system used by local judges and magistrates, allowing inmates to participate in court proceedings without leaving the jail, which helps maintain their legal schedules while minimizing security risks.

Family connections remain important during incarceration, with the jail maintaining specific visitation policies and schedules to allow inmates to maintain contact with loved ones. The corrections staff, trained to act professionally toward all inmates, visitors, and community members, work to ensure that visitation and other daily interactions occur in a safe and fair environment. Those seeking information about visiting procedures or other jail operations can contact the facility directly, as the administration strives to balance security needs with humane treatment and family support.