Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks Inmate Mail

Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks Inmate Mail

When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please address your mail as follows:

Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks
Mobile County Jail Minimum Barracks
Inmate's full name and date of birth
P. O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601

Refer to the Metro Jail Inmate Mail page for all rules, policies and information re: inmate mail in The Barracks.

TYPE OF MAIL ALLOWED FOR Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks

Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks ONLY allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office unless noted otherwise.

  • Minimum size: 3.5 Inches by 4.25 inches. Maximum size: 4.25 inches by 6 inches.
  • Postcards mailed with a stamp will be rejected.
  • It is best to only use blue or black ink.
  • Always include your name and return address.


Envelopes
Envelopes with personal letters are NOT allowed.

Postcards MUST be mailed to the following address:
Mobile County Jail Minimum Barracks
Inmate's full name and date of birth
P. O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601



Legal Mail
Envelopes from an attorney or professionals related to an inmates case ARE allowed.

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Mobile County Jail Minimum Barracks
Inmate's full name and date of birth
P. O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Mobile County Jail Minimum Barracks
Inmate's full name and date of birth
P. O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601


 

What is Inmate mail?

By law, every inmate is entitled to receive mail delivered through the United State Postal Service. While for years, this mail was always delivered in the form of a letter or a postcard from friends and loved ones directly to the inmate, the definition of inmate mail has changed a bit.

Inmate mail can be:

•    A letter in an envelope,
•    A postcard,
•    A greeting card, or
•    A digital letter

Because of security and contraband concerns, mainly the paper and envelope that a letter is written on or enclosed in, being soaked in a liquid form of drugs, many jails are increasingly limiting the type of mail inmates can get.

Some still allow regular mail in an envelope with a stamp, but many now have the letter sent to a third-party that opens the letter, scans it and the envelope into a computer, emails the letter to the jail where they print it out, giving the photocopies to the inmate, or they send it to a computer kiosk or tablet digitally that the inmate can access.

Others only allow postcards, specifically the white, pre-stamped postcards that you can purchase from the post office. 

When greeting cards are allowed, they can’t be cards with glitter, music or other do-dads. They can only be plain paper cards.

Some jails, in fact most, require that mail be written or typed with only black or blue ink. Some allow black pencils to be used.

None allow crayons, markers, lipstick prints, etc. 

All require white envelopes, white paper or lined paper such as from a pad. Very few allow paper that is card stock. It must be plain white, 20-lb. printer paper.

To see the inmate mail policies for Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks check out the inmate mail details above or call the jail at 251-574-2423 for specific information.

What is my inmate’s mailing address?

There are five different types of addresses for every jail:

1.    The physical address of the jail
2.    The mailing address for an inmate’s personal mail
3.    The mailing address for the inmate’s legal mail
4.    The mailing address for the jail’s administrative staff
5.    The mailing address for sending money to the inmate’s trust or commissary fund
       Visit the Inmate Money page for this information

In general, the only three addresses that friends and family of inmates need to be concerned about are:

•    The inmate address for personal mail.
•    The address for sending money orders to the inmate’s commissary account.
      Visit the Inmate Money page for this information.
•    The physical address of the jail.

Because this section is about mailing an inmate, the address for mailing an inmate is:

Mobile County Jail Minimum Barracks
Inmate's full name and date of birth
P. O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601

or 
Inmate's Full Name
Inmate ID#
Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36601

If the red address is visible, then use that address, as that is the new address the jail is using for an inmate's personal mail to combat contraband entering the facility.

How do I mail a letter to an inmate in jail?

To mail a letter to an inmate in the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks, first completely read all the mail policies and guidelines that are on this page. Also read any updated mail guidelines that are on the official page for facility. If you still have questions, then call the jail at 251-574-2423 and ask specifics.

It is important to understand that if even one thing is done incorrectly when sending a letter to the jail, even if everything else is done correctly, then your letter will not be delivered to the inmate.  In fact, even though the jail claims they will mail your letter back to you so that you will know it was not delivered, there is always the chance it will be disposed of. 

So here you are at home, wondering why your inmate is not responding to your letter, when in fact, they may not have even received it.

How do I address an inmate?

All mail to the inmate must be addressed as follows:

A full return address, which includes your full name and full address.  Without this the mail will not be delivered to the inmate.

A complete address to the inmate, including:

Full Name (name that they were booked under)
Inmate ID# (booking #, SO #, etc.)
Inmate’s Housing location (if you know it)
Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip code

Mobile County Jail Minimum Barracks
Inmate's full name and date of birth
P. O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601



A letter that is not addressed completely may not get delivered. Keep in mind that often there is more than one inmate in a jail with the same name. You certainly don’t want the wrong inmate getting your private mail, do you?

If a letter is not delivered to an inmate, will they be notified?

