John E. Polk Correctional Facility Inmate Visitation

John E. Polk Correctional Facility

Address:
211 Eslinger Way
Sanford, FL 32773

Phone:

407-665-1200

John E. Polk Correctional Facility Inmate Visitation Schedule

211 Eslinger Way
Sanford, FL 32773
407-665-1200

  • First, you must register with Smart Commuications.
  • Video visits at the jail are at:
    211 Eslinger Way
    Sanford, FL 32773
  • Every inmate gets one free video visit per month.
  • Subsequent visits cost $0.25 per minute, whether at the jail or remotely from home.
  • Visits are in 15 and 30 minute blocks.
  • Each inmate gets to have up to five people on their visitation list, but only two people can visit at any one time.
  • Babies... You may bring the following baby items:
    A maximum of two (2) diapers
    Two (2) clear baby bottles or two (2) clear sipper cups for toddlers
    Baby wipes in a clear plastic bag
    An infant baby carrier, subject to search
    One (1) set of infant clothing
    and One (1) non-quilted baby blanket to keep the infant warm
  • You can't bring in anything else but a key to your car and your valid, government issued ID.

VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY HOURS
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 9:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 9:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 9:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 9:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 9:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 9:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 9:00PM

Professional Visitors must fill out the following application before scheduling a visit.


 

Video Visitation with an Inmate Using Smart Communications

John E. Polk Correctional Facility uses Smart Communications for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their loved ones.

How Video Visitation Works
SmartJailMail.com provides a two-way, real-time video visitation system which can be used to speak to your loved ones directly in their housing location within the jail.
At some locations you may also use a lobby kiosk at the facility to visit for free when scheduling a local / on-site visit.
Remote visits from home cost 50 cents per minute and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute increments.
To schedule a video visit you must first open a Smart Communications account.

Remote Video Visits From Home
Once you are connected with an inmate you can use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Remote visits from home are billed on a credits-per-minute model and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute blocks.

Local / On-Site Video Visits
Once you are connected with an inmate at a location where you have a visitation kiosk in the lobby, you may use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Local / on-site visits are provided free of charge.

This link explains everything you need to know about Smart Communications Video Visitation.

Can I visit an inmate in John E. Polk Correctional Facility custody?

Yes, John E. Polk Correctional Facility, as well as all jails, allow you to visit an inmate.

By federal law, every jail must make provisions for offenders in custody, whether they are pretrial or convicted and sentenced, to receive visits from friends or family. 

Every state has their own policies regarding the amount of time that a jail must provide offenders in their custody, and then every facility gets to set their own rules, number of times, schedules, etc.   Some jails only allow 30 minutes a month. Others as much as an hour every day.

Before visiting, your inmate will have to have put you on an ‘inmate visitor’s list.' Jails can limit this approved list to as few as five people to as many as twenty.

The jail will most likely run a targeted background check on you, checking for outstanding warrants, criminal convictions and other red flags that may indicate to them that you could be a problem for the jail, a bad influence on the inmate or just be someone whose past puts you in violation of their policies.

There are three different types of visitation:

•    Video visitation 
•    In-person non-contact visitation
•    Contact visitation

For security and staffing reasons, many jails have switched to video visitation only. Video visitation, also referred to as remote visitation, is monitored and recorded by the facility. Video visits can either take place using kiosks in the jail’s lobby, from your computer at home, or using an app on your phone.

Most jails, now that the COVID pandemic is behind us, have gone back to ‘in-person non-contact visitation’ even if they have also retained the video visitation programs. In-person visitation takes place in a booth of sorts, with a thick plastic shield separating the inmate and their visitor. Communication is done using old-fashioned telephone receivers like you see in phone booths.

Contact visitation between inmates and visitors in jails is rare. New York is one state that allows this. In a few other states, inmates who have been sentenced for non-violent offenses and are close to being released, may sometimes be allowed contact visits with special permission. A contact visit allows the inmate and visitor a brief hug or kiss, or handshake, both at the beginning and the conclusion of a visit.

Contact visits are also often allowed between inmates and their lawyer, law enforcement officials, and clergy. The downside of any contact visit is that before returning to their units, inmates must undergo a full strip search, which is demoralizing and invasive.

Can I visit an inmate in state prison custody?

Yes, prisons allow you to visit an inmate. Every state has their own limits on the minimum amount of time an inmate is allowed to have for visits from friends or family, however in federal prison, inmates are allowed a minimum of four hours per month.

