How to Contact an Inmate at Shelby County Jail: The Ultimate Guide

If someone you care about has been incarcerated at Shelby County Jail, keeping in touch can be vital for their mental health and your relationship. But contacting an inmate comes with its own set of rules, challenges and procedures.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to connect with an inmate at Shelby County Jail, from setting up phone calls to scheduling in-person visits. I’ll also share tips to make your communication more positive and meaningful.

As someone who has supported a close family member through incarceration, I know firsthand how daunting the logistics of contacting an inmate can be. It’s my hope this guide will help you navigate the process smoothly so you can focus on what matters most – showing your loved one you still care.

Overview of Shelby County Jail

Shelby County Jail is a medium-security detention center located in Memphis, Tennessee. With around 2,400 inmates on average, it’s one of the largest county jails in the state.

The jail houses both pre-trial detainees awaiting trial or sentencing, as well as convicted individuals serving short county jail sentences. The average length of stay is around 45 days.

Demographics at Shelby County Jail:

• Around 90% male inmates, 10% female
• Majority of inmates ages 18-40
• Approximately 70% African American, 25% White

Shelby County Jail has faced overcrowding challenges in recent years. But efforts to reduce recidivism and reform the bail system have helped lower the population and ease pressure on facilities.

Managing contact between inmates and their loved ones is a major operation. The jail processes over 300,000 phone calls and 10,000 visits per month on average. Maintaining family ties is recognized as an important part of rehabilitation.

Contacting an Inmate by Phone

One of the easiest ways to keep in touch with an incarcerated loved one is over the phone. Shelby County Jail uses a specialized system from Securus Technologies to provide inmate phone services.

To set up phone contact:

Step 1: Create a Securus Account

You’ll need to create an account online or through the Securus mobile app. Be ready to provide:

• Your personal information – full legal name, physical address, date of birth, Social Security Number
• A password for your account
• Payment information – debit/credit card or PayPal to fund your account

I recommend having all this prepared in advance, so the process goes quickly.

Tip: You may need to complete additional identity verification steps like answering security questions to create your account.

Step 2: Fund Your Securus Account

Add money to your Securus account to cover the cost of calls and fees. Calls from Shelby County Jail are billed as follows:

• $1.65 for the first minute
• $0.55 per additional minute

There are also account setup fees and transaction charges.

Tip: It‘s a good idea to deposit at least $20-$30 to start, so you don‘t get disconnected mid-call!

Step 3: Schedule a Phone Call

Once your account is funded, you can schedule a call through the Securus system.

• If the inmate has phone access, they can add you to their approved calling list, then initiate calls to your account.
• You can also schedule calls yourself through the Securus website or mobile app. Just select the facility (Shelby County Jail), enter the inmate‘s name/ID, pick a date/time, and confirm the call.

Securus provides step-by-step instructions for scheduling a phone call on their website.

Helpful Tips for Securus Phone Calls

• Both parties have to consent to monitoring and recording before connecting.
• There are limits on call length (usually 20 minutes max) and frequency to accommodate all inmates.
• Technical issues can interfere with call quality – be patient and contact Securus support if needed.
• Avoid discussing illegal matters as calls are monitored. Keep conversations constructive.
• Phone access may be limited for high-security inmates, so mail or video may be better options.
• If you have a flexible schedule, calling at off-peak times can improve access and connection quality.

Scheduling Video Visitation

Another great option for remote communication is scheduling video visitation sessions with your incarcerated loved one.

Shelby County Jail has an on-site video visitation center, as well as technology for remote video visits. Here‘s how it works:

Step 1: Create a Video Visitation Account

You‘ll first need to set up an account with Shelby County Jail‘s video visitation provider – GettingOut.

Be prepared with your:

• Email address
• Mailing address
• Credit/debit card for payment

They may also ask for additional identity verification information.

Step 2: Schedule an Online Video Visit

Once your account is created, you can schedule a remote video visitation session through the GettingOut website or mobile app:

• Select Shelby County Jail as the facility
• Enter the inmate‘s name and ID number
• Choose an available date/time slot

Remote video visits are available 7 days a week. Try to request a time when the inmate is available and has video access.

Tip: Mornings and early afternoons tend to have the most availability.

Step 3: Conduct Your Video Visit

At the scheduled time, you‘ll log into your GettingOut account on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The inmate will have video access on their end.

