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 Louis County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about St Louis 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 Louis County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   St Louis County Jail
   4334 Haines Rd
   Duluth, MN 55811
   Phone: (218) 726-2345

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
   • 6:30 – 8:30 PM
   • Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
   • 6:30 – 8:30 PM

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

   Visiting hours at St Louis 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 (218) 726-2345 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 Louis 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 Louis County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Educational initiatives form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts, providing residents with opportunities to build essential academic foundations. These programs typically focus on helping individuals complete their high school education or develop basic literacy skills that may have been lacking. The facility's approach emphasizes practical learning that residents can immediately apply to their daily lives and future employment prospects.

Vocational training initiatives complement educational offerings by providing hands-on skills development in various trades. Residents may participate in programs that teach marketable job skills, helping them prepare for employment upon release. Additionally, upholstery training often provides residents with specialized craft skills that can lead to entrepreneurial opportunities or employment in furniture restoration and manufacturing sectors.

Therapeutic initiatives address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior through structured treatment programs. Chemical dependency treatment typically offers residents comprehensive support for substance abuse issues, including counseling and recovery planning. Additionally, domestic violence programs may provide residents with tools to recognize harmful patterns and develop healthier relationship skills. These support services often work together to address the complex challenges residents face, creating a more comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structure begins before dawn with consistent wake-up calls that establish the foundation for each day. Today's schedule typically includes designated times for meals, programming, and recreation, with residents following a predictable routine that helps maintain order and stability. The facility generally operates on a structured timeline that includes morning hygiene periods, scheduled meal service, and various programming opportunities throughout the day.

Living accommodations usually consist of shared housing units where residents are assigned beds and basic furnishings. Each housing area typically includes common spaces for television viewing and social interaction, while personal property is generally limited to essential items and approved commissary purchases. Meals are typically served in designated dining areas at consistent times, with residents receiving nutritionally planned menus that meet dietary requirements. The facility usually maintains a commissary system where residents may purchase approved items using funds from their accounts.

Additionally, the facility typically offers various work assignments that may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that help residents develop routine work habits. Recreation opportunities generally include scheduled exercise periods and access to recreational equipment when available. While maintaining security protocols, the facility usually provides visitation opportunities and telephone access to help residents maintain family connections. Programming schedules often deliver educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and other supportive services designed to help residents prepare for their eventual release back into the community.