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 Terrell County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Terrell County Prison 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 Terrell County Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Terrell County Prison

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 Terrell County Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Terrell County Prison?

   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 Terrell County Prison?

   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 Terrell County Prison. 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 Terrell County Prison. 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 Terrell County Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Terrell County Prison
   3110 Albany Hwy
   Dawson, GA 39842
   Phone: (229) 995-5381

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Terrell County Prison?

   Visiting hours at Terrell County Prison 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 (229) 995-5381 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 Terrell County Prison?

   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 Terrell County Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Terrell County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Terrell County Prison 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 Terrell County Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Terrell County Prison, 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 Terrell County Prison?

   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 Terrell County Prison 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 Terrell County Prison, 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 rehabilitation efforts at Terrell County Correctional Institution, with academic programming centered around General Education Diploma preparation to help incarcerated individuals complete their high school equivalency. The facility's vocational training programs provide hands-on experience in carpentry, mechanics, and fire fighting certification, offering practical skills that can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. These programs work in conjunction with the facility's work details, which include road maintenance, mechanic shop operations, carpenter shop work, and support for the county fire department.

Counseling services at the facility focus on substance abuse education, addressing one of the key factors that may contribute to criminal behavior and recidivism. Religious programming provides additional support through various worship services and Bible study opportunities, offering spiritual guidance and community connection for those who choose to participate. The facility may also offer additional counseling services such as anger management, life skills training, and pre-release planning to help individuals prepare for successful reintegration into their communities.

The medium-security facility's open dormitory housing arrangement typically allows for greater program participation and peer interaction compared to higher-security environments. Beyond the specific programs mentioned, Terrell County CI may provide additional services common to Georgia correctional facilities, such as library access, recreational activities, visitation programs, and basic healthcare services. The facility's mission to provide housing for both state and county offenders while supporting local government operations creates opportunities for meaningful work experience that benefits both the incarcerated population and the broader Terrell County community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Terrell County Correctional Institution wake each morning in one of five open dormitories that house the facility's 140-person capacity. The open dormitory design creates a communal living environment where inmates typically share sleeping quarters with multiple roommates, fostering both challenges and opportunities for social interaction throughout their daily routines. Built in 1947 and renovated in 2000, the medium-security facility maintains structured schedules that often begin before dawn, with inmates preparing for various work assignments that support both the institution and Terrell County Government operations.

The workday forms the cornerstone of daily life, with inmates participating in road maintenance crews, mechanic shop operations, carpentry projects, janitorial duties, and trash collection details. Some residents may serve with the county fire department, gaining valuable firefighting certification and training. These work assignments typically run throughout the morning and afternoon hours, providing inmates with practical skills and contributing to their rehabilitation. Educational opportunities supplement the work programs, with General Education Diploma classes offering academic advancement for those seeking to complete their high school education.

Evenings and weekends often include participation in various worship services and Bible study sessions, along with substance abuse education counseling programs. The facility's religious activities provide spiritual support and community connection for residents of different faith backgrounds. Communication with family members typically follows standard Georgia Department of Corrections policies, which may include scheduled phone calls, written correspondence, and visitation opportunities on designated days. These connections with the outside world help maintain important family relationships while inmates work toward their eventual reintegration into the community.