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 Waller County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Waller 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 Waller County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Waller County Jail
   300 Sheriff R Glenn Smith Dr
   Hempstead, TX 77445
   Phone: (979) 826-8282

   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 Waller County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Waller 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 (979) 826-8282 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 Waller 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 Waller County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Through comprehensive support systems, Walker County Jail recognizes that meaningful change occurs when the population has access to structured opportunities for personal growth and skill development. The facility's approach centers on providing diverse pathways that address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. Staff typically work alongside participants to identify individual strengths and areas for improvement, creating an environment where progress becomes achievable through consistent engagement and community support.

Educational and vocational programs form the foundation of skill-building efforts within the facility. Adult basic education services may supply fundamental literacy and numeracy instruction, helping participants strengthen core academic competencies essential for future success. Also available are vocational training opportunities that often include hands-on carpentry instruction, allowing the population to develop marketable trade skills while working on practical projects. These programs typically emphasize both technical proficiency and workplace readiness, preparing individuals for employment opportunities upon their return to the community.

Work programs provide structured daily routines that may supply valuable experience in responsibility and teamwork, while faith-based initiatives offer spiritual support and community connection for those seeking such guidance. The facility also typically includes intramural sports activities, which serve multiple purposes by promoting physical wellness, building positive relationships among participants, and creating healthy outlets for stress management. These varied support services work together to address the diverse needs of the population, fostering an environment where personal development and preparation for successful reintegration remain central priorities throughout each individual's time at the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic organization forms the backbone of how the population experiences their time within Walker County Jail, with structured schedules that currently govern everything from wake-up calls to evening lockdown procedures. The facility continues to operate on a regimented timetable that typically includes designated periods for meals, recreation, and various programming activities. Daily routines generally begin early in the morning and follow a predictable pattern that helps maintain order while providing the population with essential services and opportunities for personal development.

Housing arrangements within the facility typically organize the population into separate units based on various classification factors, with each housing area designed to accommodate different security levels and population needs. Living spaces generally include basic furnishings and personal storage areas where individuals may keep approved personal items and commissary purchases. Also, the facility usually provides three meals daily in designated dining areas, with food service often managed through a systematic rotation that allows different housing units to access meals at scheduled intervals. However, some housing units may receive meals delivered directly to their living areas depending on security classifications and facility protocols.

Programming schedules supply the population with various structured activities that may include educational opportunities, religious services, and recreational periods. Work assignments within the facility often provide individuals with responsibilities such as kitchen duties, cleaning tasks, or other maintenance functions that help support daily operations. Also, visitation policies typically allow family members and approved visitors to maintain contact through scheduled visits, while communication options generally include telephone access and mail services. However, all visitation and communication privileges usually operate within established security guidelines and may vary based on individual circumstances and facility capacity.