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 Arrendale State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Arrendale State Prison 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 Arrendale State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Arrendale State Prison

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 Arrendale State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Arrendale State Prison?

   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 Arrendale State Prison?

   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 Arrendale State Prison. 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 Arrendale State Prison. 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 Arrendale State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Arrendale State Prison
   2023 Gainesville Hwy
   Alto, GA 30510
   Phone: (706) 776-4700

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Arrendale State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Arrendale State Prison 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 (706) 776-4700 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 Arrendale State Prison?

   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 Arrendale State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Arrendale State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Arrendale State Prison 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 Arrendale State Prison?

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

   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 Arrendale State Prison 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 Arrendale State Prison, 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 Strategic Intervention Drug Program (SIP) and Residential Substance Abuse Center at Lee Arrendale State Prison represent core components of the facility’s comprehensive approach to addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Academic programming includes General Equivalency Diploma preparation, Adult Basic Education, Literacy instruction, and Special Education services, providing incarcerated individuals with essential educational foundations. The facility’s counseling services encompass Moral Reconation Therapy, Motivation for Change programming, and Family Violence intervention, while the comprehensive Children Center allows mothers to maintain meaningful connections with their children during incarceration.

Work details at the facility typically include farm operations involving swine and cattle, general maintenance responsibilities, food service positions, fire department duties, and an Equine Rescue Center program. These work assignments may provide valuable vocational experience while contributing to facility operations. The prison’s special mission status allows it to serve as a diagnostic facility for female offenders statewide, and it houses both the Arrendale Transitional Center and Colwell Probation Detention Center, creating a continuum of services for individuals at different stages of the criminal justice process.

Mental health and intellectual disability services are available to address the complex needs of the population, while the Faith Character Based housing unit may offer additional programming focused on personal development and spiritual growth. The facility’s various housing units, including supportive living arrangements and specialized program housing, are designed to match individuals with appropriate services based on their specific needs and circumstances. These comprehensive services typically work together to support successful reintegration into the community upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured visitation schedule at Lee Arrendale State Prison reflects the facility’s commitment to maintaining family connections while managing security protocols. Inmates with last names beginning A-K typically receive visitors on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while those with surnames L-Z have Sunday visitation during the same hours. This alphabetical rotation system, which changes approximately every 90 days, helps distribute visitor traffic and ensures all inmates have regular opportunities for family contact. On state holidays, visitation opens to all inmates regardless of their last name, creating special occasions for extended family gatherings.

Living arrangements vary significantly based on an inmate’s classification and program participation. The facility’s housing units serve different populations, with A Unit accommodating those in the Residential Substance Abuse Center alongside transitional and general population inmates in supportive living arrangements. B Unit houses the largest general population with many individuals, while C Unit combines faith-based character programming with standard housing. Those requiring single-cell accommodations may be placed in D Unit, and inmates in administrative segregation reside in E Unit’s specialized cells. The diversity of housing options reflects the prison’s special mission status and its role in serving various female offender populations.

Work assignments and educational opportunities structure much of the daily routine for eligible inmates. The facility operates extensive farm operations including swine and cattle management, while other inmates may work in food service, general maintenance, or specialized details like the Equine Rescue Center. Academic programming offers pathways from basic literacy through General Equivalency Diploma completion, and counseling services address various needs through programs like Moral Reconation Therapy and family violence intervention. These structured activities, combined with the facility’s diagnostic services and mental health programming, create a framework for daily life that balances security requirements with rehabilitation goals.