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 The Old Wayne County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   The Old Wayne County Jail
   525 Clinton St
   Detroit, MI 48226
   Phone: (313) 224-2247

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 3:30 PM
   • 7:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 3:30 PM
   • 7:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 3:30 PM
   • 7:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 3:30 PM
   • 7:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 – 10:30 AM
   • 1:00 – 3:30 PM
   • 7:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at The Old Wayne County Jail?

   Visiting hours at The Old Wayne 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 (313) 224-2247 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 The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at The Old Wayne County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne 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 The Old Wayne 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 transformation through structured learning opportunities forms the cornerstone of Wayne County Jail's approach to inmate development. The facility typically emphasizes skill-building and educational advancement as pathways to meaningful change, recognizing that sustainable rehabilitation often emerges through comprehensive programming that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. This philosophy manifests through carefully designed services that may provide inmates with practical competencies while fostering critical thinking and personal accountability.

Educational services often include structured programs that allow inmates to pursue academic advancement through distance learning opportunities, enabling continued progress regardless of their current circumstances. Vocational education typically encompasses hands-on training in specialized areas, with small engine repair serving as one example of technical skill development that may translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. These educational initiatives often emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application, creating a foundation for inmates to build upon existing abilities or develop entirely new competencies.

In addition to these academic and technical offerings, support services frequently focus on practical reintegration preparation through employment readiness training and specialized certifications such as forklift operation. The prisoner reentry initiative may provide comprehensive guidance on navigating the transition from incarceration to community life, addressing common challenges that inmates typically encounter. These support services often work in conjunction with educational programming to create a holistic approach to personal development, ensuring that inmates have access to both the skills and resources necessary for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and fluorescent lighting of the housing units create a stark institutional atmosphere where inmates at Wayne County Jail must learn to navigate their confined world with careful attention to routine and unwritten social codes. The facility's multi-tiered housing blocks typically house inmates in cells designed for one or two occupants, with common areas that serve as gathering spaces during designated times throughout the day. Security protocols currently govern most aspects of movement within the facility, and inmates continue to adapt by developing personal strategies for maintaining privacy and finding moments of quiet reflection despite the constant presence of others.

Living accommodations generally consist of basic furnishings including a bed, desk area, and storage space for approved personal items, while shared bathroom facilities and common rooms provide additional space for daily activities. Meals are typically served in designated dining areas according to housing unit schedules, with inmates often forming informal groups during these social periods that help break up the structured routine. The facility may offer recreational opportunities such as television viewing in common areas, limited outdoor time when weather permits, and access to reading materials through a library system that provides both educational and recreational options.

In addition to this basic structure, inmates can typically participate in work assignments that may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that provide both purpose and modest compensation. Despite this institutional environment, the facility generally maintains visitation schedules that allow family members to maintain important connections, while telephone access and correspondence continue to serve as vital lifelines to the outside world. Programming schedules often include educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and religious services that provide structure and support for those working toward rehabilitation goals during their incarceration period.