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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Vermilion County Sheriff's Department 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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department.

Frequently asked questions about Vermilion County Sheriff's Department

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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Vermilion County Sheriff's Department?

   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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department?

   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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department. 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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department. 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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department?

   Mailing address:

   Vermilion County Sheriff's Department
   2 South St
   Danville, IL 61832
   Phone: (217) 442-4080

5. What are the visiting hours at Vermilion County Sheriff's Department?

   Visiting hours at Vermilion County Sheriff's Department 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 (217) 442-4080 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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department?

   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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Vermilion County Sheriff's Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Vermilion County Sheriff's Department 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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Vermilion County Sheriff's Department, 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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department?

   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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department 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 Vermilion County Sheriff's Department, 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

The breadth of developmental opportunities within Vermilion County Jail reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted needs of incarcerated individuals. Rather than operating as merely a custodial institution, the facility typically emphasizes programming that encompasses educational advancement, therapeutic intervention, and practical skill development. This holistic framework recognizes that meaningful rehabilitation requires addressing various aspects of an individual's circumstances, from academic deficiencies to mental health challenges and employment readiness.

Educational and vocational opportunities often form the cornerstone of the facility's programming structure. Individuals may access education services ranging from basic literacy instruction to high school equivalency preparation, while distance learning options frequently expand access to higher education coursework. Additionally, vocational programs typically provide hands-on training in practical trades and skills that enhance employment prospects upon release. These educational initiatives often emphasize both immediate learning outcomes and long-term career development, creating pathways for sustainable reintegration into the community.

Support services and therapeutic interventions complement the educational framework through targeted assistance addressing personal and psychological barriers to successful reentry. Mental health treatment opportunities may include individual counseling, group therapy sessions, and crisis intervention services tailored to address trauma, substance abuse, and other underlying issues. Furthermore, practical support services such as identification document assistance help individuals navigate bureaucratic requirements essential for housing and employment. Creative outlets through arts and crafts programming often provide therapeutic benefits while developing constructive leisure skills, contributing to the facility's comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and personal development.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of count times punctuates each day at Vermilion County Jail, creating a structured framework around which all other activities revolve. Individuals now find themselves adapting to a routine that typically begins with early morning wake-up calls, followed by breakfast service and the first of several daily headcounts that staff regularly conduct to ensure accountability and security. The day generally unfolds with designated periods for meals, recreation, programming, and personal time, while individuals usually navigate this schedule alongside their housing unit assignments and any work responsibilities they may have been given.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where individuals generally store their approved personal belongings in designated areas while adhering to established property limits. The dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in common areas, with individuals typically receiving three meals daily that meet basic nutritional standards, though many often supplement these meals with items purchased from the commissary when funds are available. While the physical environment may feel restrictive, individuals generally have access to basic hygiene facilities and medical care when needed, creating a foundation for maintaining personal health and dignity during their stay.

Additionally, the facility typically offers various structured programming opportunities that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or religious services, providing individuals with constructive ways to spend their time and work toward personal goals. Recreation periods usually allow for physical exercise in designated areas, while visitation policies generally enable individuals to maintain connections with family members and loved ones through scheduled visits or phone calls, though these communications are typically monitored for security purposes. Work assignments within the facility often provide individuals with daily structure and may include tasks such as kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance work, offering both routine and the opportunity to contribute to the facility's operations while potentially earning small wages or credits.