Willacy County Jail Emailing An Inmate

Willacy County Jail

Address:
1371 Industrial Drive Dr.
Raymondville, TX 78580

Phone:

(956) 689-5576

Emailing and Photo Sharing with your Inmate

Willacy County Jail uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate’s account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.



You can deposit money three different ways:
•    Deposit online at NCIC.com
•    Deposit at the kiosk in the Willacy County Jail lobby, if available.
•    Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: if you deposit money using a live agent the fee is $5.95).

NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]

Can inmates send and receive texts and emails?

Almost all jails and prisons have adopted a messaging system which allows inmates to communicate with their friends and family using an electronic messaging system. It’s neither email nor text, it’s something in between.

The inmate and their contacts do not use their regular email accounts or phone numbers, but account numbers that are set up with the company providing the service.
All communication goes through them. Think of them as a middleman.

Once a contact of the inmate is approved, like the approval process a visitor goes through, an account is set up, using a credit or debit card to fund the account. 

To start, the inmate’s contact can send a message that has a limit of so many characters, usually about one page of text. 

The message is then reviewed by a computer that scans the message for certain keywords or phrases that are not allowed, almost like a censoring service. If the machine scanner finds problems with the message it sends the message to the Willacy County Jail staff to review, and if they find no issues, will then forward it to the inmate’s account so that they can read it.

If there are problems with the message, it is possible the message will not be sent. The sender will be notified of the decision and will not get a refund.

Once the inmate receives the message, should the account holder have funded the account allowing replies, the inmate can respond with a similar length message.

How much does it cost for an inmate to use a text or email service?

The cost to use the electronic messaging service, which is like texting or emailing, costs between $0.50 and $1.00 per page; a page being about 500 characters.

Can inmates send and receive photos through their messaging system?

Photos can be sent by the inmate’s contact that is not incarcerated, but not by the inmate due to security concerns. There is an extra cost, usually about $0.50 for each photo attached. 

The photos must go through a security screening where nudity, violence and other things are checked before the photo can be delivered. If the photo is rejected, the sender will be notified, but no refund will be given.

The inmate does not have the ability to print out the photos that make it past the screening, but the photos will stay in their account so that they can view them at their leisure. 

Can I send an inmate a link to a video to watch?

No.  Because this is a closed system, the inmate has no access to the internet, thus the inmate will have no access to any links that you send them.

Can I send the inmate a video?

Yes, just as you can send text and photos, you can send a video message, or if not a message, then a video of your children or yourself. Every company has a limit on the length of the video, usually no more than one minute, and at a cost of approximately $2.00 to $3.00 per video.

The video will first be screened for any nudity, excessive vulgarity, violence, etc. If it is rejected on any of the grounds the sender will not be given a refund.

As with the policy of photos, the inmate cannot reciprocate. They cannot send videos of themselves or anything in jail.

What device does an inmate use for texting and emailing?

The jails that contract with the electronic messaging service is given a certain number of kiosks within each unit for inmate use. Inmates can log on as they might with a public computer terminal. 

In addition to the public terminal kiosks, inmates are given (or can rent) access to individual tablets like a bulky, almost indestructible ipad. These allow an inmate to use them to access your messages, photos and videos in a more private manner. 

Should the inmate damage the tablet, they will be responsible for replacing it. The money will be deducted from their commissary account.

What is the inmate text and email system in Willacy County Jail?

The electronic messaging system used by Willacy County Jail, if there is one, can be found at the top of this page. If there is no information about the ability to text or email with an inmate, it is possible that the facility has recently changed companies or does not have this service available. Call (956) 689-5576 to confirm.

What are the companies that provide inmate electronic messaging services?

This is a list of all the companies in the United States that work with jails and prisons, providing text and email messaging between inmates and their friends and families:

Access Corrections
CIDNET
City Tele Coin
Correct Pay
Corrlinks
Ctel
Edevo
Express Account
Gettingout
GTL
Homewav
IC Solutions
Inmate Canteen
Inmate Sales
JailATM
J Pay
NCIC
Paytel
Pigeonly
Prodigy Sales
Reliance
Securus
Smart Communications
TBE
Visitel

How do I fund the inmate’s messaging system?

You fund the messaging service with credit and debit cards. All of them take Visa and MasterCard, most also take Discover, and just some take America Express.

How often can an inmate text and email?

There is no limit to the amount of texting and email that an inmate can have with their family and friends.

Can inmates’ text any time of the day or night?

If an inmate has their own tablet, then they can text any time of the day or night, however if the must use the wall mounted kiosk terminal in their unit, they are limited to using it only during the hours they are allowed off their bunks; usually 7:00AM to 10:00PM, excluding meals, head counts and shift changes.

Can inmates email other inmates in other jails or prisons?

No, inmates are not allowed to communicate with each other, nor with inmates in other institutions. There is always a way to get around it, for example if one of the inmates has access to a phone with an internet connection, but this would be the only way.

How Do I put Money on an Inmate's Commissary Account in the Willacy County Jail to Purchase Phone Cards?

There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Willacy County Jail
Bring money to the jail in person. 
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use the NCIC self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.

Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Willacy County Jail uses NCIC to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. NCIC charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.



Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.  Mail it to the Willacy County Jail address on this page, or to the address below if it is different than the facility address.
1371 Industrial Drive Dr.
Raymondville, TX 78580

Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit over the Phone by calling 800-943-2189

For more information about sending an inmate money for phone cards or other commissary sundries, check out our Inmate Money Page.


