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 Watauga County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Watauga 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 Watauga County Detention Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Watauga County Detention Center
   184 Hodges Gap Rd
   Boone, NC 28607
   Phone: (828) 265-7614

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

   Visiting hours at Watauga 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 (828) 265-7614 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 Watauga 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 Watauga County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Watauga County Detention Center maintains structured visitation schedules designed to support family connections, with weekend visits available on Saturdays from 8:30 A.M. to 5:40 P.M. and Sundays from 12:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Located at 184 Hodges Gap Road in Boone, the facility provides essential communication services including phone access through established accounts and commissary funding options through online platforms, helping individuals maintain important relationships during their incarceration.

Beyond basic communication services, the detention center typically offers educational programming that may include GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and life skills training. Many North Carolina county facilities provide substance abuse counseling, anger management classes, and vocational training opportunities to help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community. The facility often coordinates with local organizations to deliver religious services, mental health support, and pre-release planning assistance.

Support services at the detention center generally include medical care, dietary accommodations for special needs, and recreational activities within the facility's guidelines. The center may also provide access to legal resources, library services, and work programs that allow individuals to develop job skills while serving their sentences. These comprehensive services aim to address both immediate needs and longer-term rehabilitation goals for those in custody.

Daily Life & Visitation

Weekend visitation at the Watauga County Detention Center provides inmates with important family connections, with Saturday visits available from 8:30 A.M. to 5:40 P.M. and Sunday visits from 12:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. The specific timing for each visit typically depends on the inmate's housing location within the facility, and families are encouraged to call ahead to confirm their scheduled visitation time. Located on Hodges Gap Road in Boone, the facility maintains structured communication policies that include phone services through a dedicated system and commissary account funding available through online deposits.

Throughout the week, inmates at this North Carolina detention facility typically follow a structured daily routine that may include meals served at regular intervals, designated recreation periods, and access to basic services. The facility often provides essential items through the commissary system, allowing families to contribute funds to support their loved ones' needs for personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Housing assignments are generally based on various factors including security classification and available space.

Like many county detention centers in North Carolina, the facility likely offers basic medical services, educational programming when available, and maintains security protocols designed to ensure safety for both inmates and staff. The detention center serves the Watauga County area and typically processes individuals awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences, with daily operations focused on maintaining security while providing necessary services and maintaining family connections through the established visitation and communication systems.