Once an offender is sentenced to prison, your inmate will have to fill out a document listing you as an approved visitor. If you are not on this list you will not be allowed to visit.

The prison will then run a background check on you, checking for outstanding warrants, criminal convictions and other red flags that may indicate to them that you could be a problem for the jail, a bad influence on the inmate or just be someone whose past puts you in violation of their policies.

Most prisons allow anywhere from ten to twenty approved visitors per inmate, however each visit is limited to no more than four visitors at a time, children included. The list is compiled by the inmate.

Prisons have always allowed contact visits. A contact visit allows the inmate and visitor a brief hug or kiss, or handshake, both at the beginning and the conclusion of a visit. Some state prisons allow inmates and their visitor to hold hands, as long as the hands are on the table where the guards can see them.

However, given the ongoing problem of contraband - namely drugs and tobacco - being smuggled into the prisons by visitors, even the state prisons are moving to non-contact and video visitation. One way the visitors pass drugs to inmates is when they kiss. The drugs, wrapped in a small balloon, are then swallowed by the inmate who passes them through their digestive system later in the privacy of their cell.

What are the scheduled Inmate visitation times at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility?

The jail visitation times change often.  It is advisable to contact the John E. Polk Correctional Facility before planning your visit by calling 407-665-1200.

If the visit is taking place at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility, whether in-person or by video, you will have to schedule the day and time with the jail.

Video visitation times from your home are much more flexible, often because you are not utilizing on of the few terminals in the jail lobby, and because the companies that handle the video visitation for the jail are providing inmates with hand-held computers, in addition to the video terminals they have in their units. 

We try to keep up with the visitation schedules for John E. Polk Correctional Facility, as well as every jail in the country. If we do have the schedule, you will find it on the top of this page.

How often can an inmate get visits?

Every state has their own policies regarding the amount of time that a jail must provide offenders in their custody, and then every facility, including John E. Polk Correctional Facility, gets to set their own rules, number of times, schedules, etc.   

Some jails only allow 30 minutes a month. Others as much as an hour every day.

Some jails require you to make an appointment one week in advance. Others require no appointment and work off the principle of ‘first come, first served’.

Every jail is different, and schedules can change; sometimes due to an emergency, the visit can be cancelled without notice, the moment you arrive at the jail.

John E. Polk Correctional Facility Visitation

We try to keep up with the visitation policies and schedules for John E. Polk Correctional Facility, as well as every jail in the country. If we do have the information on how often an inmate here can get visits, you will find it on the top of this page.

How long is a typical jail inmate’s visit?

An inmate visit can range from 15 minutes to an hour in length. We try to keep up with the visitation information for John E. Polk Correctional Facility, as well as every jail in the country. If we do have the information on how often an inmate here can get visits, you will find it on this page.

Typically, even though an inmate’s visit has a time limit, if you are visiting remotely from your home computer or cell phone, visits can be scheduled led back-to-back, so that even though your visit may have to start and stop every 15-30 minutes, you could visit with each other for hours at a time.

Keep in mind that video visits of this type do have a fee, as you are paying a third-party company. Prices fluctuate, based both on the company and the jail’s policy, but they typically cost about $0.30+- per minute.

How many people can visit an inmate at a jail or prison at one time?

Every jail makes its own policies regarding how many people can visit an inmate at one time. 

The factors that decide on the number of visitors are:

1.    How many people can fit into the visitation area comfortably.
2.    How many staff can oversee the visitation area.
3.    The more people visiting an inmate the more likely that if there is an argument, it is harder to control.

Most jails limit the number of visitors to no more than three or four, with a maximum of two of them being adults.

When doing a video visit from home, there is no limit on how many people can take part in a visit.

What are the inmate visitation rules for John E. Polk Correctional Facility?

Every jail and every prison have their own unique set of rules that must be followed when visiting an inmate, but in general, these are the guidelines:

Most important, you must first be on the inmate's approved visitation list that they create.

