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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center 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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center.

Frequently asked questions about Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center

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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center?

   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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center?

   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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center. 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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center. 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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center?

   Mailing address:

   Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center
   1455 Bravo Blvd
   Minden, LA 71055
   Phone: (318) 371-9199

5. What are the visiting hours at Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center?

   Visiting hours at Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center 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 (318) 371-9199 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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center?

   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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center 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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center, 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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center?

   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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center 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 Bayou Dorcheat Correction Center, 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 Webster Parish Sheriff's Office Corrections Division operates Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center with a focus on maintaining essential inmate services and communication systems. The facility provides inmates access to commissary services, video visitation capabilities, and telephone systems that help maintain connections with family members and support networks during incarceration.

Located in Minden, Louisiana, the correctional center typically offers educational programming that may include GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and life skills training designed to support successful reentry into the community. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills such as maintenance, food service, or basic construction trades that align with local employment needs. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling programs and mental health services, recognizing the importance of addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center likely include religious programs, recreational activities, and reentry planning assistance. The facility operates under Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards, with regular audits conducted to ensure inmate safety and appropriate facility operations. Medical services are typically available to address routine healthcare needs, while case management services may help inmates develop individualized plans for their time in custody and preparation for release back into Webster Parish and surrounding communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on Bravo Boulevard in Minden follow structured daily schedules that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service. The facility, overseen by corrections staff, maintains consistent routines that may include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods throughout the day. Living accommodations vary based on classification levels, with inmates housed in dormitory-style units or individual cells depending on their security status and behavioral record.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility through multiple communication options. The Webster Parish Sheriff's Office Corrections Division provides video visitation services, allowing inmates to maintain face-to-face contact with loved ones remotely. Additionally, inmates have access to phone services for regular communication with approved contacts. These technological resources help bridge the distance between inmates and their families, supporting rehabilitation efforts and maintaining important relationships during incarceration.

The commissary system at Bayou Dorcheat allows inmates to purchase approved personal items, snacks, and hygiene products beyond basic facility provisions. This service typically operates on scheduled days throughout the week, giving inmates the opportunity to supplement their daily necessities. The facility maintains security protocols while providing these services, ensuring that all activities support both institutional safety and inmate welfare as part of the overall correctional program administered by the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office.