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 Saline County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about The Saline 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 The Saline County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   The Saline County Detention Center
   735 S Neeley St
   Benton, AR 72015
   Phone: (501) 303-5642

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at The Saline 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 (501) 303-5642 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 Saline 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 The Saline County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Saline County Detention Facility. The facility typically emphasizes building practical abilities that inmates can apply both during incarceration and upon reentry into the community. These services often focus on addressing underlying issues while simultaneously developing marketable skills and positive coping strategies.

Educational and vocational services may provide inmates with opportunities to gain valuable job-related training. Vocational education programs often include hands-on learning experiences that prepare participants for employment in various trades and industries. Furthermore, commercial driving (CDL) training may be available to help inmates develop skills in the transportation sector, offering a pathway to stable employment upon release.

Support services typically encompass both therapeutic and community-based programs designed to address personal challenges and foster positive relationships. Anger management services often help inmates develop healthier ways to handle conflict and stress through structured counseling sessions. Agriculture programs may offer inmates the chance to learn farming techniques while engaging in meaningful outdoor work. Faith-based services are often available for those seeking spiritual guidance and community support during their incarceration, providing an additional foundation for personal transformation and accountability.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Saline County Detention Facility feature dormitory-style accommodations where inmates adapt to shared living spaces and structured routines. Daily life currently revolves around scheduled meal times, work assignments, and supervised activities that continues to provide stability within the correctional environment. Inmates typically wake early for count procedures and breakfast, followed by work details or programming activities throughout the day.

Living conditions generally include basic furnishings and personal storage areas within the housing units. Inmates usually share common areas for dining and recreation, with meals served at designated times in the facility’s dining hall. The commissary provides opportunities for inmates to purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their basic needs. Furthermore, inmates often adapt by establishing routines around available television time, reading materials, and maintaining their assigned living spaces according to facility standards.

Recreation opportunities typically include outdoor exercise periods and access to common areas for socialization when security protocols permit. Work assignments may involve kitchen duties, facility maintenance, or laundry services that provide structure and responsibility. Although visitation schedules are subject to facility policies, inmates generally have opportunities for family contact through scheduled visits and phone calls. Programming activities often include educational resources and counseling services that help inmates maintain connections with support systems while serving their time.