•    Expect to have a background check done.
•    Expect to be searched, go through a metal detector or pass a drug sniffing dog.
•    You must be at least 18 years of age. 
•    You must have a valid, government issued photo ID.
•    Recently released inmates are either not allowed or must wait 6-12 months before being approved.
•    Felons must get special permission.
•    Children are allowed but must be with parent(s) or legal guardian. Birth certificate(s) or other legal proof is mandatory.
•    Often babies are not allowed, but if they are, you will be allowed one diaper, one bottle and one teething ring, and maybe a baby carrier.
•    Parents must be always in control of children.
•    You must stay seated at all times.
•    You cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
•    No arguments, loud voices or fighting allowed.
•    No cell phones or any electronic equipment allowed.
•    No cigarettes, drugs, lighters allowed.
•    No purses, handbags or backpacks allowed.
•    No weapons allowed.
•    It is likely that your ID and your car key will be the only things allowed on the visit.

What are the inmate visitation dress codes for John E. Polk Correctional Facility?

In general, all jails and prisons are the same when it comes to dress codes and what you are NOT allowed to wear to a visit. The John E. Polk Correctional Facility is no different.

Jails and prisons don’t want you wearing anything too revealing or too gangster. Here are some of the other types of clothing NOT allowed:

•    Shorts
•    Short skirts or dresses
•    Long skirts or wrap around skirts
•    Sleeveless clothing
•    Low cut shirts or dresses.
•    Underwire bras
•    Skirts or dresses with slits.
•    Sweats or leggings.
•    Tank tops or wife beater shirts.
•    Excess jewelry
•    Hats or headbands
•    See-through clothing
•    Pajamas
•    Sunglasses
•    Wigs or toupees
•    Uniforms or scrubs
•    Heels over 1”

What can I bring to visit an inmate in John E. Polk Correctional Facility?

In general, the only thing you can bring into an inmate in a jail is either your ID and your car key, or if they have lockers, you can bring in the locker key. 

Prisons are a different story. Typically, prisons have vending machines in the visitation area and allow visitors to bring in a clear plastic purse with coins in it, usually totaling no more than $40.00.

What do I have to wear when visiting an inmate?

Refer to the answer above that explains the dress codes, but in general, if want to know what to wear to visit someone in jail, imagine you are visiting someone’s grandmother for the first time… wear that outfit.

Can we hold hands, hug or kiss during inmate visits?

There are no jails in the United States that allow contact visits as a matter of regular policy, except for jails in the state of New York. Thus, the concept of holding hands, kissing or hugging is not relevant.

On the other hand, prisons do allow contact visitors from friends and family. When this is the case, a brief kiss or hug (or handshake) is allowed at the start of the visit and the end of the visit. Holding hands above the table is sometimes allowed in prisons, but not in jails.

Can friends visit inmates in John E. Polk Correctional Facility, or just family?

By law, every inmate is entitled to a visitor, whether family or friend. The only exception to that is youths that are being held in secure juvenile detention centers. The only people allowed to visit them are parents, grandparents, legal guardians, and in some cases, siblings.

In addition, they are also allowed visits from probation officers, lawyers and their caseworkers.

What is a video visit?

Video visitation, also known as remote visitation, is quickly becoming the preferred method for visiting an inmate in jail or prison for the following reasons:

•    It requires little to no staff, versus the staff required to move inmates to and from the visit and watch over the visit. It saves the John E. Polk Correctional Facility money.
•    It removes any opportunity for contraband (drugs) to enter the facility.
•    It can become a profit center for the facility, given that the revenue generated by visits is shared with the jail.
•    While inmates prefer to see family and friends in person, video visitation allows them to visit with them more often, and on a whim.
•    Video visitation gives the inmates and their visitors the feeling of more privacy.

Video visitation from the perspective of the visitor allows them to visit from their home, their car, at work, and even allows them to take their device to a family or religious gathering. It allows them to give their inmate the feeling of belonging and not being forgotten.

Video visitation can take place on a computer, a tablet or a phone. 

Video visitation saves time. Instead of spending hours driving to the jail, checking in, filling out paperwork, potentially being searched, waiting, and then having a 15–30-minute visit, if it isn’t cancelled at the last minute, the visit can be done from anywhere during a short break in the visitor’s day.

If the visitor does not have access to a phone or computer, they can make an appointment ahead of time and use terminals in the lobby of the jail.

You must also be on the inmate's approved list, even for a video visit.

What are the companies that work with the jails and prisons that allow video visits?

There are several different companies that contract with all the jails and prisons that allow video visitation:

These are the companies in alphabetical order:

CIDNET
City Tele Coin
Correct Solutions Group
Correct Pay
Ctel
Gettingout
GTL
Homewav
IC Solutions
Inmate Canteen
Inmate Sales
iwebvisits
JailATM
Jpay
Gettingintouch (netvisit)
NCIC
Prodigy Sales
Reliance
Securus
Smart Communications
Tiger Services
Visitel
In addition, some jails use Microsoft Meeting and Zoom.

