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 Albany County Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Albany County Correctional Facility 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 Albany County Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Albany County Correctional Facility

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 Albany County Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Albany County Correctional Facility?

   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 Albany County Correctional Facility?

   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 Albany County Correctional Facility. 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 Albany County Correctional Facility. 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 Albany County Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Albany County Correctional Facility
   840 Albany Shaker Rd
   Albany, NY 12211
   Phone: (518) 869-2600

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Albany County Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Albany County Correctional Facility 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 (518) 869-2600 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 Albany County Correctional Facility?

   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 Albany County Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Albany County Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Albany County Correctional Facility 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 Albany County Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Albany County Correctional Facility, 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 Albany County Correctional Facility?

   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 Albany County Correctional Facility 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 Albany County Correctional Facility, 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 Albany County Correctional Facility maintains comprehensive inmate services through modern communication systems and support programs designed to help individuals maintain connections with family and community during their incarceration. The facility utilizes digital mail processing through Securus Digital Mail, where correspondence is scanned and made available to inmates via individual tablet accounts, ensuring secure and efficient communication while maintaining necessary security protocols.

Inmates at the facility typically have access to various support services that may include educational programming, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services commonly found in New York county correctional facilities. The facility often provides vocational training opportunities, life skills workshops, and reentry preparation programs to help individuals develop skills for successful community reintegration. Religious services and recreational activities are generally available to support inmates' physical and spiritual well-being during their stay.

The facility's operational structure, with its significant staff of both sworn officers and civilians, enables the delivery of comprehensive programming alongside essential services like medical care, food service, and commissary access. Family support services may include visitation programs and the ability to send care packages through MyCarePack.com, helping maintain important family connections. The 24/7 money deposit system through lobby kiosks and online platforms ensures families can easily provide financial support to their incarcerated loved ones, facilitating access to commissary items and communication services that are vital for maintaining morale and family ties.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Albany County Correctional Facility on Albany Shaker Road, inmates navigate a structured environment that balances security protocols with essential services. The facility, which houses an average of over 450 individuals daily, operates with a staff of 345 sworn officers and civilians who maintain round-the-clock operations. Built in 1931, this substantial facility accommodates local, state, and federal prisoners across its maximum capacity of 866 beds, making it one of New York State's largest county correctional facilities.

Communication with family and friends follows a digital system where incoming correspondence is processed through Securus Digital Mail and made available on facility tablets through individual prisoner accounts. The facility provides multiple options for financial support, including a 24/7 lobby kiosk that accepts cash, Mastercard, or Visa, as well as online deposits through accesscorrections.com. Family members may also arrange care packages through MyCarePack.com, offering an additional way to support their incarcerated loved ones.

The daily routine typically includes structured meal times, recreation periods, and access to various programs that may include educational opportunities, work assignments, and counseling services common to New York correctional facilities. With over 2,200 admissions processed annually, the facility maintains security protocols while providing essential services such as medical care, legal correspondence privileges, and tablet-based communication systems. Inmates often participate in facility maintenance duties, educational programs, and recreational activities during designated hours, all supervised by the facility's substantial staff complement.