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 Auburn Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Auburn 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 Auburn Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Auburn Correctional Facility
   135 State St
   Auburn, NY 13024
   Phone: (315) 253-8401

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Auburn Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Auburn 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 (315) 253-8401 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 Auburn 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 Auburn Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Auburn 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 Auburn Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Auburn 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 Auburn 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 Auburn 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 Auburn 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 comprehensive programming at Auburn Correctional Facility reflects New York State’s commitment to rehabilitation and successful reentry, with specialized services addressing the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals. Core treatment programs include alcohol and substance abuse treatment, anger management, and trauma programs, while sex offender treatment programs provide targeted therapeutic interventions. Educational and vocational programs form the foundation of skill development, complemented by guidance and counseling services that support personal growth and behavioral change.

Family development programs and transitional services work together to strengthen community connections and prepare individuals for release. The facility typically maintains both library and law library services, enabling access to educational resources and legal research materials. Religious services provide spiritual support, while recreational programs may include fitness activities, sports leagues, and hobby groups that promote physical wellness and positive social interaction. Veterans services address the comprehensive needs of formerly enlisted individuals, and volunteer services often bring community members into the facility to support various programming initiatives.

Auburn Correctional Facility may also offer temporary release programs for eligible participants, allowing gradual reintegration into the community through work release or educational opportunities. Mental health services likely include individual and group counseling sessions, crisis intervention, and psychiatric care when needed. Vocational training programs often encompass trades such as carpentry, culinary arts, or maintenance skills, providing marketable job skills for post-release employment. These comprehensive services work collectively to address criminogenic factors while building the foundation for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Auburn Correctional Facility, visiting hours run from 9:00 AM to 3:10 PM daily, with visitors guaranteed a minimum of three hours unless their visit begins after noon. The facility operates on an alphabetical rotation system that divides visitation by quarters of the alphabet each day, ensuring each incarcerated individual has the opportunity for two weekend visits per month. Up to three visitors plus one child under five may visit together, with the child required to sit on an adult’s lap during the visit.

The maximum security environment at Auburn typically structures days around count times, meal service, and program participation. Incarcerated individuals may engage in various educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, anger management courses, and religious services throughout the week. The facility often provides library access, recreational activities, and counseling services as part of the daily routine. Those in the Special Housing Unit operate under more restrictive conditions, with visits limited to once per seven-day period during regular visiting hours.

Communication with family members generally includes both in-person visits and correspondence sent to the facility’s P.O. Box 618 address. The facility may offer various transitional services and family development programs designed to maintain connections with loved ones and prepare individuals for eventual reintegration. Veterans services and volunteer programs typically supplement the core programming, while trauma treatment and guidance counseling provide additional support resources throughout an individual’s time at the facility.