What is a conjugal visit?

A conjugal visit is a visit where the inmate is allowed to spend anywhere from several hours to a full weekend with their spouse. These visits are private, not recorded, and take place in a building, and an area of the prison away from the general population.

The purpose of the conjugal visit is to keep the inmate’s relationship with their spouse strong. Some conjugal visits also include the inmate’s children. A swing set and other recreational activities are available for the children to keep occupied.

There are no jails in the United States where conjugal visits are allowed, however the state prisons in California, Connecticut, Washington and New York all allow conjugal visits.

To be eligible, you need to be married, in good standing with the prison, have taken courses that prepare the inmates for these type of visits, and other requirements.

What jails or prisons allow conjugal visits?

Only California, Connecticut, Washington and New York state prisons allow conjugal visits. There are no jails in the United States that allow conjugal visits.

Other countries are much more liberal and some even allow prostitutes to visit the inmates on a weekly basis.

What can I do to appeal if my inmate visits are suspended?

An inmate can get their visitation privileges suspended for their behavior both because of their interactions with staff and inmates, or disobeying policy, or because of their behavior during visitation.

A visitor can get their visitation privileges suspended due to their behavior during an inmate visit or if they violate any of the rules and regulations of inmate visits and/or other jail policies such as mail, phone, email, etc.

If either the inmate or their visitor disagrees with the suspension of their visitation privileges, they need to write a letter explaining their position to the Jail Warden, County Sheriff or the Captain in charge of the facility’s visitation.

Address the letter to:
John E. Polk Correctional Facility
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The letter should contain the following:

•    Inmate’s full name they were booked under and their Inmate ID# (booking #, etc.). If you know the Unit # and cell #, write that as well.
•    The visitor’s (you) full name, Identification Card number (driver's license, state ID, passport, etc.), home address, telephone number and email address.
•    Explanation of what occurred that led to the suspension, including the date, time, who was the staff member present, whether it was a face-to-face visit or video visit.
•    Why do you believe the suspension was unwarranted.
•    A full-blown apology if it was accidental.
•    Why it’s important to the inmate to continue visitation.
•    What type of suspension you agree to if it happens again.

You should also offer to come to the jail and present your case face-to-face if they are open to the request. It is harder to turn down a person when they are directly in front of you, asking for your help.

In situations like this it is always best to keep the correspondence cordial, professional and detailed. Do not attack the staff member personally. It is always possible that the staff member was having a bad day or was still feeling anxiety or anger from dealing with a previous issue.

Being a correctional officer in a jail or prison is a very difficult thing. They have be ‘on guard’ against physical attacks, manipulations, lies and really bad behavior at all times. They are ‘the enemy’ and they know it. By putting yourself in their shoes when writing or requesting a suspension be reconsidered, goes a long towards a final resolution that you will be pleased with.

Can I visit an inmate in the if I have a criminal record?

In most jails it is required that you fill out a visitation application prior to visiting an inmate. You also have to be approved to be a visitor by the inmate. Even when visiting by video, you will need to give your personal information which includes your driver’s license or state ID number. 

The jail will use this information to do a quick background check on you to see if you have a criminal history or have any outstanding active warrants.

It is most likely that you will also be asked on the application form if you have ever been arrested, been convicted, or spent time in the John E. Polk Correctional Facility. If the answer is yes, they will want details, dates, etc.   If you lie about this and get caught, you will lose your right to visits for a period.  This is usually between one year and indefinitely.

If you are a convicted felon, you will have to apply directly to the sheriff. If you are a spouse, child or parent, you have a pretty good chance of getting approved than if you are just a friend. On the other hand, on rare occasions, some jails have adopted a zero-tolerance policy and never allow felons to visit.

If you recently did time in John E. Polk Correctional Facility, it is most likely that you will not be approved for a visit for a period of six to twelve months, starting on the day of your release. It is rare, but some jails have adopted a zero-tolerance policy and never allow previous inmates to visit, even if your previous conviction was for a misdemeanor.

What if I have a criminal record and the inmate is my child, can I still visit?

As explained in the previous answer, there are generally multiple hoops you must jump through in order to be approved to visit an inmate, if you have a criminal record, specifically if you are a convicted felon, or have recently spent time as an inmate in the John E. Polk Correctional Facility.

