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 Bayside State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Bayside 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 Bayside State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Bayside State Prison
   4293 Rte 47
   Maurice River, NJ 08327
   Phone: (856) 785-0040

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

   Visiting hours at Bayside 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 (856) 785-0040 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 Bayside 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 Bayside State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Rehabilitation-focused initiatives at Bayside State Prison emphasize skill development and personal growth through comprehensive programming designed to address residents' diverse needs. The facility's approach typically centers on providing structured opportunities that may deliver both immediate support and long-term preparation for successful community reintegration. These initiatives often include evidence-based practices that help residents develop practical skills while addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility's programming, with residents often having access to literacy development, GED preparation, and basic academic instruction. Vocational initiatives may deliver hands-on training in various trades and technical skills, helping participants develop marketable abilities for future employment opportunities. These educational and vocational components typically work together to provide residents with both foundational knowledge and practical experience that can support their transition back into the community.

Furthermore, therapeutic and support initiatives address residents' behavioral health needs and provide essential life skills development. Substance abuse treatment programs may offer counseling and group therapy sessions designed to help residents understand and overcome addiction challenges. Library services typically provide educational resources and recreational reading materials, while housing assistance initiatives often include preparation for securing stable living arrangements upon release. Victim awareness programming may deliver structured opportunities for residents to understand the impact of their actions and develop empathy, contributing to their overall rehabilitation process and reducing the likelihood of future offenses.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structure now governs every aspect of daily life, with residents following carefully planned schedules that begin early each morning and continue through evening hours. The routine typically starts with wake-up calls, followed by breakfast service in designated dining areas where residents gather at assigned times. Throughout the day, residents move between various activities including work assignments, educational programs, and recreational periods that deliver consistency and purpose to their daily experience. This structured approach helps create predictability, allowing residents to develop regular patterns that may support their adjustment to the correctional environment.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where residents maintain personal living spaces within the facility's security framework. Each resident typically has access to basic furnishings and storage for approved personal property, which may be supplemented through commissary purchases. Meals are usually served in common dining areas at scheduled times, with menus planned to meet nutritional requirements. Furthermore, residents often have opportunities to participate in recreational activities, which may include access to exercise facilities, outdoor recreation areas, and organized sports programs when available and appropriate for the facility's security level.

The facility typically offers various work assignments that allow residents to contribute to daily operations while developing job skills and maintaining productive routines. Educational and vocational programming may be available to support skill development and preparation for eventual reintegration. Although security considerations influence all activities, residents generally have opportunities to maintain family connections through scheduled visitation periods and approved communication methods such as phone calls and correspondence. These connections often serve as important sources of support and motivation throughout a resident's time at the facility.