 

How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate at the Willacy County Jail

Willacy County Jail offers NCIC tablets to rent to inmates that they can use for video visitation and calls, phone calls, instant messaging, education and entertainment.

They can also be used for commissary ordering.

To find out more bout how much tablets cost to rent, and what programs, entertainment, education and other things it can be used for, check out our Tablet Page.


 

Willacy County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
1371 Industrial Drive Dr.
Raymondville, TX 78580
(956) 689-5576

Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC

  • On-site Visits are free.
  • Visits are 20-30 minutes.
  • Visitation schedule subject to change.
  • Inmates are allowed two visits per week
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an On-site video session. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY No video sessions
MONDAY 9:00 AM - 12:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00 AM - 12:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM - 12:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00 AM - 12:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 12:00PM
SATURDAY No video sessions

Willacy County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Visitation Schedule subject to change.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 9:00 AM - 8:30PM
MONDAY 9:00 AM - 8:30PM
TUESDAY 9:00 AM - 8:30PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM - 8:30PM
THURSDAY 9:00 AM - 8:30PM
FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 8:30PM
SATURDAY 9:00 AM - 8:30PM

 

How to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Willacy County Jail

  • To deposit money online go the NCIC website
  • To deposit money over the phone call 800-943-2189
  • To deposit money at the jail use the NCIC Kiosk in the Willacy County Jail lobby.
  • Call the jail at (956) 689-5576 to confirm lobby hours for depositing inmate funds.

For complete information on depositing money in an inmate's account, check out our Inmate Money page.


 

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Willacy County Jail

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Willacy 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 Willacy 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 Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Willacy County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Willacy County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Texas, then select Willacy County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Willacy County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Willacy County.


 

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

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Willacy County Jail follow these steps:

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

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


 

How Do Visit an Inmate in Willacy County Jail?

To visit an inmate in Willacy County you need to do the following:

Willacy County Jail uses the services of NCIC for remote video visitation. In other words, you can visit your inmate in jail by using your home computer, as long as it is equipped with a microphone and camera that supports video.

When available, the jail also provides use of ‘video visit kiosks’ in the Willacy County Jail lobby if you do not have a computer at home. These ’on-site’ video visits are FREE.

Costs
NCIC Video Visitation fees are subject to change, but the cost to you is roughly $7.50 ($0.25 per minute) for a 30-minute visit + an additional fee of $2.00 for the connection.
On-site (at the jail) video visits are FREE.

How to set up your Video Visit

  • Register here.  
  • Select Willacy County Jail
  • Select your inmate.
  • Choose your date and time.

Your inmate will be notified by the Willacy County Jail staff of the date and time for the visit. Be sure to be in front of your computer and connected to NCIC at least 15 minutes before the start of the visit.

NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]

For all the information you need to know, whether it be 'in person' at-the-jail visitation or remote video visitation with your Willacy County inmate, go to our Visit Inmate Page.


 

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Willacy County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Willacy County Jail follow these steps:

Willacy County Jail uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your {Willacy County inmate’s account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.

You can deposit money three different ways:

•    Deposit online at NCIC.com
•    Deposit at the kiosk in the Willacy County Jail lobby, if available.
•    Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: if you deposit money using a live agent the fee is $5.95).
Email – [email protected]

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Willacy County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Willacy County.


 

How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Willacy County Jail?

To receive phone calls from an inmate in Willacy County follow these instructions:

Willacy County Jail uses the services of NCIC for inmate phone calling. It is called a ‘friends & family account”.

In order to receive phone calls from your inmate, you need to do the following:

  • Register here, or by phone 800-943-2189
  • Choose Texas.
  • Choose Willacy County Jail
  • Select your Inmate.
  • Enter the phone number your Inmate will be calling.
  • Fund your Account. ($10-$100 at a time)

NOTE:
1.   You cannot receive any calls to your phone number from your inmate until both you and your phone number are registered.
2.  When you do receive a call, the number you will view on your phone from the incoming call is: 800-943-2189.
3.  When allowed by Willacy County Jail, families can also leave secure voicemails for inmates to listen to.

Fees

  • Adding funds to your account - $3.00 
  • Cost of phone call of a Prepaid Collect Account - $0.21 per minute
  • Cost of an interstate (ex. Texas to a different state) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost of an intrastate (ex. Texas to Texas) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost if you set up your account (or fund it) by phone using a live agent, you will be charged a one-time fee of $5.95.

NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]
Full list of participating jails.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Willacy County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, fees, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.


 

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Willacy County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Willacy County Jail follow these steps:

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

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


 

How to visit an inmate in Willacy County Texas using Video Visitation or visiting an inmate at the jail

To visit an inmate in Willacy County follow these steps:

  • In addition to visiting inmates at the jail, Willacy County Jail uses a video visitation service called IC Solutions.
  • In order to visit with your inmate online or at the Willacy County Jail Video Kiosk, you must first register with IC Solutions.
  • Once you are logged into your existing IC Solutions account or have created a new account and are logged in, you must select Register for Video and enter Willacy County Jail.
  • Then select your Willacy County Inmate.
  • Then fund your account using either a Visa, Mastercard credit or debit card.
  • Lastly, schedule a visit.
  • The cost for a remote video visit ranges from $7-10 for 20-25 minute visit. Rates are subject to change.

For full instructions on all the benefits of using IC Solutions to visit a Willacy County inmate, visiting an inmate at the jail itself, rates, policies, rules, dress codes, bringing children, attorney and clergy visits and more, go to our official Visit Inmate Page.