Columbia County Detention Facility Inmate Mail

Search for an Inmate in Columbia County

Send an Inmate Mail in the Columbia County Detention Facility

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

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055

Important: Use the third-party mail service address directly below for personal mail, IF IT IS DIFFERENT than the above address:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055
(Only Postcards are allowed!!)

  • All mail sent to an inmate at the Columbia County Detention Facility must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
  • Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and your letter destroyed.
  • Always use blue or black ink. Do NOT use felt markers or crayons.
  • Do NOT include drawings, nor should you draw on the envelope or postcard.
  • Do NOT enclose glitter, confetti or anything else in envelope.
  • When greeting cards are allowed, they should be plain and not be musical.  
  • When books, newspapers and magazines are allowed, they must be new, and only be sent directly from the publisher.
  • Packages, when allowed, must only be sent directly to an inmate from the third-party vendor outlined on our Commissary Page.

Inmates have their mail delivered Monday thru Friday. There is no limit on how much mail they can receive. Inmates are allowed to send mail to friends and family, but NOT to co-defendants, other inmates in this or other jails or prisons, and NOT from people they have a 'no contact' order in place from.

The Columbia County Detention Facility has a zero-tolerance policy regarding mail violations.

Follow these instructions exactly to help ensure that your inmate receives his/her mail and not have it thrown away.

Scroll down for a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers regarding how to send an inmate mail, or call the Columbia County Detention Facility at 386-755-7000 with your questions.

Columbia County Detention Facility Inmate Mail Service & Policy

Columbia County Detention Facility uses a secure messaging service call Smart Communications so that inmates can communicate electronically with friends and family members on the outside.


SmartMail allows inmates to communicate safely and quickly with family and friends outside of the jail, prison or detention center. Inmates send and receive electronic letters using a safe and secure computer kiosk or tablet stationed in their institution. THE COST IS JUST $0.50 CENTS; cheaper than a postage stamp and envelope.

  • The message can be sent with postage paid and will be free to open and read for the recipient.
  • Or, the message can be sent collect / "COD" for free and will be paid for by the recipient.
  • To send or receive a message you MUST open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for inmates, prisoners, or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • They will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.
  • Sending messages with SmartMail is just like sending an e-mail, except it is contained within the SmartJailMail web site. Messages can be delivered instantly or may be held for review depending on the destination facility.
  • Electronic messages are delivered much more quickly than traditional paper mail to the correctional facility so you can stay connected.

More information on how to send and receive messages and photos with an inmate.

TYPE OF MAIL ALLOWED FOR Columbia County Detention Facility

Columbia County Detention Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Columbia County Detention Facility 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:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055
(Only Postcards are allowed!!)



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

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055



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 Columbia County Detention Facility 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 Columbia County Detention Facility 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:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055


 

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 Columbia County Detention Facility check out the inmate mail details above or call the jail at 386-755-7000 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:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055
(Only Postcards are allowed!!)

or 
Inmate's Full Name
Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055

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 Columbia County Detention Facility, 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 386-755-7000 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)
Columbia County Detention Facility
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip code

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055
(Only Postcards are allowed!!)



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 Columbia 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 Columbia County Detention Facility’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 386-755-7000.

Can I send newspapers, magazines and books to an inmate in the Columbia County Detention Facility?

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 Columbia County Detention Facility should be detailed on this page. However, if it is not, then call the jail at 386-755-7000 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:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055

or 
Inmate's Full Name
Inmate ID#
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 NW Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055

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 Columbia County Detention Facility’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 Columbia County Detention Facility 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 386-755-7000.

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 386-755-7000 to see which one that the Columbia County Detention Facility 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 Columbia County Detention Facility 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 by the inmate.

If an inmate has no money, will the Columbia County Detention Facility 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 Columbia County Sheriff or District Attorney and it is most likely that you will be prosecuted. 

Emailing an Inmate in Columbia County Detention Facility

Columbia County Detention Facility uses a secure messaging service call Smart Communications so that inmates can communicate electronically with friends and family members on the outside.

SmartMail allows inmates to communicate safely and quickly with family and friends outside of the jail, prison or detention center. Inmates send and receive electronic letters using a safe and secure computer kiosk or tablet stationed in their institution. THE COST IS JUST $0.50 CENTS; cheaper than a postage stamp and envelope.

  • The message can be sent with postage paid and will be free to open and read for the recipient.
  • Or, the message can be sent collect / "COD" for free and will be paid for by the recipient.
  • To send or receive a message you MUST open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for inmates, prisoners, or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • They will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.
  • Sending messages with SmartMail is just like sending an e-mail, except it is contained within the SmartJailMail web site. Messages can be delivered instantly or may be held for review depending on the destination facility.
  • Electronic messages are delivered much more quickly than traditional paper mail to the correctional facility so you can stay connected.

More information on how to send and receive messages and photos with an inmate.