Sometimes. There are some jails that will deliver you a notification that a letter which was intended for you was returned because it was either improperly addressed, did not have return address, contained contraband of some sort, had things written in it that were against mail and jail policies, or were sent by someone you were not allowed contact with such as co-defendant or someone the court had forbidden contact with such as a spouse in a domestic violence case.

Most of the time though, the letter is either returned or destroyed, and if there are illegal substances in the letter, it will be turned over to the Mobile County Sheriff or District Attorney for possible criminal investigation and/or indictment.

What can I send to an inmate by mail?

Generally nothing but a letter, printouts from a computer printer or photographs can be sent to an inmate in the mail. If there is anything else enclosed, the entire letter and the contents will be returned to you or destroyed.

There are a few exceptions to this, such as several county jails in New York, including the infamous Riker’s Island. Riker’s allows all kinds of things to be mailed to an inmate, including a box of items every month.

Can I send pictures to an inmate?

Every jail has their own policy regarding allowing inmates to receive photographs in the mail, if at all. For Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks’s policy, review the information on this page.

In general, most jails allow an inmate to have anywhere from four to six photographs in their possession at any one time. These cannot be polaroids, and the photos cannot be construed as even mildly sexual (such as a woman or child in a bathing suit), gang related, drug related or violent.

Some jails allow only photocopied photos.

Some jails only allow photos that are sent digitally and must remain digital.

There are only a few jails that do not allow any photos of any kind.

If you are still uncertain as the policy regarding photographs at this facility, call them at 251-574-2423.

Can I send newspapers, magazines and books to an inmate in the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks?

Most jails allow newspapers, magazines and books to be sent to an inmate, if they come directly from the publisher, such as directly from the newspaper or magazine themselves, or from the specific book publisher or trusted mail order source such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

There is often a limit of the quantity of books and magazines an inmate can either receive at one time, receive each month, or have in their possession at any one time. 

Hardcover books, or books with wire spiral binders are never allowed.

Any publications that portray or discuss violence, sex, gang activity, drugs, jail escapes or anything else against jail policies are not allowed and will be returned.

The policy of the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks should be detailed on this page. However, if it is not, then call the jail at 251-574-2423 and ask.

Keep in mind that the address the publications should be mailed to is not always the mailing address of where the inmate gets their regular mail, the mail that is scanned and forwarded digitally to them.

The mailing address for publications is:

Mobile County Jail Minimum Barracks
Inmate's full name and date of birth
P. O. Box 104
Mobile, AL 36601

or 
Inmate's Full Name
Inmate ID#
Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36601

Use the address in red if it is visible to you.

NOTE: There are a few New York jails that allow publications to be sent directly to them as opposed to having it sent through the publisher. One of the most notable exceptions is Riker’s Island in New York City.

How often can I send letters or cards to an inmate?

There is no limit to how often you can send letters or cards to an inmate. You are only limited to the types of letters and cards that you can send, considering Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks’s policies, which are outlined on this page.

How often can the inmate mail letters?

An inmate can mail letters as often as they like.  There is no limit to the number of letters that an inmate can write and send.  They are only limited by the number of stamps they can afford to purchase through commissary, and the amount of commissary spend that the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks allows.

What is considered contraband in the mail?

Contraband is defined as anything that the jail does not allow to be mailed to an inmate, which is just about everything. The list would fill ten sets of encyclopedias. 

It easier to say what is allowed to be sent through the mail:

•    When allowed, a certain number of photographs.
•    When allowed, newspapers, magazines and books, if they are sent from a publisher.
•    When allowed, a care package of snacks, hygiene products or clothing from a commissary company that has contracted with the jail.

Can I send printouts from my computer to an inmate?

Some jails allow printouts of photographs and information to be sent to an inmate through the mail. Refer to the mail policy on this page or by calling the jail directly at 251-574-2423.

Can I send an inmate a package?

Many jails contract with companies that send food, hygiene products and/or clothing to inmates. These can be purchased and sent by friends and family on a weekly or monthly basis.

You can only send items from the one that your jail has a contract with. 

Check this page, the Money Page or the Commissary Page for further information, or call the jail at 251-574-2423 to see which one that the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks works with.

Here are the commissary package companies, in alphabetical order, that provide this service to jails in the United States:

Access Securepak
Care A Cell
Commissary order
Correct Pay
Express Account
icare
Inmate Canteen
Jail ATM
Jail Pack Store (McDaniel Supply)
My Care Pack
Oasis (jailcanteen)
Prodigy Solutions
Tiger
Union Supply Direct

Can I send an inmate a gift?

The only gifts you can send an inmate must come from one of the stores above, and Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks must contract with them.

If I send something to an inmate that is not allowed, can the inmate or I get in trouble?

If the item that you send an inmate is illegal, then you and/or your inmate can get in trouble, otherwise if it is not illegal, it will just be destroyed or in some cases, returned to you.

