Address:
807 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56302
Phone:
320-259-3760
807 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56302
320-259-3760
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| MONDAY | 9:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 4:00pm |
| TUESDAY | No visitation |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 4:00pm |
| THURSDAY | 7:00pm - 10:00pm |
| FRIDAY | 9:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 4:00pm |
| SATURDAY | No visitation |
| SUNDAY | 8:00am - 11:00am |
807 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56302
320-259-3760
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
The information below provides complete instructions regarding:
Visiting Hours and Visitation Schedule,
Visitation Rules,
Application & Registration
Inmate Video Visits, and
Jail Visitation Process for the Stearns County Jail
Stearns County Jail uses HomeWAV for Inmate Video Visitation.
Off-site remote visits are simple and convenient for both inmates and you.
Outgoing calls can be initiated from the detention facility without the need for advanced scheduling.
HomeWAV is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.
HomeWAV is compatible with most major browsers on either PC or Mac computers, but works best with Google Chrome.
Following these instructions exactly will enhance your chances of having trouble-free visits.
How Much does Homewav Cost?
Stearns County Jail charges $0.50 cents per minute for video visitation and $1.00 for each video message.
There is NO minimum talk time. Each ‘call’ can be as short as one minute.
In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. All “Talk to me Funds” can only be used between the inmate and the visitor who owns the account.
How does HomeWAV video visitation work?
1. Sign Up Here.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Then you just wait for the inmate to call
How Do I add Funds to my account?
1. Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds
2. Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
3. Click “Update”
4. Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card.)
Can I use HomeWAV on my smartphone or tablet?
Yes, however your HomeWAV account must be first set up online from a computer.
Once you have added funds to your account, you will need to install the Homewav app onto your phone or tablet.
To receive calls you must log in through the app and wait for the inmate to initiate the call.
You cannot add funds or make any changes to your account information through the app. These options are only available through the website.
The app should be solely used for video visitation.
What are the minimum PC requirements?
1. A computer with Windows Operating System. (Note: HomeWAV works best with Chrome.)
2. Speakers or Headphones
3. Camera and microphone
Can I use HomeWAV from the jail lobby if I don’t have a computer?
Yes, Stearns County Jail has a HomeWAV kiosk in their lobby for you to use if you don’t have a computer or smartphone, however due to COVID issues you may be temporarily prohibited entrance into their lobby.
How does the Inmate Know I am Logged in and Ready to Visit?
1. Make sure there are funds in your account and that you are marked as “appear online”.
2. The moment you log in, the HomeWAV screen at the facility will light up green and display the inmates name. This informs the inmate that they have a visitor that is now logged on.
3. Once the inmate sees the notification, he or she will initiate the call.
4. When the inmate initiates the call, a ringing sound will take place and a pop-up box will appear, asking you if you want to accept the call.
Can I transfer funds from one inmate to another?
If you have multiple inmates and would like to transfer your funds to a different inmate, please call HomeWAV at 314-764-2872 or email [email protected] and include the following information:
1. Homewav account holder’s name.
2. The number of minutes to be transferred.
3. Facility Name.
4. From which inmate to who do you want to transfer funds.
How do I get a refund on leftover funds?
Email HomeWAV at [email protected] with your refund request.
REFUNDS are subject to a $7.50 processing fee. *Note* refund requests must be sent from the email address of the registered visitor.
How can I contact HomeWAV if I’m having any problems?
HomeWAV Visitor Support is available 7 days a week during the following hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST
Saturday – Sunday
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST
HomeWAV Customer Service: Call 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.
Yes, Stearns County Jail, 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.
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.
The jail visitation times change often. It is advisable to contact the Stearns County Jail before planning your visit by calling 320-259-3760.
If the visit is taking place at the Stearns County Jail, 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 Stearns County Jail, as well as every jail in the country. If we do have the schedule, you will find it on the top of this page.
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 Stearns County Jail, 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.
We try to keep up with the visitation policies and schedules for Stearns County Jail, 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.
An inmate visit can range from 15 minutes to an hour in length. We try to keep up with the visitation information for Stearns County Jail, 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.
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.
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.
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 Stearns County Jail 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”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Stearns County Jail 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Stearns County Jail
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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.
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 Stearns County Jail. 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 Stearns County Jail, 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.
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 Stearns County Jail.
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.
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.
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 Stearns County Jail regarding child visits, call 320-259-3760 to speak to a staff member.
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 Stearns County Jail regarding baby or infant visits, call 320-259-3760 to speak to a staff member.
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.
Visitation Hours for Stearns County Jail
The actual visiting hours vary depending on the following factors:
First check to see if Stearns County Jail is even having at-jail visits.
Other Factors:
The day of the week.
Where the inmate is housed.
The inmate's sex.
Whether or not it is a Holiday.
Stearns County Jail currently allows 'remote visits' using HomeWAV Video Visitation. Outgoing calls can be initiated from the detention facility without the need for advanced scheduling.
