1.   Can inmates receive telephone calls?

Incoming calls or messages to the inmate will not be accepted. However inmates have access to telephones during the day and can call you collect. If the inmate has received disciplinary confinement due to behavior, phone calls will be allowed only two times a week. In the case of a medical emergency within the inmate’s family, you can call the shift supervisor who will verify the emergency and allow the inmate a special outgoing phone privilege.

Please review the following information regarding the Inmate Telephone Service:

Telephone Guide- English (PDF)
Telephone Guide- Spanish (PDF)

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2.   How can I give money to an inmate?

Monies may be mailed to inmates in an envelope addressed to the facility and must state the inmate’s name and booking number. FOR DEPOSIT ONLY must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope or it will be returned to sender. Personnel will deposit the monies in the inmate’s account and complete a money receipt and forward a copy of the receipt to the inmate. Make checks out to the inmate's name and please include the inmate’s jacket number (ID) on the check or money order. Social security income checks, foreign drafts, personal checks, or business checks will NOT be accepted. Revised 3/18/2008

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3.   How can I send mail to an inmate?

* For safety and security reasons, all mail, with the exception of legal mail must be in the form of a postcard. They can be purchased or computer generated which will allow for pictures to be printed rather than mailed separately. Letters contained within envelopes will not be accepted. To ensure the correct inmate receives the postcard, include the inmate’s jacket number (I.D.#). Inmates are allowed to send mail out and are provided with pen, paper and envelopes if indigent. Mail is collected and disbursed daily.

Postcard minimum size – 3.5 inches by 4.25 inches.

Postcard maximum size – 4.25 inches by 6 inches.

Must be written in or typed in black or blue ink.

Postcards will not be accepted in the following form:

Defaced or altered;

Plastic or wrapped postcards;

Postcards marked with paint, crayon, or marker;

Postcards with labels or stickers;

Postcards with watermarks or stains;

Postcards with biohazards including perfume or lipstick;

Postcards depicting nudity, weapons, or gang references.

Monies may be mailed to inmates in an envelope addressed to the facility and must state the inmate’s name and booking number. FOR DEPOSIT ONLY. must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope or it will be returned to sender. Personnel will deposit the monies in the inmate’s account and complete a money receipt and forward a copy of the receipt to the inmate.

Revised 4/24/2008

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4.   How can I bond someone out of jail?

The method of bonding someone out of jail is dependent upon the type of charges he or she was arrested on.
A cash bond or cash purge requires the amount of the bond to be paid in full. Payment can be in the form of cash, a cashier’s check or money order made out to Lee County Clerk of Courts. A charge carrying a cash or surety bond can be paid in the same fashion, or a bonding company can be used. For this type of bond you will be required to come up with a portion of the cash amount and provide collateral, or something of value, equal to the remaining amount. The bonds person will then present the necessary paperwork to the facility to initiate the release of the inmate.

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5.   How and when can I visit an inmate?

Review our Inmate Visitation page for complete information on how, when, and where to visit an inmate, and what you can wear and bring with you when visiting.

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6.   Can I mail a care package to the inmate?

Inmates may not receive care packages. Any food and/or clothing items received in the mail will be returned to sender. Food and snack items as well as underclothing are available in the Commissary for purchase by the inmate. Outerwear clothing is provided to the inmate for the duration of incarceration.

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7.   Can I bring in clothing and hygiene items for the inmate?

Inmates are provided clothing for the duration of their incarceration. Upon classification, a packet consisting of a comb, deodorant, toothbrush, soap, and toothpaste is provided to the inmate. Additionally, all feminine hygiene items will be available for female inmates. Items can be purchased by the inmate from the Commissary or will be provided if the inmate does not have any money.

If an inmate is going to appear in court and you wish to bring him or her clothes for trial, you can have the inmate’s attorney or public defender call the Court Operations Office at (239) 335-2895 to make the necessary arrangements. Arrangements with the Court Operations Unit will not be made directly with the family.

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8.   I’m here to pick someone up, how long will it take?

Depending on the condition of the release, it could take several hours. If the person is being released as a result of serving all time sentenced, the release should take a minimal amount of time.

If a person just appeared in court and was granted a release on their own recognizance (ROR), or other form of release, it could take several hours. The inmate cannot be released from custody until ALL court paperwork has been sent to the Jail. The court does not always send papers as they are signed, but often sends all papers as one complete package at the end of the business day. Be assured that any inmate who was granted a release, will be released as soon as possible.

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9.   What if an inmate needs a doctor or dentist?

There is a doctor on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week for emergency calls regarding the inmate's health--including dental emergencies. The dentist makes on-site visits twice a week and doctor’s sick call is held at each facility five times a week. In addition, a full compliment of nursing staff is always on duty to dispense medications and address any medical issue or question an inmate may have.

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10.   I’ve been sentenced to "do time" on weekends, what do I do now?

Bring your court paperwork and photo ID to the Core facility on Ortiz Avenue, Tuesday or Wednesday between the hours of 5:00-9:00 PM to register and to be screened by medical staff. When you report for the weekend, you are NOT allowed to bring ANY personal items. If you have a purse, please secure it in your vehicle or leave it at home, but if you drive yourself, be sure to have your driver's license with you! If you show up for your weekend under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, you will be sent back in front of the judge who may require you to do straight time!

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11.   Can I bring or send reading and/or religious materials for the inmate?

Religious or spiritual material will be accepted as a “donation” by the Chaplain’s Office and will be made part of the religious library. These materials must be addressed “Care of the Chaplains Office.” Religious material will not be accepted for individual inmates. A supply of donated religious material and other reading material is available in the facility and will be provided to any inmate who makes a request, as long as the item has been donated and is still available.

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