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 Albemarle Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Albemarle Correctional Institute 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 Albemarle Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Albemarle Correctional Institute

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 Albemarle Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Albemarle Correctional Institute?

   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 Albemarle Correctional Institute?

   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 Albemarle Correctional Institute. 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 Albemarle Correctional Institute. 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 Albemarle Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Albemarle Correctional Institute
   44150 Airport Rd
   New London, NC 28127
   Phone: (704) 422-3036

5. What are the visiting hours at Albemarle Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Albemarle Correctional Institute 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 (704) 422-3036 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 Albemarle Correctional Institute?

   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 Albemarle Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Albemarle Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Albemarle Correctional Institute 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 Albemarle Correctional Institute?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Albemarle Correctional Institute, 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 Albemarle Correctional Institute?

   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 Albemarle Correctional Institute 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 Albemarle Correctional Institute, 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

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of rehabilitation at Albemarle Correctional Institution, with Stanly Community College providing GED instruction alongside specialized courses in computer applications and electronics technology. These programs prepare residents for successful reintegration by developing both foundational academic skills and practical technical competencies that align with current workforce demands.

The facility's comprehensive programming typically extends beyond formal education to include various rehabilitative services that may encompass substance abuse counseling, mental health support, and life skills development. Work assignments play a significant role in daily operations, with residents participating in essential facility maintenance, food service operations, and community service projects such as trash collection and debris clearing. These work programs often provide valuable job training while contributing to both institutional operations and community service.

As a designated reentry facility, Albemarle Correctional Institution likely offers specialized transition planning services that may include pre-release counseling, job placement assistance, and connections to community resources. Additional programming may feature religious services, recreational activities, and library services to support personal development and maintain family connections. The facility's medium custody classification allows for programming flexibility while maintaining appropriate security measures for its population of up to 624 male residents housed across three main units.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Albemarle Correctional Institution in Stanly County, the 624 male residents begin each day within one of three housing units spread across the facility's 100-acre campus near New London. The medium-custody environment typically involves structured wake-up times, with men preparing for various work assignments that may include maintaining the facility grounds, cleaning dormitories, or working in food preparation and cooking services. Those assigned to external work details often participate in community service activities such as trash pickup and debris clearing in the surrounding area, providing both job skills and community benefit.

Educational opportunities form a significant part of the daily routine, with Stanly Community College offering GED instruction alongside specialized courses in computer applications and electronics technology. These programs often run during designated hours throughout the week, allowing residents to balance educational pursuits with work assignments and other rehabilitative programming. The facility's reentry focus means that daily activities frequently emphasize skill-building and preparation for eventual community return.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life, with visiting procedures and mail services helping residents maintain relationships with loved ones. The facility typically follows standard North Carolina Department of Adult Correction policies for visitation schedules, mail delivery, and money transfers, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary. For those requiring disciplinary housing, a segregation area with 40 cells provides separate accommodation while maintaining basic daily routines and services.