Note that if you continue to send items that are considered contraband, some of your communication privileges with your inmate, such as visitation or phone calls, may be suspended.

Can I send an inmate postage stamps?

No, you cannot send postage stamps. Stamps must be purchased by the inmate through commissary. You can send them the money for stamps, but not the stamps.

How can an inmate get stamps while in jail or prison?

Stamps can be purchased in the jail commissary be the inmate.

If an inmate has no money, will the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks give them stamps?

Yes. If an inmate is indigent, the jail will provide them 2-3 stamps, and an equal amount of envelopes and stationery each week. 

What happens if I send the inmate drugs or something that can be a weapon, will I get in trouble?

Yes. If you send the inmate drugs, a weapon or anything illegal, it will be turned over to the Mobile County Sheriff or District Attorney and it is most likely that you will be prosecuted. 

Emailing with an Inmate

Using Jail ATM Digital Messaging with an Inmate at Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks - Sending and Receiving Messages.



How It Works:

Once you sign up with Jail ATM instant Messaging you can you can send texts from the cell phone associated with the mobile number you provided at sign-up, and receive text messages from the inmate on the same cell phone. You can only use the phone number you signed up with or it won't work.

Viewing Texts and Sending Replies:

Each text message sent to the inmate is converted to an email prior to delivery. The resident will view your text message just like he or she would view an email (for instance, on a kiosk within the housing unit); however, the resident will be alerted that the message came in as a text. The resident’s reply is converted back to a text message after sending, and delivered to your cell phone. Everything you send and receive will be viewed by the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks first.

Emails:

After you sign up for the SMS Texting Program, all of the inmate's emails and other electronic messages are delivered to your cell phone as a text message – you will no longer receive emails from the resident. You can still send an email to the resident after you sign up for the SMS Texting Program. However, the resident’s reply comes back to you as a text message. You can access your messaging account on the JailATM website to see a full record of all electronic messages sent and received.

Cost:

Once you sign up, the fees will be outlined and are subject to change, however Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks typically charges $1.00 per text message sent and received.

How to address your Inmate's Postcard or Envelope

Refer to the Metro Jail Inmate Mail page for all rules, policies and information re: inmate mail in The Barracks

Mailed Items NOT Allowed

Refer to the Metro Jail Inmate Mail page for all rules, policies and information re: inmate mail in The Barracks

Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon. Due to drug smuggling, not all inmates are even allowed to receive mail in envelopes, as only certain types of postcards are allowed.

For complete information on mail policies and addresses, check out our Inmate Mail page.


 

Mobile County Bail Bond Information

Because Mobile County and Alabama can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks at 251-574-2423, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, and do this right after an arrestee has been booked. 

Ask the staff at the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks or the Mobile County Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to pay it?
  4. Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
  5. What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
  6. Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?

If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released. 

This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.


 

How to Email an Inmate at Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks

Using Jail ATM Digital Messaging with an Inmate at Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks - Sending and Receiving Messages.



How It Works:

Once you sign up with Jail ATM instant Messaging you can you can send texts from the cell phone associated with the mobile number you provided at sign-up, and receive text messages from the inmate on the same cell phone. You can only use the phone number you signed up with or it won't work.

To learn more about this email service, check out our full instructions, including fees at our emailing and texting page.


 

How to Bond out an Inmate Online at the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks.

Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks uses an online cash bonding company called CashBondOnline.com so you don't have to bond out your inmate at the jail or at the Mobile County Courthouse.

Here's how it works:

1. Once you find out that your inmate has been arrested, go here and select Alabama.
2. Next select Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks, or if it is not listed like that, try Mobile County.
3. Next, input your inmate's name or ID Number and then click 'Find'.
4. If your inmate is elegible for a cash bond, the amount will be noted next to their criminal charges.

For full information on Cash bail and Bond Online, including how to contact them by phone and email, check out our Inmate Bail page.


 

How to Arrange Video Visitation with Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks Inmates

Follow these instructions to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL.

  • Register yourself and all visitors.
  • Select Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks
  • Select your inmate.
  • Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For all the information you need to know regarding scheduling, cost, rules, tips and guidelines of inmate visits at the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks, check out our Visit Inmate Page.


 

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

  • Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
  • Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
  • Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.


 

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Mobile County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks follow these steps:

  • Go to JailATM, choose Alabama, then choose Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
  • Select the products you want shipped to them at Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Mobile County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Mobile County.


 

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Mobile County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks follow these steps:

  • Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, a service that acts as a bank for inmates in Mobile County.
  • After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
  • Choose Alabama, then choose Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate.
  • Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much money you can send your inmate in Mobile County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914.

For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Mobile County Jail - Minimum Security Barracks, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Mobile County.


 

Photos of this facility
1 / 1