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 Stephenson County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Stephenson 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 Stephenson County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Stephenson County Jail
   1680 Singer Dr
   Freeport, IL 61032
   Phone: (815) 235-8254

5. What are the visiting hours at Stephenson County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Stephenson 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 (815) 235-8254 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 Stephenson 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 Stephenson County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Stephenson 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 Stephenson County Jail?

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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Stephenson County Jail. The facility typically recognizes that meaningful change happens when inmates have access to structured learning opportunities and therapeutic support. Services are often designed to address both immediate needs and long-term goals, helping participants build the tools necessary for successful community reintegration.

Educational services may provide inmates with opportunities to advance their academic skills and prepare for future employment. The facility often includes basic education programs that help participants work toward completing their high school equivalency. ESL services typically support inmates whose established language is not English, helping them develop communication skills essential for daily life and employment. Also, financial literacy education may offer practical training in budgeting, banking, and money management skills that many participants need for independent living.

Vocational programs typically focus on developing job-ready skills in various trades and industries. These services often include hands-on training that gives inmates practical experience they can use after release. Also, mentoring programs may connect participants with guidance and support from trained volunteers or staff members. Mental health treatment services typically address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior, providing inmates with therapeutic support and coping strategies for managing stress, addiction, and other challenges they may face.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind concrete walls and secured doors, the housing environment at Stephenson County Jail shapes every aspect of an inmate’s daily experience. At present, inmates actively navigate a structured routine that typically begins with early morning counts and continues through scheduled meal times, programming, and evening lockdown. The facility generally maintains consistent daily schedules that provide predictable rhythms for those adapting to life inside.

Living accommodations typically include shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates must learn to coexist in limited personal space. Each housing area usually provides basic furnishings and allows inmates to maintain modest personal property within established guidelines. However, the confined environment requires significant adjustment as residents adapt to shared facilities, limited privacy, and constant supervision. Meals are generally served in designated dining areas or delivered to housing units, with inmates following specific procedures for movement throughout the facility.

Also available are various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and work assignments within the facility. Recreation time often provides inmates with access to exercise areas, television, and reading materials, though these activities typically operate under structured schedules. Visitation policies generally allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits and phone calls, while commissary services usually enable inmates to purchase approved personal items. However, all activities and communications remain subject to security protocols and facility regulations that inmates must learn to navigate as part of their daily adaptation to the correctional environment.