However, if you are a parent of a child in jail, that is one of the rare times that the jail will make an exception and allow you to visit.

Can a juvenile in jail or detention get visits?

Juvenile visits are limited to parents, legal guardians and grandparents. Sometimes siblings are allowed, but this is not always the case. If the caseworker or staff of the facility believe that it's in the best interests of the resident to have siblings visit, it will be approved.

Can children visit inmates in John E. Polk Correctional Facility?

Most jails will allow inmates to receive visits from their children, however if the child is under age 18, they will need to be accompanied by an adult. Further the adult must be able to legally prove their relationship to the child using either a valid birth certificate, adoption papers or paperwork that proves they are the legal guardian.

If there is a ‘no contact’ order in place in which the inmate has lost their parental rights, and this is not disclosed to the jail, then the inmate may lose visitation rights with other visitors or lose other privileges within the jail, as this is a violation of the law.

Because the presence of children can be a distraction for inmates during visitation, and children require a certain number of things (toys, etc.) to keep them busy, many jails are now setting apart certain days, usually on the weekends, for children to visit.

Children also have to be on the inmate's approved visitor list.

To confirm the visitation rules at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility regarding child visits, call 407-665-1200 to speak to a staff member.

Are babies allowed to visit inmates at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility?

Most jails do allow babies to visit. They will require a birth certificate. And given the baby’s needs, they allow the parent to bring in extra items to the visitation room; an extra diaper, a few wipes, a clear bottle with fluid, a pacifier and a baby carrier, for example.

There are some jails however that never allow babies in the visiting room. The cutoff age is usually about two years old.

To confirm the visitation rules at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility regarding baby or infant visits, call 407-665-1200 to speak to a staff member.

How do I check to see if I have a criminal record?

Most people already know if they have a criminal record. Sometimes they do, but it does not show up on a background check. This is usually because the person has undergone a name change at some point, or the name was misspelled when the data was entered by the court. 

The best place (and least expensive) for the most comprehensive nationwide website to find out if you have a criminal record is privaterecords.net, and they only cost $1.00 for 7-day trial.  

John E. Polk Correctional Facility Visitation Application Process

John E. Polk Correctional Facility does not require a visitation application but does require you to fill out an online form and be placed on the inmate’s visitation list to be approved before you can visit.

Who Can Visit an Inmate in John E. Polk Correctional Facility

Anyone over the age of 18, who has filled out the request for and can produce a valid government-issued photo ID can be approved to visit an inmate in this jail.

Children under age 18 must be accompanied by the parent or legal guardian.

John E. Polk Correctional Facility Visitation Dress Code

The John E. Polk Correctional Facility staff reserves the right to turn anyone away who is not dressed appropriately for a visit.
The best way to be sure the visit takes place is to dress as if you are meeting someone's grandmother for the first time. 

  • Wear clothes that are not revealing.
  • Don't wear see-through material.
  • Have all undergarments covered (males and females) and avoid a lot of cleavage.
  • Shorts and skirts should reach mid-thigh.
  • Sleeves should be at least half-way to your elbow.

The following types of clothing are also prohibited:

  • Clothing promoting gang affiliation.
  • Anything displaying drugs, weapons or profanity.
  • Clothing depicting anything obscene.

Call 407-665-3191 to ask specific questions about the John E. Polk Correctional Facility Visitation Dress Code guidelines.

John E. Polk Correctional Facility Visitation Tips, Rules and Guidelines

It is a felony to introduce any type of contraband to a jail in the John E. Polk Correctional Facility. Do not bring anything other than what is noted.

Leave everything in your vehicle except your ID and one car key.

Exceptions:

Wheelchairs, crutches or oxygen –both are subject to being searched.

If you take a prescription medication you will be allowed to leave the visitation area to take it and return to visitation, but you cannot bring it into the jail.

For babies you may bring the following:

Two (2) diapers

Two (2) clear baby bottles or two (2) clear sipper cups for toddlers

Baby wipes in a clear plastic bag

An infant baby carrier, subject to search

One (1) set of infant clothing and One (1) non-quilted baby blanket to keep the infant warm

In addition:

Visitors under the age of 18 can only visit if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Bring birth certificates or court documents that verify your relationship to the minor or the visit could be denied.

The following reasons could cause your current and future visitation privileges to be denied.

Attempting to provide outdated identification

Disobeying the dress code

The inmate declining your visit request

If the inmate is on disciplinary lock down visitation is suspended.

