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 Wichita County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Wichita 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 Wichita County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Wichita County Jail
   2815 Central E Fwy
   Wichita Falls, TX 76302
   Phone: (940) 766-8170

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Wichita 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 (940) 766-8170 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 Wichita 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 Wichita County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Wichita 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 Wichita 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 Wichita 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 Wichita 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 and correspondence services form a cornerstone of inmate support at Wichita County Jail in Texas, with the facility maintaining detailed guidelines to ensure secure and effective contact between inmates and their families. The detention center has implemented a digital mail system where inmates receive their correspondence through tablets, modernizing the traditional mail process while maintaining security protocols. Personal mail is carefully screened according to specific criteria, with clear guidelines provided to families regarding acceptable items, photo restrictions, and proper addressing procedures to ensure successful delivery.

The facility may offer educational programming that could include GED preparation classes, basic literacy instruction, and life skills development courses designed to support successful reintegration. Vocational training opportunities might be available to help inmates develop marketable job skills, while substance abuse counseling and mental health services typically address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Religious services and chaplaincy programs often provide spiritual guidance and support to inmates seeking faith-based assistance during their incarceration.

Support services at the facility likely extend to include commissary access, allowing inmates to purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their basic needs. The jail may also coordinate with local organizations to provide reentry planning assistance, helping inmates prepare for their release through job placement resources, housing assistance referrals, and connections to community support services. These comprehensive programs work together to create a structured environment that addresses both immediate needs and long-term rehabilitation goals for the inmate population.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Wichita County Jail receive their personal correspondence through digital tablets rather than traditional paper mail delivery, representing a modern approach to communication within the facility. Mail sent to the detention center undergoes thorough screening, with strict guidelines prohibiting items such as colored writing materials, third-party correspondence, and photographs depicting inappropriate content. The facility maintains specific protocols for different types of mail, requiring money orders and books to be sent to separate addresses - books must come directly from publishers to PO Box 8466 in Wichita Falls, while financial deposits are processed through the Law Enforcement Center's Finance Officer.

Communication with family and friends follows structured guidelines designed to maintain security while preserving important personal connections. Letters may include up to 10 photographs per correspondence, provided they meet size requirements and content standards, while greeting cards must be simple in design without electronic components, glitter, or multi-layered construction. The facility typically operates on scheduled routines common to Texas county jails, which often include designated meal times, recreation periods, and educational programming, though specific daily schedules may vary based on housing assignments and security classifications.

The detention center's approach to inmate correspondence reflects broader trends in correctional facility management, balancing security concerns with the recognized importance of maintaining family ties during incarceration. Money deposited through the approved channels becomes available for commissary purchases, allowing inmates to supplement basic facility provisions with additional comfort items and communication services, which can play a significant role in daily life and morale within the facility.