How to Get Approved for Video Visitation at Stearns County Jail
Honesty, especially regarding past criminal convictions, probation, no-contact orders, etc., is important. These things will most likely show up on any background check – which if lied about when asked, will cause visits to be denied.
How does HomeWAV video visitation work?
First, Sign Up Here.
Then complete both steps of the registration process
Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
Then you just wait for the inmate to call.
Visit an Inmate at Stearns County Jail from your Home PC or your Smartphone
How can you contact HomeWAV if you are having any problems?
HomeWAV Visitor Support is available 7 days a week during the following hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST
Saturday – Sunday
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST
HomeWAV Customer Service: Call 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.
Who can Visit an Inmate at Stearns County Jail
When visits are allowed at the jail, the Stearns County Jail staff will 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, even if you are using remote video visitation.
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.
Failure to comply may result in your visit being terminated.
Stearns County Jail Visitation Dress Code
The Stearns County Jail 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.
The following types of clothing are also prohibited:
Call 320-259-3760 to ask specific questions about the Stearns County Jail Visitation Dress Code guidelines.
Visitation Tips and Guidelines
Quick Tips for the Best Possible Video Visit!
It is highly recommended to schedule as far in advance as possible as visit slots can fill up quickly.
A strong Wi-Fi connection or a wired internet plug-in is always preferred over relying on cellular data.
Cellular data/hotspots are not always reliable enough for a good quality video visit. It is best not to rely on a cellular data network for a quality video session. Attempting to visit using a cellular data connection is at the visitor’s risk.
Ensure that you are using the latest version of Chrome browser and if applicable, the newest version of Android.
If you are using a Mobile device, close all other applications before starting your visit.
Always log in a few minutes early for your visit to test your camera and microphone. Some computers and mobile devices will ask you to “enable” or “allow” the camera and microphone separately.
Visits at the Jail
Jail visits are conducted in person behind plexi-glass or on a televised screen from another location.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and guardians must provide proof of their guardianship.
Leave all personal belongings, except for your state ID in your vehicle or in a locker (if one is provided).
Children must be monitored at all times or jail staff will end the visit early.
TextBehind enables you to communicate with your incarcerated loved ones located inside the United States from anywhere in the world using text letters, kids' drawings, and custom greeting cards. Unlimited inmate reply letters are processed for electronic delivery to your smartphone and email at no extra charge.
The cost to send an electronic letter is approximately $1.00.
Here’s how it works for Stearns County Jail:
1. All offender mail (paper and electronic) is addressed and delivered to TextBehind. Electronic mail is sent through the apps (iphone, Google Play). Paper mail is sent to the address below:
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Stearns County Jail Minnesota (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
2. If it was sent via TextBehind's app (iphone, Google Play), TextBehind can process it within one business day.
3. An additional step is involved in processing mail that is sent using the U.S. Postal Service. TextBehind will use a scanner to make digital files of the contents of the mailing—including cards, photos or artwork.
4. All digital files are then forwarded to the offender’s assigned prison.
5. Stearns County Jail mailroom prints approved pages and delivers them to the inmate.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Here’s what happens when TextBehind receives a letter from an inmate:
YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS...
IMPORTANT TextBehind LINKS:
Register / Log in with TextBehind
Contact TextBehind with Questions
Add an Inmate to your list of Contacts
** Address to Mail letters using TextBehind **
Inmate Name and Inmate Number
Stearns County Jail Minnesota (note: please do not abbreviate the name)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Why is TextBehind used by Lockups?
Due to the problem of letters and postcards containing, or soaked in contraband (drugs), TextBehind electronic and physical letters is replacing the former policy of allowing mail to be sent directly from inmate’s friends and family members, and vice versa.
Because Stearns County and Minnesota can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Stearns County Jail at 320-259-3760, 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 Stearns County Jail or the Stearns County Court Clerk these specific questions:
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.
Postcards
The Stearns County Jail 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 Stearns County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Stearns County Jail
PO Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Stearns County Jail
PO Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
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 Stearns County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Stearns County Jail 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 newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Stearns County Jail
PO Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Stearns County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Stearns County.
To receive phone calls from inmates in Stearns County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
For all the information regarding phone calls with Stearns County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, video, messaging, time limits and more, visit our Inmate Phone Page.
To visit or email an inmate in Stearns County follow these steps:
Who do you contact if you are having any problems arranging the remote video visit, phoning or emailing of an inmate in Stearns County?
Call HomeWav support at 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.
Monday – Friday
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST
Saturday – Sunday
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST
NOTE: All communications between you and your inmate at Stearns County Jail will be recorded and stored. Do not discuss your inmate's case or other sensitive information as it can be used against them (or you) in court.
For full instructions on all the benefits of using Homewav to visit a Stearns County inmate, visiting an inmate at the jail itself, email and texting an inmate, rates, policies, rules, dress codes, bringing children, attorney and clergy visits and more, go to our official Visit Inmate Page.
