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 Anamosa State Penitentiary.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Anamosa State Penitentiary 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 Anamosa State Penitentiary.

Frequently asked questions about Anamosa State Penitentiary

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 Anamosa State Penitentiary.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Anamosa State Penitentiary?

   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 Anamosa State Penitentiary?

   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 Anamosa State Penitentiary. 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 Anamosa State Penitentiary. 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 Anamosa State Penitentiary?

   Mailing address:

   Anamosa State Penitentiary
   406 N High St
   Anamosa, IA 52205
   Phone: (319) 462-3504

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Anamosa State Penitentiary?

   Visiting hours at Anamosa State Penitentiary 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 (319) 462-3504 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 Anamosa State Penitentiary?

   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 Anamosa State Penitentiary for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Anamosa State Penitentiary?

   You can send money to an inmate at Anamosa State Penitentiary 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 Anamosa State Penitentiary?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Anamosa State Penitentiary, 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 Anamosa State Penitentiary?

   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 Anamosa State Penitentiary 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 Anamosa State Penitentiary, 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

Transformative opportunities for personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Anamosa Penitentiary, where those incarcerated may access a comprehensive array of structured offerings designed to foster meaningful change. The facility's approach emphasizes building foundational competencies while addressing individual needs through carefully coordinated programming that operates within a secure and supervised environment.

Educational advancement serves as a primary pathway for those seeking to expand their knowledge base and practical capabilities during their incarceration. The facility typically provides education services that may include literacy instruction, high school equivalency preparation, and various academic coursework designed to strengthen cognitive abilities. Moreover, vocational programs often furnish hands-on training in trades and technical skills, enabling participants to develop marketable competencies that may prove valuable upon reintegration into community life. These structured learning environments operate under close supervision to maintain institutional safety while maximizing educational outcomes.

Comprehensive support services address the multifaceted challenges that those incarcerated frequently encounter, with mental health services forming a critical component of the facility's therapeutic framework. Wellness programs may offer structured approaches to physical and emotional well-being, while specialized offerings such as domestic violence programs and decision making skills training target specific behavioral patterns that require focused intervention. Additionally, community service opportunities often provide meaningful ways for participants to contribute positively while developing a sense of civic responsibility. These interconnected support systems typically operate within clearly defined security parameters, ensuring that therapeutic progress occurs alongside institutional safety requirements.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds form the cornerstone of daily existence for those incarcerated at this Iowa correctional facility, where maintaining relationships with loved ones often provides the emotional foundation that helps individuals navigate their time of incarceration. At present, the facility actively structures daily routines around regular opportunities for communication and community building, with those incarcerated typically beginning each day with scheduled count times followed by meal service that brings residents together in communal dining areas. The daily rhythm generally includes work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods that furnish meaningful structure while allowing for social interaction among peers who often develop supportive relationships during their shared experience.

Moreover, living accommodations typically consist of housing units where those incarcerated may share cells or dormitory-style arrangements, creating natural opportunities for conversation and mutual support throughout the day and evening hours. Whereas some facilities emphasize isolation, this environment generally allows for interaction during meals served in common dining areas, where residents can maintain social connections while sharing three daily meals that often become important gathering times. Personal property policies usually permit individuals to keep photographs, letters, and small personal items that help maintain connections to family members and friends on the outside.

The facility typically offers various recreational activities and structured programming that furnish opportunities for those incarcerated to engage in meaningful pursuits while building community bonds with fellow residents. Visitation policies generally allow for regular contact with family members and approved visitors, while communication options may include telephone access and correspondence privileges that help maintain vital outside connections. Work assignments within the facility often provide structure and purpose, with various institutional jobs available that allow individuals to contribute to the facility's daily operations while developing skills and maintaining social interaction with both staff and other residents throughout their daily routines.