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 Wake County Public Safety Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety Center.

Frequently asked questions about Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety Center?

   Mailing address:

   Wake County Public Safety Center
   330 S Salisbury St
   Raleigh, NC 27601
   Phone: (919) 856-6900

   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 Wake County Public Safety Center?

   Visiting hours at Wake County Public Safety 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 (919) 856-6900 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 Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Wake County Public Safety Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety 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 Wake County Public Safety 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

Communication with family and friends plays a vital role in maintaining connections for those housed at the Wake County Public Safety Center in North Carolina. The facility has implemented a digital mail system that delivers personal correspondence, including letters, pictures, and drawings, directly to inmates through tablet technology. This modernized approach to inmate correspondence allows for more efficient delivery while maintaining important family bonds during incarceration.

The facility’s communication services extend beyond traditional mail to include digital messaging capabilities through the GettingOut platform, which enables quick exchanges between inmates and their loved ones via online access or mobile app. While packages and legal mail continue to be processed through traditional channels, the digital system streamlines personal correspondence. Beyond communication services, Wake County Public Safety Center may offer educational programming, vocational training opportunities, and counseling services that are typical of North Carolina correctional facilities.

Support services at the facility likely include substance abuse counseling, mental health programs, and reentry preparation assistance to help individuals successfully transition back to their communities. The facility may also provide religious services, recreational activities, and work programs that allow inmates to develop job skills while serving their sentences. These comprehensive services typically work together to address the various needs of the incarcerated population while promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Wake County Public Safety Center maintain contact with family and friends through a modernized digital mail system that delivers letters, pictures, and drawings directly to personal tablets. This technological approach to correspondence represents a significant shift from traditional mail handling, though packages and legal documents still require physical delivery to the facility. The digital messaging system, accessible through the GettingOut platform, allows for quicker communication between inmates and their support networks outside the facility.

The facility typically operates on a structured schedule that may include designated times for meals, recreation, educational programming, and work assignments. Inmates often have access to common areas during specified hours, where they can use their tablets to read digital mail, participate in approved programs, or engage in recreational activities. The detention center likely provides basic amenities such as library services, television access in dayrooms, and outdoor recreation time when weather and security conditions permit.

Communication remains a vital component of daily life, with the digital mail system serving as the primary method for personal correspondence. Family members must follow specific addressing requirements, including the inmate’s comprehensive identifier and the facility’s processing center in Phoenix, Maryland, to ensure proper delivery. This system, combined with the digital messaging capabilities, helps maintain important family connections while inmates navigate their time at the Wake County facility under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Office detention staff.