Mailed Items NOT Allowed

If your inmate is mailed anything other than a letter or postcard (or sometimes) greeting cards it won't get through.
However as stated above, because of the increased smuggling of drugs, more and more jails are only allowing pre-stamped or metered, solid color or white postcards to be received by inmates, or even using a third-party service that scans the letters and delivers paper or digital copies.
Examples of prohibited items include:

  • Stamps and stickers.
  • Musical greeting cards.
  • Altered mail such as perfumed or lipstick covered.
  • Paper with any type of stains such as grease.
  • News clippings.
  • Crayon, felt tip or hand painted drawings.

POLICIES REGARDING MAILING PHOTOS TO Columbia County Detention Facility

  • Photos should not exceed 4 inches high x 6 inches wide.
  • Send no more than five photos at one time.
  • Polaroid Photos are prohibited.
  • Photos of weapons are prohibited.
  • Photos of drugs, the consuming of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
  • Photos of lewd behavior or people exhibiting too much skin is prohibited.

Important Mail Tips

  • Mail is always scanned and inspected for contraband, obscenity and other rule infractions.
  • Assume that everything you write will be read by jail staff and can and will be used against you or your inmate in court.  
  • Never write anything about the inmate's court case you wouldn't want read aloud in court.
  • Mail is considered by the jail to be a privilege. Any violations of the mail policies can result in the inmate's mail privileges being suspended.
  • The introduction of contraband by you into the jail through the mail could result in criminal charges being filed against both you and the inmate.

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

For inmates receiving mail in the Columbia County Detention Facility 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.


 

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Columbia County Detention Facility

To communicate by text or email with an Columbia County inmate, follow these instructions:

  • To send or receive a message you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for Columbia County inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Columbia County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • Columbia County Detention Facility will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.

For all the information you need to send and receive secure messages in the form of text or email with a Columbia County Detention Facility inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, renting your inmate a tablet, how often you can communicate and more, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: Your messages will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case.


 

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Columbia County Detention Facility

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Columbia County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Columbia County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.


 

How to Schedule and Visit an Inmate in Columbia County Detention Facility

To schedule and set up a visit, either at-the-jail or remotely from your home, follow these instructions:

  • Register and/or log in.
  • Select Columbia County Detention Facility, then your inmate.
  • Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits in Columbia County.
  • Schedule your visit.

To get more complete instructions, and understand visit lengths, times, locations, fees and all the other rules including children, dress codes and more, check out or Visit Inmate Page.
NOTE: All visits are recorded and whatever you say and do will be monitored. It is best to never discuss sensitive information regarding your inmate's pending case.


 

How to Purchase Commissary or Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Columbia County

To purchase commissary online or deposit money in an Columbia County Detention Facility inmate's commissary account follow these instructions:

  • Start here and click ‘PLACE ORDER in CommissaryDeposit.com
  • Choose Florida
  • Choose Columbia County Detention Facility
  • View the date your order will be delivered, then click ‘NEXT’.
  • Search for, then Select your inmate from the Columbia County Detention Facility list.
  • Choose the amount to send.
  • Register, and Pay for the deposit transaction

Note: You will be charged a fee to send money or purchase commissary for your Columbia County inmate. In addition, there is a maximum amount you can send and/or spend. 
Items you may Purchase from CommissaryDeposit.com:

  • Clothing - thermals, underwear, bras, shoes.
  • Stationary, envelopes, stamps, playing cards, board games
  • Toiletries, hygiene, reading glasses, medicated creams, aspirin
  • Soda, energy drinks, coffee, packaged meat & fish, soups, cookies, chips, pastries.

Contact Information
Customer Support page.
Customer Support phone:   912-584-6102
Email - [email protected]
Customer Support Hours - Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM EST

For complete information on fees, products, policies, deadlines, rules, minimum and maximum deposits and all the information you need to know regarding depositing money for your inmate or purchasing Commissary online in Columbia County, go to our Inmate Commissary Page or our Send Money to an Inmate Page for details.


 

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate's Commissary Account in Columbia County

To deposit money in an Columbia County Detention Facility inmate's commissary account follow these instructions:

  • Start here and click ‘DEPOSIT MONEY’ in CommissaryDeposit.com
  • Choose Florida
  • Choose Columbia County Detention Facility
  • View the date your order will be delivered, then click ‘NEXT’.
  • Search for, then Select your inmate.
  • Choose the amount to send.
  • Register, and Pay for the deposit transaction

Note: You will be charged a fee to send money to your Columbia County inmate. In addition, there is a maximum amount you can send. 

Contact Information
Customer Support page.
Customer Support phone:   912-584-6102
Email - [email protected]
Customer Support Hours - Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM EST

For complete information on fees, products, policies, deadlines, rules, minimum and maximum deposits and all the information you need to know regarding depositing money for your inmate in Columbia County, go to our Send Money Page for details.


 

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