The visit will be 20-30 minutes long. A GettingOut coordinator will be available to help with any technical issues. Visits may be ended early if there is inappropriate conduct.

Video Visitation Tips

• Dress appropriately for a remote visit – avoid suggestive clothing.
• Be aware you may need to wait in a virtual "waiting room" queue until connected.
• Make sure your device has a strong WiFi signal to avoid glitches.
• Schedule recurring visits for maximum connection. Consistency is key!
• GettingOut also offers on-site visits if you are local. Just schedule online first.

Sending Mail to an Inmate

Receiving letters is a simple joy that can mean a lot for an inmate. Sending personal mail is an easy, affordable option for brightening their day.

Here are some tips for sending mail to an inmate at Shelby County Jail:

Step 1: Address Your Mail Correctly

Address your envelope with the inmate‘s legal name and identification number, like:

Inmate‘s Full Name and ID Number
Shelby County Jail
1045 Mullins Station Rd
Memphis, TN 38134

Using their ID number helps ensure your mail is delivered properly.

Step 2: Follow the Mail Guidelines

Shelby County Jail has strict rules about mail content and contraband. All mail is inspected. You can only send:

• Paper letters written/printed on white paper
• Up to 3 photographs with no plastic/coating

Items NOT allowed:

• Packages
• Stamps or pre-stamped envelopes
• Cash, checks, or money orders
• Crayon, marker, lipstick or any unknown substances
• Glued items, stickers, or tape

Step 3: Be Patient!

Don‘t expect next-day delivery. Give it at least 1-2 weeks for your mail to reach your inmate. Mail volume is high, so delays are common.

If it‘s been longer than 2 weeks, you can call the jail administrators to check on the status. But allow plenty of extra time.

Arranging In-Person Visitation

While remote options are convenient, in-person visitation can be incredibly meaningful for both inmates and their visitors. Shelby County Jail allows in-person visits with approval.

Here‘s how to go about scheduling visitation:

Step 1: Contact the Facility

First, you‘ll need to get in touch with Shelby County Jail administration directly to request visitation privileges:

Shelby County Jail
901-222-5100

Be ready with your ID and relationship to the inmate. Share any special circumstances, as this may help your request.

Step 2: Get Scheduled

If approved, the staff will work with you to schedule a visitation date/time. Things to note:

• Visitation hours are Wed – Sun, 9am – 3pm only.
• Visitors must be on the inmate‘s approved list. Minors may need guardian approval.
• Time slots are limited, so book well in advance. Visits are typically 1 hour max.

Step 3: Prepare for Security/Check-In

On the day of your visit, arrive early and be ready for security:

• Bring valid government-issued photo ID
• Wear appropriate clothing – no suggestive attire allowed
• Lock away any phones/cameras before entering
• You‘ll be screened for contraband before accessing visiting area

Step 4: Enjoy Your Visit!

Once through security, a staff member will escort you to the visitation room. A few general rules:

• Keep physical contact limited – usually a quick hug at beginning/end
• Don‘t bring in any outside food/drinks or packages
• Avoid loud voices or disruptive behavior

Enjoy the face-to-face conversation. Visits may be monitored by staff but try to make the most of your time reconnecting!

Support Resources for Families

Having a loved one incarcerated can be extremely difficult. Be kind to yourself throughout the process. Some helpful resources include:

• Project Return – Re-entry services for ex-offenders and their families. Support groups available. Call 901-327-3779
• Friends and Families of Prisoners – Support, education and advocacy for family members. Call their helpline at 901-833-3312.
• Shelby County Jail Family Services – Guidance on visitation, phone access, and other contact. Call 901-222-5108.

Don‘t be afraid to reach out. Other families who have been through this understand the challenges.

Final Tips for Contacting an Inmate

Communicating with an incarcerated loved one requires planning and patience, but can aid rehabilitation. Here are some final tips:

• Get the inmate‘s booking and ID number – Needed for all communication methods.
• Connect consistently – Regular contact shows ongoing support.
• Keep conversations uplifting – Avoid negative subjects that can depress the inmate.
• Utilize multiple options – Use phone, video, mail and visits to widen communication.
• Check account balances – Add funds promptly when accounts are low.
• Confirm policies with staff – Requirements can change – always stay up-to-date.
• Join a support group – Lean on others who understand the hardships you face.

Stay positive through this difficult time. With preparation and understanding of the system, maintaining contact is very achievable. I wish you the absolute best on your journey.