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 Tuscaloosa County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Tuscaloosa County Jail
   1600 26th Ave
   Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
   Phone: (205) 349-4511

   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 Tuscaloosa County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Tuscaloosa 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 (205) 349-4511 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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa 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 that may be available to inmates at Greene County Jail. The facility typically emphasizes building practical abilities and life skills that can support successful reintegration into the community. These services often focus on addressing educational gaps while providing opportunities for personal reflection and positive behavioral changes.

Educational and vocational services may include computer literacy training to help inmates develop essential digital skills for today's job market. Vocational education opportunities often provide hands-on learning experiences that can lead to employment after release. Furthermore, commercial driving (CDL) preparation services may be available to help inmates pursue careers in transportation and logistics fields.

Support services typically encompass agriculture programs that teach valuable farming and gardening skills while promoting responsibility and work ethic. Faith-based services often provide spiritual guidance and counseling support for inmates seeking personal transformation. These therapeutic services may include group discussions and individual reflection opportunities that help participants develop coping strategies and address underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Greene County Jail create a structured environment where inmates now adapt to shared living spaces and regulated schedules. Inmates regularly follow established routines that typically begin with morning counts and meals served at designated times. The daily structure generally includes work assignments, programming activities, and supervised recreation periods that provide stability and purpose.

Living accommodations typically consist of dormitory-style housing or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Inmates usually share sleeping quarters and common areas, learning to navigate personal space within the confines of institutional living. Furthermore, meals are generally served in designated dining areas or housing units, with inmates receiving three meals daily that meet basic nutritional requirements. Personal property is typically limited to approved items, while commissary services may offer additional food items and personal care products for those with available funds.

Although movement throughout the facility is restricted and supervised, inmates generally have access to recreational activities and exercise opportunities during scheduled periods. Work assignments often provide structure and may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility cleaning responsibilities. Programming schedules typically include educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, or religious services that help inmates maintain connections to personal growth. Visitation policies usually allow for regular family contact through scheduled visits, while phone calls and written correspondence provide additional communication options that help maintain important relationships during incarceration.