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 Marys County Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at St Marys County Corrections 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 Marys County Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about St Marys County Corrections

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 Marys County Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to St Marys County Corrections?

   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 Marys County Corrections?

   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 Marys County Corrections. 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 Marys County Corrections. 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 Marys County Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   St Marys County Corrections
   41880 Baldridge St
   Leonardtown, MD 20650
   Phone: (301) 475-4200 ext. 3200

5. What are the visiting hours at St Marys County Corrections?

   Visiting hours at St Marys County Corrections 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 (301) 475-4200 ext. 3200 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 Marys County Corrections?

   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 Marys County Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at St Marys County Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at St Marys County Corrections 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 Marys County Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At St Marys County Corrections, 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 Marys County Corrections?

   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 Marys County Corrections 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 Marys County Corrections, 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 advancement and skill development form the cornerstone of transformative opportunities available to those incarcerated at St. Marys Detention Center. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful rehabilitation occurs through structured learning environments that foster both intellectual growth and practical competency development. Within this secure setting, various offerings are designed to address the diverse needs of participants while maintaining the essential framework of safety and institutional security that governs daily operations.

Academic enrichment opportunities typically encompass fundamental literacy instruction, high school equivalency preparation, and adult basic education coursework that may furnish participants with essential credentials for future endeavors. Furthermore, vocational training initiatives often include hands-on instruction in construction trades, where those incarcerated can develop marketable skills in areas such as carpentry, electrical work, and general building maintenance. These structured programs operate within carefully supervised environments that prioritize both learning outcomes and institutional safety protocols.

Therapeutic services represent another vital component of the facility's developmental offerings, as mental health support and counseling sessions may provide crucial assistance to participants navigating personal challenges. Additionally, community resource connections often facilitate pathways for continued support upon release, helping individuals establish networks that extend beyond the correctional environment. These comprehensive support structures typically operate through coordinated efforts that emphasize both immediate therapeutic intervention and long-term reintegration planning, all while maintaining the secure operational standards essential to facility management.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and community connections form the foundation of daily experiences for those incarcerated at St. Marys Detention Center, where maintaining relationships with loved ones remains a central focus throughout each structured day. The facility currently operates on a routine that continues to emphasize both personal accountability and social interaction, with those incarcerated typically beginning their mornings with scheduled count times before transitioning into various programming activities. Generally, the day furnishes multiple opportunities for meaningful engagement, whether through educational sessions, work assignments, or recreational periods that encourage positive peer interactions.

Furthermore, living accommodations at the facility typically consist of housing units designed to balance security requirements with the need for community interaction among residents. Those incarcerated usually share common areas where they may engage in conversations, participate in group activities, or simply maintain the social connections that often prove vital during their time at the facility. Although individual cells provide necessary privacy and personal space, the housing structure generally allows for supervised interaction during designated periods. Meals are typically served in communal dining areas, creating natural opportunities for social engagement while maintaining appropriate supervision and security protocols.

The facility continues to offer various work assignments and structured programming schedules that furnish both skill development and community service opportunities within the institution. Those incarcerated may participate in maintenance duties, kitchen operations, or facility cleaning assignments that contribute to the overall functioning of the community. Although security considerations guide all activities, visitation policies typically allow for regular contact with family members and approved visitors, while communication options often include telephone access and correspondence privileges. Recreation and exercise opportunities usually include both indoor and outdoor activities, providing those incarcerated with chances to maintain physical health while building positive relationships with fellow residents through organized sports or fitness programs.