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 Waupaca County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Waupaca 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 Waupaca County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Waupaca County Jail
   1402 Royalton St
   Waupaca, WI 54981
   Phone: (715) 256-4545

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

   Visiting hours at Waupaca 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 (715) 256-4545 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 Waupaca 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 Waupaca County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Waupaca County Jail emphasizes behavioral modification through compliance with facility rules while providing a comprehensive range of programs and voluntary self-help opportunities designed to reduce idleness and prepare individuals for their eventual return to the community. Located at 1402 East Royalton Street and opened in 2001, this 320-bed facility serves not dedicated Waupaca County residents but also houses individuals from Wood and Portage Counties as safekeepers, along with some Extended Supervision inmates from Brown County. The facility operates under the oversight of Captain Adam Wogsland as Jail Administrator and Lieutenant Jason Russell, who manages daily jail operations.

Healthcare services represent a fundamental component of the facility’s programming, with necessary medical care and medication management provided to all inmates. The jail typically may offer educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and vocational training designed to enhance employment prospects upon release. Substance abuse counseling and mental health services are often available to address underlying issues that may have contributed to incarceration. The facility may also provide religious services, library access, and recreational activities as part of its commitment to reducing idleness and promoting positive behavioral changes.

Communication and family connection services play an important role in maintaining community ties, with phone and video visitation options available to inmates. The facility operates a commissary system and maintains processes for inmates to receive mail, pictures, and approved property items. Additionally, the jail may offer work programs, life skills classes, and reentry planning services to help prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. These programs align with the facility’s mission to operate in accordance with Wisconsin Department of Corrections standards while ensuring the safety and security of staff, inmates, and county citizens.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Waupaca County Jail facility on East Royalton Street operates as a structured environment where approximately many individuals follow established daily routines designed to maintain order and security. As a correctional facility that houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced inmates, and individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities, the jail typically maintains consistent schedules that may include designated meal times, recreation periods, and program participation opportunities. The facility’s operations, overseen by administrative staff, focus on providing necessary healthcare services while encouraging behavioral modification through compliance with established rules and regulations.

Inmates and their families can maintain contact through the jail’s phone and video visitation systems, which provide important connections to the outside community. The facility typically offers scheduled visitation times that allow family members to communicate with their incarcerated loved ones while maintaining security protocols. Additionally, the jail operates a commissary system where funds can be deposited into inmate accounts, enabling individuals to purchase approved items that may supplement their daily needs. Mail and picture policies are generally in place to facilitate communication, though these services often include screening procedures to ensure facility safety.

The jail’s approach to daily operations emphasizes preparing inmates for their eventual return to the community through various programs and self-help opportunities designed to reduce idleness. Healthcare services are provided as needed, and the facility maintains standards that comply with Wisconsin Department of Corrections requirements. With its capacity to house many individuals and current population of around 200, the facility also serves neighboring counties by housing safekeepers from Wood and Portage Counties, as well as some Extended Supervision inmates, creating a diverse population with varying daily schedules and program needs.