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 Wise County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Wise 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 Wise County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Wise County Jail
   200 Rook Ramsey Dr
   Decatur, TX 76234
   Phone: (940) 627-5971

   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 Wise County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Wise 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) 627-5971 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 Wise 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 Wise County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth opportunities flourish within the structured environment of Wise County Jail, where those incarcerated can access a range of developmental offerings designed to build essential life skills. The facility typically emphasizes creating pathways for meaningful change through carefully organized activities that promote both personal responsibility and practical skill development. These offerings often focus on preparing individuals for successful reintegration while maintaining the security and safety standards essential to the correctional environment.

Educational and vocational training opportunities may furnish those incarcerated with valuable hands-on experience in essential trades. Distance learning programs often provide flexible pathways for academic advancement, allowing participants to work toward educational goals within the facility's structured schedule. Vocational training typically includes practical skills development, while specialized training in areas such as plumbing may offer those incarcerated marketable abilities that can support future employment opportunities upon release.

In addition to these skill-building offerings, the facility often includes comprehensive support services that address various aspects of personal development. Work programs typically provide structure and responsibility while contributing to facility operations through services like laundry management. Faith-based initiatives may furnish spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking this form of personal growth. Parenting classes often help those incarcerated maintain and strengthen family connections while developing essential child-rearing skills, creating opportunities for healthier relationships and family stability.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and community connections often serve as anchors for those incarcerated at the Wise County Jail, helping them navigate the structured environment of county-level detention. Today's routine consistently revolves around maintaining these vital relationships while adapting to institutional schedules. Those incarcerated typically begin their day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by opportunities for phone calls to family members during designated hours. The facility generally provides structured time blocks that allow residents to participate in recreational activities, educational programming, or work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility cleaning responsibilities.

Living accommodations usually consist of dormitory-style housing units or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Those incarcerated often share common areas where social interactions naturally develop, creating informal support networks among residents. In addition to this communal aspect, the facility typically furnishes basic amenities and allows personal property within established guidelines. Meals are generally served in designated dining areas or housing units, providing additional opportunities for social connection and community building among those sharing the experience of incarceration.

Despite this structured environment, the facility usually offers various programs designed to maintain family ties and prepare residents for eventual reintegration. Visitation policies typically allow regular contact with approved family members and friends, while phone and mail systems generally provide consistent communication channels. Those incarcerated may participate in educational classes, substance abuse programming, or religious services that often emphasize community values and personal growth. Work assignments not only help maintain facility operations but also furnish structure and purpose to daily routines, while recreational periods usually include access to television, reading materials, and physical exercise opportunities that support both individual well-being and positive social interactions.