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 Alexander Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Alexander Correctional Institution 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 Alexander Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Alexander Correctional Institution

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 Alexander Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Alexander Correctional Institution?

   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 Alexander Correctional Institution?

   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 Alexander Correctional Institution. 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 Alexander Correctional Institution. 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 Alexander Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Alexander Correctional Institution
   633 Old Landfill Rd
   Taylorsville, NC 28681
   Phone: (828) 632-1331

5. What are the visiting hours at Alexander Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Alexander Correctional Institution 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 (828) 632-1331 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 Alexander Correctional Institution?

   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 Alexander Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Alexander Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Alexander Correctional Institution 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 Alexander Correctional Institution?

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

   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 Alexander Correctional Institution 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 Alexander Correctional Institution, 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 residential mental health program at Alexander Correctional Institution represents a key component of the facility's comprehensive approach to offender rehabilitation and treatment. Located in the Red Unit, this specialized program serves inmates requiring focused mental health intervention, working alongside outpatient mental health services to address varying levels of psychological and behavioral needs. The facility's structured unit system allows for targeted programming, with the Green Unit specifically supporting offenders assigned to the Correction Enterprises furniture plant, providing valuable vocational training and work experience in manufacturing and woodworking skills.

Educational and rehabilitative programs at Alexander CI typically include adult basic education courses, GED preparation, and various life skills training opportunities designed to prepare inmates for successful reentry. The facility may offer substance abuse counseling programs, anger management classes, and cognitive behavioral interventions that address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior. Work assignments throughout the institution provide inmates with opportunities to develop job skills and work experience, ranging from institutional maintenance and food service to specialized positions within the furniture manufacturing operation.

Support services at the facility often include library access, recreational activities, and religious programming to promote personal development and community connections. The institution may provide pre-release planning services, helping inmates prepare for their transition back to the community through job placement assistance and resource coordination. Medical and dental care are typically available on-site, with the Blue Unit specifically designed to house offenders with chronic health conditions, ensuring appropriate medical supervision and treatment for inmates with ongoing healthcare needs.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville, North Carolina, the 1,180 residents experience structured routines that vary significantly based on their housing assignment and custody level. Close custody offenders live in single cells, while those in minimum custody typically share dormitory-style accommodations in the 252-bed minimum-security unit. The facility's color-coded housing system creates distinct daily experiences - residents in Green Unit often center their days around work assignments at the Correction Enterprises furniture plant or other institutional jobs, while those in Blue Unit may have schedules that accommodate chronic health issues or transitional status. Red Unit residents frequently participate in the residential mental health program alongside their daily routines.

Family connections remain an important part of daily life through the facility's visiting program and communication options. Loved ones can maintain contact through regular mail sent to 633 Old Landfill Road, and the institution typically offers scheduled visitation periods where families can spend quality time together. The facility also provides options for sending money and packages according to established guidelines, helping families support their incarcerated relatives. These connections often serve as motivation for residents participating in the various vocational programs, rehabilitative courses, and educational opportunities that may be woven into their weekly schedules.

The structured environment at Alexander Correctional Institution balances security requirements with programming opportunities, as residents in different units may have access to various work assignments, educational courses, and rehabilitative programs. Daily schedules typically include time for meals, programming, work duties, recreation, and personal time, though the specific timing and activities vary based on each resident's custody level, housing unit assignment, and individual program participation.