Yelling, cursing or becoming disruptive in any way

Showing disrespect to staff members

Not controlling your accompanying children

Trying to communicate with an inmate other than the one you are visiting

Standing, loitering, waving, yelling anywhere around the facility

Not remaining upright or your inmate not remaining in an upright position

Lewd conduct or inappropriate behavior by visitors or inmates

Being under the influence of, or impaired by drugs or alcohol, which could even result in your arrest and prosecution

The detection of contraband in your possession which also could also subject you to arrest and prosecution.

Visitation can be denied if you are not on the inmate’s visitation card. You may find out if you are on the Visitation Card by appearing at the facility and presenting a state issued picture identification with a current address.


 

Paying an Inmate's Bond Online in Seminole County

John E. Polk Correctional Facility uses a service called allpaid (also known as GovPay Now) for paying an inmate's Bail Bond online for an inmate.

Register with them online or call them at 877-392-2455 for assistance.

For full information on paying an inmate's bond and getting them released after they have been arrested in Seminole County, check out our 
Inmate Bail Page.


Depositing Commissary Money Online for an Inmate in John E. Polk Correctional Facility

If you want to deposit money online for an inmate in Seminole County you may also be able to use allpaid.

Register with them online or call them at 888-604-7888 for depositing inmate commissary money assistance 24 hours a day.
For full information about depositing money for an inmate, deposit limits and helpful instructions, visit our Send Money to an Inmate page for Seminole County.


 

John E. Polk Correctional Facility Gives Inmates Access to Tablets At No Cost for Communication, Research and Entertainment

They may not be directly connected to the internet, but inmates at John E. Polk Correctional Facility are provided free tablets to use within the jail that allow them to have access to the following services and information:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
  • Video Visitation - Visitation may not be allowed on the Tablets.  Call John E. Polk Correctional Facility at 407-665-1200 to confirm.

The availability of tablets may seem like something that inmates who are serving time do not deserve, but here are some of the benefits for inmates in Seminole County:

  • Keeps inmates busy.
  • The threat of losing access to tablets keeps them better behaved.
  • Safer for the staff to keep inmates happy.
  • Allows communication with family members.
  • Educational programming.
  • Legal research.
  • Social programming such as anger management, substance abuse, etc.

For more information about Tablets and how your inmate can get one to use while he is in jail, chek out our Inmate Tablet page.


 

John E. Polk Correctional Facility Inmate Mail Types

Postcards
The John E. Polk Correctional Facility allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.

Envelopes
The John E. Polk Correctional Facility also allows regular postcards and envelopes to be mailed to inmates as well.

Personal postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number (ID Number)
SCSO-SCH
PO Box 1907
Pinellas Park, Florida 33780


Legal Mail
Legal Mail is mail from Attorneys, law enforcement, the courts, bail companies, etc.

Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper 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 John E. Polk Correctional 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 above.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the John E. Polk Correctional Facility standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All legal mail, newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number (ID Number)
SCSO-SCH
211 Eslinger Way
Sanford, FL 32773


 

How to Schedule & Visit with an Inmate in John E. Polk Correctional Facility

To schedule a visit and meet with an inmate in Seminole County, either at-the-jail or remotely by video, follow these instructions:

  • To schedule and visit with an inmate you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for Seminole County inmate to visit with.
  • When you locate the Seminole County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • John E. Polk Correctional Facility will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.

For all the information you need to schedule and visit with a John E. Polk Correctional Facility inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, visitation using a rented tablet, how often and when you can visit and more, check out our Visit Inmate Page.
NOTE: Your visits will be monitored, recorded and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case as anything discussed can be used against them in court.


 

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in John E. Polk Correctional Facility

To communicate by text or email with an Seminole 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 Seminole County inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Seminole County inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • John E. Polk Correctional 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 John E. Polk Correctional 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 to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Seminole County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in John E. Polk Correctional Facility follow these steps:

  • Select Florida, then select John E. Polk Correctional Facility, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
  • Register and create an account with Access Securepak, for Seminole County.
  • Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Seminole County at any one time.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in John E. Polk Correctional Facility check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Seminole County.


 

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Seminole County

To send commissary money to an inmate in John E. Polk Correctional Facility follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Florida, then select John E. Polk Correctional Facility, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for John E. Polk Correctional Facility.


 

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from John E. Polk Correctional Facility

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Seminole 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 Seminole 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.


 

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