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 Sullivan County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Sullivan 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 Sullivan County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Sullivan County Jail
   140 Blountville Bypass
   Blountville, TN 37617
   Phone: (423) 279-7509

   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 Sullivan County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Sullivan 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 (423) 279-7509 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 Sullivan 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 Sullivan County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Through comprehensive programming initiatives, the population receives multifaceted support designed to address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. The facility's approach emphasizes skill development and personal growth, recognizing that meaningful change occurs when individuals have access to diverse educational and therapeutic opportunities. These programs typically foster an environment where participants can develop essential life skills while maintaining connections to community and family support systems.

Educational programming forms a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, with education programs that may supply foundational academic instruction alongside specialized curricula. Special education services often accommodate individuals with learning differences, ensuring equitable access to educational advancement. Financial literacy components frequently complement these academic efforts, providing practical knowledge about budgeting, banking, and economic planning that proves invaluable upon release. In addition to this educational foundation, vocational training programs typically offer hands-on skill development in various trades and industries, preparing the population for sustainable employment opportunities within the broader community.

The facility's support framework extends beyond academic and vocational instruction to encompass comprehensive reintegration assistance. Faith-based programs often provide spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking such support, while transitional planning services typically help individuals navigate the complex process of returning to community life. Community service opportunities may supply meaningful ways for participants to contribute positively to local organizations, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and connection. These interconnected support services work collaboratively to address the multifaceted challenges that the population faces, ultimately promoting successful reintegration and reduced recidivism through holistic programming approaches.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational protocols and systematic scheduling form the backbone of how the population navigates their time within the Sullivan County Jail, where structured routines consistently provide predictability and order throughout each day. Today's operations typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by housing unit cleaning assignments that supply essential structure to the morning hours. The population generally moves through their daily activities according to predetermined schedules that include meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities, with facility staff coordinating these movements to maintain security and ensure all residents have access to necessary services.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of housing units designed to manage different classification levels of the population, with dormitory-style arrangements or individual cells depending on security requirements and available space. In addition to this basic housing structure, residents generally have access to common areas within their designated units, where they may interact with others during approved periods. The population usually receives three meals daily in designated dining areas or within their housing units, with meal service following consistent schedules that help organize the day's rhythm.

Despite this structured environment, the facility typically offers various programs and activities that supply meaningful engagement for the population, including educational opportunities, religious services, and recreational periods that may include outdoor exercise time when weather and security conditions permit. Work assignments within the facility often provide residents with purposeful daily activities, such as kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that contribute to facility operations. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone access, with these communication opportunities generally following established protocols that balance security needs with the population's ability to maintain relationships with loved ones in the community.