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 Tammany Parish Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at St Tammany Parish 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 Tammany Parish Jail.

Frequently asked questions about St Tammany Parish 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 Tammany Parish Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to St Tammany Parish 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 Tammany Parish 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 Tammany Parish 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 Tammany Parish 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 Tammany Parish Jail?

   Mailing address:

   St Tammany Parish Jail
   1200 Champagne St
   Covington, LA 70433
   Phone: (985) 276-1000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at St Tammany Parish Jail?

   Visiting hours at St Tammany Parish 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 (985) 276-1000 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 Tammany Parish 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 Tammany Parish Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at St Tammany Parish Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at St Tammany Parish 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 Tammany Parish Jail?

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

Recognizing that meaningful change requires multifaceted support, the comprehensive programming framework at St. Tammany Parish Jail encompasses educational advancement, vocational skill development, and therapeutic intervention. This holistic approach acknowledges that successful reintegration depends upon addressing the diverse needs and circumstances that individuals bring to the correctional environment. Through carefully structured opportunities that span academic learning, professional preparation, and personal healing, the facility typically creates pathways for transformation that extend well beyond traditional incarceration models.

Educational opportunities often form the cornerstone of personal development, with programs designed to help individuals complete their academic goals and build foundational knowledge for future success. These educational initiatives may include literacy improvement, high school equivalency preparation, and continuing education courses that enhance cognitive skills and critical thinking abilities. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational training opportunities typically provide hands-on experience in trades and technical skills that align with regional employment demands. Such programs often emphasize practical skill development that can translate directly into post-release employment opportunities, helping individuals develop marketable competencies while serving their sentences.

Support services and therapeutic opportunities typically address the underlying factors that may have contributed to criminal behavior, with substance abuse treatment programs often serving as a crucial component of the comprehensive approach. These therapeutic interventions may utilize evidence-based methodologies to help individuals develop coping strategies and maintain long-term recovery. Faith-based services frequently provide additional emotional and spiritual support, offering individuals opportunities for reflection, community connection, and personal growth through religious programming. Commercial driving training, including CDL preparation, may also be available as part of the vocational offerings, providing individuals with specialized certification that can lead to stable employment in the transportation industry upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of meal times and scheduled activities now provides a framework that many individuals find helps them navigate their days with greater predictability. At St. Tammany Parish Jail, the structured environment typically begins with early morning wake-up calls, followed by breakfast service and regular headcounts throughout the day. Individuals regularly participate in scheduled programming that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training opportunities, depending on their classification level and length of stay.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where individuals are assigned to dormitory-style areas or smaller cells, depending on the facility's current capacity and security classifications. The environment typically includes basic furnishings such as beds, storage areas for personal belongings, and shared bathroom facilities. In addition to this structured housing arrangement, individuals usually have access to common areas during designated periods where they can interact with others, watch television, or participate in recreational activities. Personal property is generally limited to approved items that can be stored in designated spaces, while additional necessities may often be purchased through the commissary system.

Despite this controlled environment, the facility typically offers various programs designed to provide structure and potential skill development during an individual's stay. Recreation opportunities may include outdoor exercise periods, indoor fitness activities, and organized sports when space and staffing permit. Family connections are generally maintained through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, which often serve as important sources of support and motivation. Work assignments within the facility may offer individuals the chance to contribute to daily operations while potentially developing job skills, though these opportunities are typically distributed based on behavior, classification status, and facility needs.