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 Bay Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Bay 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 Bay Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Bay Correctional Facility
   5400 Bay Line Dr
   Panama City, FL 32404
   Phone: (850) 769-1455

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

   Visiting hours at Bay 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 (850) 769-1455 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 Bay 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 Bay Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bay 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 Bay 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 Bay 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 Bay 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

Support for the population at Bay Correctional Facility centers around comprehensive programs designed to address individual needs and promote successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes building essential life skills while maintaining strong connections to family and community. Programs are delivered through structured interventions that focus on personal development and practical preparation for release.

Educational programs form a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, providing opportunities for the population to advance their academic credentials and develop vocational skills. The facility typically offers adult basic education and GED preparation courses to help participants complete their high school equivalency. Additionally, vocational training programs may supply hands-on experience in various trades, equipping individuals with marketable skills for employment upon release. These educational initiatives often include computer literacy training and workforce development components.

Therapeutic and support services address the diverse needs of the population through targeted interventions. Substance abuse treatment programs provide counseling and education to help individuals overcome addiction challenges. The facility often includes work release opportunities that allow eligible participants to maintain employment in the community while completing their sentences. Support services may supply assistance with obtaining identification documents, which proves essential for successful reintegration. Veteran services typically offer specialized support for former military personnel, while physical fitness programs promote overall health and wellness throughout the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational systems at Bay Correctional Facility actively structure every aspect of the population's experience, creating predictable routines that supply stability throughout each day. At present, residents typically follow scheduled wake-up calls, meal times, and programmed activities that maintain order while providing opportunities for personal development. Count times occur regularly to ensure accountability, while movement between housing units and facility areas generally follows established protocols that balance security needs with daily operations.

The population resides in housing units that typically accommodate multiple individuals, with personal property allowances that may include approved clothing, hygiene items, and limited personal effects. Living arrangements usually feature shared common areas where residents can interact during designated periods. Additionally, commissary services generally provide access to supplemental food items, personal care products, and approved recreational materials that help maintain connections to personal preferences and comfort.

Structured programming schedules supply various opportunities for the population to engage in educational courses, vocational training, and recreational activities that may include outdoor exercise periods and organized sports. While maintaining security protocols, the facility typically offers visitation opportunities that allow families to maintain important connections through scheduled visits and approved communication methods. Work assignments within the facility operations generally provide residents with purposeful daily activities, ranging from food service and maintenance duties to clerical support roles that contribute to facility functioning while developing practical skills.