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 Waukesha County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Waukesha 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 Waukesha County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Waukesha County Jail
   515 W Moreland Blvd
   Waukesha, WI 53188
   Phone: (262) 548-7170

5. What are the visiting hours at Waukesha County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Waukesha 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 (262) 548-7170 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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Communication with loved ones serves as a cornerstone of support for individuals at Waukesha County Jail, with the facility having transitioned to a digital mail system to streamline correspondence. Personal mail from family and friends is now processed through a digital scanning service, allowing for more efficient delivery while maintaining security protocols. The facility maintains separate procedures for legal correspondence and financial transactions, ensuring that important legal communications and monetary support reach incarcerated individuals through appropriate channels.

Beyond correspondence services, Waukesha County Jail typically may offer various programming designed to support rehabilitation and prepare individuals for successful reentry. Educational opportunities often include basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and life skills training that addresses practical needs such as financial management and job readiness. The facility may also provide access to substance abuse counseling and mental health services, recognizing that addressing underlying issues is essential for reducing recidivism.

Support services at the facility often extend to include religious programming, library access, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being during incarceration. Work programs may be available to help individuals develop job skills while contributing to facility operations. These comprehensive services work together to create an environment where individuals can address personal challenges, maintain family connections, and develop the tools necessary for successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones has become increasingly digital at Waukesha County Jail, where personal mail from family and friends is now processed through a scanning system rather than delivered directly to the facility. Inmates receive correspondence that has been digitally processed through a Phoenix, Maryland address, while legal mail, checks, and money orders must still be sent directly to the facility's Waukesha address to ensure proper handling and delivery.

The structured environment at the facility typically revolves around scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and programming opportunities that may include educational classes, work assignments, and counseling services. Inmates often spend portions of their day in common areas when not participating in scheduled activities, though specific routines may vary based on housing assignments and individual circumstances. The facility generally maintains security protocols that balance safety requirements with opportunities for inmates to maintain connections with their families and prepare for their eventual return to the community.

Family contact remains an important aspect of daily life, though telephone messages for inmates are not accepted by the facility. Instead, communication typically occurs through the digital mail system, scheduled visitation when available, and approved phone calls during designated hours. The facility's policies regarding correspondence reflect modern security practices while attempting to maintain important family connections that can support successful reintegration into the community upon release.