How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Airway Heights Corrections Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Airway Heights Corrections Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Airway Heights Corrections Center.

Frequently asked questions about Airway Heights Corrections Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Airway Heights Corrections Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Airway Heights Corrections Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Airway Heights Corrections Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Airway Heights Corrections Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Airway Heights Corrections Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Airway Heights Corrections Center?

   Mailing address:

   Airway Heights Corrections Center
   11919 Sprague Ave
   Airway Heights, WA 99001
   Phone: (509) 244-6700

5. What are the visiting hours at Airway Heights Corrections Center?

   Visiting hours at Airway Heights Corrections Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (509) 244-6700 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Airway Heights Corrections Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Airway Heights Corrections Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Airway Heights Corrections Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Airway Heights Corrections Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Airway Heights Corrections Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Airway Heights Corrections Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Airway Heights Corrections Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Airway Heights Corrections Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Airway Heights Corrections Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Family Council program at Airway Heights Corrections Center operates under DOC Policy 530.155, providing a structured avenue for family members to engage with facility operations and advocate for improvements that benefit incarcerated individuals. This collaborative approach reflects the facility's recognition that family connections play a crucial role in successful rehabilitation and reentry preparation. The center also maintains the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP), offering qualifying families up to two separate $50 reimbursements to help offset travel costs for visits, demonstrating a practical commitment to maintaining these vital family relationships.

As a medium-security facility housing minimum, minimum MI3, and medium custody level individuals, AHCC typically provides a comprehensive range of educational and vocational programs designed to prepare residents for successful community reintegration. Educational services may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and post-secondary opportunities, while vocational training programs often focus on marketable skills in areas such as construction trades, food service, and facility maintenance. The facility likely offers substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling services, and cognitive behavioral interventions to address underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services at the facility often include religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and library services that promote personal growth and constructive use of time. The center may also provide pre-release planning assistance, helping individuals develop transition plans that include housing, employment, and community support connections. With its capacity for over 2,200 male residents across multiple living units, AHCC maintains various program schedules and rotations to ensure broad access to rehabilitative opportunities, including special accommodations during major holidays to facilitate family visits across all housing units.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Airway Heights Corrections Center, the structured environment accommodates 2,258 male residents across multiple living units organized by custody levels ranging from minimum to medium security. The facility, which opened in 1992, operates on a rotation schedule that ensures each unit receives designated visiting opportunities, with special accommodations made during major holidays including Christmas, Easter, Father's Day, July 4th, and Thanksgiving to guarantee family contact during these important times.

Residents typically follow a regimented daily schedule that may include work assignments, educational programs, meals at designated times, and recreational activities within their assigned living units. The facility's programs often focus on rehabilitation and skill development, though specific offerings vary based on custody level and individual needs. Communication with family members occurs through scheduled visits in the visit room, video calling systems, and correspondence, all subject to security protocols and facility guidelines.

Family connections remain a priority at AHCC, with the facility offering support through initiatives like the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP), which provides up to two $50 reimbursements to help families cover fuel and hotel costs when visiting. The visitor application process must be completed for both in-person and video visits, and the facility maintains an active Family Council that operates under DOC Policy 530.155. While the visit room may occasionally close for facility operations or maintenance, the rotating schedule system ensures that all living units maintain regular opportunities for family contact throughout the year.