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 Stanly County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Stanly County Detention Center 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 Stanly County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Stanly County Detention Center

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 Stanly County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Stanly County Detention Center?

   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 Stanly County Detention Center?

   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 Stanly County Detention Center. 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 Stanly County Detention Center. 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 Stanly County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Stanly County Detention Center
   126 S 3rd St
   Albemarle, NC 28001
   Phone: (704) 986-3734

5. What are the visiting hours at Stanly County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Stanly County Detention Center 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 (704) 986-3734 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 Stanly County Detention Center?

   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 Stanly County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Stanly County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Stanly County Detention Center 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 Stanly County Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Stanly County Detention Center, 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 Stanly County Detention Center?

   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 Stanly County Detention Center 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 Stanly County Detention Center, 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 opportunities form a cornerstone of programming at Albemarle Correctional Institution, with Stanly Community College providing GED instruction alongside specialized courses in computer applications and electronics technology. These academic offerings are designed to equip individuals with practical skills that support successful reintegration into their communities upon release.

The facility's work assignment programs provide hands-on experience across multiple areas, including community service roles where some individuals are assigned to pick up trash and clear debris in the surrounding area. Within the institution, hundreds of participants engage in essential operations such as cleaning dormitories, maintaining facility grounds, and working in food preparation and cooking services. These assignments typically help individuals develop work habits and job skills while contributing to the facility's daily operations.

Beyond the confirmed educational and work programs, Albemarle Correctional Institution may offer additional rehabilitative services common to medium custody reentry facilities in North Carolina. These could include substance abuse counseling, life skills training, and pre-release preparation programs designed to support the transition back to community life. The facility's designation as a reentry facility suggests a focus on programs that help individuals prepare for successful community integration, though specific details about additional counseling or support services would need to be confirmed through direct facility contact.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Albemarle Correctional Institution wake each morning in one of three housing units spread across the facility's 100-acre grounds near Albemarle in Stanly County. The structured environment accommodates 624 men in medium custody, with additional segregation cells available for 40 individuals when needed. Work assignments begin early, with some residents heading outside the facility for community service projects like trash pickup and debris clearing, while hundreds of others remain on-site to maintain the dormitories, prepare meals in the kitchen, and keep the extensive grounds in good condition.

Educational opportunities through Stanly Community College provide structure to many residents' days, offering GED instruction alongside specialized courses in computer applications and electronics technology. These programs typically run during designated hours, allowing participants to balance their studies with work responsibilities and other facility activities. The reentry focus of the institution means that many daily activities are designed to help residents develop practical skills for successful community integration upon release.

Family connections remain an important part of daily life through the facility's visiting program and communication services. Residents may typically receive visitors during scheduled hours, with specific policies governing the process. Mail correspondence provides another vital link to the outside world, while money transfer services allow families to support their loved ones' commissary needs. The facility's location on Airport Road in New London makes it accessible for families traveling from various parts of North Carolina, though visitors should always verify current policies and schedules before making the trip.