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 Woodbury County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Woodbury 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 Woodbury County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Woodbury County Jail
   407 7th St
   Sioux City, IA 51101
   Phone: (712) 279-6040

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Woodbury 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 (712) 279-6040 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 Woodbury 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 Woodbury County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Woodbury 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 Woodbury 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 Woodbury 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 Woodbury 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 newly completed Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center and Jail operates with structured administrative procedures designed to support both inmates and their families during incarceration. With a capacity of 498 individuals, the facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced individuals, and federal prisoners through its contract with the U.S. Marshals Service. The jail's professional staff maintains administrative hours from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, providing essential services including bonding procedures that can be processed through the Woodbury County Clerk of Courts during regular business hours or directly through the jail facility after hours.

Communication services at the facility include a modernized mail processing system that routes all inmate correspondence through a centralized facility in Texas for electronic delivery, while legal mail from verified attorneys may be sent directly to the jail. Video visitation opportunities are available to help inmates maintain connections with family and friends during their incarceration. Beyond these basic services, correctional facilities in Iowa typically may offer educational programming such as GED preparation, vocational training opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and mental health support services to help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community.

The facility's approach often includes case management services that may connect inmates with community resources, job placement assistance, and transitional support programs. Religious services and library access are commonly available, along with recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being. These comprehensive support systems work together to address the diverse needs of the inmate population while maintaining the safety and security standards expected of a modern correctional facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Woodbury County Jail operates with structured administrative hours from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, providing a framework that influences the daily rhythm for the facility's up to 498 inmates. This newly completed Law Enforcement Center, which opened in 2024, houses a diverse population including pre-trial detainees, sentenced individuals, and federal prisoners under contract with the U.S. Marshals Service. The professional staff works around the clock to maintain security protocols while managing the complex needs of this varied inmate population, which typically includes structured meal times, recreational periods, and programming opportunities throughout each day.

Communication with family and friends follows specific procedures designed to maintain facility security while preserving important connections. All personal mail must be sent to a processing facility in Longview, Texas, where correspondence is digitized and delivered electronically to inmates before physical items are destroyed. Video visitation provides another avenue for maintaining family relationships, though specific scheduling details may vary. Legal communications receive special handling, with verified attorneys able to send privileged correspondence directly to the facility's Sioux City address, ensuring constitutional rights are protected while maintaining security protocols.

The bonding process operates during regular business hours through the Woodbury County Clerk of Courts from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with after-hours bond posting available directly through the jail facility. This system reflects the facility's role in housing both pre-trial and sentenced populations, where some inmates may be released pending court proceedings while others serve their sentences. The facility's capacity and federal contract arrangements suggest a well-equipped environment that likely includes medical services, educational programming, and work opportunities typical of modern correctional facilities, all operating within the secure framework maintained by the dedicated correctional staff.